Assess patient for suicidal ideations or thoughts of violence to self or others. It is necessary to determine this so early intervention can be taken to prevent injury to patient and those around.
Provide a secure, structured environment for patient to foster open discussion of conflicts.
Encourage patient to express feelings about self (past and present). Self-exploration encourages patient to consider future change.- Provide a specific amount of uninterrupted noncare-related time to engage patient in conversation. Such discussions help patient assume ultimate responsibility for coping responses.
- Explore patient's usual coping mechanisms in times of stress. Suggest additional positive methods of coping. Role-play with patient in order to help patient see what healthy coping mechanisms look like.
- Assess patient's mental status through interview and observation at least once per day. If anxiety resulting from self-rejection becomes severe, patient may experience disorientation and psychotic symptoms.
- Involve patient in the decision-making process. Making such decisions can help combat ambivalence and procrastination associated with low self-esteem.
- Provide patient with positive feedback for verbal reports or behaviors that indicate a return to positive self-appraisal. This gives patient feelings of significance, approval, and competence, which can help in coping effectively with stressful situations.
Provide information about appropriate support groups and encourage interacting with individuals who have successfully adapted to illness or limitations to increase patient's coping skills.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Anticipatory Guidance; Decision-Making Support; Grief Work Facilitation; Self-Esteem Enhancement |