Reply to comment

I am not a fan of a normative view of mental health either.  There are too many issues with where to draw the lines.  I would tend to lean towards a more individualized model of a mental health goal.    Whether that be fulfilling potential, creating meaning or whatever.  That being said, I haven't necessarily found one that stands out in my mind as rock solid.  So, to answer the question of whether it is the business of mental health providers to encourage/help people fit into a normative society.  I would say no... unless they want help fitting into that society.  

As an aspiring physician, I have been kicking this around in my head a bit.  What is the role of the health care provider?  When do they step in?  What authority do they have to tell someone they should be this or that?  It seems to me that if in general you adopt the principle that you are going to help the individuals who want help to achieve their goals (fitting in to society, freedom from suffering, losing weight, better vision etc. ) and you do this to the best of your ability using the tools you have available, then you are fulfilling your purpose as a health care provider.  

Anyway, that is my current solution for cocooning myself up in a blanket of moral safety as I head into healthcare.  However, I realize that the "only help those who want help" model of mental health care has some serious shortcomings.  For example, what to do about those individuals who can't really say whether they want help or not.  I'm still working on it... I'll keep you posted.