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4 hours ago Lynae Friend Week 10 Main Post COLLAPSE Top of Form How to Become a Social Change Agent for Psychiatric Mental Health Mental illness is a significant public health concern. Unfortunately, society holds a negative attitude about mental illness (Casados, 2016). The negative attitude impacts individuals on an interpersonal level, through blaming and name-calling, and on an institutional level, through employment discrimination (Casado, 2016). Shockingly, one study found that 68% of Americans do not want mental illness being married into their family, and 58% of Americans do not want people with mental illness in the workplace (Dingfelder, 2009). Another study reported that over 45% of people thought people with depression were unpredictable, and 20% of people thought people with depression were dangerous (Dingfelder, 2009).

The stigma associated with mental illness can make psychological symptoms worse, and hinder treatment and recovery, which can continue to compromise the individual’s mental health (Casados, 2016). The statistics described above are astounding to me. I agree entirely with one of the statements in the article by Bennett (2015), which states, “mental health is physical health; the two are inseparable†(para. 2). I believe a way to bridge that gap is through a new concept in health care called patient-centered care.

Patient-centered care is providing care that focuses on physical comfort and emotional well-being (NEJM Catalyst, 2017). It is providing care that is collaborative, coordinated, and accessible at the right time and in the right place (NEJM Catalyst, 2017). Patient-centered care allows the patient and their family to be a part of the care team and play a role in decision making (NEJM Catalyst, 2017). If society understood patient-centered care, then I think mental health would not be stigmatized the way it is. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can be a social change agent by being a voice for our patients and utilizing patient-centered care.

Practicing care coordination and collaborating with the patient, their family, and other healthcare providers is essential. Society has a negative attitude about mental illness because the majority of people do not understand it. Thus, providing education to the community is also a key to breaking the stigma. How I Will Advocate for Change Within My Community I will advocate for change in my community by practicing patient-centered care. I will do this by including the patient and their family when discussing options and decisions.

I will listen to the patient to understand their preferences, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic condition (NEJM Catalyst, 2016). I will provide education within the community to educate those who are unfamiliar with mental illness. I will also work in rural areas to help those in underserved areas have access to mental health care. References Bennett, T. (2015). Changing the way society understands mental health.

National Alliance on Mental Illness . Retrieved from Casados, A. T. (2016). What makes mental illness stigma so hard to change and to study? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice .

Retrieved from Dingfelder, S. F. (2009). Stigma: Alive and well. American Psychological Association , 40(6), 56. Retrieved from NEJM Catalyst. (2017).

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Mental illness constitutes a significant public health concern, further exacerbated by the pervasive stigma surrounding it. Surveys reveal that an alarming percentage of people hold negative perceptions about mental illness, with 68% of Americans unwilling to accept individuals with mental illness in their family and 58% opposed to their presence in the workplace (Dingfelder, 2009). These biases can inflict additional psychological trauma on those affected, thereby hampering their recovery and overall well-being (Casados, 2016). As a future psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), it is imperative to understand how to become a social change agent to combat these stigma-related challenges and encourage a more nuanced public perception of mental health.

Understanding the Concept of Stigma

Stigma related to mental health can be defined as the negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to the discrimination of individuals diagnosed with mental illness. This socially constructed bias not only affects the interpersonal relationships of mentally ill individuals but also extends to institution-level biases, impacting employment opportunities and social interactions (Achenbach, 2010). The negative effects of stigma are well-documented, ranging from internalized shame to increased barriers to seeking treatment (Corrigan, 2004).
For instance, research indicates that merely labeling someone as 'mentally ill' can lead to societal exclusion and self-stigmatization, further complicating their journey toward recovery (Ben-Zur, 2010). Thus, to break down these barriers, it is essential to foster an environment where mental health is regarded with the same seriousness as physical health.

