Assessment of Client Developmental Status in Mental Health

This document provides an assessment of client developmental status in mental health. It discusses the six stages of human development, the biopsychosocial framework, neuroscience, lifespan perspective, selective optimization with compensation model, child abuse, Erikson's theory, and warning signs of elder abuse. The content is relevant to mental health and provides valuable insights into understanding human development.

HEALTHCARE
MENTAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH 1
ASSESSMENT 2 – CLIENT DEVELOPMENTAL STATUS
1. The six stages of human development are listed and described as follows.
Human Development Level 1 (pre-adult): There is a state of high dependency like a child.
There is an existence of high dependency where an individual cannot take care of himself
well. There is an absence of a plan for future, pro-activeness and individuality (Boyd, Bee
and Johnson, 2015).
Human Development Level 2: The challenge at this stage is to establishing oneself in the
world, competing for an identity in society. There exists high anxiety and level is concerned
with power and self-control. Some of the primary concerns can be listed as getting an
education, getting ahead, making money and others.
Human Development Level 3: Once the need for viability is met in level 2, individuals tend
to relax a little and focus on more social needs, like belonging. There is a tendency to reach
out and get involved in the community. Thus, social concern is the prominent characteristic
of this level.
Human Development Level 4: Once the individual has established viability and knows the
place of belonging in the society, the individual tends to explore one’s own identity at a
deeper level. Thus, the phase can be termed in the word “introspection.” Once the individual
progresses through this phase, there is more selectivity in the ways humans tend to socialize.
Human Development Level 5: level five is concerned with a life mission. After the period of
introspection and clarification of the human values, the individuals are fully prepared to
embrace and comprehend the purpose of our life. The phase is ideal to expand on one's
mission in life.
Human Development Level 6 (age 65+): The last stage can be best described by the word
“self-acceptance.” The individual in this stage enters into a rare, self-actualized state of being
where one is actually in peace with themselves. The peace can be defined in terms of being
comfortable in one’s own skin, beyond internal strife and conflict and beyond the need for
approval from society.
2.
Area of
Development
Age Name of Stage Describe what you
would expect to

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observe
Cognitive 0- 17 Childhood and
adolescence.
The individual
learns to
communicate,
learn, develops
habits, hobbies, and
personal
relationships.
Social and
emotional
development
18-40 Young adult,
middle-aged adult
The development is
more on the lines of
interaction with
other individuals,
career building,
maintain societal
relationships.
Moral development Old Adult The person
engages more into
introspection, is
comfortable with
one's own being,
and is fully aware
of oneself.
Psychosexual
development
Birth- Death Childhood,
adolescence, adult
and old age adults.
Physical changes
occur till puberty
hits, emotional
changes occur after
puberty and mature
till death, as per the
surroundings.
3. The Biopsychosocial framework gives an insight into the recurring issues of a person’s
human development with the aid of four forces namely the biological forces,
sociocultural forces, the life cycle forces and psychological forces (Eisenberg, Spinrad,
1and Knafo Noam, 20 5). The nature-nurture issue involves the degree of influence of‐
genetics and the environment on human development. These are referred to as the
mutually interactive influences, the combination of which impact human development.
The continuity and discontinuity are aimed to explain the changes in
human development. The forces determine whether the same explanations are

