This video looks at justice and mercy and its application in pastoral care and spiritual direction. Emphasis is also placed on the theology behind mercy and justice and balancing it.
Please also review AIHCP’s Spiritual Direction Program as well as its Christian Counseling Certification
Anxiety is one of the most common mental and emotional ailments clients face. Ironically, anxiety is natural part of life. It is intimately tied to the nervous system to help push individuals. Just like stress, it can help serve individuals to meet deadlines, face problems, and persevere under pressure. To remove all stress and stressors would be a bad thing in life, as well as to remove all future angst about future issues. Anxiety itself is ontological and part of one’s being. It is part of being alive (McRay, 2016).
The DSM-V-TR defines anxiety as “anticipation of future threat (2022)”. However, when anxiety is not proportionate with the actual threat, then it becomes a malignant worry. It creates a negative mood, but the mood becomes excessive and creates a variety of somatic physiological symptoms and tensions when it becomes a disorder (Barlow, et al., 2023). So, if a student has anxiety the night before an exam, this is not reflective of an anxiety disorder, but a true reflection of potential worry of not passing the exam, however, if a student exhibits consistent worry about not being good enough to succeed in life and this filters into almost every venue of life, then one can see where anxiety can unravel into pathology.
Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certification programs in mental health.
How one reacts and handles stressors and future problems is key to living a successful life. It is not about not feeling these interior movements, but being able to cope with them and maintain them within normal levels. There are biological, psychological and social conditions that need to be considered to explain why some individuals are more prone to anxiety disorders than others. Biologically, individuals with anxiety disorders have lower levels of gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA) which helps keep the neurons from firing and hence keeps individuals calmer (Barlow, et al., 2023). In addition, some individuals have issues within the limbic system and its association with fight of flight. An overstressed autonomic nervous system can keep a person’s sympathetic branch more alert and on fire due to past trauma. While PTSD is now considered a trauma disorder, anxiety is still closely tied to PTSD, and individuals suffering from a variety of anxiety disorders also experience overactive sympathetic branches (Barlow, et al., 2023).
Psychologically, there are different interpretations for why anxiety exists in some and not others. Psychoanalytic schools of Freud see anxiety a severe mechanical break down of systems. Freud considered anxiety to be an internal warning sign of the ego regarding subconscious conflicts or forbidden impulses. Behaviorists considered anxiety to be due to learned behavior regarding modeling from others or cognitively through uncorrelated ideas about the self and one’s surroundings (McRay, 2016). Parents who teach their child control and predictability also help create a healthy mindset for healthier thoughts about life, coping and resiliency (Barlow, et al., 2023). In addition, parents who are overbearing and controlling, impede the child’s ability to become resilient and also incur interior fears about life that can later manifest as anxiety.
Social factors also play a key role in one’s dance with anxiety. Past traumatic events can weaken the autonomic nervous system. In addition, numerous losses, as well as interpersonal distresses ranging from divorce to loss of a family member can lower one’s ability to resist future anxiety disorders. These disorders then can effect other aspects of social functioning (Barlow, et al., 2022).
Spiritually, one’s faith can also play as a key anchor against anxiety. In fact, any world view or existential meaning in life can help one find security in times of angst. Existentialist philosophy teaches that the world is filled with trouble, loss and anxiety but it how one faces it that determines one’s control of life direction. Instead of avoidance, hiding, or fear, world views can help individuals find courage, fortitude and faith in their direction.
An integrated model for anxiety vulnerability best illustrates why some succumb to anxiety disorders and others do not. One must look a diathesis models that look at genetic vulnerabilities, life stressors, and mental and cognitive world views that all come together to overwhelm an individual. Biological vulnerabilities include inherited traits. Generalized psychological vulnerabilities include world views, such as believing the world is a dangerous and unsafe place. Finally, specific psychological vulnerabilities are what one learns from individual experience or what is taught in childhood (Barlow, et al., 2022). When an event occurs that challenges everything, some individuals may be weakened enough to enter into a disproportionate response of anxiety.
The DSM-V-TR lists 7 anxiety disorders. Again, it is important to notate, OCD and PSTD are no longer listed with core anxiety disorders albeit they exhibit anxious symptoms and are closely related. In addition, hoarding and various picking at self disorders are tied with OCD. The manual follows life span development as its means of listing order for anxiety, as well as all disorders. It lists Separation Anxiety, Selective Mutism, Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, General Anxiety, and Substance/Meditation-Induced Anxiety Disorder (DSM-V-TR, 2022).
In this short blog, we will look at General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Panic Disorders with Agoraphobia and Separation Anxiety. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Program.
GAD
General Anxiety Disorder involves unsubstantiated worry over numerous dimensions of life and is not just tied to one thing, such as an attachment to one person, or how one is viewed in public. The disturbances are excessive in nature and occurring for more days than not over a period of 6 months. The individual is unable to stop or control worrying. The symptoms are tied to restlessness or being on edge, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance. The DSM-V-TR states that only 3 or more of these symptoms are required. Key to the diagnosis is that the anxiety causes extreme impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (DSM-V-TR, 2022). GAD is also associated with increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It also can have a comorbidity with depression disorders. Anxiety is usually tied at a higher percentage to women but also occurs in men.
Selective Phobias
Phobias are unrealistic reactions to things that cause heightened anxiety even without the object or thing or place present. Natural to survival and the autonomic nervous system is the reaction to fear through the sympathetic branch and its fight or flight responses. Hence fear is a negative effect within the sympathetic nervous system that alarms the body to present danger (Barlow, et al., 2023). It is important to note that many fears that become phobias are tied to natural biological and evolutional reactions. Avoiding the dark, or being careful in high places, or be cautious around potential poisonous creatures as snakes or spiders are good things but phobias hijack the sympathetic nervous system and cause disproportionate anxiety to these things even when they are not present. Phobias are coded in the DSM-V-TR according to animals such as snakes or spiders, natural environment such as heights, water or storms, blood injection-injury such bodily fluids, needles, or injections, or situational such as airplanes, elevators or enclosed places (2022).
Diagnosis involves a heightened and fearful anxiety regarding any of the listed phobias. The situation or thing must always provoke immediate anxiety or fear. These things or places are actively avoided or endured with intense fear. The fear or anxiety is out of proportion with the reality of danger. The fear or anxiety is persistent for 6 months are more. The fear or anxiety causes social impairment in social, occupational or other areas of functioning and these symptoms are not explained through other mental or substance issues (DSM-V-TR, 2022).
SAD
Social anxiety disorder is anxiety that is disproportionate based on social implications of performance, speaking, or being in social settings. Ironically, for some performers, regular social settings may not cause anxiety but for others everyday interaction in social settings, even if they are not speaking or performing can cause anxiety. Hence these individuals become extremely nervous even in school, or parties, or other events. It revolves around perceptions of how they perceive they are seen, or viewed by others. A microscopic lens is placed over every action or word they say. This may be due to fear of rejection, embarrassment or ridicule. While again, it is natural sometimes to feel some anxiety within social norms in everyday life or if performing the next day, the anxiety associated with SAD impairs functioning. It overtakes the person and causes intense somatic symptoms even upon the thought of social activity. In addition, panic attacks can associate with SAD prior to an event or during a social setting. Many sometimes will completely avoid functions, or mask it with substance abuse issues. Social anxiety disorders are more highly diagnosed with women and also children entered into their teen age years but can happen to both men and women.
Sometimes closely tied to SAD is body image. Since SAD focuses on anxiety surrounding on perceptions of others, Body Dysmorphic Disorder can play a big role especially in teens. BDD focuses on minute or even non-existent perceived flaws in the body. This subjective issue becomes a obsessive pursuit through various compulsions to alter or make better these small blemishes. For some, this disorder is then tied to SAD.
The DSM-V-TR utilizes the following diagnosis criteria. It lists marked fear or anxiety regarding one or more social interactions that expose an individual to possible scrutiny that involves conversations, social events, dates, meeting unfamiliar people, as well being observed by others. The manual notes that individuals feel they will be negatively evaluated, humiliated, or embarrassed or rejected. The social settings must always provoke fear or anxiety. In addition, the individual will look to avoid these settings and the fear and anxiety is out of proportion with the actual sociocultural context. The fear or anxiety must present itself for 6 months or more and causes intense impairment. These conditions are not attributed to other mental disorders or substances (2022).
