Contemporary Mental Health: Sonia's Struggles Explored Case Study

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Introduction

Contemporary mental health reflects the state of knowledge and strategy surrounding mental health, which includes a range of viewpoints, interventions, and assistance networks (van Winden et al., 2020). In order to handle mental health issues within the framework of contemporary society norms and standards, it places a strong emphasis on holistic care, lowering stigma, and combining the psychological, social, and biological components. Mental health is a mysterious energy that permeates every aspect of people's lives in the world of human interaction. Consider a 55-year-old shop manager called Sonia who is struggling with issues that extend beyond her store's shelves. Using the bio-psychosocial approach to understand the past and modern aspects of mental health and sickness, this investigation deconstructs Sonia's story.

This report explores Sonia's particular challenges, taking risk and protective variables into consideration as well as the potential for having a serious depression diagnosis. The report will continue over the range of potential therapies using this lens, taking into account the dynamic interaction of psychological, social, and biological variables. The contextual analysis also covers Sonia's interactions with various mental health services, including the NHS and volunteer industries, revealing the patchwork of resources that are accessible. Mental health is a situation of well being that allows people to regulate with the problems of life and realize their abilities. This is basic human rights that are essential for community, individual as well as social economy growth (Mental health, 2022). Assessing the impact of current mental health regulations and laws, as well as their possible benefits and drawbacks, will be the focus of the enquiry. By acknowledging the need for varied ways to help people like Sonia throughout their unique psychological journeys, this thorough examination seeks to promote a fundamental knowledge of the complexity underlying mental health.

Main Body

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Historical and contemporary concepts of mental health

The historical concept of mental health has evolved dramatically, moving from superstition to contemporary understandings influenced by technological advances and a greater focus on community-based treatment (Grinker, 2020). In the past, mental illness was frequently associated with possession by demons or divine vengeance, which led to harsh and punitive measures (Rogers and Pilgrim, 2021). The treatment of those with mental illnesses was often transferred to churches, where they became vulnerable to prejudice and abuse (Kim et al.,2020). With the introduction of moral therapy in the 18th century, the attitude started to change towards one that was more a humanitarian. This approach, which was championed by revolutionaries like as Philippe Pinel as well as William Tuke, promoted the use of rehabilitative surroundings over harsh penalties and promoted the treatment of people with mental illnesses with respect and compassion (Mental health, 2022). But the 19th century witnessed the emergence of asylums, huge establishments designed to keep people with mental illnesses apart from the general public.

A major shift in perspective occurred in the middle of the 20th century as a result of the movement towards deinstitutionalization and the introduction of psychiatric drugs. Psychiatric medications have transformed mental health therapy by providing a more biological and focused method (Department of Health, 2015). Concurrently, the cause of deinstitutionalization sought to shift the delivery of care from big, remote institutions to settings inside communities. Deinstitutionalization refers to the replacement of long stay hospitals with less isolate community and smaller options for mentally ill patients. Although the goal of this change was to help people with mental disorders become more integrated into society as a whole it had unforeseen repercussions that included homeless and a pressure on the already limited resources for mental health. This was due to an absence of social support.

Contemporary views of mental wellness have given more emphasize on person-centred and holistic approaches to treatment. The interdependence of the psychological, social, and biological aspects of mental health is recognized by the bio-psychosocial framework. Furthermore, the focus on neutralizing mental illness has stimulated activism and awareness, upending social stereotypes (Radez et al., 2021). The spectrum of help offered by community psychological services has increased, which now includes peer-led programmes, counselling, and treatment (Amos et al., 2020). This underscores a greater realization that mental health calls for community-wide initiatives rather than being the exclusive purview of specialized facilities.

With the advent of tele-health initiatives that offer support and treatment remotely, the incorporation of technological advances has further revolutionized the delivery of mental health care. Through the provision of self-management and emotional wellness tools, Smartphone apps enable people to take an active role in their journey with mental health. Nevertheless, issues still are present such as unequal availability of mental health care, an excessive dependence on drugs, and the continual discrimination that must be done (Alradhawi et al., 2020). The development of mental health treatment over time has shown a shift from esoteric and punishing methods to more compassionate and community-focused ones. Community mental health centres has the part of the group that offer assertive community treatment. This provides a range of professionals to help individuals in the community.