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collectively known as continuity or different explanations collectively called as the
discontinuity must be used for the explanation of changes over time in the humans
1(M e lc he rt, 20 5). In the issue of c onte xt-spe c if ic de ve lopm e nt a nd
universal applicability, the question is to determine where the development in the
different human beings follows the same path or there is an influence of sociocultural
context (Kail and Cavanaugh, 2018).
4.
Life cycle stage name Life cycle stage description
1. Infant These are aged from 0 to 1 year, have significant relations
with the mother. The most prominent psychosocial virtues are
hope and faith (Klimstra, 2013). Further, the psychosocial
crisis includes trust vs. mistrust.
2. Toddler Toddlers are aged from 2- 3 years old, have vital relations
with the parents. The psychosocial virtues of this age group
are the will and determination, and the crisis faced are
autonomy vs. shame and doubt.
3. Preschooler The age group of 3-6 years old fall in this category. The
significant relations are developed with the whole family, by
this age. The psychosocial virtues of this age group can be
stated to be purpose and courage. In addition, the crisis is
initiative vs. guilt.
4. S c hool-a g e c hild The school-age child are from 7-12 years old. These have
strong relationships with neighbourhood and school (Batra,
2013). By this age, the psychosocial virtues have developed
into the competence, together with the crisis to be the industry
vs. inferiority.
5. Adolescent Adolescents refer to the individuals of the age group of 12- 18
years old. The psychosocial crisis of this age group is the
Ego-identity vs. role-confusion. In addition, the prominent
psychosocial virtues are the fidelity, loyalty.
6. Young adult Young adults refer to the age group of 20-45 years old. The
significant psychosocial virtue is love, together with the crisis
of intimacy vs. isolation.
7. Middle-aged adult The middle-aged adults refer to the individuals aged between
30- 65 years old. The psychosocial virtue developed in the age
group is the care. The crisis faced by this age group is the
generativity vs. self-absorption (Hutteman, Hennecke, Orth,
Reitz and Specht, 2014).

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8. Old adult The last age group is that of the old adults that are aged above
50 and face the psychosocial crisis of integrity vs. despair.
The noticeable virtue of this age group is wisdom.
5. Neuroscience is a traditional branch of Biology that deals with the study of the nervous
system. It is significant to note that the maturity of perceptual, cognitive and motor functions
in a human being together with the significant experience leading to physical and mental
changes from birth to adulthood, are termed as the developmental process of a human being
and a great area of interest of medical practitioners across the globe (Cozolino, 2014). In
order to understand the developmental process, the study of behavioural changes is not
sufficient and must be combined with a comprehensive understanding of the development of
the brain. The development of the brain further comprises of two elements namely the
“structure” and “function” of the brain (Baron-Cohen, Tager-Flusberg and Lombardo, 2013).
Developmental cognitive neuroscience, together with the non-invasive neuroimaging
technology have been proving to be a significant aid in the measurement and imaging of the
brain, thereby leading to an examination of brain activities (Bassett and Sporns, 2017). Thus,
it would be right to state that neuroimaging investigations of the development of the human
brain provides valuable knowledge about human brain development, which the behavioural
studies fail to offer.
6. Life span perspective model is one of the widely known methods for studying and
understanding human development. Lifespan development model establishes behaviour
patterns in human beings. These behaviour patterns develop through the interaction of
hereditary characteristics and the external and internal environments (Lerner and Busch-
Rossnagel, 2013). Thus, every individual develops its uniqueness and possess the same
because of the above.
According to the model, human development is viewed as a multi-dimensional process
instead of a continuous and consistent process (Baltes, Featherman and Lerner, 2014). The
four key features involved in the model are listed as follows. Human development is multi-
directional, which means that there are different paths for the developmental changes and not
a single solid path. Human development is multi-cultural and takes into account the diverse
and numerous cultures. Further, the human development is multidisciplinary and occurs
through the vari3d range of social, cognitive and biological factors surrounding a human
being. In addition to the above, human development is multi-contextual and adapts its

