Article:

Good Mental Health Messages: PROBLEM SOLVING – SORTING IT OUT

What is important about problem solving?

Research tells us people who have good problem solving skills have good mental health and are more successful in their work and study.  This has been recognised by educators and many schools now run programs in problem solving.

What is problem solving?

There are a series of structured steps to solve problems, they are:

1. Identify the problem
Take some time to think about what the problem is and what each person who is involved think the problem is.

2. Determine goals
“How do you want things to turn out?” The answer to this question provides direction for the following steps.

3. Generate alternative solutions
This is commonly called ‘brainstorming’. Come up with as many ways as possible (even if they seem silly) to achieve the desired goal. This should be a really ‘free-flowing’ exercise.

4. Examine consequences
Go back through the list of alternatives generated and think about as many consequences (good and bad) for each.

5. Choose the solution
Decide which alternative has the most benefits in light of the original problem and the stated goals. Then identify how this solution is to be carried out.


For example, this could include:

What will be said?
Where will it happen?
When will it be done? Who will do what?

6. How did it go?
It is important to make time to reflect on what happened. Was the goal achieved? Am I satisfied with the results? If the answer is yes the problem was solved, if the answer is no either return to step 1. or 2.

This process may seem difficult and clumsy in the beginning but will become easier with practice. Problem solving works well for all age groups including young people.

Resources

Although these resources do not specifically relate to this article, they are very useful phone numbers/websites to contact for further information.

	Parent Line	13 22 89	www.vicparenting.com.au
	Kids Helpline	1800 55 1800	www.kidshelp.com.au
	Inspire Foundation		www.reachout.com.au

* Developed by the Primary Prevention In Schools Committee 2004.
For further information contact the Mental Health Promotions Officer, Ballarat Health Services – CAMHS (03) 53203030