Communication in Mental Health

We are always troubled in so many ways when it comes to communicating with different cultures and different backgrounds. We must first see if there are any barriers between the groups who are willing to communicate, in other words we must clear the air in order to see where we are going. The same holds true for those working in mental health, nurses and clinicians, when relating with consumers or clients and vice versa. Families of said consumers also have to relate with not only loved ones yet share their respect and cultural understanding as well when sharing not only with the consumer yet also with clinicians and therapist as well. There has to be some acceptance and trust when communicating in a mental health setting.

A relationship between mental health staff member’s clients has to be established on a one-to-one level and it must be not so personal so that care can be given to the client, through trust from the client, the client's families, friends and others who may be involved in treating the consumer. We must lead the consumer to understand his or hers goals and direct them in a learned way to understand what can be achieved.

Directing the consumer to accept their own esteem and be aware that there can be no wrong if there is understanding and that this understanding comes from the ability of both the clinician and consumer being able to define what they are conveying in any situation when conversing. There must be empathy between the client(s) and mental health worker, sharing what one is feeling and agreeing upon when communicating and while giving understanding.

Trust is a part of communication in that you have no reason to fear what you are hearing or facing in such a relationship of give and take. As a client, I am still learning to listen and give as well in the client-clinician relationship and maintain my trust level as well as trying to keep my understanding of what the therapist is giving in the way of knowledge while keeping my self esteem and knowing what level I exist in to learn and excel in the matters between mental health workers and my own recovery.
Written By Donald Sammons