Mental health refers to any mental condition that interferes with ones feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Mental illness on the other hand represents a mental condition that affects ones feelings, thoughts and behavior to a great extent. This paper has used the case study of Mary who is suffering from depression. Management of depression should be holistic and based on patients unique identity. However, recovery depends on the ability to manage stigma in the society concerning mental illness and promotion of physical health since there is an association between physical and mental health.
Healthy lifestyle is a critical aspect of ones wellbeing and development. Attainment of a healthy lifestyle implies that ones wellness is holistic and integrates all aspects of health including mental health, physical and social self. This paper considers the case of Mary, a 41 year old lady living with her husband and three children aged 17, 14, and 10 years respectively. Mary occupies a senior position in a large organization and has a supportive husband with whom they have been married for 18 years.
In this paper, Marys case and experience is used to explore and discuss the meaning of mental health, mental illness and principles of recovery while illustrating the relationship between mental and physical health. This approach is based on the understanding that mental health often has an impact on physical health. On the other hand, physical health and wellbeing may also affect ones mental health status. In order to assess this two-way correlation, the paper identifies and explains the needs of people with mental illness. Most importantly, the paper highlights some of the effective strategies for supporting such individuals using the case and experience of Mary. This paper will also reflect on the knowledge of how practice in the sphere of mental health can influence my future work as a health professional in the area of nursing.
Mental Illness, Mental Health and the Principles of Recovery