Spin doctor of philosophy

Mental Health Nursing,  May 2000  by Bailey, Sue

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Sneak up!

Mental health nursing is about developing therapeutic relationships through which life and experiences can be explored. So why aren't we more committed to the study of philosophy? asks Sue Bailey

For my own part, one of the attractions of mental health nursing is the insights into human nature and life that one gains through shared experiences with others.

What propelled me to study my own personal philosophy of mental health, was the need to find meaning in chaos. Repeated encounters with people who appear to have no psychological `middle ground', or poor ego strength, has led to my personal belief that people can find comfort and healing in relationships that are influenced by existential and phenomenological thought, which then translates into `ways of being.

In my view we practise philosophy daily without recognising it. How many times do clients ask us at Sam: "Why am I here? What does it all mean?" How often do we ask ourselves the same questions?

In mental health nursing we endeavour to assist people through their journey which often involves analysis of life and circumstance. It is the mental housing with which we are concerned. Philosophy is reflection. It is one of the ironies of nursing that we are being urged to engage in reflective practice when in reality this is what our practice is.

The study of philosophy equips us with a tool through which we can further our art and ourselves, a tool we already use, only not always to its full potential.

So why do nurses rush to further studies in psychology, sociology, and counselling while avoiding philosophy like a child hoping to avoid maths?

A common fear of philosophy lies in the belief that the study of philosophy is a highly academic pursuit. But we have choice regarding the depth and extent of our study: to stay at beginners' level or to strive for a Ph D. But the first choice must be to overcome our fear of the subject.

A more practical barrier to the study of philosophy is the apparent lack of access. Unless you are lucky enough to have a drinking partner who will philosophize with you over a pint, (an excellent tool for aiding discussion!) there are very few forums where philosophy can be discussed more formally, with like-minded individuals.

Philosophy has much more than a `quick fix' solution to offer and yet remains surprisingly common sense.

It leads us to appreciate with a much greater depth the application of humanism, phenomenology and existentialism to mental health nursing. This leads us down the path of client-centred care, where clients' experiences are seen as relevant and meaningful.

Psychiatry is undergoing great changes, both in legislation and preferred approaches to treatment. Nurses need the strength of thought and conviction to use philosophy to ask the relevant questions and argue the necessary causes. Only with sound and logical argument will those with the power begin to listen.

So I would urge all individuals with an interest in life, to dash to their nearest bookstore and begin the pursuit of wisdom. After all An unexamined life is not worth living.

*Sue Bailey is an RMN, currently on maternity leave

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association May 2000
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