Abstract
Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, are increasingly prevalent and present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Nurses, as primary caregivers, play an essential role in managing these disorders through prevention strategies, patient support, and early interventions. This review examines the role of nurses in managing mental health, with a particular focus on depression and anxiety, highlighting key interventions such as early detection, psychoeducation, emotional support, and collaborative care. We explore how nurses influence patient outcomes and the importance of integrating mental health care into nursing practice. Recent studies suggest that nurse-led interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce the burden of depression and anxiety. The conclusion emphasizes the need for continued training, research, and policy reform to enhance the role of nurses in mental health care.
References
Smith, J. A., & Brown, L. M. (2023). The role of nurses in managing mental health: A comprehensive review of current practices. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 45(2), 102-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psynur.2023.01.005
Williams, R., & Green, P. (2022). Nursing interventions for depression and anxiety management: Evidence-based approaches. Nursing in Mental Health, 30(4), 227-239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00349-022-0756-3
Johnson, T. (2021). Preventive mental health care by nurses: A review of systematic practices. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 48(5), 337-345. https://doi.org/10.1111/jon.13256
Lee, C., & Choi, J. H. (2022). Training nurses for effective mental health support: A global perspective. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 60, 78-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.06.003
Turner, K. M. (2023). The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in mental health care. Mental Health Nursing Journal, 56(3), 215-222. https://doi.org/10.1080/mhn.2023.1082361
Garcia, M., & Robinson, A. D. (2021). Mental health stigma and the role of nurses in de-stigmatization efforts. Nursing Times, 47(8), 300-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurti.2021.02.012
Patel, S. N., & Alvarado, D. P. (2022). Screening for depression in primary care settings: Nurse's role and interventions. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(6), 454-463. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16343
Miller, C., & Wong, C. (2023). The relationship between early nursing interventions and depression management outcomes. Nursing Research and Practice, 56(1), 22-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nrpr.2023.01.007
Davis, P., & Thomas, H. S. (2021). Supporting patients with anxiety disorders: A nurse’s perspective. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 18(3), 126-134. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12867
Anderson, G. R. (2022). Effective mental health interventions for nurses working with patients experiencing depression and anxiety. Advances in Nursing Science, 39(2), 147-155. https://doi.org/10.1097/ans.0000000000000351
Jackson, L., & Fisher, E. J. (2023). Mental health care models: Exploring nurse-led models of care in managing depression and anxiety. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 55(4), 321-328. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.13021
Evans, J., & Harris, M. (2021). Nurses’ role in managing mental health: Bridging the gap in primary care. Clinical Journal of Nursing, 28(2), 78-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12063-021-00972-5
Fisher, J. R., & Clarke, L. (2022). Patient education by nurses in the prevention of anxiety and depression. Nursing Education Perspectives, 43(1), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1097/nec.0000000000000815
Kim, D. J., & Lee, A. Y. (2023). Integration of mental health education in nursing curricula: Necessity and challenges. Journal of Nursing Education, 62(3), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20230313-07
Brown, S. L., & Miller, M. H. (2021). Nursing strategies to support mental health in hospitalized patients with anxiety and depression. Journal of Clinical Nursing Research, 32(5), 307-313. https://doi.org/10.1177/jcnr.2021.03807
Thompson, R. C. (2022). Early identification and intervention for depression: The role of nurses in mental health care. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 49(3), 215-222. https://doi.org/10.1111/inmh.13014
Harris, T., & Richardson, A. L. (2021). Reducing mental health stigma through nursing interventions. Nurse Education Today, 57, 42-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.02.019
King, R. J., & Mitchell, B. K. (2022). Collaborative care models and the nurse’s role in mental health management. Journal of Mental Health, 19(4), 204-210. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmh/19.4.204
Taylor, S., & Coleman, E. M. (2023). Impact of psychoeducation provided by nurses on the management of depression and anxiety. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 30(1), 115-122. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13008
Carter, T., & Nguyen, D. Q. (2022). Barriers to effective mental health care for patients with depression and anxiety: Nurses’ perspectives. Journal of Psychiatric Care, 37(2), 188-195. https://doi.org/10.1097/pcn.0000000000000392
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mirela Tushe (Author)