Yes we can – Positive CAMHS

Abstract

Yes We Can Youth Clinics has fundamentally innovated (mental) health care for children and adolescents just by taking a different approach: the force of Positive Health!

The WHO definition of Health, adopted in 1948 and since then never amended, has become obsolete: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

A new, more positive definition ought to replace the obsolete.

“The ability to adapt and self-manage physical, mental and social well-being challenges.”

Different approach

WHO.

Health care is to be claimed unlimitedly, making sure you get better, free from symptoms, against any price, something you undergo and releases you from the responsibility to self-manage and recover.

YES WE CAN.

Care appealing to personal strength and possibilities. Care that also demands commitment, not a lack thereof. Care that apart from physical/mental functioning also deals with a spiritual dimension within a personal context. Care that deals with purpose (life goals) for both the patient and the caretaker.

Conclusion

Yes We Can and Positive Health has been very successful:

– perfect climate for recovery: e.g. role models, positive group dynamics, expert experience, no coercion or compulsion, structured healthy program;

– focus on strength hand abilities, coping skills, learn what is important, moral, values;

– system oriented: family therapy is mandatory;

– after-care (helping back to school/work);

– be Aware: old fellows help with prevention by visiting various schools.

Illustration

Vision of Yes We Can and life story of a fellow.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.