summary HNN222 Mental Health and Supportive Care Deakin University 2025

summary HNN222 Mental Health and Supportive Care Deakin University 2025

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summary HNN222 Mental Health and Supportive Care Deakin University 2025

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summary HNN222 Mental Health and Supportive Care Deakin University 2025

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summary HNN222 Mental Health and Supportive Care Deakin University 2025

• Mental Health Nursing, Aetiology and Pharmacology

Mental Health

Mental health is understood as a dynamic state of well-being in which individuals are aware of their strengths, can manage the inevitable stresses of modern life, engage in meaningful work, and contribute positively to their communities. In 2024–2025, mental health is increasingly viewed through a holistic lens, integrating emotional, social, and digital well-being, acknowledging the role of technology and online environments in influencing mental health.

• Mental well-being is a proactive and positive concept that goes beyond the absence of illness. It includes emotional resilience, the capacity to recover from adversity, and the ability to thrive.Current frameworks emphasize human flourishing, sustaining happiness, personal growth, and balancing digital engagement with real-world connections.

1.2 Mental Illness

Mental illness refers to diagnosable conditions characterized by disruptions in mood, thinking, perception, or behavior, which cause significant distress and impair a person’s functioning in daily life.Mental disorders in 2024–2025 are increasingly recognized as complex conditions with biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors interacting over time.

• A mental illness is identified based on clinical assessment and standardized diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5-TR or ICD-11), and often requires a multifaceted treatment approach combining medical, psychological, and social interventions.

Therapeutic Relationship

A therapeutic relationship is a professional, collaborative, and structured relationship between the mental health nurse and the patient. The primary goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where the individual feels empowered in their recovery journey.

• Key elements include trust, empathy, respect, active listening, clear communication, and a commitment to working alongside the person. In 2024, digital tools such as telehealth platforms and AI-supported communication aids are also incorporated to strengthen these relationships while ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

How does the therapeutic relationship and communication contribute to person-centered care?

Effective communication and therapeutic engagement are essential in delivering person-centered care.This means acknowledging and prioritizing the individual's preferences, beliefs, and life goals. Care plans are increasingly co-designed with patients, reflecting their cultural background, social circumstances, and personal values, ensuring that interventions are meaningful and relevant.

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