Mental Health Nursing: Addressing the Growing Demand for Specialized Care

Abstract

The WHO recognizes that there is a global shortage of workers trained in mental health care. Nurses maintain a key role in the functioning of many health systems around the world, yet many do not receive adequate training to provide mental health care. In addition, nurses supporting those with mental health conditions often have to contend with their own lived experiences of mental distress. By recognizing the support nurses require, it is anticipated that some of the stigma relating to health professionals with mental distress can be reduced. Efforts to provide support to nurses and other health professionals experiencing mental health issues must be increased, and help should be readily available and accessible within the workplace. Mental health nursing, or psychiatric and mental health nursing, addresses a wide range of mental health issues. But while it can be one of the most rewarding disciplines, it is fraught with challenges too. Despite its large global prevalence, mental health nursing is seen as an underserved specialty with a shortage of specialists. This is of considerable concern when you consider the debilitating nature of many conditions and the impact they can have on individuals, families, and communities. The associated burden of disease is likely to lead to a growing demand; at the same time, there could be a decrease in the mental health nursing workforce. So we consider the diverse skills required in mental health settings, the extent of the global shortages, and factors that are contributing to them.