Panic Disorders and Agoraphobia
Panic disorders are continual and persistent panic attacks. Arogaphobia is fear of public places with crowds due to the fear of possible panic attacks. Both are separate disorders but are tied closely together due to the nature of panic attacks. Panic disorder according to the DSM-V-TR is a recurrent phenomenon where an abrupt level of anxiety manifests within minutes. It can be expected or triggered or even unexpected in some cases. The attacks can occur one per week for months, or less frequent attacks separated by weeks or months. Not all panic attacks are tied to Panic Disorder since some panic attacks are tied to Social Anxiety Disorder. Panic Disorder and panic attacks cause somatic physiological symptoms that include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or heat sensations, paresthesias, derealization, and fear of loss of control or dying (2022). The DSM-V-TR also states that anxiety and fear over future panic attacks are followed within the month, especially in regards to the symptoms, as well as maladaptive measures to avoid future panic attacks (2022). Of course, these disturbances are not due to any other diagnosed mental issue or substance or medication.
Those who suffer with Agoraphobia fear public situations where possible panic attacks could occur and the embarrassment or issues that may occur if in a public area because of it. The DSM-V-TR lists public transportation, open public spaces like super markets or parking lots, enclosed places like theatres, large crowds or standing in line, or being alone outside of the home. The person faces extreme anxiety over these thoughts and will actively look to avoid these places to the point of impairing one’s social, professional and academic life. The fear is disproportionate, persistent and lasts for over 6 months and is not caused due to other diagnosed mental illness, substance or medication (2022).
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety deals with intense disproportionate fear and dread of being separated from a caregiver, loved one, or a child. It is more common in children but can also manifest in adults with children. This should not be misinterpreted for natural anxiety after a traumatic event or even a new parent, but is a persistent and disproportionate reaction that involves fear and dread of losing a loved on or something bad happening to oneself when the loved one is not present. Traumatic events, unhealthy attachments as a child, or overbearing parenting can lead to potential development of Separation Anxiety Disorder.
The DSM-V-TR states criteria for diagnosis states that excessive fear or anxiety regarding anxiety must manifest in three or more examples. Recurrent or inappropriate fear when anticipating or experiencing separation. Persistent worry about losing a major attachment figure to illness, injury, disaster or death. Worry of kidnapping, accidents, illness, or unfounded events. Refusal to go other places for fear of separation with figure. Persistent fear about being alone with the other figure. Trouble sleeping without or being away from home without the other figure. Repeated nightmares involving the scheme of separation with the figure and somatic physiological ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, vomiting and nausea stemming from the anxiety (2022). These issues must persist for 6 months in adults and 4 weeks in children and cause impairment in all social spheres of life. Again, it cannot be attributed to other mental illness, substance or medication.
Treatment
In all of these cases of anxiety, suicidal ideation can be a symptom to closely monitor. Obviously, some individuals will exhibit mild, moderate or severe and need treatments based on their individual needs. In addition, it is important during treatment to be aware of any comorbidities such as depression that may exist with presenting problem or diagnosis. It is also important to be mindful of cultural aspects that can normalize certain actions that may seem abnormal to other cultures. Finally, it is important to be delicate in diagnosis to prevent labeling and other mental health stigma (DSM-V-TR, 2022).
In clinical settings, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) are the most utilized behavioral therapy to help the person reframe and rethink their anxieties. Some individuals with Anxiety Disorders have a recognition of of illogical thinking despite the feelings and can rationalize while others have differing levels of lack of logical thinking and are completely controlled by these thoughts. For instance, an adult with Separation Anxiety Disorder may acknowledge the improbability of bad things occurring to loved a one but still feel the anxiety while others may be completely under the delusion that something will happen. This happens also in cases of hoarding and OCD. CBT can help individuals better rationally reframe reality from fantasy and help individuals rethink what they are experiencing. For instance, someone who is facing Social Anxiety Disorder, may be able to reframe negative images and perceptions of what others are thinking into positive and more likely things, or even recognize that their perception of being the center of attention is not a reality. In regards to phobia, exposure therapies are a key way to help individuals face exaggerated anxiety. Many behaviorists believe that pathology is tied to operant and classical conditioning during childhood. How someone was raised or how their behavior was influenced plays key roles to phobias and anxiety. With phobias, new learned experiences can help reshape the neuroplasticity of the brain and how it perceives threats. Exposure therapies gradually create new experiences (Barlow, et al., 2022).
In addition to CBT and other cognitive behaviors, pharmacological treatments can help alleviate anxiety. Benzodiazaphines can help GABA levels become more stable and calm the person (McRay, 2016). Xanax, as well as Ativan can help alleviate the intense lack of calm and anxiousness and help the person find peace but it is important to note that long term use of these drugs exceeding 2 weeks or a month can lead to addiction. Hence these drugs are more for acute purposes instead of long term treatment. Many issues associated with anxiety is also tied with serotonin levels. SRRI can play a role in helping regulate mood. Paxil is a common drug used to help individuals with anxiety that can be used long term and help regulate mood (Barlow, et al., 2023).
Other holistic and natural remedies can also be utilized. Supplements for GABA under the care of a healthcare professional can be utilized as well as calming techniques, meditation, and prayer. In addition, hypnosis and EFT can also play key roles in helping manage anxiety. Please review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner Program
From a Pastoral approach, pastoral care givers should be ready to refer clients to clinical professionals but they can also aid with coping skills, reframing, and helping individuals find meaning. For Christians, biblical approaches that tie the person to the life of Christ and how biblical characters faced anxiety can be modeling examples. In addition, how does one’s faith approach anxiety and worry? Analyzing faith and teachings can help build resiliency within the person. Spirituality is many times forgotten or swept under the rug, but spirituality plays a key role in how one thinks and feels in life. It is hence important to include pastoral approaches that address existential and spiritual explanations for anxiety in life (McRay, 2016).
Anxiety is natural but also the most common mental malady. Diagnosis is not a simple process but a complex one. While all these disorders differ in some degree, the primary culprit is a disproportionate anxiety response. Causes can range from biological, psychological, social and spiritual in nature. Helping others understand and sometimes helping them at a medical level is key to helping control and maintain anxiety.
Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program as well as AIHCP’s multiple healthcare certifications in grief, crisis, anger, meditation, trauma informed care and spiritual counseling.
Stress Management and Anxiety Disorders, Click here
EFT and Anxiety. Access here
Anxiety Disorders. Mayo Clinic. Access here
Anxiety Disorders. Cleveland Clinic. Access here
Guy, Evans, O. (2025). “7 Types of Anxiety Disorders: Signs, Causes, & Management”. Simply Psychology. Access here
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder” DSM-5-TR (5th ed., text revision). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Barlow, D.H., Durand, V.M., & Hofmann, S.G. (2023). Psychopathology. An integrative approach to mental disorder (9th ed.). Cengage Learning
McRay, B.W., Yarhouse, M.A., Butman, R.E., & Kiple, C. (2016). Modern psychopathologies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal. (2nd, ed.) IVP Academic
Written by Deepika
Back in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) had predicted that dementia cases worldwide would reach 78 million by 2030. Few conditions challenge the healthcare system like this one. Firstly, dementia is not a standalone health issue. It may be caused by several diseases that damage the brain over time.
Secondly, the WHO shares that this condition affects every individual differently, depending on other issues and one’s cognitive health. In a nutshell, healthcare hasn’t been able to confine dementia to a box.
Over the years, it looks like the prediction is not only becoming a reality, but healthcare is also entering a more complicated era. There is a rising awareness that dementia cannot be addressed through medical treatment alone.
Is the traditional approach to dementia care enough? The answer is not affirmative, as healthcare leaders are looking beyond the disease to the social, emotional, and practical challenges that accompany it.
