Available Community Resources for Safe and Effective Continuum of Care for Mental Disorders

There are numerous community-centered resources that can be utilized to manage mental disorders. First, community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs can be created to enhance the treatment of mental illnesses. CBR programs are run by non-governmental illnesses and ensure that patients have access to quality treatment. Unemployed people are at a higher chance of suffering from mental illnesses. The CBR programs can run micro-credit schemes hence empower patients or high risk populations. 

Secondly, peer groups involving patients suffering from similar mental illnesses can be useful in the management of the illnesses. Peer support groups allow patients to express their challenges and experiences which is crucial in the management of the illnesses. For example, patients suffering from drug dependency can hold group meetings which creates an avenue for group therapy.

Thirdly, home-based care can be used to manage mental illnesses. Home-based care requires the medical professionals to work closely with the patient and their families. The family members have to be educated on various interventions and tasked with ensuring that the patient takes the medication among other activities. 

Fourth, local community leaders can be involved in the management of mental illnesses. Local community leaders include religious leaders and members of school management among others. The leaders can educate community members on the early symptoms of mental illnesses and the need to seek assistance. In some instances the religious leaders can help community members overcome stressful disorders as they offer faith-based assistance. 

Lastly, social workers are essential in the management of mental illnesses. Social workers provide assistance to patients before they reach the hospitals. Social workers are crucial in educating people exposed to mental illnesses and offer first-line care to patients. 

References

Koch, S. V., Andersson, M., Hvelplund, C., & Skovgaard, A. M. (2020). Mental disorders in referred 0–3-year-old children: A population-based study of incidence, comorbidity and perinatal risk factors. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 1-12.

WHO (2015). Social Determinants of Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/112828/9789241506809_eng.pdf;jsessionid=73DCE6C7A386CB86C9AC422DE8FCBBC5?sequence=1

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