Mental illness is more common than we think. There has always been an attitude of stigma and discrimination perpetuating in people towards those who suffer from mental illness or other psychiatric concerns.
Although substantial efforts are being made today to help people with mental health conditions in a better way and enable them to live independently in their communities, the stigma surrounding mental illness isn’t completely gone.
Psychosocial rehabilitation or PSR is a treatment approach that reduces this prejudice and encourages social inclusivity while helping disabled individuals in different aspects of their life.
Psychosocial rehabilitation is the most effective approach that responds to multiple needs of healthy living. It is an evidence-based practice that aims towards an individual’s recovery from psychiatric illness and difficult/ emotional situations.
Psychosocial rehabilitation focuses on increasing the possibilities of individual’s symptom management, personal improvement, social re-integration and quality of life. With guided practices, the individual works with the counsellor to pivot a balance between emotional issues and reality.
One of the major goals and objectives of psychosocial rehabilitation is the complete recovery of the individual. However, achieving full recovery is a continuous process rather than a one-time outcome.
Every individual is different and so are their journeys and needs. With the PSR approach, they can find hope and meaning in their lives no matter what their disabilities or the impacts of the illness are.
Psychosocial rehabilitation follows a few objectives and treatment interventions as well to help people develop the social, intellectual and emotional skills they need in order to live happily. Here you read-
The prime focus of psychosocial rehabilitation to work on not target the acute phase of the illness. Hence all the programs and activities are sketched in a way where the individual takes control and stabilize with the symptoms.
The objective of the program is to make the individual cope with the illness through social activities, guided meditations and other recovery programs. Through evidence-based treatments and therapies, the therapist makes the process easy.
Here individual learns to develop the self-help skills that are necessary to anticipate/ reduce the severity of the illness. Furthermore, it becomes handy when the individual experiencing a relapse.
The program engages and educates the family members about the illness. This helps them to get their loved one on the path to a faster recovery from the illness. In addition to these, recovering individuals benefit from family therapy.
Since the family members often serve as a core support system for persons once they exit a rehabilitation centre. It’s important that family people understand the individual so that they can serve as the best source of support and encouragement.
The ultimate goal of psychosocial rehabilitation is reintegrating the individuals back to society. Through comprehensive programs and effective coping skills, the person learns to operate normally in society.
Who Can Benefit from Psychosocial Rehabilitation?
Psychosocial rehabilitation can be highly beneficial for a lot of people. However, everyone with a form of mental illness doesn’t need it.
Functioning can be restored for many people with medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Rehabilitation may be necessary if people need additional support and recovery assistance to restore functioning. Typically, PSR can be beneficial for the following:
Other people who can benefit from PSR services are those with chronic and severe psychiatric conditions.
A psychosocial rehabilitation center is especially important for these individuals so that they can learn the necessary skills to function and cope with their condition.
These social, self-care, and life skills can benefit people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities.
People will have a period of major transition after they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
They may have some trouble managing their condition as they lose functionality and approach. Besides, they may also have trouble going to school or work or build supportive relationships with others.
However, once the treatment deals with their underlying condition, the rehabilitation process can help them build the required skills and support them to have fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Best Practices and Approaches Used in Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Currently, a combination of emerging and best practices based on evidence is used in psychosocial rehabilitation programs.
Irrespective of the strategy used, the goal of psychiatric rehabilitation is to restore the social and psychological functioning of the individual.
The whole idea behind psychosocial rehabilitation is that every individual is capable of achieving independence and adapt to various situations to be able to reach their goals.
There can be a considerable variation in specific psychosocial rehabilitation treatments depending on the case as well as an individual’s unique needs and available resources. Besides, the treatment processes can be highly individualized and collaborative.
Rehabilitation is effective when it encompasses a comprehensive plan addressing the person’s life and functioning. Usually, the plan is devised and executed by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor.
Moreover, a significant part of the process involves working with the person individually as well as in community settings.
If you know someone struggling with a mental health condition, don’t hesitate to reach to professional help. Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Centre provides the best evidence-based treatment and therapies by well-trained medical professionals. Call us @+91 96111 94949.