The person in this scenario who may be in need of the help of a Mental Health First Aider is the 60 year old uncle. It appears that after the loss of his wife, the uncle developed depression. Even though it is completely normal for everyone to experience periods of depression, however it is not normal for depression to linger for a long time without signs of coping or recovery. In the uncle’s case, his depressed mood has lasted for almost a year. Although it is normal to feel depressed after the distressing event of losing a partner, it is also normal to cope with such a loss. The uncle, even after time passed, has still not begun to cope with the death of his wife.
Symptoms the uncle is exhibiting include detachment and loss of interest. It is noticeable that the uncle is detaching himself from the world because he is invited out by his family, but does not accept the invitations. The uncle’s loss of interest is also noticeable because he sits and stares into space for a majority of the day. Emotions the uncle is displaying include grief and depression. The uncle has been described as being stuck in grief. He has also been described as being depressed. These symptoms and emotions are commonly associated with the symptoms and emotions experienced by people who suffer from depression.
It is due to the previously mentioned symptoms and emotions that depression is recognizable in the uncle. Major depressive disorder “lasts for at least two weeks and affects a person’s ability and to have satisfying personal relationships” (pg. 20). It is important as a Mental Health First Aider to express concern for the individual who may be in need of help. In the uncle’s case concern is expressed as worry. It is because of this worriment that th...
... middle of paper ...
...eemed fitting for the uncle’s situation.
The fifth step of the action plan, E, is encourage self-help and other support strategies. Other family, friends, faith communities, and support groups may be helpful sources for the uncle to use as a support system. It could even be helpful for the uncle to attend a grief support group or a group for people who have lost partners, such as the West Suburban Widows and Widowers support group. The uncle could also use some support strategies, such as exercising, to relieve his depression.
After the loss of his wife, the uncle in this scenario fell into a deep depression. With the help of a Mental Health First Aider the uncle could get assistance. By following the five steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan, also known as ALGEE, the uncle may be able to receive the help he needs in order to deal with his depression.
D2 followers are those who are new to the job but have some understanding of how to achieve the tasks that are asked of them. D2 followers also demonstrate low commitment to the job or task. Behaviors may include a lack of motivation or a lack of interest.
By examining William’s personal struggle with the mental disorder of major depressive disorder the devastation this illness causes on the functioning of individuals is clearly highlighted. More importantly, the narrative reveals the importance of receiving help quickly after the onset of symptoms. The unfortunate truth of the illness of depression is that a large percentage of individuals wait many years to receive help and a small number do not even receive treatment for varying reasons. As a result of the individuals with depression who do not seek immediate help due to not understanding that what they are experiencing is an atypical response, the afraid of being stigmatized and learned helplessness, the mood disorder of depression acts like a silent
Lastly, there is family therapy, and in my opinion the most important. This is essential for both the patient and members of their family to understand and learn how to cope with this behavior. This style of therapy will teach family members not to be co-dependent and allow the patient to take responsibility for their actions.
Spencer, Susan. “Mental Health First Aid: A Concept Whose Time Has Come.” Worcester Telegram & Gazette [Massachusetts] 15 Jan. 2014: n. pag. NewsBank Special Reports. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.
Some typical symptoms of a depressive episode include loss of interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyed, loss of confidence and self-esteem, complaints or evidence of diminished focus or concentration, and bleak or pessimistic views of the future (WHO, 1992; Maj & Satorius, 2002). Two additional aspects to consider are age and cognitive functioning, as a young person’s capacity differs from the cognitive function of an adult, and their ability to distinguish between rational and irrational thoughts and feelings should be taken into consideration during therapy (Braswell, 2001).
