• To refresh your knowledge of communication strategies such as empathy, active listening and validation
• To identify some of the barriers to effective communication and how these can be addressed
• To consider how you could enhance your communication skills when engaging with people experiencing mental health issues
This article explores the use of effective communication for nurses when interacting with people experiencing mental health issues. Emphasis will be on the importance of nurses adopting person-centred communication styles that prioritise empathy, with the aim of developing a therapeutic rapport. The article underscores the role of the nurse in promoting positive mental health outcomes through the use of techniques such as active listening, empathy and validation. The author also details some of the barriers to effective communication and how nurses can address them.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12297
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Williams R (2024) Communication strategies to support people experiencing mental health issues. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12297
Published online: 11 November 2024
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