This article will offer a view of dementia care through the lens of future needs. We will understand why a new healthcare mindset is the need of the hour to benefit patients and their families in the years ahead.
It’s sad to think that many people still associate dementia with memory loss. The general masses may be excused for such a thought, but what about healthcare professionals?
There is no room to look past the myriad of other issues that stem from this condition. Let’s understand why dementia cannot be classified as just another memory problem:
In a lot of dementia cases, forgetfulness or memory problems are just the beginning. Other areas of cognition are impacted as the condition advances. These include concentration, decision-making, and communication.
A longitudinal study was published in 2025 that followed 2,118 older adults over five years. It found that individuals with limitations in daily activities like shopping or money management were at greater risk of developing dementia.
At the same time, the scientific community is expanding its understanding of the disease. Commenting on the present state of the condition, Heather Cooper Ortner, President and CEO of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, said, “There has been a dramatic increase in the number of clinical trials testing new therapies.” Why would this be the case if it’s just another well-known memory problem?
Once the layers of ‘only memory issue’ and other cognitive effects are taken off, beneath lies a more complex problem. The emotional and behavioral effects that accompany dementia can be just as difficult to deal with.
Issues like depression, anxiety, and sudden mood changes are known to occur alongside dementia. Familiar tasks may suddenly become overwhelming or difficult. There have been cases where family members have confessed to not being able to recognize their loved one after dementia progressed.
A 2024 study published in 2025 confirmed that the psychological symptoms of dementia are associated with anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. It was also found that these symptoms affect nearly 90% of people with dementia at some point in time. So, a purely medical approach won’t work.
From a physical perspective, only one person may be affected. However, it would be too simplistic to consider the condition itself as that of an individual. If anything, the ripples take over the patient’s family and friends.
With the syndrome’s progression, caregivers must steadily take on new roles. This includes managing daily care, ensuring safety, and providing constant supervision. The emotional stress compounds when caregivers must balance caregiving with work. Even social isolation is common when families must withdraw from community events or gatherings due to the unpredictability of the condition.
A 2025 study was conducted on caregivers of individuals with dementia. It was discovered that they experienced considerably higher levels of psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Healthcare cannot solely focus on the patient. Even their loved ones need emotional support and proper guidance.
At least it is widely known by now that dementia is largely a progressive condition. This means that a straightforward approach, which involves diagnosis, medication, and follow-ups, won’t truly suffice.
First, and since this is the age of health tech, let’s talk about prevention. A preventive neurologist, Dr. Richard Isaacson, said in an interview with CNN that “We can win the tug of war with our genes.” He made this statement in the context of those with a genetic risk of developing dementia, saying that a Mediterranean diet can help prevent the potential problem.
If AI is advanced enough to help identify patients at risk, then why not nip the issue in the bud? As for the treatment aspect, a coordinated approach involving different healthcare professionals is non-negotiable.
Take the example of nursing, which has stepped up to meet the intense demands and pressures. Advanced practice roles pursued through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are gaining importance because they enable students to go beyond bedside care.
For complex chronic conditions like dementia, many professionals go a step further with a doctoral-level course. A Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) builds on this foundation by preparing nurses for clinical leadership and full-spectrum primary care.
As Baylor University notes, the curriculum includes an in-depth study of pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, informatics, epidemiology, and healthcare policy. What’s more is that nursing professionals need not quit their current roles to transition into leadership.
Educational institutions are offering MSN to DNP-FNP programs online that provide flexibility of work and study. A 2024 peer-reviewed report revealed that DNP graduates were more likely to engage in professional leadership, including advocacy initiatives. This is what is needed at an institutional level to go beyond direct patient care.
Let’s see what effective dementia care must include besides clinical treatment:
Is the current healthcare system fully capable of delivering the kind of care dementia demands? Not really, as many models still revolve around short consultations and fragmented support systems.
To put things into perspective, there is a gap between care delivery and the progression of dementia. A 2025 randomized clinical trial assessed different models of dementia care, following over 2,000 patient-caregiver pairs over 18 months.
No significant differences were found in patient cognitive outcomes or caregiver strain between intervention models and usual care. So, the leap from theory to reality has to be a huge one. As long as the underlying model of care limits meaningful change, patients have little hope.
It’s high time that healthcare institutions adopt a new dementia care model. Changes should be concrete and take place at the root, as follows:
The reason behind the increasing complexity of dementia care is the fact that it affects more than a patient’s memory. Even communication capabilities and emotional stability are impacted in different ways for different individuals. At the same time, rising cases of dementia are creating pressure on healthcare. This combination is the driving factor behind the aforementioned complexity.
Clinical treatment, although important, is only a part of dementia care since the condition is more complex than it seems. Most patients experience emotional and behavioral symptoms at some point, which cannot be managed by medication alone. Another aspect of proper treatment is educating and guiding caregivers who are at risk of sleep issues and stress.
The predominant change that will be seen is that of a more integrated care model rather than short clinical visits. Early interventions, both preventive and post-diagnosis, are expected to improve the patient’s quality of life. Most importantly, a coordinated approach between different healthcare professionals will become the norm.
| WHO projection for dementia cases worldwide by 2030 | 78 million |
| WHO on the effects of dementia | Each individual is affected differently, depending on their cognitive health and other issues |
| 2024 study on the connection between the psychological symptoms of dementia and anxiety, depression, and hallucinations | Directly proportional, with the symptoms affecting nearly 90% of patients at some point in time |
| 2025 longitudinal study following 2,118 older adults over five years on dementia risk | Those facing limitations with daily activities like shopping and money management were found to be at greater risk |
| 2025 study conducted on caregivers of patients with dementia | Higher levels of psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and anxiety were found |
| 2024 peer-reviewed study findings on DNP graduates | Were more likely to engage in professional leadership, including advocacy initiatives |
| 2025 randomized clinical trial on different models of dementia care involving 2,000 patients followed over 18 months | No considerable differences were found in patient cognitive outcomes or caregiver strain between intervention models and usual care |
Dementia care is getting more complex by the day, primarily because we understand it more clearly than ever before. With a rapidly aging population and increasing diagnoses, this complexity will only grow further.
There is also a silver lining within this challenge. With the undeniable pressures that dementia brings, it also invites healthcare professionals to be more compassionate and attentive to the human aspect of the condition.
Perhaps this is where the most important progress lies. Essentially, the future of dementia care is about developing better systems that make people feel seen and understood throughout each stage of their journey.
References:
https://www.who.int/news/item/02-09-2021-world-failing-to-address-dementia-challenge
https://www.who.int/westernpacific/newsroom/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-22788-z
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12877-025-05719-w
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40261108/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1555415524002344
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2838336
Author Bio
Deepika has over six years of experience as a writer and editor. Passionate about words and learning, she takes an interest in a variety of niches. Her knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives allows her to resonate with the reader.
When her pen falls silent, you can find her engrossed in a novel or getting her hands messy with fine arts. By these, Deepika is committed to keeping her curiosity and creativity alive.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification program and CE Courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Written by Agwalogu Bob
Sarah is a 65-year-old oncology patient. On paper, she’s doing great. The way her lab results look, she might be going home any day now.
But she doesn’t seem happy about it. In fact, she talks to people less recently, barely eats, and always looks sad and drained.
Instead of brushing it off as one of those strange things that happen in hospitals, one nurse decided to dig deeper. So, she sits with Sarah after rounds just to talk. In a few days, the truth came out: Sarah is terrified of going home to an empty house once she’s discharged.
This type of situation captures the essence of holistic nursing: concern about the patient’s overall well-being.
And it works, too. In fact, a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports found that patients who received holistic care had shorter ICU stays than those who got standard care alone. The data backs up what many nurses already know: patients do better when they feel heard, supported, and truly understood.
So, what exactly is holistic nursing? The simplest way to define it is to lift directly from the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). AHNA defines holistic nursing as “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal.”
Holistic nursing isn’t fringe medicine or an add-on to “real” nursing. What separates it from conventional care is its scope.
Conventional nursing, while great with acute physical problems, often focuses only on symptoms. Holistic nurses believe this outlook is narrow. They look at the broader picture and ask questions like: What does this patient’s whole life tell us about how to help them heal?