...etween Major Depressive Disorder and bereavement. A competent and experienced professional should be able to identify these differences and apply the correct diagnosis. The risk of misdiagnosing Major Depression in an individual regardless of the stressor could be harmful and in the words of Zisook, “impedes healing (Zisook & Shear, 2013).” When considering the example of an African American woman who presents with depressive symptoms after her mother’s recent death, the previous exclusion would have discouraged a diagnosis Major Depressive Episode to be made. However, with the new DSM in use it is appropriate to make a diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode if careful consideration has been made involving the client’s history and cultural norms and it is found that a major depressive episode is occurring along with the grief ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
...lematic and alcoholic family she was faced with this big life change and she became emotionless to not face her parents. Then Tara’s boyfriend died which increased her previous depressed mood and then she started having suicidal thoughts, which made her feel worthless and like her life did not had a point. Tara started to be hospitalized and she keeps falling deeper in the spiral of depression. However she discovered coping mechanism which work for her like shopping and work and she is positive that one day she can open her own clinic. The treatment used for Tara is ECT which is a very drastic way of treatment because she gets electro convulsions and because of those she looses memory, Tara should be put in a support group which would give her the possibility to face her problems, knowing that she will have people next to her who understand her and don’t judge her.
NASMHPD. (2014, Accessed April 27). Retrieved from NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM DIRECTORS: http://www.nasmhpd.org/About/AOMultiStateDisaster.aspx
Since the child dying in Greg’s care, he has felt the need to look for someone to talk too immediately in regards to how he is feeling. If Greg were a friend of mine, I would have had him talk to a crisis counselor in his area. Greg is showing signs of stress, when he stated that he needed someone to talk to right away, that was a trigger for me. I would then be concerned about him drinking to the point where he is no longer in control and possibly taking his life because of the guilt he is feeling. In talking to a crisis counselor, the professional will do intake and an assessment to see what the issues are and his history with how the drinking had begun. This can be a very intense process since Greg had been drinking for many years and it affected not only him but also his job and possibly his marriage. After completing the assessment, the professional with then refer him to a level 1 outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment is an organized nonresidential treatment service or an office practice with addiction professionals and clinicians providing professionally directed alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment (PsychCentral website, 2016, para.
Just for a minute, think about a family member or friend who has been depress. Now imagine if they are not able to control their emotions and go into want many call a “dark place” in their subconscious. That family member or friend might start feeling hopeless, unbearable pain, distant themselves from social gathers, and might start saying things like “I have no reason to live anymore”, or they might ask “have you ever thought what dying might be like?” These are all warning sign that something might be wrong, and for those people that aren’t able to relies these sign can the AFSP offer information on the warning sign and how to talk to some. Just by understand what the early warning signs are anyone can possibly help save someone’s life.
We sat for two and a half hours with the sister and the treatment team trying to decide if he was independent enough to live in a housing residence from MHA. When I left my internship, it was decided that the director of MHA housing would have multiple dinner meetings with this young man and decide if he would qualify for housing with MHA and be capable of living on his own for the most part. His violence was a concern for the other residents as well. It was amazing to watch as the community come together to help this man and his sister. Using the local services, therapy approaches, and compassion towards this family, decisions were made and help was on its way.
Depression is an illness within itself that affects the “whole body”. (Staywell,1998) The body, feelings, thoughts, and behavior are all immensely altered when someone is depressed. It is not a sign of personal weakness, or a condition that can be wished or willed away. For some people depression is just temporary, but for others it can last for weeks, months and even years.
Simpson, C. (2007) ‘Mental Health part3: Assessment and Treatment of Depression’ British Journal of Healthcare assistants. pp 167-171.
Depression is well known for its mental or emotional symptoms. Symptoms for depression include: persistently sad or unhappy mood, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions, anxiety, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and thoughts of death or dying. “People who have endured a major depressive episode describe the experience as a descent into t...
The Davis family is facing multiple problems and has difficulties meeting the emotional needs of its family members. Recent events/crisis and the stresses associated with these events resulted in feelings of anxiety and poor communication between family members. This further impacts the family’s coping ability. An appropriate nursing diagnoses for this family is: Interrupted family processes related to vulnerability and dysfunctional behavior of family members. Setting mutual goals and proper interventions can help this family achieve a positive outcome and ensure the family’s wellbeing.