Dual Diagnosis workshop relfection.

"Dual Diagnosis is when a person is affected by both Mental illness and substance use. Mental Illness and Substance use interact to make each diagnosis worse and have many serious adverse affects" (Mifellowship.org).

Dual diagnosis and substance use in general is something I have not experienced much of throughout my life so this topic was quite an interesting one to me, promoting new ideas and even new approaches that can be applied to the practice of Mental Health in general, not just in Dual diagnosis cases. In particular, I was quite surprised by how common dual diagnosis presentations actually are. Working in Aged Psychiatry, I have not experienced many dual diagnosis cases but, was surprised to find that this age groups is one of the higher risk groups for substance use and dual diagnosis.

    The focus around the presentation to our Graduate group, was around a non- judgmental approach to Dual diagnosis, and not to allow our own beliefs to take over and be placed on our patients, and to be there to help facilitate their recovery journey in their own unique way. It is something we as Nurses strive to maintain for our patients but, being aware when our own values and beliefs are taking over and recognizing our own emotional triggers is vital to maintaining this approach.

    Going through the stages of change and defining each stage was a really helpful exercise as this helped conceptualize the process our patients go through and how unique and interchanging these stages are to each individual. Going through pre-contemplation, contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse and Lapse phases, sometimes even returning to earlier stages before reaching a state of permanent change is a huge process for such clients and health professionals much consider this in their approach.

The problem in dual diagnosis management is that many of these clients "slip through the gaps" as Mental Health services refuse to manage substance use issues and vice versa with drug and addiction programs and mental health issues. These services need to become more interconnected and work together as a part of the care team to help manage these diagnosis from all angles and help these clients to make lasting changes and engage in the recovery process.

for me, this was the major learning form the Dual diagnosis workshop, and is something that goes with a recovery focus for all mental illness as many of our patients go through these stages in a way to accept their illness and begin to engage with Mental health Services in a individualized, holistic way.