The idea is to look at every aspect of the patient to get a faster and more efficient approach to helping them recover.
Stroll into any medical facility today, and you’ll see nurses doing things differently from 10 years ago. Many nurses do guided breathwork before a painful procedure. Some offer mindfulness tools alongside medication. A lot culturally assess patients before any interaction. All of those things are elements of holistic nursing.
They don’t just do these things out of compassion. It’s also about the results. We already talked about holistic nursing, resulting in shorter ICU stays. That’s one part of it.
But beyond that, whole-person care is also good for the nurses. A 2025 report found that 65% of nurses surveyed said that they’re burnt out, and many want to leave nursing within the year for this reason.
You also see sentiments like these online, especially on Reddit subthreads.
“The reason I’m burnt out is that I care too much, or maybe that others around me don’t care enough.” — Nurse on Reddit, referencing the lack of meaningful connection in healthcare.
The problem is that it’s not just nurses who suffer as a result of burnout. Patients also suffer. In fact, a 2024 study published in JAMA Network found that nurse burnout can lead to lower patient safety and reduced quality of care.
But holistic nursing practice changes all that.
Instead of viewing patients as items on a chart, holistic models encourage nurses to slow down and take the time to understand context.
All of these sounds simple, but it changes things dramatically. That’s why in many healthcare facilities today, nurses work closely with counselors, dietitians, social workers, and chaplains. The goal? To provide care that’s more connected instead of fragmented.
If you’re a licensed nurse and like what you’re reading about holistic practice, how do you get into it? Surprisingly, it’s very simple. You can get started by doing a continuing education certification program through the AIHCP.
But if you want to operate at an organizational level, then you should be looking at advanced education. This means a master’s in nursing.
The good news is that you don’t have to quit your job to earn a master’s or a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree. There are online Texas nursing programs that make this happen with little or no impact on your work-life balance.
Of course, there are equally great programs elsewhere. However, Texas, being home to some of the largest medical facilities, including the Texas Medical Center (TMC), it makes sense to choose there.
These programs, according to Texas Woman’s University, give you the skills for holistic patient care, including in areas like family dynamics, community influences, and life stages.
And the demand for nurses in this niche is pretty impressive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurse practitioners will grow 35% before 2034. This means that there will be more opportunities for nurses to step into roles that require holistic expertise.
The need for whole-person or holistic care isn’t going to drop anytime soon. In fact, it will continue to grow as populations age and illnesses become more common.
Thankfully, technology has made delivering holistic care easier. In 2024 alone, more than 71% of physicians used telehealth in their weekly practices. Nurses are not left out. They, too, can now monitor patients remotely while at the same time checking on other aspects of their well-being. That’s a very different model from the old “treat and discharge” approach.
It goes without saying that holistic nurses are no longer seen as alternative outliers. They’re becoming essential to the future of healthcare.
Holistic nursing is different from conventional because, instead of just diagnosing and managing physical symptoms, it looks at the patient’s entire life. The idea is to handle emotional, social, spiritual, and physical well-being together for faster healing and recovery.
Definitely. A master’s in nursing can absolutely help you build advanced skills needed in holistic and patient-centered care settings. In fact, many MSN programs now include courses like care coordination and mental health, which are invaluable to integrative healthcare.
Yes, there is. With nurse practitioner roles expected to grow up to 35% by 2034, according to the U.S. BLS, there’s certainly a demand. What’s more, this demand for nurses who provide whole-person care will rise almost in direct proportion to people’s age and illnesses.
| Details | Figure |
| Patients who received holistic care had shorter ICU stays than standard care patients | Holistic care 10% vs. normal care 23% |
| Percentage of nurses who experience burnout in 2025 | 65% |
| Projected growth of nurse practitioner roles by the U.S. BLS | 35% by 2034 |
| Number of physicians using telehealth services | 71% in 2024 |
Healthcare isn’t just about looking at what people represent in charts or computer systems. The heart of it is caring, and that’s what holistic nursing is all about. That’s also why it’s becoming increasingly popular.
If you’re a nurse leaning toward this kind of care, you’re on the right track. Don’t hesitate to explore opportunities for growth in this area. Healthcare is rapidly going holistic, and it needs people like you to be at the center of things.
Fang Cao. (2025). Cohort study on Medical-Integrated holistic nursing’s impact on intensive care unit patients’ outcomes, complications, and comprehensive health care. Scientific Reports. Retrieved from Springer Nature
American Holistic Nurses’ Association (AHNA). (n.d.). What is Holistic Nursing? Retrieved from the AHNA website.
Melnyk BM, Davidson JE, Tucker S, Tan A, Hsieh AP, Cooper A, Mayfield C, Hoying J. (2025). Burnout, Mental Health, and Workplace Characteristics: Contributors and Protective Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation in High-Risk Nurses. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. Retrieved from PubMed Central.
Li LZ, Yang P, Singer SJ, Pfeffer J, Mathur MB, Shanafelt T. (2024). Nurse Burnout and Patient Safety, Satisfaction, and Quality of Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. Retrieved from PubMed Central.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from the U.S. BLS website.
Tanya Albert Henry. (2025). New data details how telehealth use varies by physician specialty. American Medical Association. Retrieved from the AMA website.
Agwalogu Bob believes great content doesn’t just inform, it resonates, and then sticks. For over eight years, he’s been helping agencies across four continents craft just that kind of content: sharp, engaging cut-through-the-noise copy across SaaS, finance, tech, health, and lifestyle.
When he’s not putting pen to paper, you’ll likely find him scouring the internet for funny memes.
Connect with him on LinkedIn or Medium.
Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Nursing Certification program and Nurse Courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee,
Health problems can be frustrating enough, but they somehow feel worse when we realize we could have prevented them. We could have taken steps to avoid falling prey to ailments that now require long-term management.
The world’s chronic disease burden can be distressing. The Peterson KFF tracker reports that chronic diseases are a leading cause of death. Whether it is hypertension, kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), they continue to affect people despite advancements in medical treatment.
In the US, these conditions comprise 80% of the primary causes of death. While not all conditions are preventable, several connect directly to physical inactivity and substance abuse.
Nursing professionals can play a significant role in transforming this state of affairs, provided they have a community and regulatory support system.
The most impactful intervention for avoiding chronic disease is to recognize the possibility of it developing from an early stage in a person’s life. Nurses, who may interact with patients across their lifespan, can deliver tailored recommendations that can improve health outcomes.
For example, a 2024 study in the European Respiratory Review explains that COPD does not always develop in adulthood due to smoking or pollution exposure. The scholars assert that this chronic disease is also connected to early respiratory infections and poor nutrition.
“It has been proposed that COPD (and many other chronic diseases) results from different dynamic and cumulative gene–environment interactions occurring over the lifetime of the individual.” – Rosa Faner et al., Researcher, European Respiratory Review.
This makes it crucial to study early-life influences and take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of developing the illness. Even for conditions like cancer, timely interventions may lower an individual’s risk to some extent. This is especially true for obesity-related cancers.
A British Journal of Cancer study notes that large-scale weight management may be able to prevent such cancers. GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like-peptide) have been found to be a potent pharmacotherapy approach for managing obesity. Lifestyle-based interventions, such as dietary and exercise changes, can also be supporting agents.
Nurses can recommend data-backed preventive approaches for chronic illness and help patients follow through on them. This requires a deeper and more intimate relationship with a patient than a physician may be able to build or have the time for. A nurse’s focus on active listening and empathy is essential.
Another far-reaching way nursing practitioners can impact public health is through research that is genuinely patient-centered. In both inpatient and outpatient settings, nurses have the opportunity to observe patients closely. Behavioral cues can reveal a great deal about how a patient is coping with a condition and whether they are adhering to their medication.
Consistency and proactive caution are vital in preventing and managing chronic disease. In 2024, a research study in the International Journal of General Medicine found that narrative nursing decreased the negative emotions perceived by patients with digestive tract cancers. The core tenets of such nursing include understanding patients’ conditions and needs through their own narratives to deliver personalized care.
Working professionals who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice online can learn to apply scientific inquiry and technology to conduct further research in these areas. At the same time, they can continue to fulfill their current roles and remain connected to ground-level patient care.
According to Wilkes University, developing leadership skills to advance nursing practice is a strong step toward applying research to solve global health problems. This strategy equips you to shape the regulatory and policy framework while contributing insightfully with patient behavioral cues.
For nurses, maintaining continuity of care is paramount. It ensures that people with chronic illness or those at risk of developing it have support and guidance. Unfortunately, many people in remote and rural areas lack reliable access to healthcare. This increases their risk of developing chronic ailments.
Telehealth and digitally administered care can fill this gap. Regular sessions help nurses look for warning signs and recommend immediate action.
For example, physically restricting conditions such as arthritis can often impact mental health. Individuals who feel disconnected from their peers and family members can experience isolation and loneliness.
It does not bode well for those with a greater risk of developing depression, another chronic illness. A 2026 Gallup poll finds that more than 19% of US adults report having or receiving treatment for depression. This translates to roughly 51 million Americans. Nurses who track patients’ health over time can notice early signs of a depressive episode, such as tiredness and mood swings.
It is heartening that alternative models of nursing care are becoming popular. It can bring substantial improvements in dealing with chronic illnesses among people who find in-person care difficult due to various reasons. Cost, travel, and social stigma are notable factors that virtual care can address.
Nurses can play a crucial role in preventing chronic disease by educating patients about healthy lifestyles and encouraging regular screenings. They can also monitor early warning signs and support long-term behavior changes. This personalized care and ongoing communication can help patients reduce risks associated with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and COPD.
Telehealth can improve access to healthcare for patients in rural and remote communities. Through virtual consultations, nurses can monitor symptoms, provide follow-up care, and encourage adherence to medication. They can identify early signs of mental health concerns. Continuity of care enhances long-term health outcomes for people with chronic illnesses.
Patient-centered research allows healthcare professionals to understand how individuals experience chronic illnesses and respond to treatment plans. During patient interactions, nurses can observe behavioral patterns, emotional responses, and roadblocks to medication adherence. These insights can guide more personalized interventions and improve healthcare delivery. Over time, a research-focused approach can support policies for managing chronic diseases.
| Leading Causes of Death | Chronic diseases account for 80% of the top causes of death in the U.S. |
| COPD Risk Factors | Early respiratory infections and poor nutrition may contribute to the onset of COPD later in life. |
| Narrative Nursing Outcomes | Narrative nursing interventions were found to reduce negative emotions among patients with digestive tract cancers. |
| Depression in the U.S. | More than 19% of US adults report having or receiving treatment for depression, representing roughly 51 million people. |
| Role of Telehealth | Virtual care models improve healthcare access for underserved and remote populations managing chronic illnesses. |
The chronic disease burden remains a challenge for healthcare workers and policymakers all over the world. Evolving medical technologies have addressed some of the risk factors, making advanced treatment possible. However, nursing support is imperative for the smooth implementation of these changes in ways that benefit diverse patient communities.
Helping their patients through preventive steps to avoid chronic disease and actively participating in research initiatives can ease the burden. Nursing practitioners should also develop greater enthusiasm toward telehealth and digital care roles. These will be necessary to expand the ambit of care for underserved populations, who may also be more susceptible to chronic illness.
Imani Telesford, Matthew McGough, Delaney Tevis, and Lynne Cotter (2025). How has the burden of chronic diseases in the U.S. and peer nations changed over time? Retrieved from Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker
Rosa Faner, Michael H. Cho, and Gerard H. Koppelman (2024). Towards early detection and disease interception of COPD across the lifespan. Retrieved from European Respiratory Review
Harris, M., Brown, J. & Renehan, A.G. Preventing obesity-related cancer with the revolution in obesity management: the challenges of undertaking a clinical trial and potential solutions. British Journal of Cancer. Retrieved from BJC.
Zhng, Y. (2024). Effect of Narrative Nursing Intervention on Patients with Specific Digestive Tract Malignancies (Esophageal, Gastric, and Intestinal Cancers): A Retrospective Study. International Journal of General Medicine. Retrieved from Taylor and Francis.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program (2026). Wilkes University. Retrieved from the Wilkes University website.
Dan Witters (2026). U.S. Depression Rate Remains Elevated. Gallup. Retrieved from the Gallup website.
Author Bio:
Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes telling stories that delight and engage. Her focus areas include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategizes content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.
Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Written by Deepika
With the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, everything has gone big. Clinical medicine is no exception, especially since big data has taken over.
In 2025, the healthcare analytics market was estimated at $65.6 billion. It is expected to become $198.8 billion by 2033. What else can explain these numbers other than the gargantuan volumes of data the healthcare industry generates from electronic health records (EHRs), wearable devices, and more?
Moreover, many healthcare systems have redirected their attention towards a preventive approach, where health risks are identified and addressed before they become serious. In late 2024, the National Health Service (NHS) announced a world-first trial of an AI tool designed to predict a patient’s risk of developing Type II diabetes.
Researchers found that the tool showed roughly 70% accuracy during testing. As for the claim? It is to be refined until those at risk can be identified up to 13 years before the condition develops. This concentrated focus on predictive healthcare directly connects to case management.
Predictive tools do show promise in helping case managers monitor vulnerable patients and maintain continuity of care between providers. This article dives deep into the ways in which predictive healthcare could redefine modern case management. Will it change it forever, and if so, then how? Let’s explore in detail.
Preventive healthcare has been a blessing in disguise, as it holds the potential to improve life expectancy and reduce hospitalization rates. Healthcare providers need not wait for symptoms to fully develop before an accurate diagnosis can be made. By this time, many conditions often get out of control.
Data patterns, patient histories, and digital tools are supporting earlier decision-making. So, the goal has shifted from treatment to the timely detection and prevention of a disease. In practical terms, predictive analytics makes it possible to apply preventive strategies across clinical settings through the recognition of health patterns.
Behavioral healthcare is an area where the power of this technology is especially evident. Now, mental health conditions often develop gradually, with early symptoms not often clear during regular checkups.
As per a 2024 study, mental health professionals increasingly acknowledge the potential of AI tools in improving the areas of screening and patient management. The study also noted that clinicians are moving with caution, expressing concerns regarding privacy, accuracy, and ethical use. This means the role of human discretion and therapeutic relationships will remain constant.
Within such an evolving landscape, even healthcare education is adjusting to these changes. For instance, the growing demand for mental health professionals and the disruption of digital tools have contributed to interest in flexible training routes like online psych nurse practitioner programs. Since the coursework is online, nurses can advance in their roles while continuing clinical practice, something which benefits a system facing workforce shortages.
Cleveland State University notes that a strong emphasis is placed on communication and organized health assessments related to the connection between physical and psychiatric conditions. These competencies matter because predictive healthcare is not solely about generating risk scores. It equally depends on the way clinicians interpret those scores during assessments.
Essentially, predictive healthcare is being explored in the following areas:
As of now, case management revolves around understanding patient needs early and preventing serious complications. With the evolution of predictive tools, the future only gets brighter for case managers. Let’s see why:
Before their conditions get severe, vulnerable patients can be detected. Healthcare used to be dependent on perceivable symptoms, but not anymore. Predictive tools are helping healthcare providers recognize warning signs sooner.
For case managers, this could become especially valuable while working with patients who have chronic illnesses, mental health concerns, or high hospitalization rates. In a 2025 study, 10,000+ inpatient visits were analyzed to examine the efficacy of AI-based predictive monitoring systems.
It was found that patients with high predictive risk scores stayed twice as long in the hospital compared to low-risk patients. So, isn’t there potential here for case management?
Case management is not limited to scheduling appointments or managing discharge plans. Many cases also require such managers to connect physicians, nurses, specialists, counselors, and family caregivers for uninterrupted patient support. This continuity is not easy to maintain, which is why it is good news that predictive healthcare can help.
If the tools are able to identify patients who are more likely to experience complications, case managers get more time to coordinate interventions. Essentially, they need not bind themselves to informing only after a patient’s condition deteriorates. Earlier action, in turn, improves prognosis.
