When to Call for Mental Health A trip to the hospital is a traumatic time for most people. Patients may appear anxious, scared, and upset, all while in pain. It could take a toll on even the clearest minds. You may see a patient shed some tears, or appear out of sorts. This is not something to be too alarmed over; however, there are signs to watch for that should sound alarms. Signs that Signal a Need for Help The patient seems despondent, shows very little reaction to anything going on around them. This could signal a sign of giving up. Patients that show little interest in conversation or answering questions may be very depressed. Try to engage them in conversation, that will help to determine is its pain, fear, or worry that is behind the lack of conversation. A short time of conversing with the patient should give you an idea as to the severity of the patient's mental status. A patient that voluntarily declares they are suicidal must be taken seriously. Even if, you feel they are not serious, it's time to call in mental health. A patient that is not showing signs of improving, even though the attending physician indicates the patient is physically doing well. -
When a patient wants to be alone, discourages visitors, etc.
Not every indication may be an accurate sign that the patient needs mental health, however, in most cases, it's advisable to let the mental health professional to rule it out. Related: What is Social Workers’ Role in Hospitals? Illness and Mental Health When a patient is diagnosed with an illness that can alter their life, it can be a very big adjustment. A patient that is hospitalized to get insulin levels adjusted may be a newly diagnosed diabetic. This will be a very big change and the patient may not process the information, or may have a difficult time accepting needed lifestyle changes. Patients may need counseling to make necessary adjustments in their lifestyle, or accepting that changes are required to maintain health. If a patient is diagnosed with a more serious condition such as cancer or a heart condition, it can be extremely hard to hear and accept. A mental
health professional can work with the patient and recommend follow up counseling to adjust to their condition. Patients that are admitted and indicate they have a condition such as bipolar that may not be under control, can benefit from mental health to assure medications are maintained or adjusted as needed. When a patient is not healing as anticipated they may use mental health professionals to help train them in accepting small amounts of progress, and not to over-do expectations. Mental health professionals may be called in to assist or simply to evaluate patients in a variety of circumstances. Some patients may not have family support, or may opt not to utilize family, support, and mental health counseling can allow for a means of venting and sharing feelings or concerns. A patient that was admitted to a hospital with a severe head and neck ache. The patient indicated she was very depressed, and had lost her desire to continue to live. A CNA was assigned to keep a watch on the patient, however, she did not consider there could be a danger when her patient said she wanted to apply makeup, and asked for her handbag. 30 minutes later the CNA realized the patient was unconscious. She did remove makeup, from her bag, however, she also removed pills she had, and took an overdose. The patient was saved, thanks to the attendant’s close observation of her. The hospital then puts new rules in place to say patients that give an indication of severe depression, or potential suicide should have limited items available in their possession until a complete mental evaluation can be done. Related: How to Express a Complaint or Concern It's important to be observant of a patient, not just physically, but mentally as well. Look for signs of depression or hopelessness, and consult a mental health professional if there is any indication of need. A mental health evaluation can either confirm or rule out problems that need to be addressed so that the patient may continue on to get the medical help needed. Related: List of nursing organizations Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter