การตีตราทางสุขภาพจิต: บทบาทของพยาบาลชุมชน

Nipawan Sriyoha

Authors

Nipawan Sriyoha Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

Keywords:

stigma, mental health, role of community nurses

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health is a global problem. In Thailand, there are more than 13.4 million people with mental health problems, but only a fraction of them has access to treatment. One of the main causes is stigma. Reducing stigma is a key to pave the way for mental health treatment. Therefore, community nurses have a key role in applying their knowledge to reduce stigma and promote access to appropriate treatment.

Objectives: This research study aims to present knowledge about mental health stigma and the role of community nurses in preventing and reducing mental health stigma in the community.

Key issues: Mental health stigma is a negative belief and attitude towards mental illness that is an obstacle to psychiatric treatment. It can be classified according to the source of influence that causes such symptoms, including external and internal factors. Such factors have a negative impact on individuals and society in many dimensions. Solving the problem of mental health stigma requires the integration of cooperation from many sectors, emphasizing attitude changes, promoting understanding and true acceptance. Community nurses play an important role in proactive work to reduce mental health stigma because they can reach the target group comprehensively and understand the community context.

Conclusions: The role of community nurses in preventing and reducing mental health stigma focuses on fostering a correct understanding of mental health, delivering empathetic nursing care free from bias and discrimination, and promoting opportunities for individuals to seek mental health support and access appropriate treatment.

Implications: Personnel providing care for people with mental health problems in the community can apply their knowledge as a guideline for developing care for people with mental health problems and psychiatric patients in the community who face stigma effectively, comprehensively, and in line with real needs.

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