In Australia, the MHN reports that most cases of chronic mental illness are due depression: either socially or economically associated (Reich, 2015). Also, the bipolar condition and schizophrenia disorder have been on the increase up to the early 2000s after which the federal government is liaising with the MHN, and the state governments intervened through regulation of Medicare safety net and Medicare Levy (Dzipora and Ahern, 2013). Besides, the WHO reported that most native Australian presented increased cases of mental health disorder as compared to the foreigners: the underlying factor alludes to the colonial rule which oppressed the natives (World Health Organization Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, 2014).
However, the case focuses on an 18-year-old woman Angelina Parker a first year nursing student at a Melbourne university. At the start, Angelina indicated stable mental health and was a high performing student, but later her roommates find out that she displays symptoms of depression and thoughts leading to suicide. As a result, Angelina parents are contacted, and she is taken to an acute inpatient ward. As such, ideas in this article seek to illustrate the therapeutic engagement skills and the treatment modalities the MHN will use on Angelina. Notably, the paper will have two main sections analyzing the level of engagement expertise and the treatment modalities to be used. Furthermore, the article will sum up the ideas concerning the thesis statement as shown below.
The section will outline what therapeutic communication in mental health is. Also, a definition of engagement in tandem with the treatment is given. Further, the section will identify and explain the types of engagement skills: building rapport, cross-cultural communication, questioning techniques, communication with health carers as partners in care, getting it right from the service user perspective, and what to do when communication becomes challenging as shown.
Therapeutic communication in mental health is the procedural process through which health care providers offer a holistic service to the patient with the inclusion of both the patients and family consent (Fartinash and Worret, 2014). On the other hand engagement in treatment means the period of integration of values, beliefs, and attitudes into care provision (Videbeck, 2013). That said, it is considered wise to recognize the engagement skills to be used with Angelina. First, is building a rapport. As a care provider, you ought to open up a good communication with Angelina and consider her emotional state. To start with, take the time to introduce yourself to Angelina paying attention to details on name, profession, and how much time you intend to use. Then, ensure you allow Angelina to be part of the discussion by asking her opinion on how she likes to be addressed. Also, to create a rapport with Angelina, you should include her family members in decision making. Notably, as a care provider, you need to be an active listener through the interaction so as to capture finer details (Townsend, 2014). Again, to make the conversation last, the care provider should avoid using mental health jargon and use simple language.
Secondly, the care provider should master the technique of questioning so as to avoid offending either the family members of Angelina. Proper questioning techniques need to set a stage for assertiveness where verbal and nonverbal communication cue coexist (Robson et al., 2013). Angelina presented with reduced concentration and ideas of suicide hence increased chances of disagreement and stressful conversation. Her emotional nature characterized by anger may obscure the given information thus the difficulty in assessing the situation and providing solutions. However, the condition can be avoided if the care provider in charge is keen to identify Angelina’s physiologic responses and allows her time to cool down before questioning her.
Thirdly, confrontations during the interaction with Angelina such as shouting and throwing things in the ward are an important tool of therapeutic communication. In case Angelina loses her cool and starts confronting the nurse in charge it will be substantial for the nurse to maintain silence and point out the relationship between what she says and her behavior. According to Rosenhan, 2016 he is of the opinion that when people learn to appreciate the discrepancies in interpersonal communication, then they will change their behavior for good. That said, it is evident that Angelina will confront the care provider as a defensive mechanism. Therefore, the nurse in charge should focus on her behavior to provide the medical solution and not her personality. Furthermore, as a nurse, it is important to impart information so as to satisfy patient’s needs. For instance, when Angelina tries to find out why she cannot focus on school anymore it is for the doctor to offer a guideline and manual in line with the family members to have Angelina contented. Also, the imparted information helps to shift her level of awareness and thinking of school for the better.
Notably, use of humor in engaging Angelina will sustain the conversation as there are necessary acknowledgments of humor. Recent studies indicate that humor initiates laugh which is a strategic plan aimed at relieving the muscle tension and stress (Mohr et al., 2013). Malchiodi, 2013 is of the opinion that laughter stimulates body physiologic processes such as respiration hence strengthening the heart rate and serves a homeostatic role in activating endorphins which improve the mood. Through creating rapport with Angelina, the care provider should be keen to identify if humor works. If it provokes her to react strangely, the nurse should be ready to withdraw to avoid violence. That said, the paper shifts attention to the therapeutic treatment modalities used for Angelina as shown below.
The MHN is keen to recognize the significant role of individualized treatment in Australia using different treatment modalities. Also, a report by the WHO indicated that some treatment modalities are more effective than others depending on the degree of mental health disorder. That said, the treatment modalities to be used with Angelina include:
The model employs an engaging framework that aims at understanding Angelina’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Moreover, the cognitive behavioral therapy abbreviated as CBT enables the nurse to identify the negative feelings and thought patterns while interacting with the Angelina (Stuart, 2014). Also, the CBT enable the care provider to have an in-depth understanding of the positive behavioral aspects exhibited by Angelina. At the end of the therapy, Angelina is in a position to differentiate between the negative and positive feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
The therapy is commonly abbreviated as DBT and is a skill-oriented model that pays attention to emotion regulation and ensuring effective interpersonal communication between patients and care providers. Research shows that the model is useful in treating a patient with borderline personality disorder (Barker, 2013). Integrating DBT with Angelina’ case helps her overcome her emotions through the provision of stress management skills. Again, the DBT offers a platform for the nurse to be an active listener.
