Addis Ababa University

College of Social Sciences

School of Social Work

(BSWC 2022) Health Social Work

Assignment: Book Review On Handbook of Social Work (Chapter 8)

Bitanya Admassu UGR/8804/15

Submitted to: Dr. Zena Berihanu

Submitted on: April/2024

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 Introduction

This book review discusses a chapter that explores the relationship between physical health and

mental well-being. It covers both the factors within us and those around us that influence our

mental health, such as how we deal with stress and our social connections. The chapter also

explains different methods used to spot mental health problems and what actions can be taken to

assist individuals in need. Overall, it's about understanding how our physical health affects our

mental state and providing support to those facing challenges.

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 Physical and Mental Health: Interactions, Assessment, and Interventions

The chapter discusses the link between physical and mental health, emphasizing often neglected

factors like stress and social relationships. It then outlines three key areas: understanding the

interaction between mental health and other factors, assessing mental health, and intervening

when necessary.

The primary aim is to inform social workers on how to enhance coping mechanisms and

psychological well-being in individuals facing illness by emphasizing the pursuit of meaningful

goals. Folkman and Greer (2010) focuses on the significance of "psychological well-being and

the coping processes that support it" (p. 201) within their framework. Additionally, the

assessment and intervention strategies outlined consider cultural backgrounds, ecological factors,

and individual experiences (p. 169-170). Assessment techniques include Differential

Assessment, Intersecting Domains, and Screening Instruments, providing social workers with

practical tools for addressing mental health concerns.

Psychosocial intervention strategies in health-care settings involve matching interventions to

individuals in their ecological contexts. These strategies include psychotherapeutic approaches,

behavioral and cognitive interventions, and psychoeducational methods (p.200). Collaboration

with physicians and referring clients to various therapies is also a key aspect of these

intervention (p. 199).

When navigating the intersections between physical and mental health in health-care settings, it

is crucial to approach assessments and interventions with thoughtful attention. This involves

demonstrating competence in serving individuals and families across diverse backgrounds

(p.205).

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The primary aim of the chapter revolves around three key elements: interactions, assessment, and

interventions concerning both physical and mental health. The initial aspect involves the

interactions and assessment of psychological states within healthcare environments.

Mental health can have a notable effect on physical well-being across various life stages. For

instance, depression in teenagers can result in not following medical instructions properly. In

adults, issues like depression and anxiety may heighten the likelihood of cardiovascular-related

deaths. Among older women diagnosed with cancer, depression can impact treatment

effectiveness and elevate the risk of mortality. Addressing depression can also alleviate pain and

disability linked to conditions such as osteoarthritis. Research indicates that persistent depression

may forecast adverse health consequences, such as a decrease in CD4 cell counts in women with

HIV.

The assessment comprises several systems: the macro system, mesosystem, exosystem, and

microsystem. The macrosystem emphasizes cultural context and prevailing societal dynamics.

The mesosystem encompasses interactions within family, peers, and other important individuals.

The exosystem encompasses elements such as employment, locality, and community. The

microsystem relates to individual behaviors and health conditions.

Within this context, various factors necessitate consideration, including ecological factors such

as race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage. Mental health symptoms should be assessed,

encompassing indicators like stress, anger, and anxiety, which may correlate with psychological

distress in individuals. Furthermore, attention must be given to physical health conditions,

acknowledging underlying medical issues that could contribute to symptoms such as depression

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or anxiety. Evaluating the impact of medications and medical treatments on mental health

symptoms and overall well-being is crucial. Additionally, exploring the involvement of

substance use in exacerbating or causing mental health challenges is essential, with concurrent

assessment and management of any co-occurring substance use disorders being imperative.

In conclusion, the assessment of psychological states within healthcare environments are

complex and multifaceted, encompassing various systems. within the realm of mental health

assessment and intervention, it is vital to consider a range of factors. These include ecological

elements such as race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage, which significantly influence individuals'

mental health experiences

Another main factor included in the chapter is intervention methods of mental health. Various

methods of psychosocial interventions play a crucial role in addressing mental health challenges.

These interventions encompass a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral

therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and

family therapy. Collaborating with physicians is essential to evaluate the use of psychotropic

medications, particularly those with a lower risk of overdose. For individuals at risk of suicide,

interventions involve mobilizing their support system, limiting access to lethal means, and

providing ongoing follow-up and referrals.

Additionally, adherence counseling assists individuals in adhering to medications and treatments,

enhancing health outcomes. Stress management interventions combine stress reduction

techniques with psychoeducation to bolster coping mechanisms and mitigate risk factors,

ultimately promoting overall well-being.

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Several factors impact interventions and deserve attention. Making sure there are safe places for

exercise can make interventions more effective. Providing healthy food options can also make

interventions more successful. Supporting people in learning coping strategies can help those

dealing with stress. Encouraging psychological well-being and teaching coping skills can be

really helpful in interventions.

The intervention part emphasis the importance of different ways to assess mental health and

various methods to help people cope with mental health challenges. These methods include

talking therapies like CBT and family therapy, as well as working closely with doctors to

manage medications. It also expresses the importance of guiding clients to access reputable

health-care information online.

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Lessons taken from the chapter can also be categorized into three main areas: the correlation

between mental and physical health, assessment methodologies, and intervention strategies when

required.

I have understood that Physical and mental health go hand in hand, affecting each other in

important ways. This connection is complex, involving biological, psychological, and social

factors. Mental health issues can really impact physical health, so it's crucial to address both in

healthcare. To help people effectively, social workers need to understand how physical and

mental health interact and assess them accurately. By recognizing this relationship, healthcare

providers can better support people's overall well-being.

In the assessment part, Regular screening for mental health issues is really important because

they can affect overall health a lot. By checking for these problems often, healthcare providers

can catch them early and give the right help and treatment. This can stop them from getting

worse or causing more serious health problems.

Working together with different healthcare providers, like doctors, psychologists, and social

workers, is really important to help people with both mental and physical health issues. Doing a

thorough check helps figure out exactly what mental health problem someone has and what's

causing it. It's also crucial to think about factors like race, ethnicity, gender, and money situation

to understand how someone feels mentally. And giving support that fits the person's mental

health issue, physical health, medicines, and substance use is key to helping them the best.

I understand the importance of effective interventions, which can serve multiple purposes. For

example, stress management techniques, combined with mental health education, have been

shown to decrease risk factors and improve coping, even during severe illnesses like cancer.

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Similarly, encouraging healthy habits such as quitting smoking, eating nutritiously, and

maintaining a healthy weight can significantly enhance both health and lifespan.

Making sure people take their medications and follow their treatment plans is really important

for their health, and social workers can help with this in different ways. Providing information in

writing and talking about it can help people better understand and deal with both physical and

mental health issues.

I've also grasped that the book covers different stress management methods like mindfulness-

based stress reduction (MBSR), exercise, and relaxation training, emphasizing how they can

improve mood, quality of life, and physical functioning. Additionally, it stresses the significance

of identifying what's important to the individual, understanding their strengths, positive

experiences, and personal aspirations to promote a sense of control and well-being.

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