decisions concerning access to specialist mental health services is severely limited, with only the most acute receiving attention. Many people with mild to moderate problems are required to wait, or do not receive care at the time it is needed. Many people in the UK are prescribed antidepressants and the vast majority of people with a mental health problem are never seen by the mental health services. Improving mental health services for this group of people is essential if we are to improve mental health within the wider population. Student mental health nurses are well situated to work in these services and identify ways in which we can better engage meaningfully in the lives of people with mental health problems. Sadly, it also continues to be the case that society has negative perceptions of people with mental health problems, and often people report the effects of discrimination to be more disabling than their mental illness. It is ironic that as a society we are more aware of the importance of mental health and well-being than ever before. Often employers provide confidential counselling services and other measures to promote the mental well-being of employees. Equally it is not unusual for people to receive complementary therapies, read self-help books and literature, engage the services of a life coach, or practise yoga and meditation to relieve stress or uncomfortable feelings. In this context student mental health nurses can act as advocates and challenge discrimination while promoting positive perceptions of mental health. We wish you luck on your journey!
Wrycraft, Nick. Introduction to Mental Health Nursing. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 10 January 2015.
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