The new brain: Concepts, challenges, and opportunities for mental health nursing

The new paradigm that the brain is able change itself (neuroplasticity) is acknowledged and teased out in terms of the ramifaications for mental illnesses. Parallel studies in pain (central sensitization) and mirror neurones are examined to conceptually clarify these ramifications in relation to mental health, and to expand out understanding of empathy and social inclusion beyond good ideas and opportunities for mental health nursing might be even advancing possibilities for recovery through better understanding the third space or intersubjective. What ramifications this has for mental health nursing is reviewed in terms of a paradigm change and the necessity for conceptual clarity, as it relates to the uniqueness of the person right before our very eyes. The author contends that to embrace this new paradigm is not only necessary but ethically obligatory as it opens up new possibilities for understanding ourselves and this changeable person.