Mental and Physical Health Dimensions is an open-access textbook designed to provide students, educators, and healthcare professionals with a comprehensive, evidence-based, and accessible resource on the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Developed with a strong emphasis on the Australian healthcare context, this book explores key concepts in mental health nursing, holistic patient care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and workforce development, ensuring learners gain the foundational knowledge necessary to provide high-quality, person-centered care.
Rooted in the principles of inclusivity, equity, and student wellbeing, this book addresses crucial areas of mental health care, offering insights into the evolving role of healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, dietitians, peer support workers, and allied health practitioners. It highlights essential Mental health in Australia, Mental health promotion, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing, Regulation of mind, body and behaviour and holistic wellness approaches, preparing students for real-world clinical practice while encouraging an understanding of evidence-based interventions.
This resource has undergone a rigorous peer-review process to ensure accuracy, relevance, and quality, making it a valuable learning tool for undergraduate and postgraduate students in nursing, mental health, and related fields.
As an open-access textbook, Mental and Physical Health Dimensions is free to use, adapt, and share, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to high-quality education. By bridging the gap between academia, clinical practice, and lived experience, this book empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute to the mental health care and deliver integrated, patient-centred care.