Introduction:
• In Section 4, we discussed the importance of communication and
developing listening skills. In Section 5, we will discuss how to support
individuals with mental health problems.
Learning Objective:
• At the end of the session, the participants will be able to:
- Know when to make a referral
Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations
Section 5:
Supporting Individuals with
Mental Health Problems
- Know signs that may indicate that a person might have mental health
problems
- Deal with resistance in accepting mental health treatment
When to Make a Referral to a Mental Health Professional
• Making a quick assessment of a person with mental health problems
- Level of distress or disability – Under the DSM 5 or the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, diagnostic criteria require that
the patient experience distress or disability. How is the person coping
with their problem? Are they in anguish all the time? Or did the mental
health problem or illness affect the person’s ability to be a productive
member of society?
- Level of functioning – Individuals with mental health problems or
illnesses show significant impairment in their level of functioning. They
might not be able to fulfill their obligations in school/at work or other
important functioning in their life. Is the person able to do his chores?
Do they take time to finish tasks at hand or fail to finish tasks at all?
Did the quality of the work suffer since they started showing changes in
behavior?
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