Community participation in the care of mentally sick

1Use of therapeutic communication.Active listening to the mentally sick individuals can identify
the challenges they are facing which are then fowarded to the primary health care providers for
assistance.

2Assessing the patients physical health concerns.This provides information that the patient has
not said verbally which is relevant in the treatment of his or her condition.

3Teaching about mental health.This can focus on the nature of the condition which will assist
the patient identify a change in the severity of the condition and promptly inform the health
care provider.

4Directing patient to a specialized healthcare providers.In severe mental conditions involving

suicide a nurse can refer a patient to a pychiatrists who has more experience on the condition.

5Community campaigns in densely populated areas.Many people living in these areas would
like to seek the mental health services but they are not close this can bridge the gap for these
people to seek this service.

6Traslating the local language to the nurse.A nurse from a different location can be able to
assist the patient who is seeking mental health services through the help of a translator from
the patient's location.

7Home care for the elderly mentally ill patients.Our community members is composed of
people who are old which comes with other conditions which cause reduction in memory and
muscle strength .The family members should take care of these people.

8Milieu therapy .Environment where the patient provides safety and comfort which result to a
good outcome of treatment.

9Involving mentally sick individuals in groups where they are actively participating.Ideas are
shared which were overhelming to the individual and this enables the person to find possible
solutions to solve the problem.

10Construction of hospital hostels in areas where there is need and they are not available.This
is beneficial as it depicts a home environment where the patient can do activities such as
cooking and cleaning .

11Adress poverty for people living with mental disability.As a result a person will be more
dependent and in some countries social security fund is available for these people.
12 Skills training of the mentally sick .A variety of both physical and mental skills can be taught
such as problem solving skills and an activity that a person can perform to earn an income.

13Participating in mental health research.There is still a lot that is not yet understood therefore
budget by the government towards the study of these mental conditions and their treatments
is very valuable.

14Reduce stereotyping of mentally sick people as people who need to be feared and
instituitionalized.A considerable number of mentally ill people are in prisons in some cases
these individuals are prone to harrassment and abuse while in jail and in the community where
they stay from the community members.

15Shifting to patient-centered goals.The nurse needs to shift from the traditional model of
symptoms and drug management by expanding his or her skills in a more autonomous and
flexible manner.

16Empowering patients to take individual responsiblity in making decisions.A patient will take
charge of his or her situation and discover that actions taken will affect him either negatively
and positively the most.

17Taking actions such as reporting substance abuse drugs sellers to the local
authorities.Alocohols and illegal drugs impair a person's judgement which causes a person to
indulge in risky activities such as drinking when driving .

18Being ready to build meaningful relationships with the mentally sick.Trust between the
community members and these people make them feel accepted and this improves their
mental wellbeing.