Depression refers to a prolonged state of aversion and low mood that prevents individuals from participating in all kinds of activities, thereby affecting the behaviour, thoughts, sense of wellbeing and feelings of the concerned person (Martin, Neighbors and Griffith 2013). In this case scenario, a thorough evaluation of the symptoms presented by Lousie signifies that she is suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). The essay will illustrate the manifestations of this psychological abnormality in her behaviour and will also establish strategies that can be adopted to establish a therapeutic relationship, with the primary aim of promoting her mental health.
According to statistical studies, depression has been found to be extremely prevalent and widespread among all psychiatric disorders found in the UK (Mentalhealth.org.uk 2018). Reports published in 2016 indicate presence of depression among 3.3 out of 100 people (Polanczyk et al. 2015). Most common symptoms manifested among patients suffering from depression are exhibition of low mood, inability in experiencing any kind of pleasure, ruminating over previous incidents, feelings of worthlessness, regret, and hopelessness. Self-hatred, helplessness and delusions are also observed (Da Silva et al. 2012). The case scenario involves Lousie who has been transferred to an acute admission ward. Upon admission, it was found that she is depressed and socially isolated. She exhibited depressive symptoms of worthlessness and displeasure. Cuts and bruises on her wrists illustrate presence of self-destructive or suicidal behaviour. Research evidences suggest that self-harm is not a mental disorder; rather it is a behaviour that indicates lack of abilities to cope with mental distress (Hawton, Saunders and O’Connor 2012). It refers to purposeful injury that makes a person harm oneself. This might have made her inflict self-harm. Furthermore, research studies indicate that more than 40% patients suffering from depression have been subjected to physical or sexual abuse in their childhood (Lindert et al. 2014). This can be correlated with a similar incident where Lousie was sexually abused by her Uncle. Thus, there is a need to foster therapeutic relationship with Lousie in order to promote her holistic recovery and wellbeing.
Therapeutic relationship forms an essential aspect of psychoanalysis and helps the healthcare professional to study the unconscious mind of the patient. It is generally categorized into three components namely, transference/countertransferance, working alliance and real relationship (Sucala et al. 2012). Establishment of this relationship will principally involve active involvement of Lousie. Depression makes a client vulnerable in a variety of ways and results in psychological weakeness. Thus, a good therapeutic relationship will help her feel better and will create significant impacts on reversal of her depressive symptoms. In order to effectively engage with the patient, it is essential to develop a relation based on trust, affection, respect, power and professional intimacy (Gelso 2014). There is a need to consider Lousie’s current mental state of helplessness and apathy, in order to promote a healthy relationship. Emphasis will be put on several aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication as communication tools that will facilitate strengthening of bonds, thereby producing positive results. Regular monitoring activities of the patient will act as the first step in this procedure (Theodoridou et al. 2012).
Most often, people suffering from major depressive disorder are found to be non-cooperative and stubborn. This makes them show non-compliance to treatment and interventions. This can be ascertained by the fact that she has been transferred across several health services due to lack of engagement. Under such circumstances, while considering the severity of depression, there is a need to develop collaboration on the major rules of therapeutic relationship. All kinds of opinions and counselling advices will be focused on the needs and problems of Lousie (Browne, Cashin and Graham 2012). Adequate display of empathy and genuineness will foster the relationship. Self-awareness of feelings that arise in a relationship and the capability to communicate them will help her to build trust upon the healthcare staff. Being concrete and clear in the goals of the intended treatment will make her understand that the interventions are being applied for betterment of her mental health (Gossman and Miller 2012).
The complex and multidimensional concept of empathy encompasses cognitive, emotional, moral and behavioural components. Displaying empathy will make Lousie realize that her situation is being accurately perceived and understood (Raab 2014). Furthermore, demonstration of a positive regard for her will imply respect that will signify that she is worthy of being cared for. It will make her identify willingness of the staff to improve her mental state. Furthermore, displaying attending behaviour by interviewing Lousie, suspending value judgments such as labelling drug usage or inappropriate sexual behaviour of the client as bad, and helping her develop their strengths will also facilitate therapeutic relationship.
Mental health recovery refers to the journey of transformation and healing that enables an individual suffering from mental disorder to live a successful and meaningful life in the society. It also facilitates achievement of complete potential. Mental health promotion in Lousie can be accomplished through providing relief for her symptoms (Szasz 2013). Administration of antidepressants such as, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as primary medications will help in reducing her depressive symptoms. Most common antidepressants that can be used are fluoxetine, bupropion and citalopram (Renoir 2013). Furthermore, lifestyle changes such as recommendation of moderate physical exercise can be implemented to enhance her mental recovery. Smoking cessation and abstaining from alcohol consumption will effectively promote her wellbeing. Other interventions that can be applied in this setting include psychotherapy (Killaspy et al. 2012). It has been found to exert similar benefits as antidepressants and will reduce the recurrence of depressive symptoms. Encouraging Lousie to get adequate sleep and follow a dietary modification will facilitate easy recuperation (Dihoff and Weaver 2012). Furthermore, there is a need to educate her family members and friends on the underlying factors that have contributed to this mental disorder. Involving them during her treatment and encouraging them to give feedback will reduce the stigmas that are most commonly associated with mental illness (Tew et al. 2012). Talk therapy is another major approach that will provide a better understanding of the insecurities and fears experienced by Lousie, thereby helping in development of appropriate interventions (Gehart 2012).
