Adam Roxby

As a student nurse, issues surrounding mental health are never far away. Originally published 9th January, 2012 Even when studying adult nursing you are encouraged to have an awareness of concepts related to mental health and mental illness. But still, even though everyone studies it, there seems to be an element of uncertainty around caring for patients with mental health problems. In my own experience I can think of of a good example. Let’s call her Danni. Danni was admitted to hospital after taking an overdose of painkillers and excessive alcohol. It was felt that her vulnerable state of mental health was significantly worsened by the anniversary of the death of a close family relative. The trained nursing staff attended to her immediate medical needs and the health care assistants checked her observations and changed her bed in the morning. I wanted to be active in all aspects of her care but felt restricted by my anxiety and lack of experience with patients who had mental health problems. If Danni ha