Decolonizing mental health in the polycrisis: Pathways toward neuro-decolonization

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Indigenous Studies
• Decolonial Theory

Background:

• The convergence of ecological, social, economic, and psychological crises, termed a "polycrisis," threatens global well-being.
• The modern/colonial system's core tenet of human separation from nature is identified as a primary driver of these interconnected crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of neurocolonization—the imposition of separability, superiority, and subjugation—in perpetuating the polycrisis.
• To propose neuro-decolonization as a dual process for healing and restoring balance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the concept of neurocolonization through the lens of Yellow Bird's work and Indigenous collaborations in Brazil and Peru.
• Comparative analysis of two mental health paradigms: one based on separation and the other on entanglement.

Main Results:

• Neurocolonization, by embedding a sense of separability from nature, significantly contributes to the polycrisis.
• A paradigm shift towards entanglement promotes relational interdependence and responsibility.

Conclusions:

• Neuro-decolonization involves unlearning harmful patterns of separability and reclaiming suppressed Indigenous practices rooted in entanglement.
• The field of psychology must address its complicity in neurocolonization and actively support neuro-decolonization efforts.