The topic that I chose was mental health relating to the self and identity. The main themes seen in the six articles I chose were Integrated Support Systems, Evidence-Based Practice and Accessibility and Resources.
The first topic is Integrated Support Systems. The first article is by The National Institute of Mental Health website, it talks about Schizophrenia. The article talks about education and support. It states “Educational programs can teach family and friends about schizophrenia symptoms, treatment options, and ways for supporting loved ones with the illness. These programs can help friends and family manage their distress, improve their coping skills, and develop their capacity to provide support” (NIMH, 2024). The second theme of the articles is evidence-based practice. The article states “Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs are recovery-oriented programs for patients with first-episode psychosis, which is an early stage of schizophrenia.” (NIMN, 2024). The third theme of the article is Accessibility and Resources. It states, “Psychosocial treatments assist people in finding answers to everyday problems and managing symptoms while attending school, working, and developing relationships.” (NIMH, 2024)
The second article is about personality disorder. The article is also by the National Institute of Mental Health. The second article states “Studies on mental diseases demonstrate that involving family members can enhance a person’s treatment. Family and caregivers can also benefit from treatment” (NIMH, 2003). It talks about parental treatment as a support system. The second theme of the articles is evidence-based practice. It states “Many persons with borderline personality disorder benefit from evidence-based treatment, which leads to fewer and less severe symptoms, improved functioning, and a higher quality of life.” (NIMH, 2024). The third theme of the article is Accessibility and Resources. It talks about some methods to support a friend or family member with borderline personality disorder: Take the time to read about the illness so you can better comprehend what your friend or relative is going through. Provide emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
The third article is about the power of peers written also by the National Institution of Mental Health by also by Wein in 2021. The article talks about friendship, it states “High-quality friendships offer empathy, support, and reinforcement of one’s self-worth. These friendships are more stable and helpful” (Wein, 2021). The second theme of the articles is evidence-based practice. It talks about influences. “Positive and negative peer effects can influence more than simply your actions. They can also affect how you feel. According to studies, having more friends and spending more time with them makes you happier. Friends are people with whom you may share your feelings, gain new insights, or simply have fun.” (NIMH, 2024). The third theme of the article is Accessibility and Resources. It talks about being able to communicate with your peers because they are your resources.
The fourth article is about Psychotherapies. The article discusses support by discussing getting a therapist to help with mental disorders or disability. The second theme of the articles is evidence-based practice. The article states “Large-scale clinical trials have shown that the treatment is successful. These evidence-based therapies have been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.” (NIMN, 2024). The third theme of the article is Accessibility and Resources. “Therapists have diverse professional backgrounds and specialties. A therapist’s method is determined by his or her training and experience, as well as the disease being treated. This and the following sections contain information on how to identify a therapist’s credentials as well as resources for finding therapists.” (NIMN, 2024)
The fifth article is about Women and Mental Health. It talks about both support and access by stating “If you’re looking for support, start with your primary care physician. They can recommend you to a competent mental health expert, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can guide you through the next steps” (NIMN, 2024). The second theme of the articles is evidence-based practice. It talks about “Other mental diseases, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have been diagnosed at similar rates regardless of gender. Researchers are starting to sift through the myriad biological and behavioral elements that may influence mental health.” They talk a lot about the symptoms and how they affect a person’s ability to access resources. The third theme of the article is Accessibility and Resources. The article gives you resources to get help of you do have mental health problems as a female.
Reference
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, April). Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2003). NIMH» Personality Disorders. Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/personality-disorders
- Wein, H. (2021, September). The Power of Peers. NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09/power-peers
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, February). Psychotherapies. Www.nimh.nih.gov; National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021, May). NIMH» Women and Mental Health. Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021, May). NIMH» Women and Mental Health. Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health