Conclusion The chapter addressed several core areas of knowledge essential for student nurses. We began by discussing a definition of mental health and ill health, before considering the different types of mental health conditions, and then concluding with an outline of some factors which can predispose a person to experiencing mental illness. It is important that readers reflect on the meaning of the terms ‘mental health’ and ‘ill health’ and consider how their personal understanding influences their work with service users. Yet it is also necessary to be aware of how professional practice is guided by the code of professional practice which regulates nursing (NMC 2008) and the specific terms of legislation which define mental illness. In order to practice effectively and be able to recognize and differentiate between illnesses it is also necessary for students to become aware of the characteristics of different mental health problems. However, our experience of mental health and propensity to experience mental illness are frequently subject to influences within our environment, and it is important for mental health workers to be aware of how these factors are active. Readers are encouraged to consider and reflect on the issues discussed in this chapter, return to them throughout their training and seek to apply them widely in their practice settings to enhance their knowledge and understand how and why people experience mental illness.
Wrycraft, Nick. Introduction to Mental Health Nursing. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 10 January 2015.
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