Mental Health and Substance Abust
Substance Abuse and Addiction a Mental Illness
“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease” is the World Health Organization’s (WHO, 2012) well known definition of health. It is understood that health is referring to one’s physical state however it is also unnoticed that mental state is also a determinant of health. The general public has little or no knowledge about mental illness, as it is often a sensitive subject. Furthermore, mental illness is completely invisible unlike most general health conditions. This leads the majority of society to be unaware of its presence. This lack of awareness has a direct effect on society’s general knowledge of the subject. As a result, stigma coexists with all forms of mental illness, affecting all individuals involved with the area of health. Nurses have a responsibility to be advocates for patient health as a part of their practice. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) outlines a list of competencies which nurses must maintain and meet within their practice. The CNA framework (2010) specifically mentions supporting healthy public policy and social justice in nursing practice. This includes working to regulate and support those affected by mental illness stigma. As practicing student nurses, we understand that it is our role in the health care system and within our communities to raise awareness about mental illness stigma and promote prevention. As a result, we have chosen to research and present our information and knowledge on substance abuse and addiction as a part of mental illness to a grade nine class.
On October 13, 2012, we presented a topic on substance abuse and addiction to a group of grade nine students at Erindale Secondary School (International) in Mississauga. We felt this group was appropriate due to the fact that they are at a stage in life where they may be coming across or be thinking about experimenting with drugs and alcohol. High school is a time
“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease” is the World Health Organization’s (WHO, 2012) well known definition of health. It is understood that health is referring to one’s physical state however it is also unnoticed that mental state is also a determinant of health. The general public has little or no knowledge about mental illness, as it is often a sensitive subject. Furthermore, mental illness is completely invisible unlike most general health conditions. This leads the majority of society to be unaware of its presence. This lack of awareness has a direct effect on society’s general knowledge of the subject. As a result, stigma coexists with all forms of mental illness, affecting all individuals involved with the area of health. Nurses have a responsibility to be advocates for patient health as a part of their practice. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) outlines a list of competencies which nurses must maintain and meet within their practice. The CNA framework (2010) specifically mentions supporting healthy public policy and social justice in nursing practice. This includes working to regulate and support those affected by mental illness stigma. As practicing student nurses, we understand that it is our role in the health care system and within our communities to raise awareness about mental illness stigma and promote prevention. As a result, we have chosen to research and present our information and knowledge on substance abuse and addiction as a part of mental illness to a grade nine class.
On October 13, 2012, we presented a topic on substance abuse and addiction to a group of grade nine students at Erindale Secondary School (International) in Mississauga. We felt this group was appropriate due to the fact that they are at a stage in life where they may be coming across or be thinking about experimenting with drugs and alcohol. High school is a time
References: Austin, W., & Boyd, M.A. (2010). Psychiatric & mental health nursing for Canadian practice (second edition). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2006). Dispelling the myth of violence and mental health. www.camh.net Canadian Nurses Association Horn, R. V., & Freed, S. (2008). Journaling and Dialogue Pairs to promote reflection in clinical nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 29(4), 220-5. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.uproxy.library.dcuoit.ca Garner, P Rassool, G. (2008). Addiction: future directions and responding to the challenges. Complacency or commitment?. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 19(4), 179-181. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Smith, M. (2008). Howard Gardner multiple intelligences and education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm Oxford Brookes University