learning Objectives - Describe the concept of preventive community mental health services. Enumerate the nurse’s role in National mental health programme
Hours - 5
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussion Role play Videos
Assessment Methods - Short answers Essay type Assignment
Content of the chapter
a) Concept, importance, scope
b) Attitudes , Stigma and discrimination
related to the mentally ill
c) Prevention of mental illness(Preventive
Psychiatry) during childhood, adolescent,
adult hood and old age.
d) Community Mental Health Services.
e) Role of Nurse in national mental health
programme and Psychiatric care in
Community
Community Mental Health
Community Mental Health focuses on promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental illness within the community, ensuring accessible and acceptable care.
a) Concept, Importance and Scope
Concept
Community Mental Health is the practice of preventing mental illness, promoting mental health, and providing treatment and rehabilitation in community settings rather than institutions.
Importance
- Reduces burden on mental hospitals
- Promotes early detection and treatment
- Enhances social integration
- Reduces stigma
- Improves quality of life
- Cost-effective care
Scope
- Mental health promotion
- Prevention of mental illness
- Early diagnosis and treatment
- Rehabilitation and follow-up
- Crisis intervention
- School and workplace mental health programs
b) Attitudes, Stigma and Discrimination Related to the Mentally Ill
Attitudes
- Fear and misunderstanding
- Negative stereotypes
- Social rejection
Stigma
Stigma is a negative labeling of individuals with mental illness, leading to shame and isolation.
Discrimination
- Denial of education or employment
- Poor housing opportunities
- Social exclusion
Impact
- Delay in seeking treatment
- Poor treatment adherence
- Low self-esteem
Reducing Stigma
- Public education
- Awareness programs
- Media involvement
- Community participation
- Role of nurses as educators
c) Prevention of Mental Illness (Preventive Psychiatry)
Levels of Prevention
1. Primary Prevention
Prevention of occurrence of mental illness
- Childhood: Proper parenting, nutrition, immunization
- Adolescence: Stress management, life-skill education
- Adulthood: Work-life balance, substance abuse prevention
- Old Age: Social support, retirement counseling
2. Secondary Prevention
Early diagnosis and treatment
- School screening programs
- Early identification of depression and anxiety
- Crisis intervention
3. Tertiary Prevention
Rehabilitation and relapse prevention
- Vocational training
- Family support
- Follow-up care
d) Community Mental Health Services
Types of Services
- District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)
- Outpatient mental health clinics
- Day care centers
- Half-way homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Crisis intervention services
- School mental health services
- NGOs and voluntary organizations
- Tele-mental health services
e) Role of Nurse in National Mental Health Programme and Psychiatric Care in the Community
Role of Nurse in NMHP
- Early identification of mental illness
- Mental health education
- Medication supervision
- Referral and follow-up
- Community awareness programs
- Data collection and reporting
Role of Nurse in Community Psychiatric Care
- Home visits
- Counseling patients and families
- Rehabilitation support
- Suicide prevention
- Substance abuse prevention
- Coordination with community resources
- Advocacy for patient rights
Conclusion
Community Mental Health aims to provide holistic, accessible, and continuous mental health care. Nurses play a key role in mental health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, especially through national programs and community-based services.