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Socio-economic factors that influence mental health

Socioeconomic variables have significance because they affect vulnerability and make mental health results more difficult for those with or who are struggling with mental illness. The main socioeconomic variables that might have a substantial influence on psychological wellness include poverty, lack of opportunity for learning, substandard housing, and unstable work (Cueto de Souza and Scott, 2022). Poverty-related financial limitations lead to a variety of pressures and restrict access to health and necessities (Lee et al., 2022). Individuals that are struggling financially frequently have higher levels of ongoing stress, which can cause disorders of the mental health to develop or worsen. For people in lower socioeconomic groups, being unable to pay for treatment, medicine, or mental health services exacerbates their challenges and puts obstacles in the way of receiving appropriate assistance and treatment.

One socioeconomic aspect that raise mental health vulnerability involves less opportunities for increasing knowledge. The degree of education obtained frequently correlates with social mobility, wealth, and work prospects. Lower educational attainment may make it more difficult for people to obtain steady work and financial stability, which may have an adverse effect on their emotional well-being (Zigmond and Brindle, 2016). Furthermore, the stigma which is known as mark from being a individual being labelled as gathering of diagnosis that attached to having fewer qualifications can exacerbate mental health problems by feeding emotions of incompetence and poor self-worth. Vulnerability to mental health issues is additionally greatly affected by substandard housing. People who are homeless or reside in unsatisfactory housing conditions may experience higher levels of anxiety, anxiety, and invasion of privacy (Nochaiwong et al., 2021). The uncertainty that comes with insufficient housing can make people feel despondent and make pre-existing mental health issues worse.

Contemporary Mental Health: Sonia's Struggles Explored Case Study

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Some of the most important socioeconomic variables influencing mental health is work uncertainty and volatility. Prolonged anxiousness and stress can be exacerbated by unstable employment, an absence of job stability, and restricted access to benefits for workers. Fear of losing one's job or the lack of a positive work atmosphere can have a detrimental effect on one's mental health and increase the risk of developing depression or anxiety (Cueto de Souza and Scott, 2022). Furthermore, uneven availability of resources and treatments for mental health is a result of socioeconomic inequities. Rich peoples can easily access to specialist mental health services such as therapy and counselling, whereas others from lower socioeconomic backgrounds can have to rely on inadequate government services or encounter obstacles when trying to get care (Ingle and Mikulewicz, 2020). The disparity in accessibility exacerbates already-existing disparities by making it more difficult for those in low-income socioeconomic categories to get timely and effective treatment for their mental health.

Application of the chosen case study

Diagnosis of the patient

Sonia's symptoms are consistent with the potential presence for major depressive disorder (MDD). The diagnosis is backed by several important symbols. First of all, Sonia has been feeling sad, teary-eyed, and unsatisfied with her way of life for a long time. These psychological signs point to a serious change in her state of mind, as does her tendency to be critical of herself. She additionally fulfils the MDD detection parameters due to her greater appetite, weariness, difficulty sleeping, avoiding from others, and disengagement from society. Sonia's change in behaviour at the workplace includes skipping meetings, phoning, ill and experiencing trouble focusing on tough tasks, points to functioning problems, a different aspect of MDD. The diagnosis is further supported by her sense of inadequacy and her incapacity to handle the difficult demands of her job (Duke and Searby, 2019). She has a lovely family, an encouraging husband, and an excellent job, which highlights the widespread prevalence of depressive disorders and the reality that outside factors by themselves cannot guarantee mental health.

In the present case, receiving a diagnosis might offer benefits as well as disadvantages. Indeed, a precise diagnosis assists in identifying the best course to take for treating Sonia's symptoms and offers a structure for comprehending them. It enables healthcare providers to customise therapies like counselling and, if required, medications to meet the particular challenges related to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Additionally, it can promote a more thorough approach to Sonia's care by facilitating communication between her support system, medical professionals, and Sonia herself. Nevertheless, there can also be negative consequences. For Sonia, the stigma attached to a psychological diagnosis might cause emotions of humiliation or humiliation (Bateman et al., 2021). Furthermore, the knowledge of a clinical diagnosis might negatively affect her self-worth and amplify any sensations of failure she may already have.

Risk and protective factors

Sonia is susceptible to MDD as a result of an assortment of risk factors. Her rigors full-time work as a look manager, in addition to her high expectations for herself and her tendency to be critical of herself, expose her to ongoing stresses that may exacerbate her depression symptoms. Her recent isolation from dad and others, along with her lack of interaction and connection to her mother, point to a stressed social support framework, which is an important risk indicator for psychological problems (Farooq et al., 2020). Depression risk is further increased by the avoidance of interactions at job and the disturbance with her typically amiable demeanour, which both point to problems with interpersonal relationships.

