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Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom
Do you deal with the severely mentally ill??? Most of my patients fall in that category. I've only been in this job since last May, so I'm still learning how to handle them. For the aggressive ones, I've found them to be much gentler when they realize someone cares. Any advice to help me deal with the ones who insist that they're not "crazy"??? Getting them to take their meds is a challenge....  (like the lady who insists she doesn't need meds, but then in the next breath, tells me the government is microwaving her and turning her eyes to hard-boiled eggs....) |
I deal largely with the preschool group (who are just as delusional, aggressive, bi-polar, psychotic, etc) and their crazy parents. My husband deals with the adults. I was director of our local community mental health center for several years & so dealt with all ages. You just have to start where they are. You cannot convince them of much of anything if they are delusional. Just show genuine care & concern as I can tell you do, and they will come to trust you in time. You can make observations like "you know I noticed you are much more organized when you are taking your meds. You know being organized can be a big help in dealing with (whatever their current delusion is)", as an example. Joke with them (appropriate of course), laughter is good for anyone's soul and it builds trust. Just for starters. I am sure you do better with them than you think and from things you have said I am confident you do.