La salud mental desde la intervención profesional del trabajo social

Abstract

In this study the role of the social worker in professional interventions was examined with respect to the topic of mental health, seeking primarily to provide the necessary resources for patients to remain stable and as far as possible recover their mental homeostasis. By means of semi-structured interviews, the problematic of mental illnesses has been dealt with by speaking with 10 professionals who, from practical experience, have acquired very valid knowledge in interventions with mentally ill patients. The principle theoretical sources with which every professional supports his or her actions have been examined, thus summarizing the intervention criteria. The data analyzed conclude that social workers fulfill an important role in the field of psychiatry and mental health by means of prevention and by caring for the patients and their families. But the data also suggest that professionals need continuous preparation, for the humanitarian treatment of the patient is essential. The maximum amount of interaction between the social worker and the mentally ill patient is of primary importance, since whether the performed intervention brings about good results and produces a balanced attitude and objective in the professional, who will utilize his or her personality to support the patient, depends upon this interaction.