Young people are the future of the nation, and as they enter adulthood, they become valuable members of society. Hence, it is essential that...
Studies show that in the US,about 20% of kids and young people between the ages of three and 17 suffer from emotional, mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. Experts consider mental health problems to be one of the main causes of disability and death among young people.
If you are keen to help young people and want to make a difference in your community, you should think of becoming a mental health nurse. With the skills you learn during your nursing training, you will be able to engage young people and build a rapport to help them to speak more freely without being judged. Becoming a mental health nurse is an excellent way to be a torchbearer of the Florence Nightingale Legacy: informative and kind. The principles and philosophies that the “Lady with the Lamp” established during the Victorian era while nursing British soldiers are in use even today. They lay the foundation for many nursing programs, which emphasize optimal patient care, empathy, and the utmost dedication.
Rockhurst University offersmany online nursing programs, including Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Master’s in Science in Nursing or Nursing Leadership (MSN), and Post-master’s degrees. These nursing programs consider Florence Nightingale an inspiration and use her philosophies to educate new nurses to espouse the same dedication, compassion, and empathy that she demonstrated. Rockhurst University ensures that nursing students acquire the right knowledge, skills, and integrity to keep alive the spirit of Florence Nightingale. When you become a nurse, you will make a difference in the community and the lives of patients. Above all, you can support and empower young individuals in their journey toward mental well-being and overall success.
Mental health crisis among youth
In recent years, mental health has become a major problem. Social media, academic pressures, societal expectations, and family dynamics are some of the contributory factors toward increasing rates of mental health problems among young people.
Statistics reveal that in 2021,any mental illness (AMI) is the highest among youth aged 18 to 25 years. This accounts for 33.7% of the population. Issues like self-harm, depression, suicidal tendencies, and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among youth. That requires specialized and compassionate care.
Usually, nurses are the first point of contact.As a mental health nurse, you can begin by allaying fears and building a rapport with young people so that they do not feel ashamed to talk about the mental health issues that they are facing and are willing to seek support. That will enable you to diagnose, treat, and support them as they set on the road to mental well-being.
Providing holistic care and individual support
After completing your mental health nursing training, you will have the right skills, compassion, and knowledge to provide holistic care to each patient. It enables you to address the unique needs of each individual as a one-size-fits-all approach will not be successful.
When you take time to understand the personal circumstances, experiences, and triggers that contribute to a person’s mental health, you will acquire a deeper understanding of the patient, which enables you to offer the patient individual support and help them overcome the mental health challenges that they are experiencing.
Early intervention and prevention
Research shows that mental health disorders among young people continue into adulthood if they are not addressed and treated. When you are working as a mental health nurse on the frontlines, such as in community centers, schools, and colleges, you are in a position to identify mental health issues early on. This enables you to implement preventive measures and provide timely support. As a result, you can prevent the escalation of the problems.
Creating a safe environment
The key to helping young people with mental health challenges is to have a safe and supportive environment, where they do not have to fear or feel embarrassed. That is where you come in. You can build such an environment in school or youth-centric spaces.
Furthermore, you can also educate parents, teachers, and nurses to foster understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. It is essential to have an open dialog about mental health problems and acknowledge any issues. This paves the way to acceptance, providing support, and pursuing the right treatment.
Building coping mechanisms
As a mental health nurse, you play a vital role in preparing young people for adulthood. Life is filled with challenges, and youth need to develop the right coping mechanisms as well as resilience to enable them to navigate through difficult times without any problems.
One of your main responsibilities as a mental health nurse is to equip young individuals with coping strategies and techniques to handle emotional upheavals. This allows them to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties that they may encounter — not just in their present everyday life but also as adults.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve outcomes
Mental health nurses do not work in isolation. As a part of your nurse training, you will learn the importance of adopting a collaborative approach. This will enable you to provide 360-degree care for patients. You need to work with psychologists, social workers, therapists, and psychiatrists to ensure comprehensive and integrated care for your patients.
When you work with a multidisciplinary team, it enables you to address different aspects of a young person’s life to ensure optimal emotional, social, and physical well-being. It also allows you to rope in families and caregivers as the mental health of young individuals is often connected with the support they receive from their loved ones.
Closing thoughts
As a mental health nurse, it is imperative that you break barriers that prevent access to mental health support. By reaching out to marginalized and underserved communities, advocating mental health services, collaborating with community organizations, and lobbying for policy changes, you can ensure that young people have access to mental health care.
You also work to help young people transition from adolescence to adulthood, which can be a critical phase for youth with mental health concerns. By ensuring continuity of care, support, and guidance, you can empower young people to face challenges and changes with confidence.
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