- Information
- AI Chat
unit 4 hubert essay
Access to higher education (Nursing) (PA13MR099U)
Learndirect
Recommended for you
Preview text
Unit Four: health and wellbeing.
Case study: Hubert and family
Hubert is a full-time carer to his wife who is living with multiple sclerosis. They have two children at home, one of whom is currently studying their GCSEs and the other has just started secondary school. Hubert also works full time at a local garage. Hubert is usually a positive person but lately he has found himself becoming frustrated with his children and becoming rude to customers at work. This essay highlights and improves Huberts's situation by studying the difference between emotions and feelings and the positive and negative responses that Hubert may experience. We will also look at completing some research on the psychological and physiological effects which Hubert may encounter. This will include looking at coping strategies and support options available, that will aid in positive mental wellbeing for Hubert and his family.
Emotions can occur when we are triggered by positive or negative situations. We can experience emotions consciously and subconsciously. One can experience many physiological and psychological effects of emotions. Emotions are natural to all humans, regardless of culture. Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio theorized that they originate in the amygdala limbic system — one of the brain's cortices that determines human reactions to stimuli. This brain activity affects our human behavior, and emotional responses, and can even cause physical sensations, also known as a somatic response. (Better up, may,2022). Some negative physical effects of emotions can include palpitations, enlarged pupils, sweaty palms, trembling body, increased blood pressure and so on. Emotions can be experienced on instinct and affect anyone regardless of age, race, and personal circumstances. Feelings, however, are a byproduct of our emotions and are on a more conscious level which means they can achieve a more positive outcome. Feelings are our own interpretation of our emotions. Feelings develop from our beliefs, memories, and life experiences. People are different in how they experience emotions and feelings. One example could be how we manage a significant life event like the birth of a baby. Many new mums feel a mixture of emotions and feelings like joy, love, and pure excitement. Other mums may feel a sense of overwhelm and fear at the prospect of such a substantial change to their life. Another example is how we perceive excitement and danger. Some people are excited at the thought of extreme sports while another individual may be scared and apprehensive just thinking about it. Just experiencing the thought is enough to provoke a physiological reaction for many people.
Hubert may have previously felt a sense of pride and achievement in his busy life, he may have been feeling content with how he was managing his large workload of being a carer, parent, and provider. Unfortunately, Hubert now seems to have let the negative elements of his workload take over and is beginning to struggle. Hubert may be experiencing feelings of overwhelm. This could be causing Physiological effects in Huberts body. These may include high blood pressure, stomach issues, and changes in appetite. Palpitations, sweaty palms, and weight loss are also common physiological effects of stress on the body. It is advisable to seek help from your G if these symptoms begin to affect your daily life. Psychologically there are many other issues that may arise during prolonged periods of stress. Sleep issues are often common when the mind is in a state of stress. Sleep is an essential factor in our well-being; inadequate quality of sleep can be detrimental to our well-being. Racing thoughts and rumination are also well known negative psychological factors of stress. Many people speak of brain fog and overthinking while experiencing stressful situations. It is easy to see how Hubert has begun to
struggle given the pressure he is under. Fortunately for Hubert and his family, there are strategies available to improve his situation.
Taking the time to sit and breathe slowly is highly effective in stress management. There are many different breathwork techniques including the 4,7,8 method. This works by breathing in through your nose to the count of four, holding your breath to the count of seven and exhaling to the count of 8. This can be performed anywhere and does not cost anything, making it accessible to everyone. Another strategy Hubert could implement is spending time in nature. Being in nature has been proven to have a calming effect on wellbeing. Not only does being in nature have a calming effect on the nervous system but is has been shown to significantly reduce stress levels .This is also cost-effective, meaning Hubert could include the rest of his family, forming a better bond with his children and wife.
Mindfulness has been found to be effective for positive wellbeing. “Mindfulness improves wellbeing. Increasing your capacity for mindfulness supports many attitudes that contribute to a satisfied life. Being mindful makes it easier to savor the pleasures in life as they occur, helps you become fully engaged in activities, and creates a greater capacity to deal with adverse events.” (Harvard,2022). Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere meaning Hubert could use this practice at home and the workplace to help keep stress levels low at work where he is becoming irritated with customers.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, often known as C.B has been found to be successful for many people struggling with emotions. This is a form of talking therapy, aiming to promote positive thinking and increase self-esteem. The negative side of this type of therapy is that NHS (National Health Service) waiting lists are often long. Paying privately, sessions can often cost in the region of forty to fifty pounds a time.
There are options available to further aid in supporting Hubert. He could also contact family and friends to release stress and pressure. It is often underestimated how effective talking to someone we trust can be. This could open Hubert up to offers of support and help with his family, thus lowering the workload of Huberts day to day life. This could also reduce feelings of isolation. Mind is a mental health service
offering online support groups and talking therapies. Mind services supported over 425,000 people
across England and Wales this year. Their services include talking therapies, crisis helplines,
drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling, and befriending. (Mind,2023).
NHS Wales also offers a range of local and online services, one of these is programme called
silver cloud. Silver cloud Wales is designed to support your mental health and wellbeing (NHS,
Wales,2022) This service offers a range of support options including anxiety management and
ways to support your mood.
In conclusion we have considered Hubert and his circumstances along with his wellbeing. To
improve his wellbeing Hubert should take the time to invest himself. Hubert has options and
strategies available to him as we have identified within this essay. Slight changes to his routine
like breathing and mindfulness will be beneficial to Hubert in his daily personal and professional
life. Hubert can also use the local services we discussed to improve his well-being and support
his family more positively.
unit 4 hubert essay
Module: Access to higher education (Nursing) (PA13MR099U)
University: Learndirect
