How to write a nursing Journal Reflection as A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Studentner Studen

How to write a nursing Journal Reflection as A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Student

Introduction: There is a growing number of individuals who have a mental illness, and society has prepared to tackle to their needs. However, the stigmatization around psychiatric conditions remains (Harvey, 2022). The stigma can originate from family members, friends, coworkers, and society. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my roles as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student and how I can help reduce/eradicate stigma within my clinical place, work, or home.

Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma is a scenario in which society disapproves or shames individuals who have a mental illness (Harvey, 2022). It mostly occurs when they seek help for their mental issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc. Mental illness stigma runs in society, is spread by people, and is attributed by health workers (Ahmedani, 2022).

The pressure of mental illness can originate from coworkers, family, friends, and the community. These can hinder those suffering from mental issues from fitting into society, seeking help, and living happy and comfortable lives (Harvey, 2022). The stigma always comes from stereotypes, often offensive, negative, and inaccurate beliefs. For example, those who are depressed are described as lazy, while those suffering from anxiety are stereotyped as cowards.

The major stereotype about individuals with mental conditions is that they are dangerous and violent (Harvey, 2022). However, only a small portion of those with mental illness have exhibited violent behaviors. They are most likely to be associated with crime (Harvey, 2022); these make them vulnerable and need protection instead of isolating and discriminating against them.

Mental health can cause negative effects both Healthwise and socially. Studies indicate those suffering from mental health have difficulties starting and maintaining long-term relationships, finding new work, living on good premises, and being included in mainstream society (Mongelli, 2022). Adding stigmatization can result in hopelessness, shame, low self-esteem, worsening symptoms, lack of criminal justice, internalization of negative beliefs, discrimination at work, etc. (Harvey, 2022.

My Encounter with Mental Health Stigma

I attended a college admission interview in one of the most known health training centers. One of the requirements was to disclose a history of mental illness. It happened that one candidate was my friend, and he had a history of mental illness. He had already recovered from the extreme side effects of mental illness and qualified for admission like most of us. He was denied an opportunity to study and prove himself based on past mental illness.

Reflection on my role and how I can help eradicate mental health stigma

Firstly, the major cause of mental health stigma is a lack of knowledge about mental illness (Harvey, 2022). My role as a PMHNP student is to conduct public education on mental health, especially to those who are close to those suffering from mental issues. It includes friends, family members, health workers. This will increase knowledge about mental illness and make them understand it is like any other disease, which requires attention and treatment for the patient’s good.

At the individual level, I can encourage individuals to involve themselves to their treatment plan actively. The study indicates that the patient’s active participation in the treatment plan and strategies increases understanding and reduces the negative side effects of stigma (Harvey, 2022). Also, I can advise them to consider having an advocate in case stigmatization hinders them from navigating day-to-day circumstances, such as access to healthcare, housing, employment, recreation facilities, etc.

References

Ahmedani, B. (2022). Mental Health Stigma: Society, Individuals, and the Profession. PubMed Central (PMC). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248273/#R11.

Harvey, T. (2022). Mental health stigma: Definition, examples, effects, and tips. Medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-stigma#mental-health-stigma.

Mongelli, F. (2022). Challenges and Opportunities to Meet the Mental Health Needs of Underserved and Disenfranchised Populations in the United States | FOCUS. FOCUS. Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://focus.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.focus.20190028.

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