Protective factors

Factors that boost a person's resilience and lessen the adverse impacts of hazards on psychological well-being are known as protective variables. Possible safeguards in Sonia's case her father has a strong connection with her loving spouse. These connections may provide a feeling of community and psychological assistance, serving as protective barriers versus the damaging consequences of anxiety. Good connections can be extra protective factors when reconnected, even if they are avoided at the moment. If supported and welcomed, getting professional assistance may also be a very important protection factor, giving Sonia the coping mechanisms and therapeutic support; she needs to manage her depression symptoms. Improving Sonia's resistance and aiding her depressive recovery involves understanding and using these protecting qualities.

Causes for the illness making links to the bio-psychosocial model

The bio-psychosocial model provides a comprehensive framework for comprehending health and sickness that takes into account the relationships between all three of these components (Sims-Schouten, 2020). The bio-psychosocial paradigm acknowledges the intricate connections that exist between the human body, thoughts, and social context, in contrast to a strictly biomedical approach that only considers biological variables (Syed and Bhardwaj, 2020). It highlights the interplay between biological mechanisms, psychological variables, and social circumstances in determining health and sickness.

• Biological causes: There might be a biological explanation for Sonia's susceptibility to MDD. Her depressed symptoms might be caused by biological reasons such as hormone changes, neurochemical inequalities, and tendency to depression. These biological components interact with the mental and interpersonal factors in the biopsychosocial in nature model. In this case, Sonia's personality may be influenced by them genetic predisposition, making her more inclined to criticise herself, and the regulation of mood may be affected by neurochemical imbalances, which may lead to emotions of inadequacy and melancholy.
• Psychological causes: Sonia's critical attitude, excessive expectations for herself, and frustration with her life indicate that psychological issues are behind her melancholy episodes (Lim et al., 2020). The biopsychosocial paradigm recognises that personality characteristics, control of emotions, and cognitive processes all play a part in mental wellness (Haith, 2018). Sonia may have a negative opinion of herself as a result of her mental habits of self-criticism, which might reinforce depressed thoughts (Hossain et al., 2020). Furthermore, unresolved issues stemming from her challenging connection with her mother can be a factor in her deep psychological anguish.
• Social Causes: Sonia's condition has a social component, demonstrated by her stressed social support network and difficulties forming close connections. The influence of economic status on mental health is acknowledged by the biopsychosocial model (BBC, 2017). Sonia's depressed symptoms might be attributed to societal factors such as her hard job and inadequate psychological assistance. Moreover, social isolation is a crucial social element that causes depression, and it is exacerbated by her retreat from social engagements, rejection from friends, and damaged relationships with relatives (Lim et al, 2020).

Social variables add to the pressures in her surroundings, psychological factors affect her thinking and feeling, and biological factors could expose her to the illness (Glasby, 2015). The creation of solutions to tackle the diversity of Sonia's experience is guided by this integrated strategy, which also enables an expanded comprehension of her illness.

Possible Treatment or Interventions to Support the Patient

Analyse a range of 3 possible treatments/interventions

Biological Treatment: Medication (Antidepressants)

For Sonia, pharmacological interventions like depression antidepressant medication could prove beneficial. SSRIs treat possible neurochemical abnormalities linked to depression by regulating synapses in the brain. This addresses the physiological aspect of Sonia's disease, this approach is consistent with the biopsychosocial paradigm. Antidepressants have been proven to be useful in reducing the signs of depression by regulating mood better and boosting overall performance (Gao et al., 2020). Medications can be a vital first step in bringing Sonia's mood under control and improving her ability to participate in further therapeutic activities.

Psychological Treatment: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

The goal of cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT), an emotional intervention, is to find and alter harmful ways of thinking and behaviors. CBT would be useful for Sonia to tackle her tendency towards self-criticism and life discontent, focusing on the psychological components of her depression. CBT can assist Sonia in creating more constructive ways of thinking and ways to cope by questioning and rephrasing her erroneous beliefs. CBT has been shown in several trials to be beneficial in treating depression, both in avoiding recurrence and in lowering the signs of depression (Jaspal and Breakwell, 2022). By treating the psychological components of Sonia's illness, the approach is in line with the biopsychosocial framework.

Social Treatment: Group therapy and social networks that offer support

Participating in group therapy along with encouraging social networks might be beneficial social interventions for Sonia, considering her compromised social support system. Developing relationships with compassionate people who have gone through comparable things opens up a channel for psychological assistance and lessens emotions of loneliness. In particular, group therapy fosters interpersonal ties by providing a feeling of community. Studies show that group therapies and interaction with others improve mental health outcomes, highlighting the importance of social aspects in mental health. This method complies with the biopsychosocial framework as it recognises the influence of Sonia's social network on her general cognitive health and recuperation.

