Role of Assignment Help in Mental Health Education
Self-harm refers to a situation which an individual harms their own body. There are varied factors that contribute to developing such a situation in which an individual attempts self-harm (Hetrick et al, 2020). Rebecca’s situation is critical, she has been the victim of bullying, loneliness, and sexual assault. As a result, she tried to cut herself at the top of her hip with a pencil sharpener, which shows that she attempted self-harm. The audacity to self-harm can develop devastating harm for Rebecca and there is need to evaluate the factors that are contributing to attempting self-harm actions. The psychological impact of self-harm during teenage years will be the selected trigger in the current essay. The justification behind the selected trigger in the context of Rebecca’s case will be given. Furthermore, the discussion will be linked with my nursing practice field (I work in an inpatient working-age female mental health ward). Moreover, relevant theories, codes of conduct and treatment options would be discussed throughout the evaluation.
This topic is frequently explored in Assignment Help Online materials related to mental health nursing and psychology, as it helps students understand the causes, effects, and ethical considerations of self-harm. Accessing Assignment Assistance resources can provide valuable guidance in structuring essays, applying theories, and developing professional insights within healthcare education.
Main Body
Self-harm describes about the behavior under which an individual takes such action that causes harm to themselves. People who are depressed and emotionally distressed harm themselves by coping with the situations. It can be done in the form of burning, cutting and overdose consumption. This is highly risky as this results in developing a toxic behavior in an individual and this can often lead to suicide (Hetrick et al, 2020). In the case of Rebecca, it has been witnessed that she attempted self-harm by cutting herself at the top of her hip with the blade of a pencil sharpener. This shows that she tried to injure her multiple times, she is further fond of smoking cannabis and drinking which induced her to attempt self-harm in a depressed situation. The Onset of self-harm was found to be strongly associated with girls during their teenage. There are a wide range of factors such as; family disruption, adverse childhood experience, sexual assault, bullying, death of loved ones and so on, element trigger the individual and create devastating circumstances (Knipe et al, 2022). In Rebecca’s case, her childhood experience was adverse and she was the victim of sexual assault and bullying that impacted her psychological and emotional well-being to the utmost level.
5 Years | DPhil
As a result, she started hurting herself and further, she was not able to express her pain which made the situation worse. The psychological impact of self-harm proves to be devastating, creating guilt and shame for Rebecca and negatively impacting her mental health. Rebecca has difficulty in understanding and expressing emotions, and self-injury is the result of emotional and psychological trigger in her.
I selected the psychological impact of self-harm as a trigger in the current case; it is determined as the significant aspect of the case study. Teenagers are more prone to self-harm and the experiences of Rebecca developed emotional distress for her and she often felt alone during all these circumstances. Self-harm can develop a profound impact on the mental health of an individual, this leads to creating feelings of guilt, shame and low self-esteem (Shafti et al, 2021). The self-harm proves to be a major concern comprised with suicide risk, and psychological and emotional distress. However, the most common forms of shame and guilt are aligned with the Non-Suicidal Injury [NSSI] (Shafti et al, 2021). Shame and guilt have a positive relationship with self-harm and therefore, Rebecca used to feel shame and guilt after harming herself and she used to attempt it again. She was not able to face herself however, she did not open up about this with anyone. The psychological impact of self-harm specifically in teenage years makes a person emotionally weak and when they feel shame or guilt, they hurt themselves (Witt et al, 2021). Henceforth, this trigger is appropriate in Rebecca’s case as the psychological implications of the self-harm can make Rebecaa’s mental health worse and this can often impact her future child in negative manner.
The self-harm changes emotional pain into physical pain, Rebecca was unable to express the traumas in words and as a result she was hurting herself (Gee et al, 2020). It was not easy for Rebecca to cope up with the emotional stress when she felt isolated and due to this, she attempted self-harm. This might develop devasting situation for her future child if she continues to do this. As a mental health nurse, I believe that it is highly important to understand the influence of self-harm on the mental well-being of patients as this can become life-threatening. Specially when the patient is pregnant at that time the triggering point needs to be analysed so the two lives can be saved. The psychological influences of self-harm on Rebecca’s mental health can lead to difficulty in living a peaceful life with the child and even this can put the life of a child in danger (Gee et al, 2020). Being bullied and family arguments were the major cause of emotional distress in Rebecca’s case which led to create severe situation.
Understanding the psychological influence of self-harm is essential as this can led to impact the mental and emotional behaviour state. Self-harm creates guilt and shame for Rebecca which can be seen in her behaviour and it is not good for her mental health as well (Borschmann et al, 2020). Rebecca was not able to cope up with the pain in healthy ways and therefore, she attempted self-harm. Thus, it is essential to evaluate how self-harm can affect Rebecca’s mental health so that corrective measures can be determined and support can be assured to patient.
