Mental Health: A Person-centred Approach

Procter, Hamer, McGarry, Wilson, and Froggatt introduce this story-based volume aimed at mental health practitioners with a discussion of how to define mental health and illness, the importance of connectedness and narrative to mental health, and the "collaborative consumer" narrative in particular. The practice of connectedness in mental health nursing is discussed followed by a few interlude chapters on mental health among Aboriginal Australians and the Maori in the context of narrative. Various models for assessment of mental health and illness are presented, followed by legal and ethical aspects of mental health care. About half of the book discusses mental health in the context of various intersecting conditions and special populations, including substance use, physical health, immigrant status, gender and sexuality, children, the elderly, and non-urban living conditions. The final two chapters address interprofessional issues and emphasize application in practice. Case studies, chapter summaries, and reflective questions are given in each chapter to engage the reader.