In recent years, violence and people with mental illness have received widespread of news media coverage. Specifically, the aftermath of violent act is often viewed as an opportunity to support negative attitudes toward people with mental illness. The new media portrayal acts of violence committed by individuals with mental disorders appear to play a critical role in influencing negative perceptions toward individuals with mental illness (McGinty, Webster, & Barry, 2013). When a person commits ruthless acts of violence, speculations about their mental health from the public are never far behind. Research suggests that violent acts can increase mental illness stigma, strengthen stereotypes that people with mental disorders are aggressive and
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Persons with mental illness are vulnerable and are stigmatized, discriminated, or feared by the public. It is essential for Registered Psychiatric Nurses to act as advocates for persons with mental illness, because people with mental disorders cannot identify their personal problems or communicate their needs effectively. A psychiatric nurse advocate stands alongside of and empowers the individual to have a voice when they are weak and vulnerable. The role of Registered Psychiatric Nurses needs to promote mental health, and mental disorders prevention through community integration to empower for sustained health and wellbeing. One of a nursing intervention would be through education. It is important to educate students and communities on the issue of mental illness to abolish the stigma. By educating students and the public on mental disorders and address concerns or fears which may reduce the levels of anxiety when interacting with people with mental illness. Psychiatric nurses should collaborate with law enforcement authorities like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to promote mental health by coordinating strategies with the healthcare system and community partners to develop public policies, strengthen community action to address mental disorders, and enhance public knowledge and skills that support positive mental health. A police officer and a psychiatric nurse can work together to respond to a mentally ill person in crisis. For example, Vancouver has a specialized mental health crisis intervention team known as Vancouver’s Car 87, where a mental health professional and a police officer respond to calls involving mentally ill persons (Canadian Mental Health Associations, 2005). The outcome for David McQueen’s incident may be different
Persons with mental illness are vulnerable and are stigmatized, discriminated, or feared by the public. It is essential for Registered Psychiatric Nurses to act as advocates for persons with mental illness, because people with mental disorders cannot identify their personal problems or communicate their needs effectively. A psychiatric nurse advocate stands alongside of and empowers the individual to have a voice when they are weak and vulnerable. The role of Registered Psychiatric Nurses needs to promote mental health, and mental disorders prevention through community integration to empower for sustained health and wellbeing. One of a nursing intervention would be through education. It is important to educate students and communities on the issue of mental illness to abolish the stigma. By educating students and the public on mental disorders and address concerns or fears which may reduce the levels of anxiety when interacting with people with mental illness. Psychiatric nurses should collaborate with law enforcement authorities like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to promote mental health by coordinating strategies with the healthcare system and community partners to develop public policies, strengthen community action to address mental disorders, and enhance public knowledge and skills that support positive mental health. A police officer and a psychiatric nurse can work together to respond to a mentally ill person in crisis. For example, Vancouver has a specialized mental health crisis intervention team known as Vancouver’s Car 87, where a mental health professional and a police officer respond to calls involving mentally ill persons (Canadian Mental Health Associations, 2005). The outcome for David McQueen’s incident may be different