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processes and components from the physical and social environments throughout their
lifespan. Hence, various aspects direct an individual’s development throughout the span of
life and the same are known to be consistent in the majority of individuals.
7. The Selective Optimization with Compensation model is majorly used in older adults in
order to improve health and wellbeing in the in older adults and is popularly known as the
model for successful aging (Demerouti, Bakker and Leiter, 2014). These three elements are
aimed at maximization of gains and minimization of losses that are associated with the aging
process. The model follows a number of basic assumptions such as listed as follows. The first
and foremost assumption is that the development in the seniors or the aged individuals
comprises developmental trajectories of growth that is the gains (for instance, the acquisition
of language) and decline or the losses (for instance the decline in health in old age) (Schmitt,
Zacher and Frese, 2012). The next assumption under this model is that there is a finite
number of internal and external resources are, at each point of the life of the human beings
(Zacher, Chan, Bakker and Demerouti, 2015). Lastly, the interaction of the person with his
personal or environmental characteristics determine the influence of the gains and losses.
It is significant to note that the model believes and states that there are numerous age-related
changes in human beings, in the light of availability and efficiency of resources. The ratio of
gains to losses can be explained as follows. It is less positive because the increasing age tends
to draw more resources and that too in an exhaustive manner as compared to the
replenishment of the same (Scholz, König, Eicher and Martin, 2015). The replenishment is
known to be less often with increasing age. With the increasing age, there is observed less
effective genetic material, less influencing expressions in order to develop and maintain high
levels of body and mind functioning in this age group of people. In addition, it is essential to
note that the younger members of the society get more opportunities as compared to the elder
members which hinders their development even more.
Thus, while the selection stage refers to the development, elaboration, and commitment to
personal goals, the optimization stage refers to the acquisition, application and refinement of
goal-relevant means, to achieve the desired outcomes in light of the available resources. The
compensation calls for the maintenance of positive functioning in spite of the losses, thus
leading to successful aging.
8. Child abuse refers to the physical, emotional, sexual and/or psychological maltreatment to
the children by the parent or the caregiver and involves the neglect. The Biopsychosocial
framework involves the consideration of three main forces namely the biological (brain,
endocrine functioning and genetics), psychological (both emotional and cognitive systems,

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including the responses), and social (spanning perceptions of self to social settings) forces
(Carr, 2015). In terms of the biological forces, the social abuse in the children can be traced
in the form of neglect such as withholding food, clothing, shelter, or other necessities form
the children. The emotional abuse can be stated to be neglect of the children and withholding
emotional necessities such as the love, care, comfort or affection. Lastly, the biological abuse
calls for sexual abuse and activities like sexual contact, inappropriate touching and injuring
the sexual parts are included herein.
9. According to Erikson, individuals go through various chains of stages centred on social
and emotional development. Erikson has established his thoughts into the belief that the
close and committed relationships play a vital role in the lives of the people when they
enter adulthood stage (Jones, Vaterlaus, Jackson and Morrill, 2014). Intimacy is defined
to be the feelings of emotional closeness of one person towards another. In addition,
intimacy encompasses a desire to share the innermost thoughts and feelings with each
other. According to Erikson, intimacy is essential to form successful adult relationships,
thereby meaning to lead toward longer-term commitments with someone other than the
family members of an individual. Moreover, Erikson states that the successful virtues of
fidelity and love can only emerge from successful psychosocial stage resolutions of
identity and intimacy (Cherry, 2017). Thus, it can be stated that intimacy is prerequisite to
forming adult relationships.
10. (a) Some of the warning signs that depict the fact that an elder is being abused or
neglected are listed as follows. The physical signs include the unexplained signs of injury,
such as bruises, scars, or welts; broken or the dislocated bones, sprains; Broken
eyeglasses or frames; a report of a drug overdose, and failure to take the administered
medicines (Hoover and Polson, 2014). The above listed are some of the primary physical
signs that describe mental deterioration and emotional and mental abuse on the part of the
elders. Some of the emotional warning signs of the abuse that can be found in elders that
depicts the abusive behaviour are belittling, threatening, or controlling the behaviour of
the caregiver. Some of the neglecting signs in the elders are dehydration, unusual weight
loss, untreated physical problems, such as bed sores, desertion of the elder at a public
place, unsuitable clothing or covering as per the weather, elders living in unsafe
conditions, and others (Bond and Butler, 2013). Some of the signs of financial
exploitation are suspicious changes in the wills and policies of elders, significant
withdrawals from the accounts of the elders, and other such activities. Lastly, some health

