learning Objectives - Describe the concept of mental health and mental illness in relation to providing comprehensive care to the patients.
Hours - 5
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussion Structured discussion Group interaction
Assessment Methods - Short answers Objective type
Content of the chapter
a) Concept of mental health and mental illness
b) Misconceptions related to mental illness
c) Principles of Mental Health nursing
d) Definition of terms used in psychiatry
e) Review of defence mechanisms
f) Mental Health Team
Mental health is an integral part of overall health. Nurses play a vital role in identifying mental health needs, reducing stigma, and providing holistic care to patients with mental illness. Understanding mental health concepts helps in promoting recovery, preventing relapse, and improving quality of life.
a) Concept of Mental Health and Mental Illness
Mental Health
Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being in which an individual:
- Realizes his or her abilities
- Can cope with normal stresses of life
- Works productively
- Contributes to society
Characteristics of a mentally healthy person:
- Positive self-esteem
- Emotional stability
- Realistic perception of reality
- Ability to cope with stress
- Healthy interpersonal relationships
- Balanced behavior
Mental Illness
Mental illness refers to a clinically significant disturbance in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior that:
- Causes distress or disability
- Impairs functioning in daily life
- Interferes with social and occupational activities
Examples: Depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders.
b) Misconceptions Related to Mental Illness
Common myths and misconceptions include:
- Mental illness is caused by evil spirits or punishment
- Mentally ill persons are violent and dangerous
- Mental illness is untreatable
- Only weak people develop mental illness
- Mentally ill patients cannot recover
- Mental illness is contagious
Impact of misconceptions:
- Stigma and discrimination
- Delay in seeking treatment
- Social isolation
- Poor treatment outcomes
Nurse’s role: Education, awareness, advocacy, and attitude change.
c) Principles of Mental Health Nursing
Mental health nursing focuses on holistic, patient-centered care. Major principles include:
- Acceptance: Accept the patient as they are without judgment
- Therapeutic relationship: Establish trust and rapport
- Individualized care: Tailor care to patient’s needs
- Communication: Use therapeutic communication techniques
- Safety: Ensure physical and emotional safety
- Confidentiality: Maintain privacy and trust
- Participation: Encourage patient involvement in care
- Reality orientation: Help patient distinguish reality from illusion
- Continuity of care: Follow-up and rehabilitation
- Empathy: Understand patient’s feelings and experiences
d) Definition of Terms Used in Psychiatry
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Delusion | False fixed belief not based on reality |
| Hallucination | False sensory perception without stimulus |
| Illusion | Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus |
| Affect | Observable emotional expression |
| Mood | Sustained emotional state |
| Insight | Awareness of one’s illness |
| Judgment | Ability to make appropriate decisions |
| Obsessions | Recurrent intrusive thoughts |
| Compulsions | Repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety |
| Phobia | Irrational fear of an object or situation |
e) Review of Defence Mechanisms
Defence mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to reduce anxiety and protect the ego.
Common Defence Mechanisms:
| Mechanism | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Denial | Refusing to accept reality | Alcoholic denying addiction |
| Repression | Unconscious forgetting | Trauma forgotten |
| Projection | Attributing own feelings to others | Blaming others |
| Rationalization | Justifying unacceptable behavior | Making excuses |
| Regression | Reverting to childish behavior | Crying like a child |
| Displacement | Redirecting emotions | Anger at boss → family |
| Sublimation | Channeling impulses positively | Sports, art |
| Reaction formation | Opposite behavior | Overkindness to disliked person |
f) Mental Health Team
Mental health care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care.
Members and Roles:
- Psychiatrist: Diagnosis, treatment, medication management
- Psychiatric Nurse: Nursing care, medication administration, counseling
- Clinical Psychologist: Psychological testing, psychotherapy
- Psychiatric Social Worker: Family support, rehabilitation, social welfare
- Occupational Therapist: Skill development, rehabilitation
- Counselor/Therapist: Individual and group therapy
- Community Health Nurse: Follow-up and community care
- Family Members: Support, supervision, emotional care
Conclusion
Understanding mental health and mental illness enables nurses to provide holistic, compassionate, and effective care. Addressing misconceptions, applying mental health nursing principles, recognizing defense mechanisms, and collaborating with the mental health team are essential for patient recovery and rehabilitation.