Mental Illness and Well-Being: The Central Importance of Positive Psychology and Recovery Approaches
Jenna Webster 20'
(healthcare journal)
In this article, the author explains that “The academic discipline of positive psychology is
developing evidence-based interventions to improve well-being.” Or, in other words, doctors
and healthcare professionals are seeing that developing a healthy mindset about recovery and
addressing mental illnesses are very powerful tools that can be used to develop patient wellness.
Additionally, the author explains that “health is more than the absence of illness,” and that making
sure someone is healthy involves more than simply providing relief from someone’s negative
symptoms. Slade writes that “recovery is not about ‘getting rid’ of problems. It is about seeing
people beyond their problems - their abilities, possibilities, interests and dreams.” Slade suggests
that future doctors will need to continue to develop their skills of social inclusion, fighting against
stigma, and promoting overall community well-being as part of the future field of medicine.
developing evidence-based interventions to improve well-being.” Or, in other words, doctors
and healthcare professionals are seeing that developing a healthy mindset about recovery and
addressing mental illnesses are very powerful tools that can be used to develop patient wellness.
Additionally, the author explains that “health is more than the absence of illness,” and that making
sure someone is healthy involves more than simply providing relief from someone’s negative
symptoms. Slade writes that “recovery is not about ‘getting rid’ of problems. It is about seeing
people beyond their problems - their abilities, possibilities, interests and dreams.” Slade suggests
that future doctors will need to continue to develop their skills of social inclusion, fighting against
stigma, and promoting overall community well-being as part of the future field of medicine.
This article relates to my topic, especially in terms of social inclusion and ways that showing care
and concern help people in the recovery process. Slade explains how important it is to put all patients
on an equal playing field in terms of the care and respect given to them by healthcare providers, and that
being sensitive to the whole person needs to be seen as a crucial part of healthcare. Slade’s background is
in mental health, but he is writing to show how it connects to physical health as well. His intended audience
seems to be doctors, who he wants to support improvements to mental health and more connected to their
patients. Slade seems to feel like the hierarchy of medicine is not necessarily helpful. Taking this back to
the idea of decorating hospital rooms, I realize that giving someone comfort and taking away the isolating
effect of being in a hospital improves their mental wellness, which in turn can improve their physical
wellness also. Interior design of a hospital should validate a patient and help them connect to larger statuses
of who they are, not remind them they are a person with a disease.
and concern help people in the recovery process. Slade explains how important it is to put all patients
on an equal playing field in terms of the care and respect given to them by healthcare providers, and that
being sensitive to the whole person needs to be seen as a crucial part of healthcare. Slade’s background is
in mental health, but he is writing to show how it connects to physical health as well. His intended audience
seems to be doctors, who he wants to support improvements to mental health and more connected to their
patients. Slade seems to feel like the hierarchy of medicine is not necessarily helpful. Taking this back to
the idea of decorating hospital rooms, I realize that giving someone comfort and taking away the isolating
effect of being in a hospital improves their mental wellness, which in turn can improve their physical
wellness also. Interior design of a hospital should validate a patient and help them connect to larger statuses
of who they are, not remind them they are a person with a disease.
Slade, Mike. “Mental Illness and Well-Being: The Central Importance of Positive Psychology and Recovery Approaches.” BMC Health Services Research. 2010. Vol. 10, Iss. 26: 1-14. Web. 4 December 2019.