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care fraud signs in the elder abuse poorly trained, poorly paid, or insufficient staff,
evidence of overmedication or under-medication and likewise.
(b) It is saddening yet essential to note that the likely abusers of the elder abuse and the
neglect are the closed ones and the ones who are in close proximity of the elders (Lachs
and Pillemer, 2015) The most likely abuser is known to be the family members of the
abused. The second most likely abusers are known to be the caregivers and the relatives
of the elder who too are in the close emotional and physical presence of the elders. One of
the prime reasons that turn these closed persons into the abusers is that they are tired of
dealing with the physical illness of the elder and are tired of taking care of them
(Johannesen and LoGiudice, 2013). Thus, the psychological and personal stress of the
abuser is known to be the prime reasons for them turning into abusers.
©Elder abuse is inclusive of the physical, emotional, or sexual harm that has been
inflicted upon an older adult. In addition, it includes the neglect of the welfare of such
individuals by the persons that are directly responsible for their care, majorly known to be
the family members. Further, financial exploitation also forms the part of elder abuse. The
following instances further lead to the establishment of the fact that an elder is being
abused. Firstly, the abuse can be in the form of physical abuse which comprises of
activities like physical assaults such as hitting, causing physical pain to them, injury, or
impairment (Dong, 2015). Secondly, emotional abuse and neglecting can be in the form
of causing emotional or psychological pain or distress to the elders. The emotional pain
can be caused by the behaviours like causing them humiliation, Habitual scapegoating or
blaming, ignoring their needs, isolating an elder from their friends or close family
members, terrorizing or menacing the elderly person, and causing Intimidation through
yelling or threats (Dong and Simon, 2013). The sexual abuse is the third and vital element
of the overall abuse to the elders. This includes entering into sexual acts with the elderly
persons without their consent or showing an elderly person pornographic material, or acts
like undressing them and others. Thus, together these activities constitute the elder abuse,
and if the same is known to be inflicted upon an elder, it is established that they are
abused.
In addition to the above, the failure to fulfil their caretaking obligation, be it intentional or
unintentional falls in the category of elder neglect.

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MENTAL HEALTH 9
Assignment 3- WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH
ISSUES
1) History of mental health
The mental health disease affects numbers of humans in Australia and it is observed that
around one in five individuals suffers from mental health infections (Schmied et. al, 2013).
The evolution of the mental health has not been progressive and in 1984 the National Health
Service identified the problem of mental health. Moreover, it is growing rapidly and many
Australian adults and Childers are suffering from mental health diseases. The world health
organization treated the mental health issue and provided reports and data every year.
Moreover, the rate of mental health has increased by 34% between 2015 and 2018.
2) Attitudes have changed towards mental health
The mental health is a very common illness which is growing day by day and many
individual’s attitudes have changed towards mental health. Between 1060 and 1070 when
numbers of individuals were faced the mental health was limited but today it was treated by
humans as a private matter. Moreover, NHS collected the views of patients and individuals
about mental health and analysed that most individuals think that mental health is a very
common disease which can be easily reduced. A recent survey about mental health evaluated
that most Australians believe that many individuals with the mental health issue have
enhanced over the past 20 years and they observed that it is a very serious problem
(Lawrence et. al, 2015). Around 45% of individuals responded that mental health is a very
dangerous problem and it required proper treatment and medicines.
3) Myths about mental illness
There are major following myths about mental illness:
Myth 1: Mental illnesses will never affect me.
It is a common myth among individuals that the mental illness would not affect them
(Corrigan, 2016). However, All of consumers and adults can be affected due to the mental
health illness. A recent study about health illness evaluated that one in five individuals will
suffer from the issue of health illness. An individual may not experience mental health issues
but it is very likely that a child or family member will experience challenges and this issue.
Myth2: Mental illness is an excuse for poor behaviour.

