There can be intolerance for emotive and disruptive expressions of distress in mental health patients and nurse training on managing distress could be a benefit

There is a compelling rationale that inpatient services must be a place of healing, safety and hope, rather than one of restriction and trauma.

European research on institutional violence and coercion details an evaluation and assessment of the moral cost and personal harm caused by restrictive interventions.

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The fast-paced nature of mental health provision can result in an intolerance for emotive and disruptive expressions of distress. Lack of experience and confidence to manage distress and ensure the safety of others can lead to a dependence on restraint, seclusion and/or enhanced observations.

‘Patients deserve a workforce that is led by ethics, values and standards of care’

Consequently, for too many patients, the sector has become too restrictive and a place to fear, rather than being a refuge to turn to. However, momentum to change is underway and is being driven by professionals, reformers and patients. 

Mental health staff need to be prepared to step up and be a significant other for people in distress

There is a consensus in the patient community that most services and staff do fine work in a challenging environment. It is recognised that working in acute mental health is a demanding but most rewarding and fascinating place to work.  However, all staff need to be prepared to step up and be that significant other for people in distress.  

• RELATED: Implementing cultural safety to enhance the care of mental health service users

We need to focus staff training and development on managing distress, taking a trauma informed and human rights-based approach. Patients deserve a workforce that is led by ethics, values and standards of care.

We must place the voice of lived experience front and centre, noting it is central to building effective therapeutic relationships between staff and patients that support recovery.

• RELATED: CPD focus: importance of listening in developing therapeutic relationships

I hope that everyone stands up to be part of the generation that finally closes the option to engage in restrictive practices in our inpatient settings. In its place we can restore hope, confidence, and social justice to our mental health and learning disability services.

Chris Munt is a university educator, researcher, founder of Authentic Voices and lived experience consultant