Date of Learning Log: 05/07/2024
Time: 09:30-16:00
Learning Activity 1: Common Mental Health Conditions
In this learning activity, I gained an understanding of the pathophysiology of mental health issues and how they impact individual lives, including psychological/emotional distress, self-harm and suicide. Using evidence-based methods to support the analysis of the development of practical nursing care, the experience of integrated care for individuals with complex needs, strategies in decision-making and obtaining independence, and the ethical and legal perspectives associated with complex and long-term conditions were discussed.
Self-harm refers to the deliberate act of causing physical injury or pain to oneself, typically to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or psychological distress. People who engage in self-harm often do so to express, manage, or control feelings that are otherwise too difficult to handle. It is not necessarily a suicide attempt, but it can be a sign of emotional distress and a potential risk factor for more serious mental health concerns.
Self-harm can take many forms, including cutting- using sharp objects to cut the skin, most commonly on the arms, legs, or wrists. Burning oneself with hot objects or substances (e.g., lighters, cigarettes). Hitting – punching oneself or banging parts of the body against a surface. Scratching – repeatedly scratching the skin to the point of injury. Hair-pulling: Known as trichotillomania, pulling out one’s hair. Interfering with wounds – picking at or reopening healing wounds to prevent them from healing properly. Poisoning – ingesting harmful substances, though this is more associated with suicidal intent.
Several factors increase the likelihood of self-harming behaviours. Mental Health Issues – Conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with a higher risk of self-harm. Trauma and Abuse – Past experiences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as neglect or trauma, can contribute to self-harming behaviours. Low Self-Esteem – Individuals with feelings of worthlessness or self-hatred are more prone to self-harm. Substance Abuse – Drug or alcohol misuse can increase impulsivity and lower inhibitions, making self-harm more likely. Social Isolation – Lack of strong social support or feelings of loneliness can contribute to self-harm. Difficult Relationships -Conflict with family members, friends, or partners can be a significant trigger.
Treatment and Support for Self-Harm:
Seeking professional help is crucial for individuals who self-harm. Treatments may include:
- Therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Medication: Antidepressants or other psychiatric medications may be prescribed to address underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
- Support Groups: Peer support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences and learn from others who have similar struggles.
- Crisis Support: In severe cases, immediate help from crisis lines, therapists, or emergency services may be necessary.
Prevention and Coping Strategies:
- Building Emotional Awareness: Recognising and understanding emotions can help develop healthier coping strategies.
- Distraction Techniques: Using alternative behaviours like drawing, journaling, or exercising when feeling the urge to self-harm can reduce the intensity of the impulse.
- Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation can help alleviate emotional stress.
- Improving Social Support: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional outlets.
Self-harm is a serious issue that reflects underlying emotional pain or mental health difficulties. It’s essential to approach those who self-harm with empathy, understanding, and no judgment, encouraging them to seek professional help and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
KSB ADDRESSED:
Knowledge:
| K2 | Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health |
| K3 | Understand the professional responsibility to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the level of personal fitness and well-being required to meet people’s needs for mental and physical care |
| K4 | Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice |
| K5 | Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care |
| K6 | Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice |
| K7 | Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the Duty of Candour |
| K9 | Understand the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people |
| K10 | Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes |
| K11 | Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes |
| K12 | Understand the importance of early years and childhood experiences and the possible impact on life choices, mental, physical and behavioural health and well-being |
| K13 | Understand the contribution of social influences, health literacy, individual circumstances, behaviours and lifestyle choices to mental, physical and behavioural health outcomes |
| K14 | Understand the importance of health screening |
| K15 | Understand human development from conception to death, to enable delivery of person-centred safe and effective care |
| K16 | Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care |
| K17 | Understand commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural and cognitive health conditions as applied to delivery of care |
| K18 | Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments |
| K19 | Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice |
| K20 | Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met |
| K21 | Understand co-morbidities and the demands of meeting people’s holistic needs when prioritising care |
| K22 | Know how to meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration and bladder and bowel health |
| K23 | Know how to meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity |
| K26 | Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld |
| K27 | Understand the principles of safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with local and national policies |
| K28 | Understand the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions |
| K29 | Understand the different ways by which medicines can be prescribed |
| K30 | Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments |
| K35 | Understand own role and the roles of all other staff at different levels of experience and seniority in the event of a major incident |
| K36 | Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care |
| K37 | Understand the challenges of providing safe nursing care for people with complex co-morbidities and complex care needs |
| K38 | Understand the complexities of providing mental, cognitive, behavioural and physical care needs across a wide range of integrated care settings |
| K39 | Understand the principles and processes involved in supporting people and families with a range of care needs to maintain optimal independence and avoid unnecessary interventions and disruptions to their lives |
| K40 | Understand own role and contribution when involved in the care of a person who is undergoing discharge or a transition of care between professionals, settings or services |
| K41 | Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it |
| K42 | Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams |
Skills:
| S1 | Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements |
| S2 | Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records |
| S3 | Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision |
| S4 | Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills |
| S5 | Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018) |
| S6 | Act as an ambassador for their profession and promote public confidence in health and care services |
| S7 | Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges |
| S8 | Recognise signs of vulnerability in self or colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health |
| S9 | Develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues |
| S10 | Provide, promote, and where appropriate advocate for, non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments |
| S13 | Apply the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people |
| S14 | Promote preventive health behaviours and provide information to support people to make informed choices to improve their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing |
| S15 | Identify people who are eligible for health screening |
| S16 | Promote health and prevent ill health by understanding the evidence base for immunisation, vaccination and herd immunity |
| S17 | Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection prevention and control, including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance |
| S18 | Apply knowledge, communication and relationship management skills required to provide people, families and carers with accurate information that meets their needs before, during and after a range of interventions |
| S19 | Recognise when capacity has changed recognise and how a person’s capacity affects their ability to make decisions about their own care and to give or withhold consent |
| S21 | Monitor the effectiveness of care in partnership with people, families and carers, documenting progress and reporting outcomes |
| S22 | Take personal responsibility to ensure that relevant information is shared according to local policy and appropriate immediate action is taken to provide adequate safeguarding and that concerns are escalated |
| S23 | Work in partnership with people, to encourage shared decision making, in order to support individuals, their families and carers to manage their own care when appropriate |
| S24 | Perform a range of nursing procedures and manage devices, to meet people’s need for safe, effective and person-centred care |
| S25 | Meet people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep |
| S26 | Meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration and bladder and bowel health |
| S27 | Meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity |
| S28 | Support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain |
| S30 | Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed |
| S32 | Work collaboratively and in partnership with professionals from different agencies in interdisciplinary teams |
| S33 | Maintain safe work and care environments |
| S34 | Act in line with local and national organisational frameworks, legislation and regulations to report risks, and implement actions as instructed, following up and escalating as required |
| S38 | Prioritise and manage own workload, and recognise where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members |
| S39 | Recognise when people need help to facilitate equitable access to care, support and escalate concerns appropriately |
| S40 | Support and motivate other members of the care team and interact confidently with them |
| S41 | Monitor and review the quality of care delivered, providing challenge and constructive feedback when an aspect of care has been delegated to others |
| S42 | Support, supervise and act as a role model to nursing associate students, health care support workers and those new to care roles, review the quality of the care they provide, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback |
Behaviours:
| B1 | Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences |
| B2 | Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice |
| B3 | Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness |