Introduction to Mental Health

In this lesson, we will define both mental health and mental illness.  We will then explore different categories of mental illness along with risk factors for and behavioral and psychological signs and symptoms of different mental illnesses.  We will then review priority safety nursing interventions for working with clients who are experiencing a mental health disorder. Throughout each mental health content course, we will dive deeper into individual categories and diagnoses along with treatment methods, types of therapeutic communications, nursing interventions, and medications for each.  We will look at the similarities and differences between different forms of mental illness to develop assessment techniques and interventions that are appropriate when working with clients with different forms of mental illness.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Outline risk factors for developing a mental illness
2. Describe signs and symptoms of mental illness nurses screen for
3. Identify examples of nursing interventions for mental illness
4. Understand mental health assessment techniques