MENTAL HEALTH 10
It is fact the several individuals who experience this issue may act in a way that they are
unexpected from others. Consumer requires to remember that the problem not individual is
behind such kind of behaviours (Szasz, 2013).
4) Facts about mental illness
Fact 1: around 20% of the world adults and children were suffered from the mental
illness issue
It is observed that around half of the mental illness starts before the 14 year and many
children suffer from this health disease (Corrigan, Druss and Perlick, 2014). The
neuropsychiatric disease is one of the common health issues which are the leading cause of
worldwide infection in young individuals.
Fact 2: mental and substance use diseases are the major leading cause of health illness
and disability worldwide
It is analysed that around 23 per cent of individuals every year suffer from a disability and
mental illness because the infection is caused by mental and substance use disorders.
5) Mental health term
Term Definition
Mental Health Treatment Mental health treatment refers to the process which is used for
patients suffered from mental illness and reduces the rate of illness. It
contains medication, psychological therapy and other processes
(Andrade et. al, 2014).
Case Manager A case manager is defined as the mediator which support and help
individuals to reduce the problem of mental illness. Moreover, it also
provides relevant information about the health illness by which
patients can diagnosis the issue of mental illness.
Community Treatment
Order (CTO)
It is defined as the legal order produced by the mental health tribunal
and it sets a goal in which individuals must follow the medication and
therapy to reduce mental illness.
Self-Harm It is when any consumer intentionally hurts themselves and can
receive numbers of forms.
Suicidal Ideation It is also called as the suicidal thought which is having an unusual
preoccupation with the suicide case.
Involuntary Admission or
Scheduling
It is defined as the legal procedure by which patient can suffer from
the mental health disorder which is ordered by a court.
Voluntary Admission It means entry of an individual into a psychiatric community with her
or his agreement.
Mental Health Crisis
Team
It is defined as a group that provides a platform for individuals who
have a mental health problem.
Informed Consent It is defined as a practice for getting permission before taking and

MENTAL HEALTH 11
producing a health care intervention on a health-illness patient.
Mandatory Reporting It is defined as a process which is involved in the mental health for
evaluating the legislative requirement imposed on the mental illness
patients.
Duty of Care It is defined as a legal process which is used to ensure the safety and
health of individuals.
Professional Boundaries It is defined as an approach that provides a platform for evaluating the
correlation between patient and any professional.
6) Confidentiality and privacy for client information
It is suggested that companies and consumers can adopt cloud-based services in order to
improve the confidentially and security of clients data files. Moreover, they can adopt the IT
team and provide limited access to private servers by using these processes they can improve
the security of personal information. During disclosing the information to other consumer
companies should ensure that they collect the identity of consumers and should adopt the
high-level security tools like cryptography and biometric recognition.
7) Common mental health diseases
Term Definition Adjustment
7.1 Anxiety Disorder It is defined as the mental health
issue that characterised by the
feeling of worry, and fear which is
enough to interface with the
duality events.
The adjustment that would like to be
made to the definition is that the
consideration of odd behaviours such
as panic attacks and claustrophobic
signs.
7.2 Bi-Polar
Affective/ Mood
Disorder
It is also called manic depression
that characterized by the mood
alteration with a time of both
mania and depression.
The adjustment in practice would be
to include differences in an
individual’s behaviour at work, at
home.
7.3 Delusions It is a part of the mental illness in
which an individual indicates the
delusions but with no
accompanying hallucinations.
The adjustment would be to include
the extreme negative thoughts about
closed ones.
7.4 Depression It is defined as the mental illness
characterized by the persistently
depressed mood and it affects the
daily life activities.
The adjustment would be to include
signs of extreme introversion and
narcissist behaviour.
7.5 Hallucination In such kind of health, disorder
patient contains the apparent
The adjustment would include

