Critical thinking stop point 35.2

Possible answer to: What do you think the challenges are for mental health staff working in places like Soteria Houses which use minimal or no medication?

The main challenge is undoubtedly all about how to remain with people in their times of most acute distress or disturbance without the easy recourse to medication for tranquilisation purposes. This demands great sensitivity, compassion, patience and communication skills. Including the capacity to listen and attempt to make sense of what may be unintelligible speech or behaviour. Being able to respond in this way also offers possibilities for intensely rewarding work and job fulfilment. The work is likely to be labour intensive, so good staffing and supportive team working and supervision are essential.