What is mental health?
Mental health refers to the wellness of the mind. It is a crucial element of our overall well-being, but it is often ignored and overshadowed by the more apparent symptoms presented by our physical health. Mental health problems can present themselves more subtly, and people can often suffer from a mental health issue without even realizing it.
A person’s mental health can be affected by many things. Some people might develop psychological conditions that have inherent or genetic roots, while other conditions might develop as a result of unhealthy behaviors and a poor lifestyle. In both circumstances, it is important to be aware of and look after our mental health.
Why is mental health important?
Even in modern-day society in which mental-health awareness is growing, many people remain unaware of the symptoms of different mental health issues that can make their lives challenging. Although some conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, learning disorders, etc. can be diagnosed by doctors at an earlier age, some illnesses such as schizophrenia or clinical depression can develop more gradually over time, meaning diagnosis can be difficult and take some time.
In the time it takes to get a diagnosis, the mental health of an individual can severely decline, making it difficult for them to interact with other people, develop and maintain new and old relationships, perform well academically, socially, and professionally, and develop restrictive behaviors that hinder personal growth.
Therefore, taking care of one’s mental health is equally important as caring for one’s physical health. In order to properly care for your mental health, it is necessary to recognize certain signs that could indicate a decline in your mental well-being. Additionally, it is essential when recognizing these signs to take immediate action instead of procrastinating and delaying seeking professional help.
Who are mental health nurses?
Mental health nurses are qualified and experienced professionals who work closely with patients with various mental illnesses. These individuals help patients and guide them on how they can manage their illnesses while retaining a good quality of life. Additionally, mental health nurses also help patients recovering from a physical illness by keeping them emotionally and psychologically strong to promote rapid recovery. When recovering from any kind of illness, it is important for patients to maintain good mental health in order to recover well.
Mental health nurses not only provide care for patients, but the scope of their job also requires them to guide caretakers and family members. Those close to a patient who is suffering from a physical or mental illness may find that the experience takes a toll on their mental health too, and a mental health nurse should be there to support them through that. Family members and caretakers of those with a mental health condition should also have an understanding of their loved one’s condition, associated symptoms, and ways to prevent misunderstandings and potentially dangerous situations.
Pursuing a career in mental health counseling can be a liberating and life-changing decision for those passionate about mental health care. The American International College offers MA and EdD degree programs in mental health nursing for aspiring individuals that are taught entirely online. The online learning model makes it extremely easy for anyone to enroll in their chosen program and learn the techniques to become skilled and competent mental health counselors.
Why is the role of a mental health nurse important?
The role of a mental health nurse is very important because mental health is still often seen as a taboo subject. People, in general, do not feel comfortable openly discussing their mental health or any symptoms that they are experiencing out of fear that people will judge them or label them as “mad” or “crazy.” As a result, people keep their mental health problems hidden, or they keep ignoring them until it is almost impossible to treat them with basic interventions.
In the same way that it is important to see a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of a physical illness to receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible, the sooner you seek medical attention for a mental health condition, the better your chances are for receiving effective treatment.
Mental health nurses have many face-to-face interactions with patients and their family members and are therefore in a good position to educate people on the importance of mental health and how it is normal to have mental health issues now and then, just as it is normal to get a common cold or the occasional sore throat.
How can mental health nurses improve patient experience?
Nurses must respect mental health patients and refrain from making assumptions about them based only on their behavior. A patient’s behavior can be affected by their mental health condition, and often their control over their behavior is limited. Violence, aggression, and despondency are just a few of the symptoms that people with mental illness may display, and it is vital for mental health nurses to be aware and understand these symptoms.
Nurses must be conscious of the fact that an antisocial or disruptive patient might be displaying symptoms of a mental disorder. To improve patient experience, a nurse must first determine a patient’s mental illness and its severity. They should then ensure that the patient feels comfortable and safe communicating their specific issues. Discussing mental health problems can often be sensitive and difficult for a patient, and it is important that a nurse develops trust between them and their patients to ensure patients feel comfortable sharing potentially sensitive information. When a patient has communicated their issues, a nurse must use thoughtful actions and words to build a positive image of mental health and reduce any stigma attached to it. Communicating with a patient positively when it comes to mental health is vital in achieving a positive treatment outcome for the patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nurses can fight the stigma against mental health by providing patients with empathetic and compassionate care. With a qualification from the American International College, a nurse can have all the skills necessary to treat mental health conditions effectively. As well as being primary caregivers, trained mental health nurses can play an important role in recommending patients to local services and educating families, friends, and the wider public about mental health conditions, furthering breaking down the harmful stigma surrounding mental health.
