Humans are complicated. Our body and minds are intertwined and it is important that both receive the attention necessary to keep us healthy. “Whatever happens in the brain (or mind) can affect physiological processes elsewhere in the body, and what happens in the environment is mediated by the brain (mind) can also influence physiological processes” (PSU WC, PSYCH 424, L. 5, p.2). With that understanding, it is time that health care becomes all-inclusive in its treatment plans. Plans that treat the body should also treat the mind and clinical health psychology can show us the way.
The purpose of clinical health psychology is to promote the maintenance of health by being attentive to the relationships of social, emotional, cognitive and the biological components of health. It includes treatment and prevention of the individual and the improved health care in general (“Clinical Health”, n.d.). This comprehensive approach could address problems that have been ignored because they have shown no physical symptoms.
In a country that is impacted, on a daily basis, by the results of behavior that is associated with mental illness, it seems that it is time to include health counseling as a normal part of maintaining good health. If health insurance can allow for an annual physical check-up why not an annual check up on our emotional health? Integrated care could provide a means to address issues before there are problems, provide skills to manage stress, address phobias, manage pain, help relationships, work with learning issues, and support self-esteem. Of particular importance is that the variability of an individuals psyche affects how the body responds to treatment for physical ailments. Health psychologists in conjunction medical practitioners should be the first line of assessment for health care.
The first hurdle may be the stigma of counseling in any format. A1986 study by Sibicky and Dovidio reported that there are stereotypes against those who participate in psychological counseling (Sibicky and Dovidio, 1986). How can we change this attitude? Like physical and mental health, attitude and behavior are also inseparable. To change attitudes we have to go back to the beginning.
Psychologists can apply their “knowledge of persuasion to improve the ways in which health promotion efforts can influence their target audiences” (Schneider et al., p. 189). To promote the idea of a holistic approach to and individuals’ health clarifies that the marriage of these components impacts everything. Parents and schools can also influence health choices and emphasize the importance and relatedness of physical and mental health. Health psychology is an area that reaches into all aspects of individuals’ lives and it is important that it be recognized for the contributions it makes.
References:
Clinical health psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Psychological Association website: http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/health.aspx
Schneider, F. W., Gruman, J. A., & Coutts, L. M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understand and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Sibicky, M., & Dovidio, J. F. (1986). Stigma of psychological therapy: Stereotypes, interpersonal reactions, and the self-fulfilling prophecy. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 33(2), 148-154.
Hi,
Since everyone experience stress at some point in their life, determining how the disorder occurs would be most beneficial. Namely, counseling can enhance an individual life by first understanding why this stress related disorders occurs; such as, depression or anxiety and what is the best way to address it. (Schneider, Gruman, & Coutts, 2012) If counseling, was mandate as you suggest it could potentially minimize some forms of anxiety displayed from people who suffer from social phobia. As an example, their awkward interactions cause the individual to become withdrawn and isolated to themselves making them lonely. Loneliness can than lead to depression. What better way than to provide them with counseling by catching and address the disorder early on.
If this was to occur, the physician has to be careful that the patients are being labeled appropriately. As an illustration, the patient is depressed; therefore they should be labeled as depressed and not labeled as someone who suffers from anxiety. This approach would ensure the best form of treatment is administered to patient. Likewise, it is imperative that the clinician is not being bias and is as accurate as possible while diagnosing the patient. It can just as easily be said that an individual who suffers from disorders are focused on self-presentational. In essence, they are more concerned with how other people view them, which in turn makes them more likely to conform to other expectations or they may suffer from a lack of confidence.
In sum, all human beings can suffer from stress or a disorder which may lead to some form of counseling. When an individual suffers from a disorder they tend to feel helpless or hopeless and doubt themselves. Chiefly, they feel like they are no longer in control of their lives, so if mandated counseling is the key to sanity, I am all for it.
References:
Schneider, F. W., Gruman, J. A., & Coutts, L. M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understand and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.