The Erikson’s stages of development theory depicts that an individual ego gets identified and developed throughout their life by considering the eight stages of development. Those stages are trust vs mistrust, autonomy vs shame and doubt, initiative vs guilt, industry vs inferiority, identity vs confusion, intimacy vs isolation, generativity vs stagnation and integrity vs despair (Stänicke, 2021). Stage five identity vs confusion is for teenagers from 12-18 years and Rebecca falls in this category. The identity reflects about the important ideal values and beliefs that led to shaping an individual behaviour. When this stage is completed then, this shows that an individual can form social relationships (Zin and Irwandi, 2022). However, self-harm is creating a sense of shame and guilt due to which Rebecca is lacking in developing social interaction. Probably she is not able to accept her identity due to the emotional distress. It is difficult for her to face this stage as she requires consistent psychological and emotional support.
Get assistance from our PROFESSIONAL ASSIGNMENT WRITERS to receive 100% assured AI-free and high-quality documents on time, ensuring an A+ grade in all subjects.
The personal experiences of Rebecca and her past traumas developed confusion for her and forced her to attempt the self-harm that could be risky. Rebecca has been in CAMHS due to mental health issues (Maree, 2022). When Rebecca started feeling isolated, she started cutting herself and attempted self-harm as she was not able to face loneliness. In accordance with the theory, when teenagers experience traumatic events then, this results in low self-esteem and anxiety. Similarly, in the case of Rebecca, this theory is evident within her action of self-harm. She attempted this action due to huge anxiety and stress. It is important for Rebecca to accept her identity so she can become confident and acknowledge herself. The mental health of an individual plays a pivotal role in the overall well-being of the person. Self-harm usually undertaken as a replacement of relieving from pain, pressure and distress feelings. Rebecca attempted self-harm to get rid of her negative feelings.
On the other hand, John Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that attachment is an emotional bond and this can be changed with time. As Rebecca started to attempt self-harm she found temporary relief however, afterwards she felt shame and guilt but for that particular time she was fond of attempting self-harm to relieve pressure. This can be articulated that, for a specific period of time Rebecca attached herself to self-harm to reduce her emotional distress but the very next moment she felt guilt and shame that changed her attachment to detachment. Self-harm thoughts are found common among those individuals who often feel trapped (Sekowski, 2022). The attachment style enables in identification of the risk of self-harm as the attachment insecurity aggravates negative emotions that further result in self-harm (Stagaki et al, 2022). This was the triggering point in Rebecca’s case as her insecure attachment developed emotional distress and to cope with this, she attempted self-harm. The care needs of Rebecca can be supported by focusing on things that trigger her to attempt self-harm.
The Competence 1.8 NMC (2018) states that a registered nurse must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to think critically so that evidence-based decisions can be undertaken in any situation (NMC, 2018). Henceforth, I will imply this competence for providing treatment options for Rebecca, her past situation will be considered and accordingly decisions related to care needs are going to be implemented. Competence 1.10 of NMC states that in complex situations, such a decision must be taken that demonstrates the resilience and EI abilities aligned with the justification of the decision (NMC, 2018). Self-harm induced due to emotional distress, henceforth, I will be focusing on taking such action that adheres to provide emotional support to Rebecca so that patient outcomes can be enhanced. Competence 1.14 comprised of taking non-discriminatory actions and treating patients with equality (NMC, 2018). The cultural characteristics and language requirements of the patient must be considered as patient-centred care needs to be provided. As a mental health nurse, I believe that a patient-centred approach can support Rebecca in dealing with the psychological and emotional distress developed due to self-harm. Competence 1.17 of NMC articulates that RN must consistently reflect on their practices and decisions to enhance their professional knowledge (NMC, 2018).
This supports in undertaking appropriate decisions, the response to feedback is an essential component for RN so that improvement can be undertaken. The case of Rebecca is complex as self-harm is a serious concern, I will focus on creating an effectual interaction with Rebecca so she can share her doubts with me. Furthermore, I would implement nurse-patient communication to enhance the interaction with Rebecca and accordingly, her needs would be prioritised. No discrimination will be undertaken with Rebecca and I will work on feedback. I will use all of these competencies in future to ensure quality care to patients, and evidence-based practices will be undertaken that support enhancing the well-being of service users ethically.
Self-harm can result in creating a profound influence on the mental health of Rebecca and this often leads to low self-esteem. The difference between the NSSI and suicidal behaviour often relies on the suicidal intent that can be either present or absent in the patient. The Bowlby theory presents an overview of understanding the family environment that is leading to psychological and emotional difficulties. The cry of pain model [COP] is a significant model of self-harm, this is concerned with psychological, social and biological factors (Robledo et al, 2022). The model shows that self-harm articulates the pain and cry that has been held by an individual for a long period. The psychological factors impact the potential and sensitivity of an individual in terms of facing a defeat. The psychological influence of self-harm can lead to a reduced capacity to imagine positive thoughts and events in the upcoming future. Thus, there is a potential threat for Rebecca that she might not be able to foster positive thoughts which results in impacting her mental health in a negative manner (Sari et al, 2022). There is a need to assure specific and significant support to Rebecca so that emotional and psychological distress can be reduced and patient outcomes can be enhanced. My core motive is to provide holistic support to Rebecca to reduce the triggering aspect that results in attempting self-harm.
