Mental Health: Assessment, Promotion, and Review

This article discusses mental health assessment, promotion, and review. It also covers the impact of cultural factors on service delivery and the steps taken by Australia to preserve and pay respect to the Aboriginal people. The article includes a case study and major project assessment.

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1MENTAL HEALTH
Scenario:
The first service should be for recovery from mental health issue. The client could be
referred to Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services in Aboriginal
Australia. The service could help Nicole to improve his mental health condition as it provides
service to help the aboriginals to meet the requirements of improved mental health and social
well-being. Effective method and principles are used in the practice to help the aboriginals
during mental health problem, thus it can be said that Nicole would be benefited by using this
service (sewbmh.org.au 2018). Next service is the Australian Red Cross service that helps
aboriginal people that are homeless. The service providers have introduced program for the
people that are homeless and help them to establish connection with community and help to
sustain housing so that they could avoid homelessness (redcross.org.au 2018). This service
could help the client to resolve the issue of homelessness. Another service is the Drug and
Alcohol Awareness Rehabilitations Centre. The service mainly focuses on alcohol
rehabilitation thus could help the client to get rid of alcohol abuse (Soccio et al. 2015). 1800
Respect is an organization that provides information regarding violence and assist people to
support aboriginal people that are suffering from violence. The organization could help
Nicole to access service for surviving domestic violence (1800respect.org.au 2018). Such
services are appropriate for aboriginal people in Australia and as the client is also belongs to
aboriginal community it is expected that Nicole is willing to engage in the services and
improve her mental health and well-being effectively.
Case study:
Assessing physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of the client:

2MENTAL HEALTH
The mental health support workers need to consider the physical health condition such
as vital signs, chronic disease and nutritional condition as well. It could help to identify the
major physical issues that have created concern within the patient (Steptoe, Deaton and Stone
2015). For social well-being the staffs need to consider contribution in the wider community,
social support, education and economy. It could help to recognize the contribution of such
social factors in the development of poor mental health (Touchton and Wampler 2014).
During emotional well-being assessment the support workers should consider the interaction
with family and friends, thought process, level of stress and depression. It could help to find
out effective interventions to reduce the effect of such factors (Ryff 2014). In addition,
cultural and religious beliefs of the client need to be consider during spiritual well-being
assessment to identify the cultural influence in the poor mental health (Steptoe, Deaton and
Stone 2015). It is important to use informed consent to help the client to understand the
importance of such assessment and get the consent of the client for further treatment. Such
ethical and legal activities could help to avoid litigations or ethical issues (Cannaerts,
Gastmans and Casterlé 2014).
Promoting well-being to the client:
In order to promote well-being the support workers need to use adequate recovery
oriented mental health practice to help the patient to get rid of poor mental health. The
support workers could focus on the hobbies of the patient and identify the strength and
weaknesses of the patient. Using the information they could help the patient to set proper
personal goals. Utilising the occupational therapy the supporters could help the client to
achieve personal goals. Psychological therapy, medication and education about mental well-
being is also important. In such way the supporters could promote the well-being effectively
(who.int 2018). Ethical consideration such as consent form the client and family need to be
consider in this case. Furthermore the workers should provide respect to the dignity and

3MENTAL HEALTH
autonomy of the patient to avoid legal or ethical issues (Cannaerts, Gastmans and Casterlé
2014).
Reviewing the client’s well-being:
In order to review the mental well-being of the patient the support workers could
arrange face to face interview with the client. Assessment of the physical health and mental
health could be done after the treatment in order to identify the effectiveness of the treatment.
Feedback from the client and family could be taken to understand the well-being of the
patient (Ryff 2014). Nursing ethics such as confidentiality about the interviewee and
feedback need to be maintained in this review process (Cannaerts, Gastmans and Casterlé
2014).
Reflecting the well-being of the staffs and work practice during working with clients:
The mental health support workers should maintain their well-being in order to
remain healthy and provide adequate support to the people with need. This is important
because it has been found that in many cases the support workers get affected due to the
severe condition of some patient and suffer from distress. In some severe condition the
workers may suffer from vicarious trauma. Thus the workers need to focus on their own
mental health and help the patient through maintaining the limit of involvement in the work
and workplace (Hernandez-Wolfe et al. 2015).
Major project assessment:
The historical, social, political and economic issues affecting Aboriginal and/or TSI
people:

