Die rol van die gemeenskapsverpleegkundige in geestesgesondheid

Abstract

Mental health is an umbrella-like concept encompassing the psychological, emotional and social equilibrium of an individual. Today we are confronted with an ever increasing incidence of mental illness. The individual is unable to adapt and his reactions are unacceptable, inappropriate and inadequate. The community nurse plays a very important role in the prevention of mental illness and the promotion of mental health. The community nurse comes into contact with many people in the community such as the infants, school children, mothers as well as the aged. She is in the position to identify the earliest signs of mental illness and she is also in the ideal position to promote mental health. She plays a role at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention and must therefore be adequately trained and prepared for this very important function.