Respond to one peer who provided a summary under the topic you did not chose. (i.e. if you summarized an article under the Dual Diagnoses topic, then respond to a peer who summarized an article under the Psychosis and Cognitive Challenges topic). Due Sunday at 2359
THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE READING BELOW AND RESPONDING TO!!!
Re: Week 8 Forum
by Alexandria Schellenberg (she/her) – Monday, 7 November 2022, 2:45 PM
Developmental disabilities, and mental health issues often overlap.
There is an unseen demographic of individuals who are often overlooked when meeting mental health needs. There appears to be a more significant push to acknowledge and be open about mental health and its stigma. However, there is still a largely stigmatized group of people with developmental disabilities whose mental health challenges are unrecognized. Individuals with developmental disabilities historically have had health issues inadequately addressed (Lunsky, 2017). Many reports of family burnout, homelessness, frequent emergency department visits, and prolonged hospitalizations highlight poorly managed medical and mental health issues (Lunsky, 2017). Individuals with developmental disabilities often have to deal with complex medical and mental health challenges, which can make them prone to frequent emergency department visits or readmission, showing a disconnect between community care and hospital-based care (Lunsky, 2017).
Heller & Brown (2022) share that in most age demographics, individuals with developmental challenges face higher rates of mental health challenges than the general population. There needs to be a strong focus on health equity and social perspective to address the need. For individuals with developmental disabilities, poor health outcomes can be experienced across a lifespan causing higher rates of chronic conditions and leading to a shorter life span (Heller & Brown, 2022). Heller & Brown (2022) reflect on significant gaps in the healthcare system that address the needs of those with developmental disabilities and state that this results from a lack of services, knowledge, and organizational barriers. Corrigan (2016) states that it is essential to understand social situations in order to help individuals achieve life goals. Corrigan (2016) further suggests that a stand-alone rehabilitation strategy may not be the best approach. Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities can adapt multiple rehabilitation strategies with specific cognitive impairments to enhance social functioning and help pursue life goals (Corrigan, 2016). Suppose there is a multi-layered approach to the medical and mental health of those with cognitive impairments. In that case, it could decrease hospital visits and increase a person’s social functioning, supporting a longer and healthier life.
Increased awareness of mental health challenges during the COVID pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings of a system that lacks support for those with cognitive challenges. When people do not fit into a box, they become marginalized and are unseen. Everything that happened during the pandemic has decreased access to activities supporting mental health (Schellenberg, 2022). When the unseen population becomes further marginalized, it can create a feeling of being defeated, and their concerns are not being addressed (Schellenberg, 2022). This feeling of being further marginalized and not having their concerts addressed can further feelings of depression and loneliness (Schellenberg, 2022). For individuals already facing barriers to accessing support concerning medical and mental health supports, the challenges added during the pandemic have had a major impact on mental health. As life returns to “normal” for most of the population, there is still a population of individuals who face added cognitive and medical challenges combined and continue to struggle with the lack of services, further increasing the risks of mental health challenges.
Refrences
Corrigan, P. W. (2016). Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Second Edition ed.). The Gilford Press
Heller, T., & Brown, H. E. (2022). Mental health of older adults with intellectual disability. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 60(7), 10-14. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20220610-01
Lunsky, Y. (2017, April 26). Developmental disabilities, mental health issues often overlap. Healthy Debate. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://healthydebate.ca/2017/04/topic/developmental-disabilities-mental-health/
Schellenberg, A. [Alex S]. (2022, January 23). Alex and Holly TR Assignment 2 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH-UfLd_Fis
