The discussion of stigmatization related to mental illness has brought out many valuable insights on the matter. One of the major points discussed is the role of nurses in reducing the stigma and bias, as well as self-stigmatization, associated with mental health issues. Nursing professionals are thought to play one of the central roles in the process as they can be the communication hub, so-to-speak, between different stakeholders. Nurses can and should bring the voices of mentally ill people and their close ones to the fore when addressing policymakers as well as articulating important messages to the public.
Raising people’s awareness concerning the matter is seen as one of the primary solutions to the problem. Nurses should educate patients and their caregivers concerning various aspects of mental illness. Such interventions can empower patients and reduce their self-stigmatization. During the discussion, students also contemplated on the existing and possible methods nurses can employ to raise people’s awareness. Such large-scale projects as Pink Shirt Day or Let’s Talk Day are regarded as effective strategies to reach a wide audience. Nevertheless, such projects are also associated with rather short-lived effects as people remain disengaged.
Another potent tool to deliver messages is the use of social media. It is concluded that the programs and projects available through social networks should be properly controlled to avoid the propagation of any bias. One of the inspirational aspects of the discussion is concerned with some students’ accounts of interventions implemented by nurses they actually know. It becomes clear that even a single nursing practitioner can make a difference and improve the situation in a healthcare facility, or an educational establishment, or a community. As for the steps nurses can implement in the K-12 setting, students agree that schools can be an important platform for shaping public opinion since new generations will have a healthy view concerning mental health.
The students paid quite a lot attention to the discussion of the use of shared vulnerability as an approach to address the issue. The students agree that this paradigm can help nurses to diminish their own bias related to mental health issues. As a result, nursing professionals can provide high-quality care and aid patients to reduce their self-stigmatization. The shared vulnerability can also be instrumental in changing the public opinion on the matter as well as developing and implementing effective policies. Nursing professionals should be the agents of change who educate people and eliminate prejudice and bias related to mental health stigma.
The discussion also revealed certain gaps in the educational system. The students agree that nursing school curriculum needs improvement. Some students had very brief courses related to mental health and had limited knowledge of the strategies that can be used when providing care to patients with a mental health issue. One of the remarkable points made during the discussion is related to the underlying reason for such imperfection of the curriculum. It is mentioned that nursing schools have limited resources and can hardly provide students with all the necessary skills and knowledge.
All in all, it is necessary to note that the discussion made the students dig deeper, unveil gaps and issues, as well as seek solutions. Besides, students could discuss strategies that had been employed and proved to be effective. The raised questions and given answers helped the students analyzed various aspects of the issue, which is beneficial for their future practice.