by Dr. Leah Akinlonu
Of course we want to get the best out of the existing mental health service but….. And there is always a “but.”
“But I don’t like the approach, the questions or the medication,” you say.
Yes, you have your reservations.
The question is this: Is the system for you or against you?
I am a Psychiatrist and I am part of this ‘system’. I’ve been in it for over 14 years now. And my answer is this: no.
No, the system is not for you.
And no, it is not against you either.
What do I mean?
The mental health system is simply designed to provide the best care possible in the treatment and or, management of mental disorders. What that looks like for individuals will be as varied as the backgrounds of persons experiencing the service, and as varied as the approaches taken by each individuals.
The stories told
I know that there are shocking stories of people who seem to have received negative treatment and poor outcomes. And I will hold up my hand and say yes, sometimes we professionals have got it wrong. Yet, there are far many more who have been helped to make good progress by mental health interventions. What makes their experiences so much better?
I don’t have all the answers, but I have some pointers that you might find useful to help you take a lead on your mental health.
The real expert
First, let’s answer this: who really knows what’s going on when it comes to your mental health?
You or the professionals?
Where’s the real expert?
Listen, the fact is this: there are 2 types of experts.
Number 1. Experts by training.
Number 2. Experts by experience.
An expert by training -a professional -has gained expertise by study and clinical practice; while an expert by experience – someone who either knows a person who has a mental illness or has been affected in some way themselves – has lived with it and been on the receiving end of the impact.
The way to get the best from both kinds of experts is by sharing our expertise.
How do experts by training such as Social Workers, Advocates, Nurses, Support Workers, Psychologists and Psychiatrists merge their expertise with experts by experience -those who have been affected?
My answer is this simple 2 –word answer: working together.
And working together with professionals is exactly how you can take a lead on your mental health and get the positive outcomes you need.
Take a lead
Here are 4 double pointers to help you take a lead on your mental health. Be warned: this may not be what you think…
- L – Listen & Learn
Listen: Listen to the professionals; hear them out!
You may go in all defensive – but that will mean that you miss what they have to say about what they are aiming to do and how.
Learn: tap into their expertise.
Get to understand the symptoms, the triggers, the treatments, the support, and the recovery process.
- E – Explain & Expect.
Explain: Mental health professionals ask so many questions! They don’t do this to pry, but to understand the issue, the cause and the best way forward.
Don’t be offended; do your best to answer and explain.
Do remember that they are bound by confidentially rules and will only share your information professionally on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Expect. Expect to get help and support. Don’t expect to be victimised.
Expect to work with professionals who want to see you do well. It really is our joy to see people progress and do well; that is the whole point of our professional training and why we work to provide a service – to serve you well.
Approach with that positive expectation.
- A – Ask & Advocate.
Now it is your turn to ask questions.
If anything is unclear, ask!
You have every right to understand and the professional should welcome your questions.
You may want to know how long treatment will need to continue for or when work can resume.
Ask in a non-confrontational manner.
Some answers will be clear cut, others will be on a balance of probabilities; don’t be disappointed. Even those answers will equip you with information to help you towards a positive outcome.
Advocate. Either have a relative or friend or carer that can advocate for you or get an independent advocate. An advocate will present your cause or express your ideas and views independently on your behalf. You should express your wishes calmly.
- D – Discuss & be Determined
Have a productive discussion. Be clear what it is you want to happen, and what the options and alternatives are. If things don’t go according to plan, have a discussion. f things work well have a discussion.
Give feedback. If you think a change needs to happen in the treatment course, have a discussion. And aim to keep all discussions collaborative, not antagonistic.
Be Determined. There is recovery for all. Recovery is the process regaining hope, choice, and empowerment to be a functional member of society.
Be determined that you will get the best care possible in the treatment and or, management of mental disorders. This is what the mental health system is designed to provide.
In conclusion
And this is how both types of experts apply their skills and knowledge for the good of all involved.
So, the system is neither for you nor against you, but you can get the best out of it by taking a collaborative lead on your mental health.
If we keep the communication channels open between the individuals affected, and carers, family and professionals then we are closer to providing safer, more effective support and defying mental illness.
As I always say, “for a safe today and a sound tomorrow.”
Dr. Leah Akinlonu 17 August 2015