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Psychological Well Being (Staff Needed (Family and Friends; this group is…
Psychological Well Being
Stress
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Affects of Stress
Short Term
Short Term; this is much like the anticipatory rise in the cardiovascular system, this includes changes such as increased heart rate/stroke volumes etc.
Long Term
With stress affecting every individual differently again you cannot blanket the condition however things such as a loss of appetite, withdrawal, self harming, higher resting blood pressure and dizzy spells are all common
Serious conditions such as depression, insomnia, anorexia and anxiety are also very common in long term stress sufferers.
Why Prevent it.....
Preventing stress is vital for individuals in daily life as when an individual is stressed they begin to lose themselves. This can cause to their whole world to come crashing down. And if your stressed and things start going wrong it is hardly going to help the situation.
Stress within the hospital environment is very much a volatile situation, This is largely due to the very nature of the hospital being stressful, if the beds happen to be full of very stressed people it is hardly going to better the situation. Therefore everything should be done to calm these individuals fears.
Prevention and Treatment
Outside of Hospital
[]Many of the ways of dealing with stress outside the hospital start with the people around you, And if they are able to carry out the same social processes (listed under Inside Hospital) that the staff do the effect will have the same effect. The added benefit of dealing with it outside is that your friends and family know you and therefore will have more of an impact on you.
Inside Hospital
Empowerment and good communication; by simply being honest and positive, as well as giving them a say in matters will not only help lessen the stress but also empower the patient.
Giving them a choice; one of the key roots of stress is the unknown, with this in mind giving the patient the choice in how they proceed allows to feel like they have control over the situation they find themselves in.
Medication and Relaxation; as bad as it sounds providing safe dosages of medication for the individual may help them to relax. This relaxation will slow their bodies down and give them the ability to see the situation in a clearer light. This will massively lower their stress levels.
Empathise; putting yourself in the patients shoes can go a long way to understanding what issues they may be stressing over. And although may not directly deal with their stress it gives you the understanding of what exactly they are going through. And with that gives you the ability to adapt the care to those needs
Reassurance; many patients will stress purely due to the treatment or medication they are receiving and consequently a little reassurance as to what exactly is going to happen will go along way.
Talking Therapy; whether this be through the medium the clinical hospital psychologist, friend or any member of staff simply talking about an issue can often help you deal with it. Whether its simply hearing the issue outloud or receiving a second opinion "sharing is caring".
Intellectual Stimulation
Why.....
It is vital when the patient will be spending long periods in one place, for example the ward or if they are on bed rest.
It ensures the individual first and foremost does not become bored or frustrated with their current situation, this as frustrated individuals often become difficult to deal with. This is very problematic in a hospital environment.
Intellectual Stimulation is especially important when the patient is still in education or of a young age.
If the patient is staying in hospital during term time they will fall behind lessons and therefore struggle when they return to their schools/colleges.
Moreover if the patient is especially young they are constantly drawing in information from the world around them and therefore may become under developed in certain areas if they spend long days sat bored in hospital wards.
The lack of intellectual stimulation may even lead to conditions such as learned helplessness or depression.
What is it.....
Intellectual Stimulation is simply the heading for making sure that an individual is being tested mentally in a good sense, for example a taxing math question or difficult puzzle. Or simply that they are kept entertained and therefore alleviating boredom from the patient.
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Staff Needed
Family and Friends; this group is able to help decrease stress by simply being present due to them offering patients a sense of familiarity. They can also help act as a medium to ensure you are fully updated on the current going ons.
General Staff; from the porters to the doctors all will be willing to hold a conversation with you and try and dismiss any fears you may have.
Clinical Hospital Psychologist; a medical who is more than prepared for anything you may be struggling with and therefore a wealth of information regarding your mental statement.
Your Ward Nurses/Doctor; these will know exactly what you are down for and therefore are able to answer any queries you have regarding treatment or medication.
Other Patients; even though some appear less than friendly often talking to someone who shares your current situation may allow you see a more positive side to it. It also will increase your general happiness levels to have a friend on the ward.
Family and Friends; a connection to the outside world as well as someone to talk to friends and family will provide you with whatever you are mentally craving. Whether it be a puzzlebook or simply a joke.
Play therapist; a professional who specializes in the development and behaviour of young children and therefore can check young childrens mental needs are met.
General Staff; intellectual stimulation can be achieved by simply social engaging with a member of staff whether they be a senior doctor or a paramedic.
School/Life Skill Instr.; the individual who comes in to lead the sessions such as the hospital schools or the life skillls.
Day Room/Nursery Staff; members of staff who cater for those placed in their care and facility, whether they be youngsters in nursery or DVDs for adults in the day room.