Communication strategies to support people experiencing mental health issues

Williams, Rob

Abstract

This article explores the use of effective communication for nurses when interacting with people experiencing mental health issues. Emphasis will be on the importance of nurses adopting person-centred communication styles that prioritise empathy, with the aim of developing a therapeutic rapport. The article underscores the role of the nurse in promoting positive mental health outcomes through the use of techniques such as active listening, empathy and validation. The author also details some of the barriers to effective communication and how nurses can address them.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 11, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 13, 2024
• Journal: Nursing Standard
• Print ISSN: 0029-6570
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-9018
• Publisher: RCN Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2024.e12297
• Keywords: active listening; communication; interpersonal skills; mental health; mental health therapies; nurse- patient relations; professional; talking therapies
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13419786
• Publisher URL: https://journals.rcni.com/nursing-standard/evidence-and-practice/communication-strategies-to-support-people-experiencing-mental-health-issues-ns.2024.e12297/full
• Additional Information: Williams R (2024) Communication strategies to support people experiencing mental health issues. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12297