Table of Contents Page
1.0 Background and causation factors 03
2.0 Treatment
2.1 Anti-depressant medications
2.2 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
2.3 Counselling and problem solving techniques 04
3.0 Other factors to consider
3.1 Healthy diet
3.2 Exercise regularly
3.3 Mentally active
3.4 Express your feelings to others
3.5 Think positive thoughts
4.0 Healthcare Assistant’s role 05
5.0 Summary:
Depression
1.0 Background and causation factors:
Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects social behaviour and sense of physical well-being. Depression does not distinguish between age and social background. Depression can manifest itself in the following ways, please be aware that many people who suffer depression may display variations of these side effects: dark moods and aggressive words, going through a difficult transition – moved into residential setting, stigma, not sleeping – insomnia, feeling anxious and sad, poor health combined with weight gain, loss of energy, uncontrollable crying, irritability. Please note the above list is not exhaustive. It is important to bear in mind that depression is treatable.
2.0 Treatment:
Treatment often involves a combination of different therapies such as medications, psychological thraperies, social support, and self-help relaxation techniques. This combined approach treats the person as a whole, and marks the beginning of the journey back to wellness and a normal life. I will discuss a number of these treatments in detail.
2.1 Anti-depressant medications:
There are many different types of antidepressant medications, which appear to work in slightly different ways, but which all have the same aim – altering the levels of one or more of the chemicals in the brain that are thought to cause depression. Referrals to the following service are by the person’s General Practitioner (GP) such as Psychiatrist and Community Mental Health Nurse to name but a few.
2.2 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Seeking advice and support from a Psychologist could result in using CBT which involves teaching the person with depression how to recognise their negative thoughts and beliefs and replace them with constructive positive ways of thinking.
2.3 Counselling and problem solving techniques:
Psychotherapy – also known as talking therapy can assist a person with depression learning new coping skills and approaches to problem-solving during counselling sessions can be valuable for someone affected by depression.
3.0 Other factors to consider:
3.1 Healthy diet:
Eating a healthy diet with the correct balance of the various food groups is important for good mental health. Avoid excessive amounts of fats, red meats, sugar, salts and alcohol. The food pyramid should be used as a guide.
3.2 Exercise regularly:
Exercise helps to release endorphins which aid in eliminating stress, relaxes the body and helps promote healthy sleeping patterns
3.3 Mentally active:
Due to the complexity of the human mind it is vital to be mentally active so that the person with depression takes their negative thoughts and refocuses them on a productive activity such as volunteering. An activity such as this helps a person who may be isolated to meet new people thereby enhancing their quality of life simply by the virtue of helping others.
3.4 Express your feelings to others:
It goes without saying that bottling up your emotions and feelings is very harmful to everybody’s mental health. Confide in a friend or someone you feel comfortable talking over your problems with.
3.5 Think positive thoughts:
Remember that nobody is perfect and everybody makes mistakes. Learn to make the best of whatever the situation that you find yourself in at any given time. Strive to see the silver lining in every cloud and focus on that.
4.0 Healthcare Assistant’s role:
As a Healthcare Assistant, I provide a high level of person centred care to the residents in the Nursing Home and contribute to the provision of a comfortable yet stimulating environment. I attend to the needs of the residents while ensuring their well-being and safety. My particular experience ranges from low dependency (compos mentis) to high dependency residents who may suffer from the following or a combination of health ailments: Parkinson’s, MS, Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Depression and Dementia.
I am sensitive to and respectful of the person’s culture, lifestyle and beliefs not to intrude inappropriately on a person’s privacy. I treat as confidential all information obtained in the cause of my work. Supporting someone who has depression can be difficult and challenging. For example, someone affected by depression may feel so worthless and trapped that they feel suicide is the only way to end their pain. This behaviour should never be ignored. Where I feel I need additional assistance I will seek professional assistance from the Director of Nursing. I will endeavour to share information and ideas, therefore enhancing services within the Nursing Home.
5.0 Summary:
Advocating for positive changes in society is paramount to ensure people affected by depression receive appropriate treatment and are not ostracised from the community at large. The non-judgemental, person-centred approach, which is central to the way Healthcare Assistant work, is critical to every aspect of providing care. I will continue to strive for the highest possible standards in all aspects of my work. Depression often leads to social isolation and can make it difficult for those affected to keep up friendships. This is when it is most important to be a friend to lean on, and reinforce that treatment and support are available are recovery is possible. Partnerships and links between different healthcare providers are important as each can be a useful resource in terms of sharing information and also troubleshooting to ensure quality service for people with depression. The nuts and bolts of depression are to treat the person suffering from depression as an individual and assist them to maintain a sense of identity.
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