Addressing Georgia's Mental Health Condition

The content discusses mental health issues and how they can be managed. Georgia is a student who is struggling with anxiety disorder and loneliness due to her parents being far away and lack of support from friends. It highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to mental health conditions, including diagnosis by a psychiatrist, medications, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. The content also emphasizes the need for confidentiality in healthcare provision and informed consent when treating patients with mental disorders.

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DIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Name of Student:
Course Code + Name
Instructor:
Institution:
City, State:
Submission Date:

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Overview of Mental Health
According to WHO (2014, mental health refers to one’s well-being status where they can
individually realize their potential, cope with usual stresses in life, productively work and
further, contribute to their community. It thus encompasses their psychological, emotional and
social well-being. Mental health impacts on one’s thinking, feelings and actions. From the
definition, it is clear that mental health determines how one handles stress, their relationship with
others and their approach to decision making. To enhance the mental health of a population there
is need to; carry out health promotion in the society on the importance of mental well-being;
prevent mental disorders; prevent violations against human rights and; provide care for those
suffering from mental disorders.
Mental illness on the other hand refers to various mental health conditions including
disorders which alter one’s mood, their way of thinking and also, their behavior. Mental illnesses
include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, bipolar depression and
addictive behaviors (WHO, 2014). Considering Georgia’s symptoms from the case study, it is
clear that she has a social anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can be classified into four
categories. They include; panic disorder whereby a feeling of terror strikes at random; social
anxiety disorder where one has a social phobia; specific phobias and; generalized anxiety
disorder (Uher et al, 2013). Given the descriptions, Georgia’s case includes both social and panic
disorders. The two disorders are usually evidenced by symptoms like palpitations, shortness of
breath, chest pains, sleep problems and fear (Versella et al, 2016). She experiences these in the
event of an assignment or examinations.
Various factors including biological factors, life experiences and a family background of
mental health problems contribute makes one likely to develop mental illnesses (Gambini, 2016).

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All humans are genetically vulnerable to developing mental illness which may be triggered by
different stress experience levels in one’s life. Common triggers for mental disorder include for
instance, drug abuse, work-related stress, relationship stress, and cases of traumatic events
(Versella et al, 2016). It is evident that Georgia’s case is similar to that of her mother as they
both present with anxiety and the inability to cope with the disorder. The condition is thus
genetic in a way considering this similarity in symptoms and signs. The anxiety disorder arises
from Georgia’s stress due to school-related workload. The condition has also made it difficult for
her to concentrate in her studies as it presents with panic, worry, a lack of concentration and
withdrawal from one’s social life.
Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
Early warning signs of anxiety disorder according to Uher et al (2013) include insomnia;
where there the affected individual experiences little or no sleep as it is in Georgia’s case. She
finds it difficult to sleep and also wakes up very exhausted. Another early warning sign of this
particular disorder includes the tendency to be often exhausted (Greener, 2014). Thirdly as
described in Versella et al (2016), withdrawal from social life and the tendency to want to be in
isolation is also a sign of social anxiety disorder. The patient in the case study has not seen her
friends for four weeks because she their declines invitation. The social anxiety has also seen her
avoid any romantic relationships for about two years (School of Nursing & Midwifery, 2017).
The feelings of exhaustion particularly make individuals with the social anxiety disorder to be
unable to perform daily tasks (Wright et al, 2016). Having been overwhelmed by the workload in
her studies, Georgia decides to change from full-time to part-time in the current semester.
Difficulty in concentration is also a clear indication of social anxiety disorder. In her studies too,
Georgia finds it difficult to concentrate in her class work and inability to complete her

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assignments. According to Versella et al (2016) anxiety disorder presents with panic and worry.
Georgia has been described to be always panicky and worried whenever there is an assignment
or an exam indicating that she has the disorder. In addition, individuals with the disorder also
present with shortness of breath, increased heart rate and a sense of impending doom (Wright et
al, 2016). More warning signs for individuals with anxiety disorder according Asakura (2015)
include unusual confusion or anger or fear, severe mood swings, change in eating habits that are
had not been nutritionally advised and unexplained pain.
The relationship between physical health and mental health
Physical health and mental health are both critical determinants of an individual’s general
health (Shioiri, 2015). Determination of an individual’s health and well-being relies on the state
of both their mental and physical health. According to the World Health Organization (2014),
health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity. This definition therefore indicates that physical health just like mental health
guarantees the complete state of well-being. Some mental conditions have been associated with
chronic physical conditions (Bhattacharya & Sambamoorthi, 2013). Chronic diseases like cancer
and heart disease may cause withdrawal from social interactions and is highly associated with
depression. Such conditions may also make it difficult to diagnose and assess mental health
illnesses like depression according to Depression and Anxiety Issue Information (2017). Also,
mental illness poses a high risk of experiencing chronic physical conditions. Similarly, chronic
physical illnesses increase the risk of developing mental ill-health. Mental fatigue particularly
contributes to physical withdrawal from activities as is in the case of social anxiety disorder.
While mental fatigue does not impact on the performance of the heart and/or muscles, it
influences the perception of performance of different activities (Spielberg et al, 2014). In view

