Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Mental health recovery is social
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(3), 2014, pp.110-115.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarise two 2014 research papers that highlight the role of social interactions and the social world in recovery in the context of mental distress. Design/methodology/approach: The author summarise two papers: one is about two theories from social psychology that help us understand social identity – our sense of who we are. The other brings together and looks at the similarities and differences between ten different therapies that can be called resource-oriented – that is, they focus on people's strengths and resources rather than what is wrong with them. Findings: The paper on social identity gives a convincing case for incorporating teaching about social identity – and the social groups to which people belong – into the training of mental health professionals. The paper on resource-oriented therapies suggests that social relationships are a main component of all ten therapies examined. This second paper suggested a need for more research and theory relating to resource-oriented therapies. Social identity theory could help address this issue. Mental health services may be able to help people more by focusing on their established and desired social identities and group-belonging, and their strengths, than is usual. Originality/value: These two papers seem timely given the growing recognition of the role of social factors in the development and maintenance of mental distress. More attention to social factors in recovery could help make it more self-sustaining. (Publisher abstract)
Research Watch: talking therapy for anxiety and social difficulties may improve social inclusion after diagnosis with schizophrenia
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(1), 2014, pp.7-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarize two 2013 papers on psychological therapies for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Design/methodology/approach: The first paper is a report of a small study of cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia attending an early intervention service. The second paper is a review of several studies looking at therapies to help people understand what others are feeling and thinking, and so cope better in social situations. Findings: Out of 11 people referred to the anxiety group, seven stayed until the end. Their self-rated anxiety and depression decreased significantly. The review of therapies for social situations suggests that there is a need for more than just training in understanding other people. It is probably necessary to offer a package of therapy that involves role-play and practising skills in actual situations, and possibly involving friends or family members. Originality/value: These papers report on therapies that have only recently begun to be considered for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. It seems much more attention needs to be paid to helping people with anxiety when they have this diagnosis, and also to helping people cope in social situations so that they can participate in important social activities and work. (Publisher abstract)