Identify a range of 4 mental health services

NHS: Sonia's General Practitioner (GP) can recommend her for mental health services so that she can have admission via the National Health Service (NHS). Talk therapy, medication administration, and mental health assessments are just a few of the therapies provided by the NHS. For instance, GP provides mental health service for further treatment and advice.

Social services: Sonia's social requirements may be practically supported by social services. A social worker may evaluate her circumstances and help her get connected to local resources, networks of support, and help for any social issues she might be dealing through (Brown, Barber and Martin 2015). This might entail assisting her with returning to her new job, putting her into touch with local support networks, and taking care of any home or money issues.

Private services: Expedited access to specialised care is provided by private mental health organisations, such as individual therapists or psychiatrists (Sheldon, et. al. 2021). If Sonia wanted more personalised and immediate help, she may look into private treatment sessions.

Voluntary services: Valuable community-based help is offered by voluntary organizations such as Mind and Samaritans. These organizations' peer assistance groups, hotlines, and community activities might be beneficial to Sonia. In line with the ecological component of the bio psychosocial model, volunteer programmes frequently concentrate on offering an inviting and judgment-free atmosphere.

Consider how your chosen case study has a responsibility to self-care

Sonia has an obligation to put first self-care over her mental wellness. This involves setting up sensible limits at work, being honest with her spouse about her emotions, and becoming back in touch with her encouraging social circle. She needs to think about relaxing and unwinding pursuits like hobbies or consistent exercise (Aragona et al., 2020). Her well-being can also be enhanced by her establishing reasonable goals for oneself and using writing or awareness to confront thoughts of self-criticism. Through proactive engagement in self-care, Sonia may contribute significantly to the promotion and sustenance of mental well-being in the face of life's challenges.

Current mental health policies and legislation that may support the patient

Mental Health Act 1983(England)

A legislative foundation for the mandatory assessment and therapy of people with mental illnesses is provided according to the Mental Health Act (Hessamfar, 2015). If Sonia requires psychiatric treatment, the Act might help her by making sure she gets it in a timely and appropriate manner. Hospital for assessment and therapy may be necessary in this case. The Act's drawbacks, nevertheless, are the possibility of violating a person's liberty and the shame attached to mandatory procedures (NHS, 2023).

NHS Long Term Plan (England)

A goal for mental health care is outlined within the National Health Service's Long-Term Plan, with a focus on improved integration and accessibility. More financing for public mental health services might help Sonia have better chances of receiving counselling and other psychological therapies (Radez et al., 2021). However, there are drawbacks, including the possibility of resource shortages and variations in the quality of services offered in different areas. The plan's focus on early intervention and prevention is in line with Sonia's desire for prompt assistance. Yet, institutional issues including a lack of workers and differing degrees of acceptance throughout NHS trusts might compromise its efficacy. Furthermore, it's possible that the Act falls short of Sonia's need for volunteer and community-based medical treatment that may be crucial to her full treatment.

Support for Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools (UK)

Government initiatives have placed a greater emphasis on providing mental health services in educational institutions. Although Sonia may not be directly impacted, these regulations are meant to create a psychologically healthy atmosphere for youth, which may help to avert problems with mental health in the future. While tackling mental health at school is a preventive approach, it might not be enough to meet the needs of those who already struggle with mental health issues. Nevertheless, there are several restrictions, including as differences in how these rules are applied in various schools and possible shortages of assistance for adults such as Sonia (Meda, et. al. 2021).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, objective of this report was to use a bio-psychosocial model to look into and analyze different facets of mental health in connection with the case study Sonia. Through an analysis of Sonia's experiences, they looked at past and present ideas about mental health, found risk and protecting variables, made the diagnosis of major depression, and offered suitable treatments and therapies. The report also evaluated the influence of pertinent laws and regulations and the patient's possible interactions using mental health providers. The complicated interaction of psychological, social, and biological elements in mental health is shown by Sonia's case. Her Severe Depression Disorder's origins and possible therapies may be fully comprehended with the help of the bio-psychosocial model. They recognized the importance of Sonia's community and found assistance options that comply with the laws and regulations currently in place regarding mental health. Even if these regulations seem promising, their drawbacks including possible invasions of privacy and inconsistent application—highlight the necessity for additional efforts to improve support for mental health networks.

References

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