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perception of something which is
actually not present.
extreme emotional instability.
7.6 Manic Episode It is a very common health
disorder which is linked with the
episodes of mood or behaviour
that swings from the low
depressive to large manic.
The adjustment would be made in
the form of inclusion of the activities
such as the aggression, crying, self-
harm and disorganised behaviour.
7.7 Obsessive
Compulsive
Disorder
It is defined as the mental health
issue and it is observed that
individuals with this disease can
have either obsessive thoughts or
repetitive natures.
As a practitioner, the adjustment
would include comprising and watch
out for the signs of food aversion and
nightmares.
7.8 Paranoia Term paranoia is a kind of though
procedure which is mainly
influenced through fear and often
to the opinion of irrationality.
The occurrence of nightmares,
repeated feelings of betrayal would
be watched out for and to be
included in the definition.
7.9 Personality
Disorder
In such kind of health disease
patients as a rigid and unhealthy
structure of thinking and
behaving. It mainly starts in early
adulthood or teenage year’s
adults.
Mirroring the personality changes as
per the person with whom one is
interacting is one of the inclusions.
7.1
0
Schizophrenia It is defined as the mental health
illness, which impacts on the
individual's ability to think, their
behaviour and feeling.
The states like mental confusion,
hearing voices, feeling detached
from self, often mental and
emotional fatigue would be included.
8) Iatrogenic effect
When any medical process or treatment produces a fresh mental health disorder then it is
considered as the iatrogenic and their effects called the iatrogenic effect. It is observed that an
iatrogenic effect can either complicate human current medical situation or cause mental
health problems which are not related to their disorder (Parry, Crawford and Duggan, 2016).
Such kind of problem is rarely intentional and the consumer can suffer from another health
disease. It can be caused by any kind of medical oversights and occur at the time of medical
treatment.
9) Iatrogenic effects of mediation
It is observed that the aggregation of large risk individual may enhance the antisocial nature
which also produces the iatrogenic effect due to the mediation process. Using multiple

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medications it is evaluated that deviancy process at the time of group treatment can increase
the rate of iatrogenic effect in patients. The last third iatrogenic effect of mediation is that the
grouping of individuals for intervention can produce the problem of iatrogenic effect. For
example, grouping adolescent consumer together may be harmful and it increases the
iatrogenic effect by increasing the social norm to get the drug in these groups. Therefore, all
these three iatrogenic effects of mediation consumers may come across in their work.

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CASE STUDY 1: GINA AND JOE
The framework of recovery-oriented practice includes eight stages and the same are divided
into good practices and leadership practices (State Government Victoria, 2019).
Recovery-oriented practice How might you use the framework?
1.1 Promoting a culture of
hope
Gina: Would highlight progress using the
affirmative language.
Joe: Would seek and share other people’s story of
recovery and note behaviours and events that
signal improvements and remind Joe of these.
1.2 Promoting autonomy and
self-determination
Gina: Would seek feedback from Gina for
accessing the services and her mother to inform
about the ongoing practice. Would also engage in
ongoing dialogue to inquire about their
experiences and wishes.
Joe: Would assist him to make informed decisions
about their mental health care by providing
information, resources and other support. Would
also engage in ongoing dialogue to inquire about
their experiences and wishes.
1.3 Fostering collaborative
partnerships and
meaningful engagement
Gina: Would support her to make sense of her
familiarities and to find positive sense in the
ongoing progress. Would also engage in creating a
friendly professional relationship by citing life
own's life examples.
Joe: Would work in accordance with his cultural
identity and values, and would also work towards
the triggers of the drug relapse and unwellness.
Would also engage in creating a friendly
professional relationship by citing life owns life
examples.
1.4 Focusing on strengths Gina: Would assist Gina to tap into existing
strengths of hope, positive attitude and resilience,
as the same has worked well for her in the past.
Joe: Would encourage self-sufficiency in
accordance with his wishes. Would encourage him
to play Rugby and join local trainer for the same.
1.5 Delivery of holistic and Combined answer: Would support both Gina and
Joe enjoy their full physical health and would

