Introduction
In the field of healthcare, the growth of mental problems is of particular concern. In particular, this aspect concerns children and adolescents, who are the most vulnerable to this kind of issue. One of the main reasons why this concern arises is bullying. On the part of Nurses as Leaders in Healthcare Reform, there is an integral task of assisting this population in limiting the consequences and preventing the deterioration of the situation. Thus, such a problem as bullying among children and adolescents requires careful research to determine ways to help individuals and improve the quality of mental health care.
Description of the Mental Health Concerns and Overview of Articles
First, it is necessary to understand how the problem under research is covered in the scientific literature. Bullying among children and adolescents is a critically complex and complex issue that requires the involvement of several parties to achieve the most favorable result. In this context, providing support as the primary coping mechanism is of particular value. It is noted that “students with low levels of social support may be more likely to be bullied; their isolation may draw bullies to them” (Rothon et al., 2011, p. 580).
This aspect is because they have less opportunity to resist bullying from peers emotionally and do not have knowledge about ways to cope with these circumstances. Attention should also be paid to the fact that support is needed not only for the victims of bullying but also for its perpetrators. This is because they also have mental problems that become the cause of indulgence in this kind of behavior.
As part of the scientific literature research, it was also realized that such a problem as bullying begins at a sufficiently young age. Research showed that “more than 16% of the children aged 9–11 years reported being bullied regularly, and 5.5% reported regular active bullying during the current school term” (Fekkes et al., 2005, p. 81). This paper also highlights the critical role of teachers and healthcare providers, who must have the awareness and necessary knowledge to mitigate and prevent bullying.
When determining methods and approaches of assistance for those children and adolescents who are faced with the problem under discussion, it is also necessary to remember that there are different types and manifestations of bullying. Additional sources highlight the potential risk factors and effects of bullying. Namely, Armitage (2021) emphasizes that children perceived as different from others are often the victims, especially regarding contrasts in appearance and looks. Furthermore, damaging physical and psychological outcomes are present even after the child leaves the environment in which the abuse was happening.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner’s Role
In the context of healthcare workers, the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) has a unique role in combating the bullying problem. Nurses have a leadership role because they provide services that can improve individuals’ mental well-being, especially in children and adolescents. Research indicated that “PMHNPs are underused despite the important contributions they make by delivering high-quality specialty mental health services to a range of clinical populations across the life span” (Muench & Fraze, 2022, p. 1). This information draws attention as it is necessary to address a more considerable aspect of the contribution that PMHNP can make to the fight against the issue of bullying.
It is worth emphasizing that PMHNP can greatly facilitate positive changes in mental health. First of all, this occurs as the basis of the practices of these healthcare providers, which is the use of evidence-based practice. Hence, when assessing the patient’s condition and determining the scope of their mental problem, they will use the most productive approaches. Within this aspect, PMHNPS can also make a significant contribution because they use proven and effective measures to find ways to solve issues that people address. In more serious cases, they may rely on medication management prescribed to individuals in the most challenging and critical situations. This is because the harassment of the younger generation can have both short-term and long-term effects on the psychological state of people.
Healing Mental Healthcare
Healing mental healthcare is one of the main agendas for modern society, which can provide an opportunity to limit the consequences of problems such as bullying among children and adolescents. The main difficulty that becomes an obstacle in achieving this goal is a high level of stigmatization and a low degree of awareness regarding mental health. Many individuals face the fact that their problems, complaints, or worries are devalued and overlooked due to the insufficient level of intelligence of their parents or caregivers. In addition, particular emphasis should be placed on limiting mental stigmatization among the younger generation.
First, implementing several vital aspects has the most remarkable effectiveness in the healing mental healthcare process. This includes “stepping up investments in mental health, by securing appropriate funds and human resources to meet mental health needs, committed leadership, pursuing evidence-based policies and practice, and establishing robust information and monitoring systems” (“WHO highlights the urgent need to transform mental health,” 2022, para. 10). These indicators will provide an opportunity not only to improve the quality of these medical services but also to improve awareness among the population.
Another initiative that may have particularly valuable results for the mental health field is the promotion of educational measures. This aspect implies not only the adult population but also the younger generation, which most often faces the problem of bullying by peers. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce training programs in educational institutions to spread awareness among young people about bullying and its possible consequences for both sides of the process. In addition, it is essential to attract knowledge about mental health and invite health professionals who will provide a personal experience with this problem and contribute to strengthening the opinion about the value of mental well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bullying is one of the problems that causes the most significant concern as it concerns children and adolescents. It can result from the emergence of critical problems with psychological and physical health, which necessitates the need to find approaches to limit it. Psychiatric-mental health Nurse Practitioners play a unique role in this process. They can provide qualified assistance and an opportunity to limit the negative consequences of encountering bullying at an early age.
References
Armitage, R. (2021). Bullying in children: Impact on child health. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 5(1). Web.
Fekkes, M., Pijpers, F. I., & Verloove-Vanhorick, S. P. (2005). Bullying: Who does what, when and where? Involvement of children, teachers and parents in bullying behavior. Health Education Research, 20(1), 81-91. Web.
Muench, U., & Fraze, T. K. (2022). The future of behavioral health—Harnessing the potential of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. JAMA Network Open, 5(7). Web.
Rothon, C., Head, J., Klineberg, E., & Stansfeld, S. (2011). Can social support protect bullied adolescents from adverse outcomes? A prospective study on the effects of bullying on the educational achievement and mental health of adolescents at secondary schools in East London. Journal of Adolescence, 34(3), 579-588. Web.
WHO highlights urgent need to transform mental health and mental health care. (2022). World Health Organization. Web.