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of Georgia’s case, it is evident that she is mentally fatigued from the workload of her studies.
This has resulted to her always being tired physically thus unable to perform her usual daily
activities like early evening walks (School of Nursing & Midwifery, 2017). Her perception of
performance has therefore, been affected.
Another relationship between physical and mental health can be seen from the
examination of the connection between one’s physical health and anxiety (Subramaniapillai,
2014). In this regard, mental illness as is the case of anxiety disorder brings about fear, worries
and panic. This makes an individual to physically avoid particular places and also shun from
participating in social activities (Versella et al, 2016). Physical health in itself influences one’s
mental health. Indulging in physical exercises which enhance one’s mood and reduces irritability
shows the positive effect of physical health on mental health (Talbott, 2012). Physical health
problems increase the risk of mental illness. Depression can cause insomnia, fatigue and high
sensitivity to pain resulting from abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters. It is thus rational to
conclude that mental health goes hand in hand with the physical health of an individual.
Personal recovery
There are different ways that individuals with social anxiety disorder can manage to
achieve personal recovery through reconciling physical and mental health determinants within
their environment. According to Fang et al (2013), participation in regular body exercise is
highly recommended in improving one’s mental health. Exercise helps the body to release
hormones like endorphins and serotonin which reduces anxiety and depression. Therefore,
Georgia is highly advised to take up daily exercise routines in order to release the pressures of
class work load that will cause her to relax and be able to do more and better in her studies.
Secondly, according to Singh (2016), a healthy diet increases brain function and provides energy

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that reduces the possibility of developing fatigue. It has been shown that diets with low nutrients
tend to increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Since proper dieting is advised, skipping
meals should be discouraged as it contributes to fatigue and irritability due to surges in stress
hormones (Singh, 2016). Georgia lives alone in a flat and this poses a high risk of unhealthy
eating. It makes her more likely to eat snacks which are particularly low on balanced nutrient
content. It is therefore, important that she gets support from friends and family members in order
to always maintain healthy eating habits.
Thirdly, personal recovery for anxiety disorder as well as other mental health cases
requires individuals to have a normal uninterrupted sleep (Asakura, 2015). Lack of enough sleep
is often associated with stress, anxiety and depression as seen in Georgia’s case. In cases of
insomnia, one is advised to relax before bed, lower the intake of caffeine or have a strict sleep
schedule(Singh, 2016). In Georgia’s case, it is advised that she should keep a strict sleep
schedule for her to relax more and reduce the fatigue. She should also seek foe medication in
order to be treated for insomnia.
Lastly, it is advisable to always reach out to friends and relatives for social support
according to Fang et al (2013). Georgia has very low support which has made her more
vulnerable to mental illness. Her parents reside in the Country which is far away from her while
her brother is in London. She therefore lacks direct family care and thus brings a feeling of
loneliness. She has also declined invitations from friends which show lack of support from the
friends (School of Nursing & Midwifery, 2017). She therefore should be encouraged to reach out
to her friends and be able to communicate with them on her status and reduce the feeling of
loneliness and dealing with the situation alone. These approaches will be important in solving
her mental and physical ill-health.

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Recognizing and Responding to Mental Health Condition
Mental health illnesses are best diagnosed by a psychiatrist in collaboration with other
healthcare professionals. Since there are no definitive physical tests in the diagnosis of mental
disorders, symptoms and medical history are used to diagnose them (Weeks et al, 2013). Mental
disorders vary in severity and causes thus determining the ways of managing them. Mild
disorders can easily be managed by understanding and providing support to the patient (Fang et
al, 2013). The more severe ones require the attention of psychologists or psychiatrists.
Medications like antidepressants can be used in the treatment of mental illnesses as they
reduce anxiety and depression (Ehrlich & Dannapfel, 2017). Psychotherapy is also necessary to
address the emotional responses to the mental disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy is also
advised; which teaches the patient to recognize triggers of anxiety and change the thought
patterns in order to avoid panic (Asakura, 2015). The specialists should come up with a mental
health care plan. In order to communicate with mentally ill patients it is important to give them
time in order express themselves, and listen to all the verbal and non-verbal ques (Greener,
2014). Therefore, the patient or the care-giver should ensure that the diagnosis of the disorder is
properly done, know the professional support network, have the relevant information about the
disorder and the treatment, know how to give self-care and finally know the danger signs and the
relevant responses. It would be best if Georgia would seek family support to manage the anxiety
disorder with the help of mental health professionals.
Implications of practice of health professionals

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Implications for practice and/or conclusions that can be drawn from this analysis for
health professionals in this field include majorly, the need to adhere to legal and ethical
guidelines. These include policy pieces which are aimed at protecting majorly the patient and the
health professional as well. One of the ethical and legal obligations is the need for confidentiality
in the provision of care. Patients have the right talk to health professionals in complete
confidence(Kress et al, 2013). The health professionals can only breach confidence in very few
circumstances, especially when the patient poses as a threat to his/ her surroundings. The
information of the patient may be given to another person, especially their care givers, with the
consent of the patient. For the case of Georgia, her parents can be given information on her
health status with her permission. The consent according to (Greener, 2014) should be
documented clearly and any changes in its consent should be noted. Secondly, there is the right
to treatment for everyone including those with mental disorders. Every mental illness patient has
the right to access and get assessed, diagnosed and treated. The health professionals have the
duty of giving treatment that will be helpful to the patient.
Further, informed consent in the provision of mental health is an imperative issue for
professional in this field (Kress et al, 2013). It is the duty of the mental health professional to
provide information to the patient regarding the disorder, the treatment options and possible side
effect of the options (Asakura, 2015). This helps the patient to give their medical background
and also make informed decisions regarding management and treatment of the disorder. It is very
important that Georgia is informed of her disorder and the causative agents and well advised on
how to manage it. The health professionals should also be made aware of the medical history and
family background of Georgia given that the mother has a history with anxiety disorder.

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In conclusion, mental health has a significant association with physical health and the two
should not be treated as separate entities but rather use integrated approaches. Mental health
illness can be managed and treated successfully not overlooking the physical health challenges.
Georgia’s case can be managed through social and medical support to avoid severity of the case.

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