scholarly journals ‘Policing’ a pandemic: Garda wellbeing and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-197
Author(s):  
L. Rooney ◽  
F. McNicholas

AbstractIn response to the global pandemic COVID-19, the Irish government has called upon the Garda Síochána to implement an unparalleled mode of policing to mitigate and contain the spread of the Coronavirus. Studies investigating smaller scale epidemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), indicate that staff at the frontlines of an outbreak are exposed to an insuperable amount of stress and experience increased psychological morbidities as a result. Furthermore, research not only indicates that heighted levels of psychological distress are an occupational hazard associated with the law enforcement profession, but that members of the Garda Síochána feel their mental health needs are largely unmet by their organisation. Given the pandemic’s propensity to expose officers to indeterminate echelons of physical and psychological threat; there has never been a more appropriate time to explore the potential burdens associated with ‘policing’ a pandemic, question the governments capacity to address the psychological support needs of frontline professionals, and plan future research for best practice.

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 231-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Molodynski ◽  
Stephen Puntis ◽  
Em Mcallister ◽  
Hannah Wheeler ◽  
Keith Cooper

Recent years have seen a surge in interest in mental healthcare and some reduction in stigma. Partly as a result of this, alongside a growing population and higher levels of societal distress, many more people are presenting with mental health needs, often in crisis. Systems that date back to the beginning of the National Health Service still form the basis for much care, and the current system is complex, hard to navigate and often fails people. Law enforcement services are increasingly being drawn into providing mental healthcare in the community, which most believe is inappropriate. We propose that it is now time for a fundamental root and branch review of mental health emergency care, taking into account the views of patients and the international evidence base, to ‘reset’ the balance and commission services that are humane and responsive – services that are fit for the 21st century.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-246
Author(s):  
Blanaid Gavin ◽  
John Lyne ◽  
Fiona McNicholas

AbstractApproaching 2 years into a global pandemic, it is timely to reflect on how COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of the global population. With research continuing apace, a clearer picture should crystallise in time. COVID-19 has undoubtedly had some impact on population mental health, although the severity and duration of this impact remain less clear. The exceptional period of COVID-19 has provided a unique prism through which we can observe and consider societal mental health. This is a momentous time to be involved in mental health research as we strive to understand the mental health needs of the population and advocate for adequate resourcing to deliver quality mental healthcare in the post-pandemic period.


2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Kostohryz ◽  
Pamela Wells ◽  
Cristen Wathen ◽  
David Wilson

As our population becomes increasingly internationalized in today's global society, a need emerges for awareness, research, and support for the mental health needs of clients who have returned from sojourns abroad. This article describes how mental health counselors can become more aware of the reentry experience. It also explores such factors as expectations, transition, advocacy, and grief and loss. It diminishes the perception of sojourning as simply a vacation and discusses adjustments clients often have to make upon returning home. The article offers recommendations for working with clients who are finding reentry difficult, explores implications for the mental health counseling profession, and offers ideas for future research.


2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Broomhall ◽  
Janet Devlin ◽  
Sarah Anderson ◽  
Martha Doyle

This article describes the history, development and status of MindMatters Plus (MM+). MM+ is a project developed within the context of MindMatters (MM), an ongoing initiative which aims to promote mental health within Australian secondary schools. MM+ is an integral component of the MM suite of initiatives and is consistent with its underlying philosophy of developing student resilience through a “whole of school”, capacity-building approach. The specific goal of MM+ is to develop best practice approaches to improving the mental health outcomes of secondary school students with high support mental health needs (SWHSNs) and is achieved in several ways: (1) assisting schools in early identification; (2) facilitating the implementation of preventative and other interventions; (3) developing new initiatives and refining existing processes, policies and strategies and; (4) encouraging the development of timely and accessible networks of care with external agencies and community partnerships.


2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Anderson

AbstractThis article describes some key lessons from the MindMatters Plus (MM+) initiative, as a best practice approach to improving the mental health outcomes of secondary school students with high support mental health needs. The MindMatters Plus initiative focuses on early identification of students with mental health needs, implementation of preventative and other interventions, refining processes, policies and strategies to support students at risk, and encouraging the development of community partnerships to enhance the support of student wellbeing. Specifically, this article will examine the key factors that enabled the MindMatters Plus demonstration schools to achieve these outcomes. As part of the initiative, an interview was conducted with staff from each of the 17 MindMatters Plus demonstration schools. Staff members were asked to describe what they had learned as a result of their participation in the initiative and to identify factors that they believed were significant in their ability to improve the support they provided for students at risk. The responses to these interviews, as outlined in the present article, will serve as invaluable guidelines for other schools that want to improve the support they provide for students with high mental health needs.


