IMH402 Introduction To Mental Health Assignment

 Mental health is a fundamental and vital part of health; hence, it is aptly said that there is no health without mental health. Mental health is more than just the absence of psychological problems, but the basis upon which humans, individually and collectively develop the ability to think, interact with each other and enjoy life. However, many biopsychosocial factors such as physical illness, substance abuse, and socioeconomic pressure affect the level of a person's mental health. These factors expose people to mental health problems that lead to mental health disorders (Muir-Cochrane, Barkway & Nizette, 2018).

In Australia, about 20% of adults and 15% of young people have a mental illness, and the disorder accounts for 12 percent of all disease burdens and is the third cause of morbidity and mortality. Mental illness significantly impairs how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and relates to others; therefore, it requires a biopsychosocial model of care (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2015).

Therefore, this essay will discuss holistic nursing in mental health settings compared to other nursing disciplines, indicate the factors that contribute to mental illness and explore patient assessment and nursing interventions. Finally, the essay will consider the possible impacts of substance abuse on the biopsychosocial well-being of an individual.

IMH402 Introduction To Mental Health Assignment

Mental health and wellness across the lifespan cultural and social construction of mental illness; therapeutic communication skills; introduction to mental health conditions: schizophrenia, psychosis, depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar affective disorder, personality disorders; self-harming behaviors; suicide recovery; evidence-based practice; safety and quality; law and ethics; Mental Health Act; Guardianship and Administration Act.

Physical and mental health is interconnected and affects each other through several pathways; hence, integrated assessment is of the essence when caring for a patient with mental illness. First, a baseline check of vital signs is usually obtained from any patient presenting with mental illness, to ascertain their hemodynamic state. Secondly, some medical tests may be requested, such as blood studies, urinalysis, ECG, and so forth, to rule out physical problems that might be precipitating mental issues. For instance, eating disorders leads to severe electrolyte imbalance and alcohol abuse/smoking can damage vital organs like the kidneys, lungs, and liver (Mwebe, 2017).