4MENTAL HEALTH
The aboriginal people face enormous health, social and cultural issues that have
affected their lives in an effective manner. The issues including social disadvantage,
discrimination, major health issues, mental illness, increased mortality rate and others. One of
the main causes of such issue is European settlement (Gray and Tesfaghiorghis 2018). It has
introduced violence and conflict within the people. The population was exposed to various
diseases and such conditions have led to the consequence of death as well. One of the major
impacts of European settlement was their loss of culture and lands. During settlement the
colonial government has started to capture the lands of aboriginals and sell them to the white
settlers. Thus, they have to resettle in new place and adjusted with new environment that has
affected their health and cultural background as well (pmc.gov.au 2018). On the other hand
racism and discrimination play an important role to affect the lives of aboriginals. 16 to 97%
aboriginals have reported of social discrimination. Discrimination in the transport, education,
employment and social status have impact negatively on the aboriginals. The situation has led
to the loss of both economic and ideological power (Gray and Tesfaghiorghis 2018). They
have lost control over resources, production, demand and distribution. Such conditions have
led to the various social disadvantages and health issues that resulted in death (Castellano
2014). Government has introduced several effective policies for aboriginals such as policy for
assimilation, rights, health and social services, but they are not adequate (pmc.gov.au 2018).
Thus, development of new policies and improvement in the existing policies are required to
address the health, social and cultural issues of aboriginals.
Engagement with community services and health systems:
The aboriginal peoples are found to be participated in the community service and
health service in an effective manner. Different community service related to social and
health factors have been found. For example, engagement in the disability service, aged care,
mental health, nutritional program and disease management has been found. In addition

5MENTAL HEALTH
community service such as education, substance abuse, domestic and social violence,
homelessness and others have been identified and the aboriginal people have contributed in
such services to cooperate effectively (Castellano 2014).
Importance of consulting with Aboriginal Elders, organizations and individual during
planning, developing and evaluating service program:
It is important to consult with the Aboriginal Elders, organization and individual as
well during planning for community service program and develop and evaluate the program
in an effective manner. It could help the service providers to identify the major issues within
the community that require immediate action and prioritise the area of development. Such
discussion with the aboriginal people could help to understand the central need of the
population and introduce effective interventions to facilitate the aboriginal people in a better
manner (Castellano 2014).
Impact of religious and spiritual beliefs on well-being:
The religious and spiritual beliefs play a vital role in the development and promotion
of well-being in aboriginal population. The spiritual beliefs of the aboriginals reflect that they
do not discriminate between secular and religious living and human, nature, animals and
other factors of human exertion belong to equal manifestation. Such world view impact
strongly on the well-being of the aboriginal people and help them to accumulate wisdom and
maintain well-being in an effective manner (Castellano 2014).
Importance of cultural safety being integrated in the work and workplace:
Maintaining cultural safety in the workplace especially in case of mental health
service is one of the most important aspects. Cultural safety helps to create work environment
which is physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally safe for the workers and the clients

6MENTAL HEALTH
as well. Cultural safety helps to ensure that there is no challenge of assault and negligence of
individual identity. In addition it helps to hedge the cultural determinants and evaluate the
individual views and values that could affect the service (Pauly et al. 2015).
Factors contributing to the poor health and well-being of the aboriginal people:
There are many potential factors that contribute to the development of poor health
status of indigenous people. Lack of health literacy is one of such factors that leads to
inadequate knowledge and information regarding health, thus restrict the aboriginal people to
access adequate service. Poverty is another factor due to which aboriginal peoples fail to
avail adequate health service (Gray and Tesfaghiorghis 2018). Substance abuse is one of the
main factors that contribute to severe health complications such as chronic diseases and
mental illness. Poor access to the health resources plays a crucial role in the increasing health
issues and mortality rate. Social disadvantages of the aboriginal people are also responsible
for their poor health status (Castellano 2014). Together such factors impact strongly on the
health condition of the aboriginal people and leads to poor health outcomes.
Impact of the cultural factors on service delivery:
Cultural factors impact strongly the service delivery in the aboriginal population. This
is because the cultural factors such as tradition, values, religious and norms influence the
thinking, behaviour and judgement of a group in an effective manner. Cultural factors help to
communicate with people from different cultural background. Thus, make it easy to deliver
service in different cultural groups. Therefore, the culture of aboriginal people play important
role in the access of effective services. On the other hand cultural barriers could affect the
service delivery and restrict it to facilitate the aboriginals (Castellano 2014). Thus, it can be
said that it is important to consider the cultural factors in order to improve the service
delivery and help the aboriginals to enhance their status.