As per a healthcare implementation analysis conducted in 2025, predictive alerts helped healthcare teams to prioritize high-risk patients. Not only that, but this created more opportunities for follow-up care across departments.
It would be an understatement to share that healthcare systems worldwide are under intense pressure. This pressure is building due to high patient volumes, staffing shortages, and growing demands for long-term care. It affects both operational efficiency and the well-being of healthcare professionals.
In 2025, Bobby Mukkamala, the President of the American Medical Association (AMA), noted that physician burnout is influenced by changes in “Workload, administrative burden, clinical environment, staffing support, and the day-to-day realities of practice.”
It is a relief to know that predictive systems can help take some of the pressure off. Hospitals using such tools can predict patient flow and discharge needs. This can help the facility allocate staff and resources efficiently.
Even the best of technology is just technology at its best. This is to say that no matter how advanced predictive systems become, healthcare itself will always stay deeply human.
Technology can only go so far in understanding a patient’s health status. What about their emotional state, personal fears, or real-life circumstances? Is there a way to quantify these? Although systems have their place in supporting healthcare teams to recognize patterns, they cannot substitute for compassionate communication and human judgment.
Such a balance is particularly important in case management, where professionals must support patients through periods involving chronic illness, grief, or mental health struggles. The role of predictive tools would be to identify which patients require closer attention.
Beyond this, case managers, nurses, and physicians are still responsible for treating the patient as a whole person rather than another clinical prediction. The responses of over 2,000 clinicians practicing across 109 countries were gathered for a 2025 survey. While many acknowledged AI’s potential benefits in patient care, they had concerns surrounding trust, governance, and proper training.
Ultimately, most clinicians thought that human intervention would always be needed, regardless of how advanced the technology becomes. On that front, here’s a closer glimpse of the concerns healthcare professionals have consistently raised:
As far as predictive technology goes, truly, not even the sky is the limit. This means healthcare will see more of these tools in case management to improve preventive care and reduce complications.
However, that does not give a complete picture of the future. This technology, though anticipatory in nature, will not replace human decision-making anytime soon. What it will end up being is a valuable support system for delivering better care outcomes.
Predictive healthcare, propelled by advanced analytics tools, is enabling case managers to focus on preventive care. Patients at higher risk of complications can be identified, which allows case managers to prioritize support before the condition further deteriorates. This improves continuity of care across providers and streamlines communication between physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals.
Yes, predictive analytics can support early detection in both physical and behavioral healthcare. In the former, it can help identify the early warning signs of chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. As for behavioral health, predictive tools are being studied for their ability to track symptoms and detect risks for mental health conditions that often develop gradually.
No, predictive healthcare is not expected to replace human decision-making anytime soon. Instead, it is designed to play a supporting role for healthcare professionals by providing additional data-driven insights. Ultimately, healthcare remains a human-centered field, and predictive tools are most effective when used alongside ethical human judgment and empathy.
| Healthcare analytics market value and projection | $65.5 billion in 2025, $198.8 billion by 2033 |
| 2024 NHS trial of an AI tool designed to predict patient risk of developing Type II diabetes | 70% accuracy, with claims of detecting those at risk 13 years before the condition develops |
| 2025 analysis of 10,000+ in-patient visits to examine the efficacy of AI-based predictive monitoring systems | Patients with high predictive risk scores stayed twice as long in the hospital compared to low-risk patients |
| Results of a 2025 healthcare implementation analysis | Predictive alerts helped healthcare teams to prioritize high-risk patients and created more opportunities for follow-up care |
| 2024 study on the potential of AI tools | Healthcare professionals acknowledged the technology’s role in improving screening and patient management, but also expressed concerns regarding privacy, accuracy, and ethical use |
| 2025 survey of 2,000+ clinicians across 109 countries on the potential benefits of AI in patient care | Many recognized the advantages of the technology, provided concerns regarding trust, governance, and proper training are addressed |
The good news, for both patients and healthcare providers, is that predictive healthcare is not a future possibility. While the technology may continue to advance further still, it is very much a part of mainstream clinical practice even today.
Case managers will receive the support they need for more accurate risk identification, but the tools will not replace the interpretive and relational aspects of healthcare practice. Again, the future stage is not set by substituting human care with data. Balance has been the answer all along, where technology strengthens insights while preserving empathy, just like it should, right?
References:
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/healthcare-analytics-market
https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e60589
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.20.25320838v1
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01838-1
Author Bio
Deepika has over six years of experience as a writer and editor. Passionate about words and learning, she takes an interest in a variety of niches. Her knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives allows her to resonate with the reader.
When her pen falls silent, you can find her engrossed in a novel or getting her hands messy with fine arts. By these, Deepika is committed to keeping her curiosity and creativity alive.
Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Written by Deepika
Someone is sitting alone in a room with no companions in sight. Another individual is a part of a crowded room, but emotionally disconnected due to a difficult phase in their life. Both these scenarios may or may not describe a person dealing with the issue of loneliness.
Such a problem is often treated as a personal or an emotional one. Mostly, nobody stops to even consider the health implications of loneliness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared that one in six people worldwide suffers from loneliness. It also states that social connections can improve health and reduce the chances of an early death.
As social beings, humans cannot afford to neglect loneliness; even one lonely person is one too many. As for healthcare, patients with this problem may enter a facility with complaints of chronic pain, fatigue, or sleeplessness.
Now is the time to put aside the stigma and discomfort surrounding complex emotional needs. This article presents the case for exploring the clinical side of loneliness. We will see how emotional isolation manifests itself through physical and behavioral symptoms, and what healthcare can do to respond in a holistic way.
Healthcare professionals seldom find someone entering the gates of their facility exclusively with the problem of loneliness. This is especially true in the case of those whose primary complaints are physical, like aches and discomfort.
This makes it difficult to identify the root cause, although loneliness is becoming an increasingly important factor. Arthur C. Evans, the CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), noted that “Research tells us that a sense of isolation and social fragmentation can have real consequences for our ability to manage stress and stay healthy.”
So, does loneliness and its side effects show up in one’s physical and behavioral health? Absolutely, but the appearance is so indirect that it is easy to miss the symptoms. As a result, patients are stuck in a vicious cycle of repeated consultations, diagnostic ambiguity, and fragmented care.
Unless the emotional component is identified and given its due diligence, the issue can be temporarily stalled, but not eradicated. The following are some common physical and behavioral indicators associated with loneliness:
From a clinical perspective, such presentations confirm the importance of interpreting patient symptoms with a framework that extends beyond visible complaints. Such an approach is a part of modern nursing education, including the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing or ABSN. This model is designed to prepare students without a prior nursing degree for professional nursing practice.
On that note, programs such as the Elmhurst University ABSN program place emphasis on principles for adult populations experiencing common health problems within different care settings. So, the focus is not only on clinical competencies, but also on holistic patient assessment and psychosocial factors that influence health outcomes.
It is the need of the hour to approach adult patient care through an emotional and social lens. That is exactly how holistic and accurate patient care becomes possible.
Is it not sad to think that despite many patients suffering from physical concerns that have emotional roots, healthcare doesn’t seem to get it? Perhaps the challenge has to do with how loneliness doesn’t display itself in obvious ways. Let’s understand closely why it’s time to pull down the walls and treat loneliness as a primary concern.
Some of the main problems associated with loneliness are feelings of sadness and disconnection with one’s surroundings. It’s only a matter of time before the symptoms show up in the form of headaches, sleep disturbances, or digestive problems.
In a 2024 study involving 66 young adults (18-35 years), it was found that loneliness was a risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. Since the issue will become physical at one point or another, why not tackle it at its root from the beginning?
As hinted before, many patients with chronic loneliness enter the clinic gates with concerns like sleep disorders or unexplained tiredness. For some, loneliness develops gradually through grief, retirement, or social withdrawal. Since such experiences either seem trivial or normalized, they never come to the surface.