MENTAL HEALTH 15
personalised care network with the non-mental-health service
providers, in supporting their needs.
1.6 Family, carers, support
people and significant
others
Gina: Listen to her mother and would model
recovery-oriented behaviours and language in
front of her mother.
Joe: Communicate that it is a standard practice to
see the family members in the treatment, if Joe
doesn't approve with that, it will be respected. In
the case he does not approves, further revisiting to
his preferences would be done and it would be
tried to understand why non-involvement of a
family member is preferred at first place.
1.7 Community participation
and citizenship
Gina: Will support her close relationship with
mother and would make efforts to support and
facilitate access to the community by involving
activity such as making her call a long forgotten
friend of hers.
Joe: Awareness about cultural, social and
historical factors is vital. In addition, access
towards community would be attempted by taking
him for admission in a local Rugby training camp.
1.8 Responsiveness to
diversity
Gina: Would try and understand personal values if
any that may hinder the practice, would also
inquire about people's background and cultural
needs.
Joe: Understand how Samoan culture differs from
that if Australia, would use non-technical
language and utilise the services of an interpreter
when necessary, would also inquire about people's
background and cultural needs.
1.9 Reflection and learning. Combined answer: Would undertake regular team-
based reviews of work to discuss emergent
difficulties and showcase progress and would seek
professional support and supervision to examine
one’s own approach.
1.10 How will you review the
plan
Combined answer: Would seek peer supervision,
embrace opportunities for innovation in terms of
going out of comfort zone of set practices, and
would seek continuous feedback from the clients
to be informed of and inculcate quality
improvement.

MENTAL HEALTH 16
1.11 What are some basic
communication and
relationship-building
strategies that you would
use to facilitate strong,
positive relationships?
Demonstrate these in your
role play
Retaining and talking about the hobbies, habits,
preferences and interests of the clients. Encourage
staff to communicate transparently with the
clients. Incorporate good collaborative practices
by involving staff, clients and their family
members. Support the clients in accessing the
health services available.

MENTAL HEALTH 17
CASE STUDY 2: CLAIRE
Question Answer
2.1 Claire believes she has been
stigmatised and discriminated
against in her place of work.
How do you think this would
have made Claire feel?
The situation that has been demonstrated in the
workplace mentions the aspect of inequality or
discrimination. The case study represented the issue
of workplace bullying under which Claire faced a
number of issues. Therefore, in the context of this
case, the client, i.e. Claire felt very low and anxious
in the workplace due to the negative behaviour or
attitude of the people towards herself. This has been
a crucial and depressing issue for the client, due to
the problem of unhealthy work-environment, and
discrimination.
Moreover, she would have developed a negative
attitude towards people or boss in her office. Thus,
it became a serious issue, which needs to be
resolved to improve her performance. Workplace
bullying or negative behaviour towards employees
is one of the common and major concern, as it leads
to a number of different consequences to the person
or employee.
2.2 In her conversation with Claire,
the youth worker uses some of
Claire’s own language and
terminologies, such as the term
‘check out chick.’ What benefit
does this bring to the
relationship between the youth
worker and the client?
The case study represents the aspect of discussion or
session of the support worker or youth worker to the
client, Claire. The case represents that the youth
worker is the person who asked Claire about the
problems she faced the problems in the workplace.
The use of “check out chick” which was the words
of the client has been used, as they will benefit
them. It would lead to a positive impact on their
relationship, i.e. between the support worker and
Claire. This is because a good relationship will
bring clarity amongst them, and the youth worker
will be able to understand her problem and provide
effective solutions to her.
2.3 Which items on the list below would you negotiate with Claire and which would you
leave? Explain your decision.
• Claire's refusal to have a
shower
This aspect, in this case, is to be left because, it is a
secondary aspect, or it can be stated that it is not
significant like other aspects. Relating to the case,
Claire's refusal to have a shower is not important in the
context of the case. The mental health issues