7MENTAL HEALTH
Steps taken by Australia to preserve and pay respect to the Aboriginal people:
In the past 50 years, the Australian government has taken various steps and introduced
effective policies in order to pay respect and improve the status of indigenous people in an
effective manner. The government has declared the rights of the aboriginal people.
Introduced Indigenous advancement Strategy, provided adequate financial support and
ensured the effective management of township as well (australia.gov.au 2018). In order to
improve the health status, mitigate the gap in the health status and address health inequality
the Australian government has introduced Closing the Gap policy (closingthegap.pmc.gov.au
2018). Such steps are appreciable, however, further steps are needed to foster the process.
Presentation:
1st interviewee:
The first interviewee has scored 260 in the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory which
has indicated that the 50% risk of suffering from major health issues induced by stress. The
person has scored 6 in the work life balance quiz that has indicated his ability to control work
life balance but barely and he need to take proper action to manage work life balance and
reduce the effect of work life balance on personal and professional life. He has experienced
marital separation and in order to avoid discussion on it he has changed his job as well. Due
to such changes he has been suffering from major financial issues. Such factors have induced
stress in his life due to which he has little control on his work-life and loss temper easily. I
have told him about the severe impact of such incident on his health and suggested a vacation
as it could refresh his mind and help to start his life with new goals. He has reacted positively
and shown interest to go for a vacation.
2nd interviewee:

8MENTAL HEALTH
The second interviewee has scored low that is 122 in the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress
Inventory which has indicated that she has experienced low amount of life change and she
less vulnerable to the health problems that are induced by stress. On the other hand in work
life balance quiz she has scored 4 which has indicated that she is able to manage her work life
balance but barely. This is because her daughter is only 1 years old and she has been
experiencing major changes in health and lifestyle as well. Due to such condition she has
been suffering from guilt as she could not make time for everything and spend little time with
her family and become exhausted in work. I have suggested her to take proper diet and light
physical activities in order to remain healthy and consume energy for work. I have told her to
prepare a schedule for work and personal life to maintain balance. She has expressed her
interest in my suggestions and has given positive feedback.
3rd interviewee:
The third interviewee has scored 325 in the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory which
has indicated that he has high risk of suffering from major health issues due to excessive
stress according to the Holmes-Rahe prediction model. In the work life balance quiz the
person has scored 2 only which has indicated that his life is out of balance and he needs to
make appropriate changes in order to make equilibrium in work and personal life. The major
reason for such situation is recent death of his wife. Thus he has experienced major life
events which have impacted his life and both the physical and mental health. I have
recommended him for psychotherapy to control mental distress which could help him to
recover from the stress (Ryff 2014). He was not ready to accept my recommendation,
however, after understanding the severity of the situation he has agreed with me.

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References:
1800respect.org.au 2018. Retrieved from
https://www.1800respect.org.au/inclusive-practice/atsi/
australia.gov.au 2018. Retrieved from
https://www.australia.gov.au/about-government/government-and-parliament/indigenous-
policy-and-programs
Cannaerts, N., Gastmans, C. and Casterlé, B.D.D., 2014. Contribution of ethics education to
the ethical competence of nursing students: Educators’ and students’ perceptions. Nursing
ethics, 21(8), pp.861-878.
Castellano, M.B., 2014. Ethics of Aboriginal Research1. Global bioethics and human rights:
Contemporary issues, 273.
closingthegap.pmc.gov.au. 2018. Retrieved from https://closingthegap.pmc.gov.au/
Gray, A. and Tesfaghiorghis, H., 2018. Social indicators of the Aboriginal population of
Australia.
Hernandez-Wolfe, P., Killian, K., Engstrom, D. and Gangsei, D., 2015. Vicarious resilience,
vicarious trauma, and awareness of equity in trauma work. Journal of Humanistic
Psychology, 55(2), pp.153-172.
Pauly, B.B., McCall, J., Browne, A.J., Parker, J. and Mollison, A., 2015. Toward cultural
safety. Advances in Nursing Science, 38(2), pp.121-135.
pmc.gov.au 2018. Retrieved from
https://www.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/indigenous/Health-Performance-

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Framework-2014/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-performance-framework-2014-
report/racism-and.html
redcross.org.au 2018. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/community-
services/homelessness-services
Ryff, C.D., 2014. Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of
eudaimonia. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 83(1), pp.10-28.
sewbmh.org.au 2018. Retrieved from http://www.sewbmh.org.au/
Soccio, J., Brown, M., Comino, E. and Friesen, E., 2015. Pap smear screening, pap smear
abnormalities and psychosocial risk factors among women in a residential alcohol and drug
rehabilitation facility. Journal of advanced nursing, 71(12), pp.2858-2866.
Steptoe, A., Deaton, A. and Stone, A.A., 2015. Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing. The
Lancet, 385(9968), pp.640-648.
Touchton, M. and Wampler, B., 2014. Improving social well-being through new democratic
institutions. Comparative Political Studies, 47(10), pp.1442-1469.
who.int 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/promoting_mhh.pdf