Introduction
Anxiety is considered one of the most common mental illnesses among the US population. Hence, anxiety affects people’s emotional state and prevents them from functioning normally in society and interacting with the outside world. Undoubtedly, several factors contribute to the formation and development of these ailments. However, a competent specialist will help identify the symptoms and the causes that affect an individual with a sense of anxiety and select competent treatment methods. A comprehensive study and analysis of the specific situation and the case regarding a 23-year-old Native American male will be covered in this essay.
A Discussion of the Situation: The Specific Factors
Several specific socio-economic, spiritual, lifestyle and other cultural factors are associated with the patient. Firstly, it has been proven that people with lower socio-economic status are more vulnerable to mental health problems, which are subsequently forced to “drown them out” with alcohol and various substances (Kim et al., 2020). For instance, such moments as an unfavorable environment, problems at work and home, instability, and high-income gaps would cause mental disorders, stress, panic, and anxiety in the patient.
Secondly, based on the man’s story, it is necessary to outline a clear relationship between spirituality, morality, and the desire to eradicate the existing health problem. There is a possibility that the client also turned to a specialist for help due to faith in certain higher concepts. Thus, stress and anxiety caused such “spiritual symptoms” as fear of the consequences of “sins” and “bad” behavior. This American strives to “get on the right path” to get to heaven, and, most probably, the patient adheres to Christian motives and believes in the afterlife and God.
Thirdly, the use of psychoactive substances and alcohol caused negative consequences in the patients’ mental health. Thus, a hedonistic lifestyle, frequent use of alcohol and “pots,” poor nutrition, and low mobility could provoke the presence of anxiety and stress (Velten et al., 2018). However, in this context, it is essential to clarify more information about the client’s lifestyle and verify the authenticity of the indicated factors.
Fourthly, there is a possibility that the environment and the people who interact with the man influenced his lifestyle, which subsequently provoked a feeling of anxiety. For example, the patient’s tests indicate that diabetes, hypertension, and alcoholism are genetic. According to Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, parents and relatives could provoke an image and a model of behavior in a man, which smoothly flowed into adulthood (Lumen Learning). Thus, already being independent and of legal age, the client could acquire a lot of friends, in whose company it is customary to drink and smoke.
The Challenges
There are several problems that I, as a medic, need to pay attention to when working with this client. For instance, it is necessary to discuss topics related to drugs, alcohol and a personal nature delicately. Making some mistakes in a conversation on these topics can cause negative emotions and feelings in the client who is afraid because of branding and stigma (Crapanzano et al., 2019). Indeed, these moments will determine the outcome of further actions, the type of communication, and treatment methods.
The Questions
There are the following targeted questions I would ask the patient:
- Does it happen that you drink, or use “pots” more than you planned?
- Do you find it interesting to spend time without alcohol and “pots”?
- How are you with your memory? Have there ever been situations when memory failed, especially in the morning?
- What is your job? What do you do?
- Do you maintain relationships with your family and loved ones?
- Do you belong to any religious organization?
Conclusion
Anxiety is a special emotional state that prevents a person from living a full life, functioning in society, and performing work duties efficiently. Since the man is part of the social system and American society, many external and personal factors influence the current situation. Indeed, a more comprehensive approach is needed to study the client’s problems and identify ways that can improve the patient’s well-being.
References
Crapanzano, K. A., Hammarlund, R., Ahmad, B., Hunsinger, N., & Kullar, R. (2019). The association between perceived stigma and substance use disorder treatment outcomes: a review. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 10, pp. 1-12.
Kim, Y. M., & Cho, S. I. (2020). Socioeconomic status, work‐life conflict, and mental health.American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 63(8), pp. 703-712.
Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Education, society, & the K-12 learner. Lumen Learning. Web.
Velten, J., Bieda, A., Scholten, S., Wannemüller, A., & Margraf, J. (2018). Lifestyle choices and mental health: A longitudinal survey with German and Chinese students. BMC Public Health, 18(1), pp. 1-15.