Parents’ Perspectives of their Children's Reactions to an Australian Military Deployment

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Siebler ◽  
Christopher Goddard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Military Families ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Military Deployment ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Parent Relationships ◽  
Australian Defence Force ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Depth Interviews

This article reports on a qualitative study of Australian parents’ perceptions of their children's reactions to a military deployment as well as their help-seeking behaviours. Thirty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted with 34 Australian Defence Force (ADF) parents and 33 non-deployed parents (67 participants). Twenty-nine interviews were with couples and nine were with individuals. The findings revealed that this group of children generally fared poorly in terms of physical and mental health, and behavioural outcomes. Children and adolescents had a number of needs which were not identified, assessed or treated, and prevention programmes were reported to be limited. Factors that are associated with positive and negative outcomes from the families’ perspective are outlined. The data showed how developing a deeper understanding of military families’ needs, as well as positive worker–parent relationships, would enhance the therapeutic alliance between parents and service providers. Implications for prevention and intervention approaches in relation to both policy and service delivery are outlined.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to physical and mental health help-seeking among Congolese male refugee survivors of conflict-related sexual violence living in Kampala

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-173
Author(s):  
Peninah Kansiime ◽  
Claire Van der Westhuizen ◽  
Ashraf Kagee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Barriers

In Uganda, over 1.3 million refugees have fled armed conflicts from neighbouring countries, with about 251 730 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone. In this article we report on a qualitative research study on the help-seeking behaviour of Congolese male refugee survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) living in Kampala, Uganda. We recruited 10 Congolese male survivors of war-related rape and 6 Ugandan service providers (psychologists, social workers and physicians) who participated in individual interviews focused on barriers and facilitators to care seeking in Kampala, Uganda. We found that the major barriers to help-seeking were socio-cultural and political factors, health system and infrastructural barriers, poverty and livelihood barriers, physical effects of CRSV, fear of marital disharmony and breakup, and self-sufficiency The major facilitators were social support, symptom severity, professionalism among service providers, availability of free tailored services and information, education and communication. On the basis of our findings, we recommend that a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach is important to address these barriers. In addition, we suggest that the Ugandan government should develop legislation and health policies to create protection for men who have experienced sexual violence.Keywords: armed conflict; conflict-related sexual violence; male refugee survivors; help-seeking; physical and mental health; barriers; and facilitators

scholarly journals A qualitative investigation of mental health in women of refugee background resettled in Tasmania, Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Hawkes ◽  
Kimberley Norris ◽  
Janine Joyce ◽  
Douglas Paton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Regional Location ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract Background Women of Refugee Background (WoRB) are a highly vulnerable population with complex going mental health needs following resettlement. In Australia, there has been a substantial increase in WoRB being resettled in rural and regional locations. Despite this, no research to date has specifically focused on factors contributing to mental distress in WoRB in regional resettlement locations. The current study aimed to address this gap in literature. Methods 21 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with WoRB and service providers in regional locations of Tasmania, Australia. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed utilising Braun and Clarke (Qual Res Psychol 3(2):77–101, 2006) framework for conducting thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis revealed that WoRB conceptualised mental health as a pathogenic entity, which significantly influenced their mental health help-seeking behaviours. The findings also highlighted how resettlement to a rural and regional location of Australia may exacerbate many of the factors which contribute to ongoing mental distress in WoRB. Conclusions The findings of the current study build upon existing research which indicates the adverse impacts post-migrations stressors can have on the mental health of individuals of refugee background. Furthermore, this study suggests that the current services and supports available to WoRB resettled in regional locations of Australia are inadequate, and under-resources. These findings are discussed in regard to practical and policy implications which should be addressed to better support the mental health of WoRB resettled in rural and regional locations of Australia.

scholarly journals A Scenario of COVID-19 Disease on Mental Health Among the General Age-groups

2022 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
Somadatta Das ◽  
Rabindra Nath Padhy ◽  
Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Mental Health Effects ◽  
Watching Tv

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus causes a respiratory disease with physical and mental health effects, ending at general morbidity and fatality from some latest coronavirus strains, at times. During the present pandemics, people stay mainly at home, contributing to some elevated stress levels. World Health Organization (WHO) contemplates that the additional steps like, quarantine and self-isolation have stimulated daily routines of peoples, leading to a rise in agitation, oppression, sleeplessness, alcohol addiction, drug-addictions and suicidal behaviors; consequently, causing increase in cases of domestic violence, even. At this stage, health service providers cannot help the poor, elderly people, children who are susceptible to pre-medical adverse conditions. This work aims to highlight the general scenario of the mental health locally in India during covid-19 pandemic. Some lifestyles, such as yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic medication, avoiding reading on corona too much and watching TV about it, while staying with the own family with the popular healthier lifestyles are recommended to alleviate stress.