Matters only get worse due to fast-paced lifestyles facilitated by digital communications and work expectations. As revealed in a 2025 study involving individuals with chronic disease and loneliness, the stigma surrounding the latter often discourages people from acknowledging the isolation despite health effects. Perhaps healthcare providers need to bridge this gap, right?
Technology came with the promise of connecting the world like never before. We may be a global village now, but we are more disconnected from genuine human connections than ever. When life gets fast-tracked, and connections become virtual, there is hardly any room for deeper interpersonal relationships.
A 2024 poll discovered that 30% of adults reported feeling lonely at least once every week. This issue was higher among younger adults despite being the most digitally connected population. That explains why healthcare finds loneliness to be most pressing among those with an ‘apparently’ active social life.
Acknowledging the problem of loneliness is just one half of the equation. Healthcare must now recognize emotional isolation in terms of long-term health outcomes. Here’s what can be done in light of the growing clinical reality of loneliness.
Since loneliness likes to be sneaky, healthcare providers need to know what that implies. From vague physical complaints to subtle changes in behavior, nothing should be ruled out. Certain probing questions regarding the patient’s social life will provide the rest of the answer.
A 2024 study was conducted precisely to examine whether loneliness was related to increased healthcare utilization among older adults. After analyzing 932 medical records, it was found that patients experiencing loneliness were more likely to use healthcare resources than their peers. Is it still safe to believe that healthcare can afford to neglect even the less obvious signs of loneliness?
A part of the challenge involved in treating patients with loneliness-induced physical issues is that they might resist the idea initially. Unless therapeutic communication drives the doctor-patient interactions, the latter is less likely to discuss their struggles or story.
This type of communication includes listening patiently, responding empathetically, and providing emotional validation. Studies have shown that the sensitivity of doctors towards patients’ communication signals can go a long way in improving patient satisfaction. So, this step cannot be an optional one.
Now, this one may seem shocking since emotional well-being is already a part of holistic healthcare, right? Yes, in theory at least. As for clinical screening, it is often left unaddressed due to time constraints or documented as less severe. Some healthcare institutions keep emotional well-being separate from medical treatments.
Continuity of care is only possible when emotional well-being is integrated, along with interdisciplinary care. In a 2025 cohort study, 7,484 adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were examined. Those with loneliness had a 33% higher risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy social life. Even hospitalization rates were higher among the lonely folks, so why keep emotional well-being separate?
Yes, loneliness is more than an emotional experience. It can contribute to physical health problems such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system. From a clinical perspective, loneliness often has a say in how symptoms appear and the way patients respond to treatment.
Many patients fail to identify loneliness as the root cause of their physical ailments because it develops gradually and has an indirect effect. Additionally, social withdrawal and emotional disconnection tend to get normalized over time. As a result, individuals may seek medical support for physical symptoms without realizing that the factor driving the problem is loneliness.
To identify loneliness, it is important to observe subtle physical and behavioral signs, including unexplained symptoms, low engagement during consultations, and frequent healthcare visits. As for the management, it involves regular screenings, strong therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary care.
| Number of people who suffer from loneliness worldwide, as per the World Health Organization | One in six people |
| 2024 study on 66 young adults aged 18 to 35 years | Loneliness was found to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease |
| 2025 study involving individuals with chronic disease and loneliness | The stigma surrounding the latter made it difficult to acknowledge emotional isolation despite the health effects |
| Adults who reported feeling lonely at least once every week in a 2024 APA poll | 30% of those surveyed |
| 2024 analysis of 932 medical records on the relation between loneliness and increased healthcare utilization | Directly proportional |
| Studies on physician sensitivity to patients’ communication signals and patient satisfaction | Direct correlation |
| 2025 cohort study involving 7,484 adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease | Those with loneliness had a 33% higher risk of mortality |
Loneliness is in no way new because it has impacted people across all generations. Earlier, there weren’t many ways to measure or record this problem. However, it stands true that loneliness is more pronounced now, especially since community living is scarce.
Moreover, everyone seems to be too busy with their own lives, right? The human heart craves meaningful connections, or else it does not care. From a healthcare viewpoint, this means that addressing only visible complaints does not suffice.
The next time your team conducts its routine assessments, let every member be trained and aware of the clinical side of loneliness. No matter how advanced healthcare becomes, if the elephant in the room stays hidden in plain sight, then is that true progress?
References:
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/11/nation-suffering-division-loneliness
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-65039-8
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-22743-y/metrics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2603647924000277
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38703716/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41043827/
Author Bio
Deepika has over six years of experience as a writer and editor. Passionate about words and learning, she takes an interest in a variety of niches. Her knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives allows her to resonate with the reader.
When her pen falls silent, you can find her engrossed in a novel or getting her hands messy with fine arts. By these, Deepika is committed to keeping her curiosity and creativity alive.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counselor Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Written by Agwalogu Bob,
Healthcare is evolving. Facilities are adopting new tools, patient-centered care is becoming important, and technologies like data analytics and AI are increasingly becoming a normal part of clinical workflows. Because of this, and many other changes happening across the industry, the demand for nurses with advanced qualifications has never been greater.
If you’re a registered nurse who already holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), this could be your opportunity to step into leadership. But it also means going back to school for your master’s degree.
As of 2024, more than 17% of nurses in the U.S. held a master’s degree, meaning you’d be joining a growing group of highly qualified professionals. But the real question isn’t how many nurses are doing it. It’s whether you should.
Read on to find out whether investing in an MSN is worth it for nurses who already have BSNs in today’s landscape.
A BSN to MSN program is one of the most direct ways to earn a Master of Science in Nursing as a registered nurse. Since you already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you can progress into graduate-level nursing education and advanced practice preparation without starting from scratch.
Most of these MSN programs run about 1.5 to 3 years, and many of them are offered entirely online. This is a big deal for working nurses who can’t just quit their jobs and sit in a classroom.
When you do a BSN to MSN program, you don’t just get to earn a generic master’s degree. You choose a specific track that aligns with your career goals.
Common MSN specializations include:
This mix of online flexibility and specialization means that you can tailor your education toward specific advanced practice or leadership roles.
No one goes back to school simply because they enjoy doing assignments. So, what are the upsides if you decide to go for an MSN after your BSN? Here are the top ones.
The financial ROI is possibly the biggest driving force. While the salary of registered nurses is pretty decent, an MSN unlocks a whole new level of earning power.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), who are typically MSN holders, earn significantly more than traditional registered nurses. In fact, 2024 U.S. BLS data show that most of these professionals earn more than $132,000 per year.
If you’re tired of 12-hour floor shifts or want to move beyond bedside nursing, an MSN degree is your ticket.
Once you earn your MSN degree, you’re one step closer to nursing leadership and administration roles where you oversee entire departments. You could also transition into teaching through an MSN nurse education online program if that’s where your passion lies.
According to Walsh University, this program expands your understanding of clinical procedures, nursing skills, and clinical reasoning, allowing you to positively impact the future of nurse teaching.
As a regular nurse, you know the reality of always having to wait on a physician or someone more senior for every minor order change.
Earn an MSN, and you can have greater autonomy and clinical responsibility. In many states, as an advanced practice nurse, you can evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses, order tests, and prescribe medications completely on your own.
Demand is another big reason to consider a BSN to MSN program. With a Master’s in Nursing, you are open to a wide range of nursing specializations, including options in education. It’s just a matter of picking an in-demand specialization that matches your passion.
Additionally, the U.S. BLS predicts that nurse practitioner roles will be one of the fastest-growing in the country, with 40% more employment than other occupations. This strong outlook means that with your MSN, your career is essentially future-proof.
It will be wrong to paint the picture that doing a BSN to MSN program is without challenges. It has. Here’s what you should look out for:
Burnout, in particular, is a really big issue among nurses. The Journal of Emergency Nursing reveals that more than 10% of registered nurses globally have experienced burnout at one time or another.
So, does that mean you shouldn’t consider advanced nursing qualifications? Definitely not. Listing out these challenges helps you prepare for them.
So, how do you know whether an advanced qualification in nursing is a good idea or not? While the yardstick is different for everyone, before applying, answer the following questions:
Also, if you can, talk to other nurses who have already earned their MSN, especially alumni of the schools you’re considering.