The care needs of Rebecca are concerned with providing her emotional support and uplifting her mood, this supports in eradicating the pain and emotional distress in the patient. Talk therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT] prove to be helpful for individuals suffering from self-harm (CBT for self-harm, 2020). This is concerned with the identification of issues leading to self-harm along with the analysis of factors triggering self-harm. CBT emphasise promoting healthier ways of coping up with stress and fosters the positive thoughts. Referring to competence 1.8 I can say that, this is an evidence-based intervention as past studies have shown evidence in this area (CBT for self-harm, 2020). Therefore, the implication of this theory in the case of Rebecca helps in witnessing the aspect that induced her to attempt self-harm and the consistent sessions can result in reducing the pain and pressure held by Rebecca. CBT supports adjusting the unstructured thoughts in the mind by discussing important parameters such as feelings of shame and guilt (CBT for self-harm, 2020). However, there is a need to maintain the confidentiality of the patient throughout the period and the same has been implied in Rebecca’s case.
Dialectical behaviour therapy [DBT] is explicated as an evidence-based model that enables people to learn new strategies and skills for enhancing their quality of life. This therapy is specifically for enabling people to accept their reality and further supports them in adjusting to the changing pace of life (Andrews and Hanna, 2020). DBT has been used for different mental health conditions such as self-harm. Mental health nursing is based on significant therapies such as CBT and DBT to assist service users in order to cope with the situation. Thus, both of these therapies are appropriate in Rebecca’s case as this supports fostering positive thoughts and the audacity to self-harm can be reduced.
Discussion
The contextual information from the case has been proven highly effective for me as this supports enhancing future practices. My field of nursing is mental health and it is important to have an understanding regarding the factors that impact mental well-being in a negative manner. Self-harm is a serious concern that can change into a life-threatening event. In order to deal with the pain and emotional stress, Rebecca used to cut herself at the top of her hip and find it relaxing for that particular moment. However, afterwards, she felt shame and guilt due to her actions. I have learned that self-harm has been induced due to the emotional and psychological distress in Rebecca and there is a need to analyse the cause factors that are leading to this situation. Henceforth, in future, I will focus on evaluating the root cause that is impacting the mental health of patients as it supports in making evidence-based decisions. I have learned varied things from the evaluation of cases and I will apply it in future practices. I will ensure that the confidentiality of the patient has been maintained and no disclosure of personal information will be done. Rebecca has feelings of shame and guilt and she was unable to express herself about the self-harm attempt. This might be due to fear of judgement; therefore, I will always make sure that my patient does not feel that they are getting judged I will hear their issues while performing autonomy and dignity towards them.
Furthermore, I will use an evidence-based process to undertake the self-harm assessment as patients who attempt self-harm can attempt suicide as well if the appropriate assessment of factors has not been undertaken. This supports in implementation of the care plan and further contributes to enhancing patient outcomes (Stänicke, 2020). The documents related to the patient’s experience of psychological pain will be made as they help in analysing the factors that are contributing to the current circumstances. When the patient is admitted to the hospital this is need to ensure that he/she does not have a blade or any other object that can be used for self-harming. Referring to NHS safeguarding policy, I will ensure that patient’s well-being and rights are protected and they will be protected from abuse, neglect and harm (NHS, 2020). For example- the bullying of Rebecca contributed to triggering her to attempt self-harm. Henceforth, there is a need to protect the patient from abuse and neglect.
Conclusion
Conclusively this can be stated that self-harm is a serious concern in Rebecca’s case and it is important to analyse the factors that trigger the patient to attempt self-harm. The psychological and emotional distress contributes to attempting self-harm. The examination of Erikson and Bowlby's theories has been done to gain an in-depth understanding of the psychological impact of self-harm. Furthermore, cry of pain model has been used and it has been evaluated that Rebecca has attempted self-harm as she was not able to express her pain. There has been positive association witnessed between shame, guilt and self-harm in Rebecca’s case. It is important for mental health nurses to look at the factors that are leading to the devasting situation. The care needs of the patient need to be analysed so that appropriate decisions and strategies can be taken. The treatment options which are available for Rebecca are talk therapies such as CBT and DBT; these therapies are based on fostering positive thoughts in the patient and enhancing the resilience to deal with the situation. I will imply NMC competencies and NHS policies for delivering quality care to patients. Thus, I can say that I have gained an effectual insight by evaluating this case and the learning will be used in future while providing care services to patients struggling with mental health issues.
References
Books and Journals
Online
Introduction Get expert guidance on complex topics like NEK7 kinase inhibition with our Affordable Online Assignment Help...View and Download
Introduction: Project Management for LCCA Relocation: Key Strategies Project management is defined as the process with the help...View and Download
Introduction Enhance your academic performance with our premium-quality online assignment help, expertly tailored to meet your...View and Download
Introduction to Reflective Essay on the Case Study Quadratus Lumborum strain is a musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain...View and Download
Introduction Struggling with deadlines or complex topics? Our tailored assignment help service delivers high-quality,...View and Download
Bronchiolitis in Infants: A Nursing Care Analysis The investigation will focus on pharmacological administration, taking into...View and Download
Copyright 2025 @ Rapid Assignment Help Services