To conclude, it can be stated that depressed mood is most commonly identified as normal and temporary reactions to sudden life events, such as, financial loss or death of a beloved friend or family member. Furthermore, it also manifests itself as side effects of certain physical disorders or drug usage. Depressive symptoms are manifested by Lousie in the form of her inability to maintain self-esteem and worth. Furthermore, the traumatic experience of abuse might have altered the structure and chemistry of the brain, thereby sensitizing stress response system. This made Lousie overly responsive to a wide range of environmental pressures. Thus, an effective therapeutic relationship will help in her recovery
References
Browne, G., Cashin, A. and Graham, I., 2012. The therapeutic relationship and Mental Health Nursing: it is time to articulate what we do!. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 19(9), pp.839-843.
Da Silva, M.A., Singh-Manoux, A., Brunner, E.J., Kaffashian, S., Shipley, M.J., Kivimäki, M. and Nabi, H., 2012. Bidirectional association between physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression: the Whitehall II study. European journal of epidemiology, 27(7), pp.537-546.
Dihoff, D.G. and Weaver, M., 2012. Mental health recovery. Mental Health, 73(3), pp.212-215.
Gehart, D.R., 2012. The Mental Health Recovery Movement and Family Therapy, Part I: Consumer?Led Reform of Services to Persons Diagnosed with Severe Mental Illness. Journal of marital and family therapy, 38(3), pp.429-442.
Gelso, C., 2014. A tripartite model of the therapeutic relationship: Theory, research, and practice. Psychotherapy Research, 24(2), pp.117-131.
Gossman, M. and Miller, J.H., 2012. ‘The third person in the room’: Recording the counselling interview for the purpose of counsellor training–barrier to relationship building or effective tool for professional development?. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), pp.25-34.
Hawton, K., Saunders, K.E. and O’Connor, R.C., 2012. Self-harm and suicide in adolescents. The Lancet, 379(9834), pp.2373-2382.
Killaspy, H., White, S., Taylor, T.L. and King, M., 2012. Psychometric properties of the mental health recovery star. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 201(1), pp.65-70.
Lindert, J., von Ehrenstein, O.S., Grashow, R., Gal, G., Braehler, E. and Weisskopf, M.G., 2014. Sexual and physical abuse in childhood is associated with depression and anxiety over the life course: systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Public Health, 59(2), pp.359-372.
Martin, L.A., Neighbors, H.W. and Griffith, D.M., 2013. The experience of symptoms of depression in men vs women: analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. JAMA psychiatry, 70(10), pp.1100-1106.
Mentalhealth.org.uk (2018). Mental health statistics: depression. [online] Mental Health Foundation. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-depression [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018].
Polanczyk, G.V., Salum, G.A., Sugaya, L.S., Caye, A. and Rohde, L.A., 2015. Annual Research Review: A meta?analysis of the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(3), pp.345-365.
Raab, K., 2014. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and empathy among health care professionals: a review of the literature. Journal of health care chaplaincy, 20(3), pp.95-108.
Renoir, T., 2013. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant treatment discontinuation syndrome: a review of the clinical evidence and the possible mechanisms involved. Frontiers in pharmacology, 4, p.45.
Sucala, M., Schnur, J.B., Constantino, M.J., Miller, S.J., Brackman, E.H. and Montgomery, G.H., 2012. The therapeutic relationship in e-therapy for mental health: a systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 14(4), e110.
Szasz, T.S., 2013. The myth of mental illness. Perspectives in Abnormal Behavior, pp.4-11.
Tew, J., Ramon, S., Slade, M., Bird, V., Melton, J. and Le Boutillier, C., 2012. Social factors and recovery from mental health difficulties: a review of the evidence. The British Journal of Social Work, 42(3), pp.443-460.
Theodoridou, A., Schlatter, F., Ajdacic, V., Rössler, W. and Jäger, M., 2012. Therapeutic relationship in the context of perceived coercion in a psychiatric population. Psychiatry research, 200(2), pp.939-944
Essay Writing Service Features
Our Experience
No matter how complex your assignment is, we can find the right professional for your specific task. Contact Essay is an essay writing company that hires only the smartest minds to help you with your projects. Our expertise allows us to provide students with high-quality academic writing, editing & proofreading services.
Free Features
Free revision policy
$10Free bibliography & reference
$8Free title page
$8Free formatting
$8How Our Essay Writing Service Works
First, you will need to complete an order form. It's not difficult but, in case there is anything you find not to be clear, you may always call us so that we can guide you through it. On the order form, you will need to include some basic information concerning your order: subject, topic, number of pages, etc. We also encourage our clients to upload any relevant information or sources that will help.
Complete the order form
Once we have all the information and instructions that we need, we select the most suitable writer for your assignment. While everything seems to be clear, the writer, who has complete knowledge of the subject, may need clarification from you. It is at that point that you would receive a call or email from us.
Writer’s assignment
As soon as the writer has finished, it will be delivered both to the website and to your email address so that you will not miss it. If your deadline is close at hand, we will place a call to you to make sure that you receive the paper on time.
Completing the order and download