Patient-Centered Care: Bridging the Gap

One potential method to challenge stigma and create social change is the adoption of patient-centered care (PCC) in mental health services. Defined as an approach that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values (NEJM Catalyst, 2016), PCC can aid in destigmatizing mental health perceptions. The model encourages collaborative care, emphasizing the importance of active patient participation in their treatment plans (NEJM Catalyst, 2016). Bennett (2015) aptly captures this need, stating that “mental health is physical health; the two are inseparable” (para. 2).
Moreover, the integration of emotional well-being and physical comfort within healthcare can lead to more fruitful outcomes for patients faced with mental health challenges. By employing PCC in psychiatric settings, PMHNPs can foster a therapeutic alliance that empowers individuals. This collaborative process not only improves patients' emotional and psychological states but may also challenge deep-rooted stereotypes within society.

Advocacy and Education: Keys to Change

As a PMHNP aspiring to serve as a social change agent, advocacy is vital to shifting the societal narrative around mental health. A multi-faceted approach is necessary to achieve this. Here are some strategies that can be employed:
1. Community Education Programs: Education forms the backbone of stigma reduction initiatives. PMHNPs can implement community workshops aimed at raising awareness about mental health conditions. These programs should focus on dispelling myths, clarifying misconceptions, and teaching the importance of recognizing mental illness as a legitimate health concern (Griffiths et al., 2006).
2. Incorporating Family Members: Engaging family members in treatment processes fosters an inclusive environment that supports the patient. Not only does this build a support network, but it also helps family members understand the patient’s experiences, thereby reducing anxiety associated with mental illness and promoting understanding (Berkman et al., 2000).
3. Working in Underserved Areas: A significant percentage of the population residing in rural or underserved areas lacks access to adequate mental health services (Harris et al., 2019). PMHNPs should direct their efforts toward these communities, ensuring they receive the care they need while simultaneously promoting broader access to mental health resources.
4. Policy Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers to foster legislation that protects the rights of individuals with mental illness can significantly normalize their experiences and increase societal acceptance (Corrigan et al., 2014). Advocating for mental health parity laws, such as those ensuring that mental health care is treated equitably with physical health care, can also be a pathway toward reducing stigma.
5. Peer-Led Initiatives: Initiatives that incorporate the lived experiences of those with mental illness can reshape public perceptions. Programs sharing personal stories of recovery can serve as powerful tools for education and advocacy, showing that recovery is possible while also humanizing those often pigeonholed by labels (Henderson et al., 2013).

Conclusion

Becoming a social change agent requires a commitment to combating stigma and advocating for a more compassionate understanding of mental health. By employing patient-centered care practices, providing community education, and actively engaging in advocacy efforts, PMHNPs can play a crucial role in transforming societal attitudes toward mental illness. The journey toward destigmatizing mental health is a long and challenging one, but it is a necessary endeavor that can ultimately lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

References

1. Achenbach, T. M. (2010). Fostering Change in the Mental Health Field: The Role of Measurement-Based Care. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 17(2), 73-89.
2. Bennett, T. (2015). Changing the way society understands mental health. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
3. Ben-Zur, H. (2010). The impact of stigma and rejection on mental health. Social Psychology of Health, 22(5), 101-118.
4. Berkman, L. F., Glass, T., Brissette, I., & Seeman, T. E. (2000). From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science & Medicine, 51(6), 843-857.
5. Corrigan, P. W. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614-625.
6. Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37-70.
7. Dingfelder, S. F. (2009). Stigma: Alive and well. American Psychological Association, 40(6), 56.
8. Griffiths, K. M., Carron-Arthur, B., Parsons, J. T., & Reid, R. (2006). Systematic review on the effectiveness of stigma reduction strategies. BMC Psychiatry, 6(1), 54.
9. Harris, M. G., et al. (2019). Mental health care in rural communities: A guide for primary care providers. Rural and Remote Health, 19(3), 4813.
10. Henderson, C., et al. (2013). Peer support for people with mental health problems: A systematic review. World Psychiatry, 12(2), 158-166.