Promoting nutrition in mental health patients

Abstract

In order to improve the wellbeing of mental health patients, a closer look should be taken at the relationship between nutrition and the mental health. However, due to many people with a serious mental illness not reaching the recommended daily nutrient intake, it Is also important to look at the challenges that people with a serious mental illness face and how a healthcare worker can promote nutrients to the mental health patient. This thesis has been done using the literature review method and combined existing literature to gain new insights. Existing literature shows that existing nutritional assessment tools do not always accurately indicate the nutritional status when used on mental health patients. Besides that, mental health literacy has been traditionally low in the general population. Research has shown that dietary guidance and dietary education can significantly improve the nutritional status of mental health patients. The healthcare worker could significantly improve the nutritional status and progression of the mental health illnesses by applying these techniques. Combined with new technologies such as mobile apps and remote health consults, the reliance of mental health patients on others can be greatly reduced and the selfcare abilities can be improved.