In this essay today I will be conducting research into the current mental health provision within Northern Ireland. I will further evaluate the research I discover and investigate the important factors that influence mental health within our society, further identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the services given for mental health support.

For years mental health was ignored and disregarded as physical wellbeing was viewed as superior and more important, but now mental health as slowly began gaining importance in society especially after COVID19.

Mental health has become a prominent issue in Northern Ireland contractionary even more since the COVID-19 pandemic. Northern Ireland has the highest rate of mental health problems in the UK. Compared to England and Scotland, Northern Ireland receives less funding, yet the mental health problems are estimated to the 20% higher (Aware NI, 2020). In Northern Ireland a survey was carried out called the Youth Wellbeing Survey which found that 12.6% of children and young adults are suffering from different, mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. This survey discovered that poor mental health in Northern Ireland is 25% higher compared with the other UK countries (Northern Health and Social Care Trust, 2022). It was also found in a report carried out by the National Childrens Bureau (NCB) that 20% of young people within this generation suffer with serious mental health issues by their 18th birthday. Within Northern Ireland the rates of depression are heavily correlated with issues such as social deprivation, poor education, unemployment and the generational outcomes of the troubles. Now the overall suicide rate within Northern Ireland is increased to more than three times higher than the rate of road traffic deaths. Furthermore, there has also been an increase particularly with young males under the age of 35. The total cost of mental health in Northern Ireland is estimated to be around 12% of the national income (Dorris, Lyons and Nugent, 2019). 

Nursing, Social Work and other Allied Health jobs are known as PROFESSIONAL qualifications.

 

1. What is Professionalism? 

conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. It means communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding a way to be productive.

2. What is needed to become a ‘Professional’ practitioner? 

Related qualifications may include a first-level degree in public health or a related field, nursing, environmental health, sport and exercise, or any combination of these, depending on the particular practitioner role. Experience could include roles involving knowledge and intellect or dealing with communities or groups.

3. What is a Professional Identity? 

Professional identity consists of the individual's alignment of roles, responsibilities, values, and ethical standards to be consistent with practices accepted by their specific profession.

4. What are Principles within Health and Social care? 

dignity and respect, compassion, be included, responsive care, and support and wellbeing

5. Can you list and explain any Code of conducts used within a health and social care profession? 

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help you say and achieve what is important to you.

respect your dignity, privacy, preferences, culture, language, rights, beliefs, views and wishes.

support you to stay safe.

be honest, trustworthy and reliable.

be qualified to do their job properly.

6. What are Ethical Considerations within Health and Social care? 

respect for persons, beneficence, justice, utility, solidarity 

Critical Reflection

Identify an example from your own practice when you felt there were ethical issues in delivering holistic care. Identify the nature of the ethical issues and what possible courses of action were open to you. Which option did you take and why?

looking for that ethical issues in healthcare can arise in situations where there are conflicting values or principles, like patient autonomy, beneficence, and justice. If you encounter such issues, it's important to consider the possible courses of action and choose the one that aligns with your ethical beliefs and professional responsibilities. Remember, always prioritise the well-being and best interests of the individuals you're caring for