MENTAL HEALTH 18
represented through the client's case need first
medications, therapies and other aspects related to the
improvement in her health. Thus, it is a secondary
aspect, which needs to be considered importance after
the other issues have been resolved.
• Claire not wanting to
look for another job
This aspect is also secondary to the problem represented
in the case, as looking for another job is not a major
concern. Working in the same office or workplace can
be improved and it will lead to the betterment of the
situation.
• Claire stopping taking
her medication
This aspect is to be negotiated in the sense that the
concern for stopping taking medications is important.
The case represented the issue of a mental health
problem of Claire therefore, it is important to be
negotiated. There were some aspects, or elements,
which were highlighted to describe the situation and
the problem of Claire.
Negotiating meant to describe and explain her
importance of taking proper medications on time. This
is important because medicines will help her recover
from mental health issues. Stopping taking medicines
or treatment is negative to the recovery from the
problems and stress in her daily life as well as work-
life. Depression and stress resulted from the issue of
workplace stress or bullying behaviour requires the
person to emphasize on taking medicines, and other
therapies to recover. This will help her improve her
health and overall wellbeing.
• Claire refusing to see
the psychiatrist.
It is important for the client to attend to the
psychiatrist, as it will benefit her understanding of the
causes and impacts of the issue. If she will refuse to
attend the psychiatrist or doctors, it would lead to a
long-term health issue. The problem of mental health
issues requires proper medications and therapies which
will be fulfilled by a psychiatrist. They will understand
her problem and guide her well in taking the right steps
towards improving her health condition.
2.4 Explain: (a) how you would
communicate with Claire and
Developing an interpersonal relationship with the
victim or people facing issues at the workplace is
important. The aspect of the interpersonal

MENTAL HEALTH 19
(b) list some of the questions
you would ask her and (c)
explain why you would ask that
question.
relationship is essential due to the reason that it will
enhance communication. (A)Therefore, I would
communicate with Claire developing a friendly
relation and asking her about all her problems in her
personal life as well as professional life. This would
develop her mutual feeling of trust and
understanding with me and she will be able to share
her problem easily.
(b)A number of questions I would ask her questions
about her family, and the reason behind why the
people in the organisation called her by those
names. In addition, the reason what led to the
occurrence of these problems.
2.5 What is the major concern in
this situation?
The major concern or issue, which has represented
in this case, is ‘discrimination' or workplace
bullying behaviour of the employers or managers.
This behaviour of employers has created a negative
impact on her health, especially mental health
issues. The organisations nowadays are concerned
with the maximisation of profits and revenues, and
in this way, they ignore the issue of mental health of
their employees.
2.6 How would you respond to
Claire’s crisis? What would you
ask her?
The crisis of Claire is critical as it involved the
aspects of her health condition. This would be
responded in a manner, which will show a positive
attitude towards understanding her problems. I
would ask her about the way she feels working in
the organisation, and the way she built her
relationships with the people, peers and other
working in the organisation.
2.7 If you were to make a referral
for Claire who would you make
it to?
The first referral is suggested to be a qualified
psychiatrist.
The second referral would be made to employers that
are suited to Claire as per her interest and work
experiences.
The last referral (if preference to take the step) would
be made to the lawyers practising in the lines of
discriminatory practices at work.
2.8 Write a report for your
supervisor on what occurred
during the visit.
In the report, outline to the
Subject: Regarding the visit to Claire, being patient
number _______.
Chief Issues: Workplace discrimination on account of
health issues.

MENTAL HEALTH 20
supervisor what follow up
support and debriefing you
require as well as what you are
doing to take care of yourself.
Write this report, adding extra
details as necessary.
Modes used to determine the issue: Talking in her
language and making her at ease to talk about the whole
incident.
Key Findings: Negative attitude towards life, medicines
and regular habits.
Negotiated on: Importance of taking medicines and
visiting a psychiatrist.
Conclusion: Would encourage and support her to get
back to work and would provide her therapy to
understand that mental illness is a societal stigma but
one needs to face, understand and treat it, to get past the
same.

MENTAL HEALTH 21
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