Analyzing Maya’s case from a Person-in-Environment perspective, the initial step would be to examine the different areas of her life and how they are influencing her psychosocial wellbeing. The presenting concerns in Maya’s situation seems to be the academic pressure with CSEC coming up, which is negatively affecting other aspects of her life. These include her family, peers, and social life, which is seen in her ability to concentrate, her relationship with her mother, her friends, and her interest in an activity she used to enjoy. An important factor to consider based on unit 1, is also her developmental stage, which is important in understanding her situation. Maya is an adolescent, and this is a period, as stated in Unit 1, they are becoming an independent adult, but there are also pressures on the developing person. Maya may be becoming more aware of how she is perceived by others, while also thinking heavily about her future and the expectations that come with becoming an adult. These developmental pressures along with the stress associated with the academic and social pressures can be a contributing factor to why she feels overwhelmed.

The first step I would take towards Maya with this information in mind is to engage with her in a safe environment where she can speak comfortably with no judgement and build rapport. Then, I would want to gain insight into her situation from her point of view, so I would ask “What do you feel is putting the most pressure on you right now?” This question would allow me to understand what, in her mind, is ranked as the main concern. I would also acknowledge that Maya indicated everything is becoming too much, so I would ask how she has been coping with pressure and what are some strategies she utilizes to manage. It is also extremely important that I assess her safety given the changes in her behaviour and emotions, so I would ask if she had any thoughts of self-harm or feelings of giving up. This would help me determine potential risk factors and the appropriate support for Maya.

I would also look at resources and support systems Maya can make use of. E.g. the school social worker or guidance counselor may be able to provide support and coping strategies, as well as referrals if needed. They may also be able to provide parent-in-education sessions for Maya’s mother, which would help her understand Maya’s situation and equip her with the tools to support Maya.

Based on unit 1, one thing I would avoid doing is making the assumption that Maya’s behaviour is an indication of mental illness, because stress, difficulty coping, and behavioural changes does not mean that she has a mental disorder. As a result, I would avoid linking her behaviour to such and instead pay attention to what factors are contributing to her behaviour.

I would approach Maya’s situation this way because in this unit, it is clear that someone’s psychological well-being can be influenced by multiple different factors, which is evident in Maya’s case where we can clearly see that there’s one situation influencing other aspects of her life that is leading to the situation she is in. Therefore, I think a holistic approach is most appropriate.

Firstly, I would speak with Maya privately, creating a calm and safe supportive space where she feels comfortable expressing and sharing what she is experiencing. I would reassure her and ask what support she needs and how I could give it to her, avoiding the assumption that Maya is lazy, unmotivated, or simply not trying hard enough, because her behaviour may be a response to stress and feeling overwhelmed. With her parents/ guardians permission, I would engage her via WhatsApp and continuously check in on her, offering my support and letting her know that she can reach out to me when she feels overwhelmed or just needs to talk to someone about how she feels. By taking this approach and listening without judgment, this could help Maya feel understood and allow for identification of the specific support and coping strategies she needs.

In assisting Maya, my first step would be to assure her that I am one of the adults in her social circle who is there to support her and who she can trust. Next, I will talk to Maya about what she is going through, try to normalise her situation and show understanding. I will explain to her that it is normal to feel overwhelmed and scared about CXC examinations because the results have the potential to affect her life choices, and at this stage I understand she may be very anxious about figuring out her future. My aim is to avoid making Maya feel that something is wrong with her because of how she is reacting. Based on what I learnt in Unit One, I know that poor mental health does not mean someone has a mental illness; hence, I do not want to pathologise Maya’s situation.

As an adult supporting Maya, my first step would be to carefully document reports and observations made by the people who interact with her on a regular basis. Once this is done and analysed, and after seeking the permission of the parent, I would ask Maya if she is willing to have a casual conversation- one in which she could choose the topic(s) and steer the dialog. If she agrees, I will ask her parent to suggest a relaxing environment in which we could meet (with the parent in close proximity). I would ask Maya to tell me one important thing about herself that she believes no one understands, but she wishes they did. Furthermore, I would actively try to avoid making any statements or asking any questions which could possibly be interpreted as being judgemental. I would approach the situation this way because in Unit 1 I learned that individuals with good mental health ought to be able to recognize, express and manage their emotions. I believe Maya should be given the opportunity to do so in a safe and comfortable environment.

As a supportive adult in Maya’s life, my first step would be to immediately create a safe, non-judgmental space to validate her emotions and what she’s experiencing. I would say something along the lines of “I’ve noticed you seem to be carrying a lot on your shoulders lately with exams approaching, and I’m here if you need to talk about how you’ve been feeling or if you just want a quiet space to think alone.” I would avoid assuming that her procrastination is because of laziness or a lack of effort, because this can further isolate her. I am approaching it this way because part of having good psychosocial well-being is their social support, sense of belonging and social recognition.

I would firstly select an appropriate time to inform Maya that I would like us to have a conversation about some things that I have been observing. I would let her know that this is a discussion and I am genuinely interested in her well being and would like her to feel safe to share any concerns or emotions she may be experiencing. I may use the opportunity to let her know that I am concerned about our recent interactions and apologise for any emotional upset that I may have brought on during our interactions. I would reinforce that my primary concern is her well-being both at home and at school. I think it is important to be sensitive to Maya’s current situation, due to the developmental stage she is currently in, which contributes to increased pressures brought on my physiological, emotional and social changes taking place in her life.

Firstly, I would focus on creating a safe space where Maya feels understood by engaging her in a private, relaxing one-on-one activity where we could connect and discuss her feelings about school and her upcoming examinations. I would calmly share my observations and ask questions such as, “What has been making you feel overwhelmed lately?” or “Which part of your schoolwork feels the hardest to manage?” I would avoid inserting my assumptions, expectations, or judgements into the conversation, as Maya may already be trying her best to cope with the pressures she is experiencing. I would approach the situation with empathy and without judgement because, based on what I learned about risk factors related to poor mental health and the developmental changes experienced during adolescence, Maya may need understanding, support, and appropriate coping strategies as she navigates these challenges.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Nissi Kowlessar.