Exploring the Disproportionate Impact of Disasters: Social Service Providers’ Perceptions of Factors Increasing Vulnerability Among Hurricane Survivors

2021 ◽  
pp. 104438942110515
Author(s):  
Shinwoo Choi ◽  
Tara M. Powell ◽  
Jenna M. Muller ◽  
Emily A. Lux
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Social Service Providers ◽  
Literacy Proficiency ◽  
Group Interviews

Social service providers play a vital role in addressing the physical and mental health needs of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities during and after disasters. Considering the essential role of social service providers during and after disasters, it is vital to understand the challenges their clients encounter during emergencies. Our study explored social service providers’ perceptions of the barriers socially vulnerable individuals and communities experienced after hurricanes Michael and Irma struck coastal communities in Florida in 2017–2018. Seventeen social service workers who provided direct support to survivors during and after the hurricanes participated in four focus group interviews. Providers described five factors that increased vulnerability of their clients including risk perception, socioeconomic constraints, physical and mental health challenges, language and literacy proficiency, and resource dependency.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Suicidal Thought and Help-Seeking Behaviour in Transition-Aged Youth versus Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 789-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie MacKinnon ◽  
Ian Colman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Suicidal Thought ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour

Objective: Suicide is a leading cause of death for transition-aged youth (TAY), and yet few studies examine correlates of suicidal ideation specifically in this age demographic (age 18-24 years). The transition to adulthood is a unique context, marked by novel stressors (e.g., joining the workforce) and increased independence, which may influence risk factors for suicidal ideation. This study examined correlates of suicidal ideation in TAY and adults and contrasted profiles across age. Methods: We used 4 biannual cycles (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey on health. We used logistic regression to assess the association between suicidal ideation and depression, distress, alcohol use, smoking, exercise, sedentary behaviour, chronic illness, restrictions to daily living, perceived physical and mental health, and perceived social support independently in both TAY ( n = 4427) and adults ( n = 14,452). We subsequently assessed possible interactions with age (18-24 v. 25-44 years) and sex and differences in help-seeking behaviour in a combined model. Result: TAY exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation than adults did ( P < 0.001). Numerous factors were associated with suicidal ideation in TAY. Notably, alcohol abstinence was associated with decreased suicidal ideation in TAY but not for adults. Moreover, when depressed, TAY were significantly less likely to have received professional mental health help than adults (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.94). Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is more prevalent in TAY than adults, and its consequences may be aggravated by poor treatment-seeking behaviour in at-risk (i.e. depressed) individuals. These different risk profiles substantiate the recent shift toward clinical interventions focusing on transition-aged youth, rather than traditional child (<18 years) and adult (>18 years) services.

Cognitive-Behavioural Assessment and Treatment of Maladaptive Help-Seeking Behaviour in a Patient with Schizophrenia

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 688-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gus Norris ◽  
Roy Laube
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Public Mental Health Services ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour

Objective: Maladaptive help-seeking behaviour in psychiatric patients is a significant problem for public mental health services, yet it is not addressed in the mainstream literature. We present a report on the successful treatment of a person with schizophrenia who displayed this common dilemma for patients and clinicians. Clinical picture: A 31-year-old man with borderline intellectual functioning had a 10-year history of schizophrenia marked by negative features. He frequently presented in crisis to public mental health services, the local hospital, and his general practitioner; this resulted in excessive use of services, including admissions. Treatment: The patient was reassessed from a cognitive-behavioural perspective rather than a syndromal perspective. Specific behaviours were modified, cognitions were identified, challenged and restructured, and other service providers were provided with an alternative to admission or acute community care. Outcome: At 24 months the maladaptive behaviour remains in remission. Conclusions: Behavioural problems in persons with chronic schizophrenia may be effectively treated by reconceptualising the behaviour as distinct from the major diagnosis.

scholarly journals Relationship between obesity and health problems in help-seeking military veterans

2019 ◽  
pp. jramc-2019-001155
Author(s):  
Victoria Williamson ◽  
A Rossetto ◽  
D Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

BackgroundUK Armed Forces (UK AF) veterans may be particularly vulnerable to obesity and its comorbid physical and mental health problems.AimTo examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), physical health problems, mental health disorders and sociodemographic characteristics in UK AF veterans engaged in psychological treatment.MethodsInformation regarding veteran BMI, demographic characteristics, physical health conditions and mental health problems was collected and analysed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Rates of veteran obesity were also compared with the UK general population.ResultsOf the 384 help-seeking veterans, 37.5% (n=151) were overweight (BMI 26–30) and 35.5% (n=143) were obese. Obesity in help-seeking male veterans was two to four times higher than that of the general population of UK. Higher scores on measures of anger and common mental health problems were significantly associated with greater BMI. Problems with physical systemic functioning and mobility were also significantly associated with greater BMI.ConclusionsThe results indicate that treatment-seeking UK AF veterans exhibit higher levels of obesity compared with the general population, and clinically significant physical and mental comorbidities. The findings highlight a need for mental health services to offer treatments that effectively integrate physical and mental healthcare in the treatment of people with mental health problems.

Vicarious Experiences of Unemployment Scale Development: Relationships to Mental Health and Help-Seeking Among Undergraduate Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-305
Author(s):  
Rachel S. Nitzarim ◽  
Mindi N. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Help Seeking Attitudes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mental Health Career ◽  
Vicarious Experiences ◽  
The Relationship

Vicarious experiences of unemployment (VUE), or having a primary caretaker such as a parent or legal guardian who is unemployed, have been demonstrated to impact adolescent and young adult physical and mental health, career decision-making, and educational development. This study describes the development of a new measure, the VUE Scale designed to tap the nature of stigma and struggle associated with an experience of vicarious unemployment (VU). Following results from pilot testing, 395 undergraduate students participated in the study. Results demonstrated preliminary support for the psychometric properties of the VUE. Consistent with hypotheses, results also indicated that more substantive experiences of VU related significantly and positively to heightened levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress, as well as to lower levels of self-esteem and social support. We also explored the relationship between VUE and help-seeking intentions and attitudes. These exploratory findings suggested that more impactful VU experiences relate to less positive formal help-seeking attitudes and intentions. Limitations and future directions for practice and research are described.

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