Action Plan of the WPA: Action Plan Which Follows the Objectives of the Association Relating to Refugees and Asylum Seekers

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S24-S25
Author(s):  
D. Bhugra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Asylum Seeker ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Impact

Recent mass movement of human beings in various parts of the world has brought several challenges. Not only refugees from Syria and Libya to Europe but also refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in Latin America bring specific set of issues with them. It is critical that clinicians are aware of both the vulnerability of individuals to mental ill health as a result of migratory experiences but equally importantly their resilience. The impact on the mental health of those who may be involved directly or indirectly in delivering care along with those new communities who receive these groups need to be taken into account when planning and delivering psychiatric services. It is essential to recognize that experiences of being a refugee or asylum seeker are heterogeneous. Being an asylum seeker carries with it legal definitions and legal imperatives agreed at international levels.Policymakers and clinicians need to be aware of differential rates of psychiatric disorders in these vulnerable individuals and specific needs related to language, religious values and other cultural factors. Mental health problems may be related to experiencing cultural bereavement where individuals feel that they have lost their cultures, relationships and cultural values. Judicious and careful use of trained culture brokers and mediators should be encouraged as these individuals can inform the team about community needs and inform the community about the team functioning and its principles so that community expectations can be managed appropriately. Such approaches may also help reduce stigma against mental illness.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

Cultural Competence Training and Mental Health Care in Refugees and Asylum Seekers

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S35-S35
Author(s):  
D. Bhugra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Asylum Seeker ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Impact

Recent mass movement of human beings in various parts of the world has brought several challenges. Not only refugees from Syria and Libya to Europe but also refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in Latin America bring specific set of issues with them. It is critical that clinicians are aware of both the vulnerability of individuals to mental ill health as a result of migratory experiences but equally importantly their resilience. The impact on the mental health of those who may be involved directly or indirectly in delivering care along with those new communities who receive these groups need to be taken into account when planning and delivering psychiatric services. It is essential to recognise that experiences of being a refugee or asylum seeker are heterogeneous. Being an asylum seeker carries with it legal definitions and legal imperatives agreed at international levels.Policymakers and clinicians need to be aware of differential rates of psychiatric disorders in these vulnerable individuals and specific needs related to language, religious values and other cultural factors. Mental health problems may be related to experiencing cultural bereavement where individuals feel that they have lost their cultures, relationships and cultural values. Judicious and careful use of trained culture brokers and mediators should be encouraged as these individuals can inform the team about community needs and inform the community about the team functioning and its principles so that community expectations can be managed appropriately. Such approaches may also help reduce stigma against mental illness.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Mental health implications of detaining asylum seekers: systematic review

2009 ◽  
Vol 194 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy Robjant ◽  
Rita Hassan ◽  
Cornelius Katona
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe number of asylum seekers, refugees and internally displaced people worldwide is rising. Western countries are using increasingly restrictive policies, including the detention of asylum seekers, and there is concern that this is harmful.AimsTo investigate mental health outcomes among adult, child and adolescent immigration detainees.MethodA systematic review was conducted of studies investigating the impact of immigration detention on the mental health of children, adolescents and adults, identified by a systematic search of databases and a supplementary manual search of references.ResultsTen studies were identified. All reported high levels of mental health problems in detainees. Anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder were commonly reported, as were self-harm and suicidal ideation. Time in detention was positively associated with severity of distress. There is evidence for an initial improvement in mental health occurring subsequent to release, although longitudinal results have shown that the negative impact of detention persists.ConclusionsThis area of research is in its infancy and studies are limited by methodological constraints. Findings consistently report high levels of mental health problems among detainees. There is some evidence to suggest an independent adverse effect of detention on mental health.

