In: Nursing
Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow.
Tim has schizophrenia and lives in a supported house with three others. Tim enjoys living in the house and gets on well with his other housemates. Tim wants to attend the local community centre for woodworking classes offered once a week on a weekday. Tim’s father taught him some carpentry skills when he was growing up and they used to make furniture together in the family shed. Tim feels he would like to attend the classes with the aim of one day doing an apprenticeship in cabinet making.
Marg is Tim’s support worker. Marg accompanies Tim when he visits the community centre to look at the room and equipment where the classes are held and to meet the woodwork instructor. Tim is enthusiastic after the tour and explains to the instructor that he has schizophrenia. Marg notices that the instructor’s manner changes towards Tim after he tells him about his mental health needs. Tim is still keen to attend and hopes to begin classes next week.
1. Why is it important to allow a person with a mental illness to express their own identity and preferences and avoid imposing own values and attitudes?
2. There is a certain level of risk involved in using the tools at the woodworking classes. What is dignity of risk and why is it important that Tim be involved in any discussions? (Approx. 70 words).
Question 1
People with mental illness, especially schizophrenia usually have a fragile sense of self.People develop vulnerable identities and potential erosion of normally secure personal boundaries.People,events,objects,emotions etc from outside may pollute their sensitive inner selves.This will develop anxiety and social withdrawal,mistrust of outside influences and uneasiness about social intercourse.They have difficulty in controlling sensory input.They will have twin fear ,alternatively of being engulfed by intruders as well as getting abandoned .All these will worsen the disease.Hence it is necessary to allow them to express their own identity and preferences
Question 2
Dignity of risk describes the right of the individual to choose to take some risk in engaging in life experiences.People with mental illness are often subjected to double standards in attitudes towards their ability of self determination. It is said that if people with mental illness are not given some dignity of risk,this will affect their recovery.Dignity of risk lay emphasis on personal choice and self determination. Both these are central for the recovery from illness.Self determination is the central component of recovery. This involves taking responsibility for self management of wellness and medication,and willingness to take planned risk.Hope is central to recovery. Not allowing the patient to make their own choices and take some risk will crush their hope.This will delay the recovery process.Some of the barriers for dignity of risk are fear,environment, systems and time.Tim should be involved in any discussions in order for him to exercise his dignity of risk and express his choices.