Mental Health Promotion

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2014, mental health is defined as a state where a person has a clear mind and knows their capabilities. It can also be able to manage stress on a daily basis. Mental well-being can be enhanced by having a support network, including family, friends, healthcare professionals, and community members. Mental health promotion recognizes the importance of psychological well-being. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to ensure that patients are at their best. Nurses must maintain their physical, psychological, and spiritual fitness in order to provide high-quality nursing care. Kester & Wei (2018) highlight the importance of resilience in nurses. It is a skill a nurse must have to be able to quickly respond to any situation and keep their focus even when it becomes difficult. A positive attitude mindset is crucial to long-term success in nursing. Many psychosocial and environment factors affect psychological health. This includes housing, education as well as occupations, salaries, wages, employment, community aid, and individual abilities. It is possible to be mentally difficult in nursing profession so it is important that safety guidelines are established for work in hospitals and other organizations.

Many people believe that the job of a hospital nurse is both rewarding and stressful. Because they are the ones who deal with complex cases and see both acute and complex patients every day, nurses are often considered to be the backbone for hospitals. Nursing staff work on a rotating schedule, with nurses working in full-time or casual positions. Eldevik et al. (2013) found that nurses who work for less than eleven hours between shifts can suffer from shiftwork disorder (SWD). It is a result of quick returns. This means that employees are scheduled during their normal sleeping hours. Evidence indicated that women are more affected than men, and SWD rates increased in nurses who had 30 quick returning duties and none. Eldevik et al. (2013) stated that SWD occurs when an individual’s body clock is not coordinated during shifts. Uribe, Schub (2018) note that SWD patients may have an irregular circadian rhythm due to disrupted sleeping patterns. This can cause lethargy, insomnia, and a reduction in ability to complete daily hospital duties. In this situation, fewer hours of sleep can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response in the central nervous, which may increase the risk of developing stress-related diseases (Uribe/Schub, 2018). The chances of suffering from heart disease, gastroenterology, depression, infertility, and other reproductive disorders, such as cancer, are higher for shift workers (Costa, 2010). Uribe and Schub (2018) reported that employees may experience fatigue, chronic inattentiveness and inability of speaking clearly, reduced productivity, job dissatisfaction and greater risk of error. Rotating shifts is an inevitable part of the healthcare industry. Nurses should not expect quick returns to ensure quality patient care. Costa (2010) recommends that both employees and managers be aware of the possibility of suffering from adverse health effects while working in shifts. The policies that target SWD are varied in Australia as well as abroad. They aim to minimize, if possible eliminate, stress in accordance with the Ottawa Charter framework. Ritcher et.al. mention another similar policy, the Washington State Nurses Association in the United States. To combat fatigue and manage nurse shift schedules, Ritcher et al (2010) recommend that nurses and hospital managers be educated on the negative effects of shifting work hours. They also acknowledge the possibility of fatigue posing a health risk to their employees and inform them. Second, provide training and instruction on how to reduce fatigue, such as rest periods, and thirdly, create policies regarding shift work disorders (Ritcher and colleagues, 2010). Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (2015) stated that it is advisable for nurses, midwives, and other nursing assistants to take time off from work to relax and go on vacation. Shift work has a major impact on the mental, physical and psychosocial well-being of their employees. According to the ANMF Enterprise Agreement (2016), overtime should be worked for at least 10 hours consecutively between the end of the overtime shift and the start of the next one. This policy will help nurses in Australia improve their quality of life and promote a work-life balance.

Bullying in an organization can have a detrimental effect on a nurse’s mental health. This can lead to a lack of confidence, decreased enthusiasm towards work and a decrease in quality care. World Health Organization (2010) explains that a healthy workplace requires cooperation between leaders and staff to maintain the organization’s welfare and sustainability. Bullying is a common problem in today’s stressful and complex environment, such as hospitals. According to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery (2018) journal, nearly half of all nurses have experienced bullying and others are affected multiple times per week. Koh (2016) highlighted some examples. Individuals directly affected are advised to take the immediate steps to prevent others from bullying. Bullying has a detrimental effect on both psychological and physical health (Cortina and Magley, 2003). These symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, depression and mood changes. Gilmour & Hamlin (1998), Graveson (2000), Normandale & Davies (2002), Quine (2001), reported that sleep disorder, headaches and high blood pressure are some of the physical symptoms.

Vessay et.al., 2009: While many nurses are discouraged from nursing as a career because of bullying and workplace hostility, others choose to remain in their current role (Vessay et.al., 2009). These nurses were also concerned about the possibility of being fired. The Australian Human Rights Commission has a policy to combat workplace bullying. It provides protection and information for victims of abuse. The United States of America has enacted legislation that protects workers from discrimination based on race, gender and colour. She found that an education program in the hospital with active participation of senior leaders was beneficial. For example, the managers can address abusive reports from staff members and disciplinary action will take place against the attacker. This shows that the organization is committed to creating a safe environment for employees by not allowing disruptive behaviours to be tolerated. It is important to show self-care in nursing to develop resilience so that you can create a safe environment during professional burnout. Hu and colleagues. Research conducted by Fu and Wang (2013), Rodwell and Munro (2013), and Yom and Kim (2012) has proven that receiving assistance from family, friends, coworkers, and partners is a critical source of support that can significantly enhance self-efficacy in nursing with respect to the ability to practice self-care. Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (2006) provides confidential support for nurses. It has been shown to be effective in helping 89% to continue working in the field of nursing and return to it.

As a result, nurses who are in the healthcare industry for a longer time are considered capable of managing stress and able to adapt to changing circumstances. Social-economic conditions, education, salary and compensation are some of the factors that could impact nurses’ mental and physical well-being. Unacceptable conditions can result in chronic diseases such as hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and dysfunction of the women’s reproductive systems. To prevent such problems, it is important to set work safety guidelines for all government departments and hospitals. Nurses have broad responsibilities that impact people’s lives. It is therefore important for them to be mentally healthy so that they are able to provide healthcare services.

Aristotle referred to ‘eudomonia or ‘wellbeing” as the “overarching objective of all human activities”. Many people have tried to define “Wellbeing”. However, it’s difficult to define and measure. Many have tried, including Herzlich (1973), Seligman 1998, Ryff (2008), Singer (2008). But often the results were a description of wellbeing rather than a definition. Dodge et.al. (2012) examine all theories regarding the concept of Wellbeing’. They also draw from aspects of studies by Cummins and Headey (both 1989) that relate to homeostasis.

“Wellbeing means that a person is aware of their potential, can deal with normal life stresses, is resilient, takes care of their health, and feels connected to others. It is a flexible way of being that needs to be nurtured throughout your life.

Stable wellbeing simply means that individuals have the resources, both psychologically and physically, to address a particular social, psychological and/or physical problem. This concept is intrinsically linked the notion of resilience.

Five national outcomes, one of which is that children are physically and mentally healthy, are all part of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures publication. Youth can lead fulfilled lives with positive mental well-being and health. According to surveys in Ireland, most young people experience good mental health. The school is a key setting for young people to feel well. The Education Act states that a school’s responsibility is to foster the personal, spiritual and moral development of students. The EPSEN Act will be easier to comply with if there is effective early intervention and promotion of mental health at school.

Schools play a vital role in helping people feel healthy and happy. Research has shown that mental health promotion is most effective if it occurs early in one’s life. International and national research have consistently demonstrated that classroom teachers are best placed to work with children to achieve educational outcomes.

The school atmosphere is created in both the physical and social environment. Each school is unique in its atmosphere. It reflects the care taken to meet the needs of each student, teacher, and visitor. School staff must offer an integrated curriculum that values the individual’s uniqueness, and recognizes the importance and value of learning and teaching.

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model of Human Development has teachers and school settings placed in the Microsystem. This system is closest to the individual. Johnson (2008) defines the microsystem to be “a pattern of activities and roles that is experienced by a person in development”. The powerful influence that the school can have by being placed in the same’systems’ as family and friends emphasizes its importance. Children’s emotional and social development are best achieved in a school environment that fosters trust and communication between students and teachers. Research shows that mental wellness promotion is most effective when done early in the person’s lives. This makes it a perfect school environment for fostering positive mental health literacy. International studies have shown that whole-school wellness is the best way for students to feel better. This approach leads to social and behavioral benefits like improved behaviour, greater inclusion, and improved mental and physical health.

Research has shown the importance of teachers and schools in promoting student wellbeing, including Rochford (2018), Frauenholtz (2018), and DES (2015). Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion Well-Being in Primary Schools refers to three pieces of research that concluded that the classroom teacher was the most qualified professional to work with children in a sensitive and consistent manner.

The above statistics on mental health and well-being are indicative of how the role of schools and the job of teachers have changed over the years. Teachers now face a wider range of challenges and complexities in relation to the educational and social needs and education of children. Morgan and NicCraith noted that it was more difficult. Roeser and colleagues (2012) described the profession as being ‘attentionally and socially demanding’. Dooley & Fitzgerald (2012) identified the potential impact of a “good adult” on children’s selfesteem, senses of belonging, as well as their resilience. According to research, children recognize teachers as important members of their support system and potential sources of assistance for mental health problems.