The impact of racism and discrimination on mental health of refugees and asylum seekers

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S43-S43 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kastrup
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Refugees And Asylum Seekers ◽  
The Impact

With the strong focus on terrorism in recent years, there is an increasing concern that the fundamental rights of refugees and asylum seekers may be violated in the interest to combat acts of terrorism. It may also lead to increasing racism and discrimination towards these populations.Racism and discrimination encompass the negative stereotypes and prejudicial beliefs that people may hold, as well as inequitable practices that may result hereof.Knowledge about the mental health consequences of racism and discrimination is of clear clinical relevance for psychiatrists worldwide, as a significant proportion of psychiatric patients will have a background as refugees and asylum seekers. Many of them have experiences of war, strife, persecution and torture that further ads to their mental distress.The paper will outline the psychiatric symptomatology related to racism as well as ethical dilemmas and educational needs for the psychiatric profession.Further the role of national psychiatric associations in combating racism and discrimination by e.g. defining best practices and revising medical training curricula will be outlined.http://www.mariannekastrup.dk/Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Non-governmental organizations as key partners in mental health in Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Health Action Plan

SummaryThe shift towards a rights-based approach to health which has taken place over the past decade has strengthened the role of civil society and their organizations in raising and claiming the entitlements of different social groups. It has become obvious that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are central to any successful multi-stakeholder partnership, and they have become more recognized as key actors in health policy and programme development and implementation. There is a broad spectrum of NGOs active in the area of mental health in Europe which aim to empower people with mental health problems and their families, give them a voice in health policy development and implementation and in service design and delivery, to raise awareness and fight stigma and discrimination, and foster implementation of obligations set by internationally agreed mental health policy documents. With the endorsement of the Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 (20) and the European Mental Health Action Plan (19) stakeholders agree to strengthen capacity of service user and family advocacy groups and to secure their participation as partners in activities for mental health promotion, disorder prevention and improving mental health services.

Changes in rehabilitation actors’ mental health literacy and support to employers: An evaluation of the SEAM intervention

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Annika Lexén ◽  
Maria Emmelin ◽  
Lars Hansson ◽  
Bengt Svensson ◽  
Susann Porter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Lack of mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and employers in the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems resulted in the development of a three-day group training program, the Support to Employers from rehabilitation Actors about Mental health (SEAM) intervention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of SEAM on rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge and beliefs, attitudes, and supporting behaviors towards people with mental health problems and employers as part of the return-to-work process. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 94 rehabilitation professionals were included. Data were collected prior to (T1), immediately after (T2) and 6 months after SEAM training (T3) using knowledge and attitude scales and a questionnaire on supporting behaviors. SEAM includes training in Mental Health First Aid, presentations and discussions on current research on work and mental health, and strategies and communication guidelines to use when meeting service users and employers as part of the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems. SEAM also includes a homepage with targeted employer information. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: SEAM significantly increased rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge of mental health (T1-T2: z = –2.037, p = 0.042; T2-T3: z = –5.093, p = 0.001), and improved their attitudes towards persons with mental health problems (T1-T2: z = 4.984, p = 0.001). Professionals (50–60%) also estimated that they had increased their use of supporting strategies towards service users and employers. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that SEAM can increase mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and lead to a greater focus on service users’ resources and work ability, as well as on employers’ support needs.

scholarly journals Does the Type of Exposure to Workplace Violence Matter to Nurses’ Mental Health?

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Farinaz Havaei
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Violence Exposure ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Indirect Exposure ◽  
The Impact

Workplace violence is a prevalent phenomenon in healthcare, particularly among nursing professionals. Exposure to workplace violence may be direct through firsthand involvement, indirect through secondhand witnessing, or both. Even though implications for victims of workplace violence have been well-studied, less is known about the various types of exposure and their effects on nurse mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of workplace-violence exposure types on the mental health of nurses, while accounting for the intensity of the incident/s. This study employs an exploratory correlational design with survey methods. Nurses from British Columbia (BC), Canada, were invited by the provincial nurses’ union to complete an electronic survey in Fall 2019. A total of 2958 responses from direct-care nurses in acute-care settings were analyzed using logistic regression. The results showed that mental-health problems increased with cumulative exposure; even though nurses with solely indirect exposure to workplace violence did not report greater mental-health problems, those experiencing solely direct exposure, or both direct and indirect exposure, were two to four times more likely to report high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and burnout compared to their counterparts with no exposure. There is an urgent need for better mental-health support, prevention policies and practices that take into account the type of workplace-violence exposure.

