Health promotion recognises that there are a wide range of aspects that can influence an individuals state of mental health outside of health and social care, and in order to improve health, it is necessary to identify all determinants and causes (Hinchliff et al, 1998). A wide range of concerns must be involved in health promotion, and the Department of Health (2001) maintain that individuals with mental health problems should have equal access to the same range of services and facilities as others within the community for example housing, employment and benefits if a holistic approach is to be achieved. This also implicates the inclusion of “family, friends, schools, employers, faith communities and neighbourhoods”. Such an approach is an important feature of health promotion for individuals such as Carol as it encourages the implementation of a range of practicable services run by both the government and local partnerships, whilst involving support networks, such as family, which are an important factor in the recovery of individuals with mental health problems.
In the given scenario, it is evident that depression is the primary condition affecting Carol, triggered by a number of successive events. In order for her to begin her recovery it is important she has a rudimental understanding of her illness. Health promotion is a good method to use here, as it would empower Carol by providing her with knowledge of what is classed as good and poor health is, giving a basis on which to compare her own health, thus allowing her to take control and exercise a choice accordingly. By empowering Carol to understand her illness, it will then be possible for her to identify the events and circumstances that led to the decline in her health (Belack and Hersen, 1990), for example, discrimination from colleagues, unemployment, and financial pressures. This in turn can facilitate Carol into taking practical steps to challenge these concerns.
A further objective of mental health promotion specifically, is to remove the stigma attached to mental health problems through education. This can contribute to health improvement for people such as Carol, who are living with mental health problems by challenging discrimination and increasing understanding of mental health issues. In Carol’s case, a great deal of weight is put on the issue of discrimination, both from friends and work colleagues alike. A current policy which aims to tackle such problems is that of The National Services Framework for Mental Health (DoH, 1999), which is a 10 year programme aimed to put in place new higher standards of care for the mentally ill. Within this paper, it is stated that one of the main concerns for those with a mental health problem, is retaining or finding employment. In this instance, health promotion can be used as a measure by which to challenge discrimination in the workplace through education, whilst also providing greater opportunities for access to education and welfare benefits.
In addition to the mental health concerns suffered by Carol, are more general health concerns such as her excessive weight gain and smoking. Health Promotion campaigns can be an effective means by which to raise awareness of prevalent health issues. Public education campaigns such as ‘Smoking Kills’, introduced in 1998 can provide individuals with an awareness of the damaging effects of smoking by quantifying the risks. However, it aims to present a positive approach by encouraging people to give up smoking using a network of smoking cessation clinics, and the promotion of nicotine replacement therapy for individuals such as Carol. Similarly, initiatives such as healthy eating campaigns can encourage individuals to take control of their obesity in terms of weight-reduction strategies and healthy dietary behaviour.
In conclusion, health promotion is an effective strategy, available on a national level, and widely publicised. It aims to empower people through education, and further provides resources that healthcare orientated schemes alone may not provide. However, this approach is not necessarily effective for all client groups, as it is reliant on recognition and participation from the intended audience. It is also dependent on reliable advertisement from not only those organizations directly involved, but also outside concerns that have an interest in health from a holistic perspective.
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