2020 ◽  
pp. 146801732091937
Author(s):  
Erica Koegler ◽  
Kathleen M Preble ◽  
Sarah M Tlapek

Summary The U.S. Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act of 2000 established specialized victims’ services and law enforcement directives to protect victims/survivors of sex trafficking through investigation and aftercare services. Yet, gaps remain in our understanding of services needed and the best approaches to improve outcomes. Using cross-sectional electronic survey data from 107 service providers to human trafficking victims across Missouri, this study examines (1) victims’ service needs, (2) agencies’ ability to provide services, (3) victim sub-populations that agencies are able to serve, and (4) the rural/urban availability of anti-trafficking services. Findings Service providers, including social workers, counselors, law enforcement, and medical professionals reported that the most needed services for victims included case management, counseling, crisis services, shelter, and medical assistance. However, out of 15 possible victim services, only two were provided in-house by the majority of agencies. Additionally, respondents identified populations they were frequently unable to serve including incarcerated victims, tribal victims of violence, and refugees and immigrants. Urban counties were served by a significantly higher mean number of respondents compared to rural counties. Applications Findings raise concerns that some of the most critical services needed for best practice response may not be easily accessible for victims, particularly in rural regions. In addition, many providers are tasked with addressing multiple service needs with limited resources. Efforts to increase cross-discipline training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and funding for basic services are needed to ensure adequate and accessible services for survivors. Recommendations for future research and coordination of an effective response are noted.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parveen Ali ◽  
Michaela Rogers ◽  
Susan Heward-Belle

Purpose This paper aims to explore the mental health impact of domestic violence and abuse within the context of the global pandemic. This paper will explore factors contributing to rising rates of violence and mental health problems exacerbated by stressors related to the global pandemic, including public health measures implemented to prevent the spread of coronovirus disease (COVID-19). It will also explore what can be learnt from the current pandemic situation to prevent domestic violence and abuse in future emergency situations and pandemics and will provide suggestions, for policy, practice and future research. Design/methodology/approach This paper is informed by discussion between authors as experts in the field, their reflection on the current situation and review of available literature. Synthesising information from best practice guidance across the global literature, this paper proposes a best practice framework using an ecological approach to address intimate partner violence in times of pandemic, crisis or natural disaster. Findings This paper aimed to explore the mental health impact of domestic violence and abuse within the context of the global pandemic. Originality/value This paper provides an analysis of available literature and explains impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence and abuse.


Author(s):  
Kimberly Hook ◽  
Kanako Ando ◽  
Senait Ghebrehiwet ◽  
Benjamin Harris ◽  
Babawale Ojediran ◽  
...  

Background: The Republic of Liberia recently experienced several events that resulted in wide-ranging societal impacts, including long-term civil war and an outbreak of Ebola. These types of events are linked to higher prevalence of mental disorders and psychosocial distress. As a result, it is likely that there is an increased prevalence of mental health disorders in the population.Aim: To assess and review the recent mental health literature in order to provide insight into existing mental health needs and effective or recommended interventions in post-conflict Liberia.Setting: Articles included in this study enrolled Liberians living in Liberia.Methods: A search of four databases was conducted for studies of any type that assessed mental health in Liberia between 01 January 2003 and 27 March 2019. After reviewing 363 articles, 21 articles were included in the final analysis. Articles were coded to identify common themes and needs.Results: The majority of studies used qualitative designs and were conducted in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. Common topics included adolescent mental health, intervention and assessment and post-conflict impacts. One article focused on mental health impacts after recovery from Ebola.Conclusion: Overall, there is a dearth of mental health literature that focuses on Liberia. This suggests ample opportunity for researchers to investigate mental health needs amongst the Liberian population and effective psychiatric interventions. Existing recommendations often focus on addressing adolescent health needs, including substance use practices. Opportunities for future research particularly related to needs of adult populations and to mental health impacts of Ebola, abound.


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