scholarly journals The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danna Oomen ◽  
Annabel D. Nijhof ◽  
Jan R. Wiersema
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Previous studies have reported a negative psychological and mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This impact is likely to be stronger for people with autism as they are at heightened risk of mental health problems and because the pandemic directly affects social functioning and everyday routines. We therefore examined COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in mental health, the impact of the pandemic on their social life and routines, satisfaction with pandemic-related information and tips, and participants’ wishes for guidance. Methods We used a mixed-method approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative survey data from adults with and without autism across three European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK (N = 1044). Results We found an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms in response to the pandemic for both the non-autism and the autism group, which was greater for adults with autism. Furthermore, adults with autism showed a greater increase in worries about their pets, work, getting medication and food, and their own safety/security. They felt more relieved from social stress, yet experienced the loss of social contact as difficult. Adults with autism also felt more stressed about the loss of routines. Pleasant changes noted by adults with autism were the increase in solidarity and reduced sensory and social overload. Adults with autism frequently reported problems with cancellation of guidance due to the pandemic and expressed their wish for (more) autism-specific information and advice. Limitations Our sample is likely to reflect some degree of selection bias, and longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term effects. Conclusions Results highlight the psychological burden of the pandemic on adults with autism and shed light on how to support them during this COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially important now that the pandemic is likely to have a prolonged course. There is a need for accessible, affordable (continued) support from health services. Guidance may focus on the maintenance of a social network, and adjusting routines to the rapid ongoing changes. Finally, we may learn from the COVID-19 pandemic-related changes experienced as pleasant by adults with autism to build a more autism-friendly society post-pandemic.

scholarly journals Health risk assessment and countermeasure analysis of the elderly population exposed to PM2.5 microenvironment

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yan Xu ◽  
Wantian Cui
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Exposure Concentration ◽  
Physical Diseases ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: China’s atmospheric PM2.5 pollution is serious, and PM2.5 exerts a negative impact on the human respiratory system, cardiovascular, and mental health, and even more serious health risk for the elderly with weak immunity. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyse the impacts of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure on the health of the elderly and provide corresponding countermeasures. METHODS: The survey subjects are 118 retired elderly people in the community. PM2.5 exposure concentrations are monitored in summer (June 10 ∼ July 10, 2019) and winter (November 25 ∼ December 25, 2019). RESULTS: The exposure concentration in winter is higher than that in summer, with statistical difference (P <  0.05). Under the impact of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure, smoking in the elderly can increase the concentration of PM2.5, and long-term exposure to PM2.5 in the elderly can cause mental health problems. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure of the elderly to the PM2.5 microenvironment leads to physical diseases and even psychological problems, which requires attention.

The impact of COVID-19 quarantine measures on the mental health of families

2021 ◽  
pp. 146801732110117
Author(s):  
Fakir Al Gharaibeh ◽  
Laura Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Strong Shock ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Impact

Summary COVID-19 is shaping all aspects of life throughout the world. The unexpected number of people who have been infected with and died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is evidence that the pandemic has affected families and societies. The strong shock wave that has resulted in the international response has focused more on medical rather than psychosocial interventions. Little has been written or studied about the impact of COVID-19 on families. This article explores the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on the mental health of families. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with Jordanian families through snowball sampling. Findings The results show that 20 interviewees described varied and new experiences. Many of the families we interviewed displayed symptoms of mental health problems, including disrupted sleep patterns, changes in eating habits, excessive digital media use, anxiety, depression, excessive smoking, stomach aches, bedwetting among children, and persistent headaches. The study also demonstrated the psychological stress partners felt during the lockdown due to their worries about job security. They also communicated their hope that renewed family commitments might bring more stability to their relationships. During the lockdown, family members spent more time together, and it became harder to conceal any issues from each other. Applications The findings of this research demonstrate a critical need for social workers, and it is hoped that future legislation will include a role for social workers in various fields of crisis. Moreover, social workers should encourage families to ask for intervention to overcome the long-term effects that may result from COVID-19.

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