Is it better to have a BSN or an MSN?
It depends. If you want to do direct patient care but take on minimal leadership responsibilities, then a BSN is enough. However, if your long-term goals involve advanced specialization and practice, decision-making leadership, or nursing education, then you definitely need an MSN.
What can you do with an MSN that you can’t do with a BSN?
There are many different things you can do as a nurse with an MSN that you can’t do with just a BSN. The most important is full practice authority. This means that you have the authority to diagnose conditions, interpret the diagnosis, and even begin treatment without waiting for a physician.
Do MSNs get paid more than BSNs?
Absolutely. While a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree definitely earns a good salary, a nurse with an MSN earns more. The U.S. BLS puts this figure at $132,000+ per year as of 2024.
| Context | Figures |
| Nurses in the U.S. holding a master’s degree | 17%+ as of 2024 |
| Median annual salary for MSN holders | $132,000+ |
| Projected job growth of nurse practitioners | 40% |
| Nurses experiencing burnout globally | 10%+ |
| Typical MSN program length | 1.5 – 3 years |
For the right nurse, with the right goals? Yes. But BSN to MSN isn’t for every nurse.
Unsure about your long-term direction? Then spend some more time as a registered nurse with a BSN. Once you’re certain of your future, you can then make your move with confidence.
Robert Rosseter. (2026). Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet. American Association of College of Nursing. Retrieved from the AACN website.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2025). Issues at a Glance: Full Practice Authority. Retrieved from the AANP website.
Valdez A. (2024). Journal of Emergency Nursing. Burnout or Exploitation? Resiliency is Not the Solution. Retrieved from jenonline.
Agwalogu Bob believes great content doesn’t just inform, it resonates, and then sticks. For over eight years, he’s been helping agencies across four continents craft just that kind of content: sharp, engaging cut-through-the-noise copy across SaaS, finance, tech, health, and lifestyle.
When he’s not putting pen to paper, you’ll likely find him scouring the internet for funny memes.
Connect with him on LinkedIn or Medium.
Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Leadership Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee,
Whether it’s persistent stress that is responsible or turbulent sociocultural environments at work, mental healthcare has become a veritable challenge.
The WHO states that over a billion people now live with mental health concerns. But the available services are not scaled up. This scenario means poor accessibility to support for thousands of patients.
Conditions like depression and anxiety also cost the economy roughly US$ 1 trillion annually. What’s worse, new mental health challenges keep coming up constantly, from work-induced burnout to screen addiction and trauma because of cyberbullying.
As social and healthcare workers persevere to address these challenges, they turn to the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics for guidance on ethical decision-making.
Mental health practitioners working on such cases must ensure that their approach aligns with the recommended specifications. That said, the NASW is also evolving to address changing mental healthcare needs.
One of the most visible ways in which the NASW is evolving is its increased focus on patient care delivered through virtual media. For mental healthcare, this can be through telehealth practices and video chats with therapists.
The NASW highlights that many telehealth facilities started during the COVID-19 pandemic have elapsed and are pending review. This has limited access to mental health treatment for people facing geographical restrictions. The ongoing advocacy to make telehealth services permanent is a necessary endeavor to support diverse populations.
The American Psychological Association reports that around a third of people cannot access the mental health support they need. Around 60 percent state it is due to cost issues. Logically, in-person visits can be much more expensive for people in far-flung locations.
Some people now access therapy online, with AI-based tools becoming more popular. Many people find them easy to use as they get a quick response and don’t feel judged.
However, this strategy isn’t without its risks. An NPR feature underlines that AI chatbots can mimic human empathy, creating a false sense of intimacy. They may also fail to flag and escalate signs of danger, which has led to tragic outcomes in the past.
“Some of our principles are in conflict…We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens. This is a new and powerful technology, and we believe minors need significant protection.” – Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI.
The NASW is working to safeguard various modes of virtual therapy and ensure they are both ethical and secure.
Another evolving aspect of NASW is its commitment to the mental health of younger people, which has increasingly become concerning.
The WHO stresses that one in seven 10 to 19-year-old youngsters suffers from poor mental health. It accounts for 15 percent of this age group’s global burden of disease. Social media addiction is considered a prime contributor to anxiety issues, triggering body image issues and a constant FOMO (fear of missing out).
NASW is ramping up its initiatives to address these issues through training programs for social workers. For example, a recent webinar on emerging trends in youth mental health addressed the impact of technology and the protective factors that can support today’s youth.
In fact, a well-rounded licensed clinical social worker degree often includes family and youth services in the curriculum. Practitioners learn to work in various fields of mental health, including addiction problems and substance abuse. The goal is to help practitioners develop strategies that help young people become more resilient. At the same time, they should feel comfortable seeking help.
This sharpening of clinical mental health treatment skills also proves helpful for advancing the career of social workers. Keuka College highlights that a licensed social worker makes approximately 23% more than bachelor-level professionals. They also outearn social workers without clinical licensure.
The NASW Code also incorporates principles of cultural sensitivity to ensure that practitioners can support people in more powerful ways.
More broadly, social workers are focusing on understanding people from various socioeconomic backgrounds and underserved communities. They are working to eliminate the stigma society often attributes to being “different,” whether it is through their gender affirmation or political values.
Conventionally, the NASW has propagated thoughtful practices, such as delivering treatment in a language the patient understands and providing interpreters and translation tools when required. Professionals also learn to respect sociopolitical or religious beliefs to avoid these aspects from affecting treatment progress.
More recently, however, the NASW has renewed focus on culturally competent care. It has not only recommended standards and indicators for cultural competence but also guidance on their implementation. These developments may take more concrete shape in 2026.
It brings hope that more people will now benefit from trauma-informed care. This is crucial for the most vulnerable groups, including immigrants and people from other “minorities.” They may have faced years of discrimination, which is sure to affect the progress of mental health treatment they eventually receive.
Culturally competent care helps practitioners understand patients’ backgrounds and beliefs. This leads to more personalized treatment outcomes. It also helps professionals support patients in overcoming stigma and other roadblocks emanating from their sociocultural experiences.
| Global mental health outlook | More than 1 billion people live with mental health problems |
| Economic repercussions | Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy roughly US$ 1 trillion annually |
| Access to care | Around one-third of people cannot receive the mental health support they need |
| Cost barriers | About 60% of people cite cost as the reason they cannot access mental healthcare |
| Youth mental health | 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 experience a mental disorder |
| Disease burden in youth | Mental disorders account for 15% of the global burden of disease among people aged 10–19 |
The developments in NASW Ethics reflect a keen desire to acknowledge societal problems and appreciate that they impact public mental health. Social workers recognize the possible ramifications of virtual therapy and also the drawbacks of shutting down access to it. Likewise, they understand the limitations of limited academic training in youth issues and cultural competency.
The ways NASW is evolving resonate with the developments in mental healthcare and our response to them. Acknowledging that shortcomings exist and that they can improve with concerted effort is key to addressing them.
WHO (2025). Over a billion people living with mental health conditions – services require urgent scale-up. Retrieved from the WHO website.
NASW Code of Ethics (2026). Retrieved from the NASW website.
Mirean Coleman (2025). Telehealth Flexibilities: Attention Clinical Social Workers Who are Private Practitioners. Retrieved from the NASW website.
Heather Stringer (2024). Mental health care is in high demand. Psychologists are leveraging tech and peers to meet the need. Retrieved from the American Psychological Association.
Windsor Johnston (2025). With therapy hard to get, people lean on AI for mental health. What are the risks? Retrieved from the NPR website.
WHO (2025). Mental health of adolescents. Retrieved from the WHO website.
Keuka College (2026). Master of Social Work Traditional Track. Retrieved from the Keuka College website.
Emerging Trends and Future Challenges in Youth Mental Health (3 CEs) Live Webinar. Retrieved from the NASW website.
Author Bio:
Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes telling stories that delight and engage. Her focus areas include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategizes content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.
Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Ethics Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
This video looks at broken friendships whether via death or ended friendship. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification.