The surrounding stigma around mental health is one of the main reasons why people find it difficult to seek help.
Avoiding treatment is deeply rooted in concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing a job.
It is a growing concern for the mental health care sector as the stigma continues to be a significant barrier to seeking and receiving effective treatment.
Despite being a delicate subject, openly talking about mental health can help more people grasp the problem and be an excellent opportunity for education.
That’s why there is a newly emerging approach to providing care for mental health patients and utilizing evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration to provide better patient-centered care.
Patient-Centered Care
Patient-centered care is a new model for medical care. This system encourages the active collaboration and shared decision-making between patients, families, and care providers.
It is tailored with the idea of showing compassion and kindness toward individuals who are undergoing serious mental health problems.
Even when under the care of specialists, the patient may still find it difficult to talk about their circumstances openly.
In this blog, we’ll uncover how important patient-centered care is in psychiatry through the life and experiences of our patient, Sarah.
Effects on Psychiatry patients
One of our patients, Sarah, was initially hesitant to seek help after being diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder after being first introduced to us last year.
“I was ashamed to tell people about my addiction. It felt like I was being judged by everyone.”
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress.
Growing up in a troubled home played a huge factor in Sarah’s addiction. When she began opening up to us, she explained that she resorted to drugs because of the influence of her peers.
In treating Sarah, we made sure that her comfort and well-being were the top priority. It’s important to properly communicate with the patient and their family what goes on in their treatment plan.
Fostering kinder communication and collaboration with the patient will make them feel valued. The road to their healing involves the patient’s willingness and the strong support of their family, as well as their community.
“I feel better about myself now. The people in Mid-Cities helped me a lot and took care of me. They made me feel valued.”
It is important that a care facility truly values its patients’ well-being. Sarah is on her way to recovery now.
She said that her family and friends’ support was her driving support. She also gives recognition to those who looked after her in Mid-Cities.
Empowering patients
“I liked the idea that my opinion matters in my treatment plan. They show me respect and value what I have to say.”
Patients will feel empowered if given an active role in their treatment. That is what patient-centered care emphasizes in psychiatry.
It is important to understand each patient based on their circumstances. When we gain awareness of their situation, that’s when we can properly tailor a treatment to meet their individual needs.
Support and empathy are important to their healing. Eventually, it will lead to their full-time recovery.
For more handy guides on routines that improve your state of mental well-being, visit us at Mid Cities Psychiatry and we would be happy to tell you more!