Mental Health Nursing
Mental health nurses work with people experiencing mental health problems across all age groups. They promote recovery, wellbeing, and social inclusion, and work in hospitals, community teams, and specialist services.
Common Mental Health Conditions
- Depression — Persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite/sleep
- Anxiety disorders — Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, OCD
- Psychosis — Schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, thought disorder
- Bipolar disorder — Episodes of mania and depression
- Personality disorders — Borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder
- Eating disorders — Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder
- Dementia — Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia
- Substance misuse — Alcohol and drug dependence
The Mental Health Act 1983
The Mental Health Act provides the legal framework for detaining and treating people with mental disorders against their will when necessary. Key sections include:
- Section 2 — Assessment for up to 28 days
- Section 3 — Treatment for up to 6 months
- Section 136 — Police power to remove a person from a public place
Detained patients have rights, including access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) and the right to appeal to a Mental Health Tribunal.
Therapeutic Communication
Therapeutic communication in mental health nursing involves:
- Active listening and empathy
- Open-ended questions
- Reflection and summarising
- Validating feelings
- Building trust and rapport
- Maintaining professional boundaries
Risk Assessment
Mental health nurses assess risk of harm to self (suicide, self-harm) and harm to others. Risk assessment is an ongoing process, not a one-off event. Safety plans are developed collaboratively with patients.
Recovery Model
The recovery model emphasises that people with mental health conditions can lead meaningful lives. Key principles include: hope, empowerment, personal responsibility, and community integration. It focuses on the person, not just the diagnosis.