Need help with Mental Health Case Study.

[monique45]

Any response to this would be very much appreciated.

Sara's Story

My name is Sara, I am an RN and I have a mental illness. I used to work in the Emergency Room at a Hospital, which was an extremely stressful job. I couldn't keep it up. I became ill and had to be hospitalised in a psych ward which was very embarrassing.

Then two years ago I found a full time job working for an ENT surgeon, Dr Byron. It was a really busy job, but easy - most of what I did involved pretty minor procedures like hearing tests, and I coped well with it. When I'm well, I could do the job with my eyes closed. And I got a lot of satisfaction from that job. A lot of kids would come to see Dr Byron's attention and I enjoyed working with kids.

Apart from the job, I liked the two medical secretaries, Kay and Miranda, who worked there. We would often have a laugh during the day and sometimes, on a Friday night, we'd go out after work for a few drinks.

Then a couple of things happened. Dr Byron's partner retired and the caseload increased substantially. I was working very long hours and my case manager was worried that these demands were too stressful for me and I might get sick again. I asked Dr Byron if I could reduce my working time to 4 days per week, but he said no. He said that he had to have "continuity" among his staff or his patients would suffer. He told me that if I didn't work full time, I would have to leave. I pointed out to him that in the two years I'd been working for him there had not been a single complaint about the quality of my work from either him or from his patients. I suggested that he bring in some agency staff for a while and I would be there to train them. However, he didn't agree, so I had to resign. I really feel I've been discriminated against and I feel very angry about the way I've been treated.

Because I don't have any income, I have moved in with my mother who has a three bedroom apartment. However, she is getting really cranky with me, because I just can't get interested in anything. I spend the day watching TV or just moping about the house. I am bored witless and I think boredom is more stressful than any job.

Write your responses to the following questions:

• What challenges to her mental health does Sara face?
  
• How could Sara most effectively cope with her situation?
  
• Where would you place Sara on the mental health continuum? Why?

Thank you in advance

Monique.

[onyx77]

Is this an assignment?

What ideas do you have?

If you show that you've worked on this yourself first, you will have a better chance of getting help.

[monique45]

Oh my apologies.

My main problem is really on the Mental Health Continuum as i really dont have much of an idea about it. I have tried googling it but couldn't seem to get any specific response.

All i really need is maybe a brief explanation about the "Mental Health Continuum"

thanks in advance.

Monique

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

It would really help us to help you if we knew exactly what subject this question is for. :) Your textbook and lecture should be giving you the background that you're asking for. Have you checked your textbook's Index?

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

I found a lot of information when I googled "Mental Health Continuum". However, that is only one of your questions. The other 2 questions are pretty straight forward...what are the challenges and how can she cope effectively.