Motivational interviewing is a treatment modality that focuses on strengthening a patients’ will to change (Galanter et al., 2014). Subsequently, the model advocates for a patient-centered scheme so as to address all issues affecting the patient (Barker, 2013). For instance, motivational interviewing in Angelina’s condition will facilitate analysis of hr ethnic background, the level of education, past medical history, and the causal agent for depression through the use of simple language. Moreover, the form will allow Angelina the option to choose between what is right and what is not at the end of the day: though it emphasizes on adopting the best behavioral aspects.
Recreation therapy is a treatment modality that aims at bringing back concentration by unwinding the patient from the normal daily routines (Australian, 2017). The treatment is mostly provided by professional care providers who are dedicated to using natural sites such as mountains, rivers, and game parks to conduct sporting activities. Importantly, recreation therapy allows exchange f ideas as the team is made up of diverse ethnic backgrounds and different world views. As a result, Angelina will channel most of her energy in building social skills which are a plus at an individual level.
Research shows that patients treat with music therapy heal faster than patients who seek other treatment modalities. The underlying reason is that the brain is made up social constructs which when stimulated they respond to the art and relax the patient (Cunningham et al., 2014). The therapy is offered by professionals who have certified degrees from recognized institutions, and they use music programs targeting needs of patients and groups.
Equine therapy is an effective therapy that involves associating patients with horses. Through the interaction with the horse, a patient is able to develop interpersonal communication skills as well as build his/her self-confidence and problem-solving. After the therapy the horse is usually submissive to the patient, an indicator that the patient has been able to build the trust is responsible, and can control his/her emotions.
The model asserts that change in patients happens in stages and is not one significant change (Happell and Gaskin, 2013). Also, the therapy as several steps namely pre-contemplation: a phase where a patient has not acknowledged that there is a behavioral change which needs to be corrected. Contemplation: the period when a person accepts there is a behavioral problem but is not ready to change. Determination: the period when the patient is willing to undergo counseling and reform. Action: the phase showing how the patient is coping with the proposed guidelines. Maintenance: a period when the patient upholds the proposed behavioral change. Relapse: a phase when the patient lacks proper monitoring and resorts back to the previous behavior.
The corrective measure is used to identify signs of depression and trauma at an early stage and offers a manual to rehabilitate the patients (Videbeck, 2013). Subsequently, the model can be used on both an individual level and at a group level. Notably, the measure is highly recommended as it emphasizes on changing an individual’s emotional state, increase participation in group work, and increase safety feelings. However, in case Angelina presents with difficulty in verbal expression it is recommended that art therapy is used. The art therapy breeds creativity in the way an individual expresses his/her opinions. Different materials such as paper and pencil are used to ensure the idea is understood. Also, sign language can be used in case of severe conditions.
Conclusion
My opinion is that the current trends in Australian mental health indicate real efforts aimed at combating the condition. The reports by the MH N and the WHO reflect how committed the nation is to ensure that mentally disturbed individuals and their families get the best of services just like other citizens. The case of Angelina Parker allows one to assess the possible outcomes associated with mental health nursing treatment: where family communal psychiatric-mental health nursing is of significance role. To that, it is possible to discern that the Australian mental health nurse is strategically positioned to tackle future mental health problems as their current trends and the background analysis shows how prepared they are.
References
Australian, R. (2017). Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.
Barker, P. (2013). The Tidal Model: developing an empowering, person?centred approach to recovery within psychiatric and mental health nursing. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 8(3), 233-240.
Cunningham, F., Leveno, K., Bloom, S., Spong, C. Y., & Dashe, J. (2014). Williams Obstetrics, 24e. McGraw-Hill.
Dziopa, F., & Ahern, K. J. (2013). What makes a quality therapeutic relationship in psychiatric/mental health nursing: A review of the research literature. Internet Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice, 10(1), 7-7.
Fortinash, K. M., & Worret, P. A. H. (2014). Psychiatric mental health nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Galanter, M., Kleber, H. D., & Brady, K. (Eds.). (2014). The American Psychiatric Publishing textbook of substance abuse treatment. American Psychiatric Pub.
Happell, B., & Gaskin, C. J. (2013). The attitudes of undergraduate nursing students towards mental health nursing: a systematic review. Journal of clinical nursing, 22(1-2), 148-158.
Malchiodi, C. A. (Ed.). (2013). Expressive therapies. Guilford Publications.
Mohr, D. C., Burns, M. N., Schueller, S. M., Clarke, G., & Klinkman, M. (2013). Behavioral intervention technologies: evidence review and recommendations for future research in mental health. General hospital psychiatry, 35(4), 332-338.
Reich, W. T. (2015). Encyclopedia of bioethics. In 4 vols.
Robson, D., Haddad, M., Gray, R., & Gournay, K. (2013). Mental health nursing and physical health care: A cross?sectional study of nurses’ attitudes, practice, and perceived training needs for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 22(5), 409-417.
Rosenhan, D. L. (2016). On being sane in insane places. Science, 179(4070), 250-258.
Stevens, J., Browne, G., & Graham, I. (2013). Career in mental health still an unlikely career choice for nursing graduates: A replicated longitudinal study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 22(3), 213-220.
Stuart, G. W. (2014). Principles and practice of psychiatric nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Townsend, M. C. (2014). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice. FA Davis.
Videbeck, S. (2013). Psychiatric-mental health nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
World Health Organization. Dept. of Mental Health, & Substance Abuse. (2014). Mental health atlas 2005. World Health Organization.
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