Nursing interventions for anxiety, depression, and suspiciousness in the home care setting

Home healthcare nurses who have no special training or experience in mental health care can use the suggestions provided in this review of nursing interventions for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, or suspiciousness. As mentioned, when dealing with psychosocial behaviors, the crux of the nursing interventions is the establishment of the nurse-client relationship. The means used to initiate this relationship and the interventions used for ongoing care vary with the presenting behavior. However, trust is the primary goal, and this trust often comes only with patience and persistence. Above all interventions, the most important to remember are active listening and presence, or "being with" the client. Because the emotions involved in anxiety, depression, and suspiciousness evoke similar or strong emotions in others, the nurse must continually examine his or her own feelings and reactions to the client. Being aware of the effect of such emotions on oneself can help the nurse become aware of the effect on the family who deals with the client. If family members are caregivers or are involved in the client's daily life, they may benefit from supportive interventions to assist them in recognizing and dealing with their feelings as well. The home healthcare nurse can provide a high level of professional care by assessing and intervening in these psychosocial dynamics of clients and their families.