Bereavement

2012 ◽  
pp. 724-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverley Raphael ◽  
Sally Wooding ◽  
Julie Dunsmore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Human Suffering ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Making Meaning ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Neurobiological Substrates

Bereavement is the complex set reactions that occurs with the death of a loved one: the emotions of grief with yearning, angry protest, and sadness; the cognitive processes of understanding and making meaning of the finality and nature of death; and the social, cultural, spiritual, and religious contexts of adaptation. Grief may also result from other losses such as health, home, country, and safe worlds. There have been investigations into potential neurobiological substrates, without, as yet consensus about the explanatory model. This chapter covers the phenomenology of ‘normal grief’, neurobiology of bereavement, risk and protective factors influencing course and outcome, physical and mental health consequences of bereavement, and assessment and management. Counselling bereaved people requires hopeful, compassionate psychotherapeutic intervention which recognizes the human suffering involved, validates the person’s strengths, and respects their spiritual needs. Loss is a central issue for all of us, both our fears of it, and its reality. Counselling requires those involved to recognize their own sensitivities in this regard, and to assist the ‘journey’ of those affected in dealing with their loss. Most people grieve, remember with love those whom they have lost, and continue to love, and love anew.

scholarly journals Grief counselling for bereaved families with children

1994 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 340-342
Author(s):  
A. Ubeysekara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Child Psychiatric ◽  
The Family ◽  
Preventive Work ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Families With Children ◽  
Causative Link

The effects of losing a loved one through death on the physical and mental health of both adults and children are well documented in the literature. Children are likely to be referred to mental health professionals for various behaviour and emotional problems which may have a causative link with a bereavement within the family. In this paper I discuss the need for preventive work and, propose a role for child psychiatric services in preventive work for bereaved families with surviving children and adolescents. A ten-point plan is suggested as a guideline.

Post-Disaster Trauma and Recovery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara M. Powell ◽  
Shannondora Billiot ◽  
Leia Y. Saltzman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Social ◽  
Response And Recovery

Natural and man-made disasters have become much more frequent since the start of the 21st century. Disasters have numerous deleterious impacts. They disrupt individuals, families, and communities, causing displacement, food insecurity, injury, loss of livelihoods, conflict, and epidemics. The physical and mental health impact of a disaster can have extensive short- and long-term consequences. Immediately after a traumatic event, individuals may experience an array of reactions such as anxiety, depression, acute stress symptoms, shock, dissociation, allergies, injuries, or breathing problems. Given the economic and human impact of disasters, social workers are often quick to respond. Historically, the social work profession has provided services on the individual level, but initiatives have expanded to address community preparedness, response, and recovery. This article will explore the complexities of disaster response and recovery. Health and mental health impacts will be examined. Resilience and posttraumatic growth will then be discussed, exploring how individuals overcome adversity and trauma. Individual and community level preparedness mitigation, response, and recovery will explore how the field of social work has evolved as disasters have increased. Followed by an exploration of how social work has evolved to develop individual and community level preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities as disasters have increased. Finally, the article will examine special populations, including those with disabilities, children, indigenous people, older adults, and social service workers in all phases of disasters. As disasters grow more frequent it is vital for social work professionals to improve their efforts. We will conclude the chapter by examining the coordinated efforts the social work profession is involved in to help communities recover and even thrive after a traumatic event.

Special Issue

2018 ◽  
pp. 184-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Bender ◽  
Karlie Hill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prejudicial Attitudes

Misconceptions regarding the cause(s) of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has led to a number of prejudices against those with such diagnoses. A fear of being the object of prejudicial attitudes and behaviors leaves many individuals concerned about the social stigma of a STI diagnosis. This, in turn, may leave people unwilling to get tested or hesitant to disclose their diagnosis to others, which may fuel the spread of such infections. In addition to the numerous medical concerns associated with STIs, the psychological consequences of STIs are notable as well. Understanding the stigma related to STIs is an important step towards improving the mental health of people with such diagnoses. This chapter provides the reader with an overview of STI diagnoses, and an explanation of their physical and mental health consequences. The chapter continues by examining the three types of stigma as well as their components. Finally, the chapter offers a number of suggestions regarding how to combat STI stigma, which may be extrapolated to combat other forms of stigma affecting mental health.

Perceptions of mental illness in the Somali community in Minnesota

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah Pratt ◽  
Ayan Fadumo ◽  
Mikow Hang ◽  
Sirad Osman ◽  
Nancy Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Assets ◽  
Somali Immigrants ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Somali immigrants are a strong, vibrant community in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. However, the legacy of resettlement and the challenges of adjustment can lead to complex physical and mental health challenges. The Somali community is considered to be underserved, particularly with regard to mental health, but the health system must understand the perception of mental health in the Somali community in order to address current disparities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research drew on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) and was conducted with the goal of learning more about how mental illness is perceived in the Somali community living in Minnesota. Four focus groups were held, with a total of 35 participants, 19 female and 16 male. Findings – Several main themes emerged from the data. The community’s foundations of the perceptions of mental health inform and shape their perspective on mental illness, including the way mental illness is defined. Historical experiences, the impact of trauma, strong religious beliefs, and stigma toward mental illness influenced both the perceived causes of mental illness and views on seeking treatment. Originality/value – This research suggests there is value in drawing on the SEM to as the perception of mental illness is both layered, and shaped by the Somali community’s historical and social context. Forming community partnerships that address concerns about mental illness are essential next steps toward improving mental health in the Somali community. These partnerships should build on existing community assets, particularly religious leaders.

Special Issue

2021 ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Sara Bender ◽  
Karlie Hill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prejudicial Attitudes

Misconceptions regarding the cause(s) of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has led to a number of prejudices against those with such diagnoses. A fear of being the object of prejudicial attitudes and behaviors leaves many individuals concerned about the social stigma of a STI diagnosis. This, in turn, may leave people unwilling to get tested or hesitant to disclose their diagnosis to others, which may fuel the spread of such infections. In addition to the numerous medical concerns associated with STIs, the psychological consequences of STIs are notable as well. Understanding the stigma related to STIs is an important step towards improving the mental health of people with such diagnoses. This chapter provides the reader with an overview of STI diagnoses, and an explanation of their physical and mental health consequences. The chapter continues by examining the three types of stigma as well as their components. Finally, the chapter offers a number of suggestions regarding how to combat STI stigma, which may be extrapolated to combat other forms of stigma affecting mental health.

The Role of the Social Environment on Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 290-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Norstrand ◽  
Allen Glicksman ◽  
James Lubben ◽  
Morton Kleban
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Social

Narrative review of affinities and differences between the social determinants of oral and general health in Canada: establishing a common agenda

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. e218-e225
Author(s):  
Dennis Raphael
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
General Health ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Health Literature ◽  
The Social

Abstract Background This article overviews Canadian work on the social determinants of oral and general health noting their affinities and differences. Methods A literature search identified Canadian journal articles addressing the social determinants of oral health and/or oral health inequalities. Analysis identified affinities and differences with six themes in the general social determinants of health literature. Results While most Canadian social determinants activity focuses on physical and mental health there is a growing literature on oral health—literature reviews, empirical studies and policy analyses—with many affinities to the broader literature. In addition, since Canada provides physical and mental health services on a universal basis, but does not do so for dental care, there is a special concern with the reasons behind, and the health effects—oral, physical and mental—of the absence of publicly financed dental care. Conclusions The affinities between the social determinants of oral health and the broader social determinants of health literature suggests the value of establishing a common research and action agenda. This would involve collaborative research into common social determinants of oral and general health and combined policy advocacy efforts to improve Canadians’ living and working conditions as means of achieving health for all.

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