Despite recent initiatives to improve mental health care and awareness, there is still some stigma surrounding mental health disorders and crises. Nurses play an important role in reducing this mental health stigma in their workplaces and communities.
This stigma makes it difficult for people suffering from mental health conditions to seek help, increases feelings of shame and loneliness, and can exacerbate existing depression and anxiety symptoms.
Related: Caring for Patients with Mental Health Issues, 4th Edition
Mental health stigma
Humans naturally put people into groups based on behaviors, beliefs, and appearance. The natural desire to “fit in” drives a lot of stereotyping and stigma. People can have both conscious and unconscious beliefs that cause people to categorize others.
Psychology Today states that “Mental illness is often associated with disorganized behavior. The threat of violence is also behind a strong emotional link with the stereotype of mental disorders.” Between humans’ natural desire to group with other similar groups, and the perceived threat of violence, it is difficult to combat mental health bias.
Despite these challenges, a study performed by researchers at Indiana University shows that stigma surrounding mental health problems like major depressive disorder has dropped significantly between the years 1996 and 2006. Unfortunately, bias against those with mental illness remains pervasive throughout the United States. In fact, during this same time, the study showed that negative perceptions of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder increased.
Mental health problems in different age groups
Mental health problems affect people of all different backgrounds, ethnic groups, genders, religions, and stages in life. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize that mental health problems can look different in each of these populations.
Young children and adolescents
Nearly 20% of children and adolescents struggle with some kind of mental health disorder. Mental health disorders can be difficult to identify in children because the line between normal development of emotions and maladaptive behaviors is often blurry.
Young patients often have difficulty managing big feelings and identifying their emotions. When sadness, anger, or anxiety impact a child’s ability to complete schoolwork or interact with others, a diagnosis may be appropriate.
Adults
Adults struggling with their mental health often find it difficult to seek help. Healthcare providers should offer a mental health questionnaire at each wellness check. Signs of mental illness in adults can be subtle and include difficulty making decisions, irritability, increased boredom, and changes in weight or appetite.
Older adults
Many caregivers and even family members of older adults miss the signs and symptoms of mental illness. For example, loss of energy or interest in hobbies is frequently blamed on aging rather than depression.
It is important for the people surrounding older adults to remember that socialization, physical activity, interesting hobbies, and a sense of purpose should remain part of life for all people as they age. The loss of any of these pieces of life warrants investigation.
Veterans and mental healthcare
Veterans are another population that may need special attention and care from caregivers and family members. In 2020, over 5 million veterans reported suffering from some type of mental health condition.
Veterans are more likely to develop PTSD than civilians and are three times more likely than veterans who were deployed than military members who were not. In addition, veterans may be at higher risk of depression and anxiety and be less likely to seek help for their mental health disorders.
Nurses working with veterans should be diligent in performing mental health checks and do their best to help their patients feel comfortable asking for help and admitting to struggling with their anxiety, depression, or other challenging emotions.
Related: Mental Health Disorders in the United States Veteran Population
Mental health treatment options
Making mental healthcare more accessible to at-risk populations remains a challenge for most communities. Whether due to stigma or the shortage of mental healthcare providers, primary care, acute care, and other caregivers must be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of mental illness. They must also be prepared to help their patients deal with them.
Medications
Medications remain one of the most effective tools for fighting mental illness. However, many people stop taking their medications due to cost, inconvenience, side effects, perceived reduction in symptoms, and stigma.
Caregivers can help patients by giving clear, simple instructions. The teach-back method can help them explain medications and their side effects. Frequent monitoring of the patient’s condition and check-ins about the tolerability of side effects are essential.
Therapy
Therapy is becoming more widely used by patients of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Research shows that even single sessions of therapy can be helpful for a patient’s long-term mental health. When used in combination with medication, therapeutic treatment is extremely effective for the most common mental health problems. These include depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Patients may have to see several different therapists before they find one that they feel comfortable with. In addition, different settings may work better for individual clients. For those who are uncomfortable visiting a therapist’s office, they can use calling, video conferencing, and even text messages to receive support.
Support groups
Many patients struggle with their mental health but are not ready to try medication. They may feel uncomfortable reaching out to a therapist. For these patients, finding a support group may be the best option. Online and in-person support groups are available for all kinds of life events and challenges including suicidal thoughts, blended family issues, PTSD, abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety, and more.
Family support
For patients with mental health challenges, having a support system can make a huge difference in outcomes and outlook. Caregivers can help their patients identify 1-3 support people who would be available to help in a crisis. These people do not have to be family but can be friends, co-workers, neighbors, or even other health professionals.
