scholarly journals The effectiveness of support groups: a literature review

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Worrall ◽  
Richard Schweizer ◽  
Ellen Marks ◽  
Lin Yuan ◽  
Chris Lloyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Period ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Purpose Support groups are a common feature of the mental health support engaged by carers and consumers. The purpose of this paper is to update and consolidate the knowledge and the evidence for the effectiveness of mental health support groups. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a systematic literature review of relevant databases around support groups for mental health. Support groups are defined as meetings of people with similar experiences, such as those defined as carers of a person living with a mental illness or a person living with a mental illness. These meetings aim to provide support and companionship to one another. Findings The results show that there is a consistent pattern of evidence, over a long period of time, which confirms the effectiveness of mental health support groups for carers and people living with mental illness. There is strong, scientifically rigorous evidence which shows the effectiveness of professionally facilitated, family-led support groups, psychoeducation carers support groups, and professionally facilitated, program-based support groups for people living with mental illness. Research limitations/implications This research implies the use of support groups is an important adjunct to the support of carers and people with mental illness, including severe mental illness. Originality/value This research brings together a range of studies indicating the usefulness of support groups as an adjunct to mental health therapy.

Knowledge and attitudes towards hepatitis C and injecting drug use among mental-health support workers of a community managed organisation

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grenville Rose ◽  
Elena Cama ◽  
Loren Brener ◽  
Carla Treloar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Injecting Drug Use ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Objectives People with mental illness are at significantly higher risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with the general population. This study assessed knowledge of and attitudes towards people with HCV and people who inject drugs (PWID) among support workers of clients with mental illness. Methods Support workers from a community managed organisation (CMO) in Australia were recruited to complete an online cross-sectional survey. The survey collected data about their knowledge of HCV and attitudes towards PWID and people with HCV. Results Valid responses were received from 117 support workers. Although HCV knowledge was moderate, there were significant knowledge gaps around transmission and treatment of HCV. Higher HCV knowledge was significantly associated with more positive attitudes towards PWID, but not with attitudes towards people with HCV. Participants had more positive attitudes towards people with HCV than towards PWID. Additionally, those with more positive attitudes towards HCV tended to also have more positive attitudes towards PWID. Conclusions Given that people with mental illness are at higher risk of acquiring HCV, these results point to the need for education targeted at support workers of clients with mental illness to increase HCV knowledge and promote positive attitudes towards PWID and people with HCV. What is known about this topic? The limited research available suggests that there are gaps in HCV knowledge among mental-health-service providers, although such research has generally targeted physicians. What does this paper add? This paper is the first to assess HCV knowledge, attitudes towards PWID and HCV among mental-health support workers. The findings suggest that although HCV knowledge is moderate, significant gaps exist, which are related to negative attitudes towards PWID. What are the implications for practitioners? Supportive and non-judgemental care is essential for people with mental illness and HCV, due to the potential for a double stigma arising from negative attitudes towards both mental illness and injecting drug use. This paper highlights the importance of targeted education for workers in the mental-health sector, to increase HCV knowledge and promote positive attitudes towards people with co-occurring mental-health, substance use problems and HCV.

scholarly journals STUDY LITERATURE REVIEW ADVOKASI KEBIJAKAN KESEHATAN MENTAL

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 1043
Author(s):  
Sinta Ningrum ◽  
Heru Nurasa ◽  
Enjat Munajat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Policy Advocacy ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
The Government ◽  
Mental Health Policies

Mental health is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, and protecting yourself so you can succeed in your daily life. However, the amount of stigma and ignorance of the rights of mental health sufferers makes support groups want to carry out policy advocacy. The author conducted a study literature review on mental health policy advocacy that has been done by previous researchers to find out various programs or ways to advocate for mental health management. This SLR shows that advocacy efforts can be carried out by distributing content on social media, communicative discussions, and health literacy tools. Increasing mental health support for policy advocacy will make the government wiser towards mental health policies and also facilitate health services for people with mental disorders.

scholarly journals MyCare study: protocol for a controlled trial evaluating the effect of a community-based intervention on psychosocial, clinical outcomes and hospital admission rates for adults with severe mental illness

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e040610
Author(s):  
Renée O'Donnell ◽  
Melissa Savaglio ◽  
Debra Fast ◽  
Ash Vincent ◽  
Dave Vicary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

IntroductionPeople with serious mental illness (SMI) often fail to receive adequate treatment. To provide a higher level of support, mental health systems have been reformed substantially to integrate mental healthcare into the community. MyCare is one such community-based mental health model of care. This paper describes the study protocol of a controlled trial examining the effect of MyCare on psychosocial and clinical outcomes and hospital admission and duration rates for adults with SMI.Methods and analysisThis is a multisite non-randomised controlled trial with a 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up period. The study participants will be adults (18–64 years of age) with SMI recruited from Hobart, Launceston and the North-West of Tasmania. The treatment group will include adults who receive both the MyCare intervention and standard mental health support; the control group will include adults who receive only standard mental health support. The primary outcome includes psychosocial and clinical functioning and the secondary outcome will examine hospital admission rates and duration of stay. Mixed-effects models will be used to examine outcome improvements between intake and follow-up. This trial will generate the evidence needed to evaluate the effect of a community mental health support programme delivered in Tasmania, Australia. If MyCare results in sustained positive outcomes for adults with SMI, it could potentially be scaled up more broadly across Australia, addressing the inequity and lack of comprehensive treatment that many individuals with SMI experience.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Tasmanian Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee. The findings will be disseminated to participants and staff who delivered the intervention, submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and shared at academic conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000673943.

scholarly journals Business as Un-usual: Access to mental health and primary care services for people with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 restrictions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Newbronner ◽  
Panagiotis Spanakis ◽  
Ruth Wadman ◽  
Suzanne Crosland ◽  
Paul Heron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Primary Care Services ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Aims: To explore: how satisfied people with severe mental illness (SMI) are with the support received during the pandemic; understand any difficulties encountered when accessing both mental health and primary care services; consider ways to mitigate these difficulties; and assess the perceived need for future support from mental health services. Materials and Methods: A representative sample was drawn from a large transdiagnostic clinical cohort of people with SMI, which was recruited between April 2016 and March 2020. The sample was re-surveyed a few months after the beginning of the restrictions. Descriptive frequency statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The free text responses were analysed thematically. Results: 367 participants responded to the survey. Two thirds were receiving support from mental health services with the rest supported in primary care or self-managing. A quarter thought they would need more mental health support in the coming year. Half had needed to used community mental health services during the pandemic and the majority had been able to get support. A minority reported that their mental health had deteriorated but they had either not got the supported they wanted or had not sought help. The biggest service change was the reduction in face-to-face appointments and increasing use of phone and video call support. Nearly half of those using mental health services found this change acceptable or even preferred it; acceptability was influenced by several factors. Participants were more likely to be satisfied with support received when seen in person. Discussion: Although most participants were satisfied with the mental health support they had received, a minority were not. This, couple with findings on future need for mental health support has implications for post pandemic demand on services. Remote care has brought benefits but also risks that it could increase inequalities in access to services.

scholarly journals Optimizing The Resilience of Healthcare Workers Against The COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-4
Author(s):  
Muchtar ◽  
Ray Wagiu Basrowi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Identification Process ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Psychosocial Hazards ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have physical and psychosocial pressure in carrying out their work. The requirement for healthcare workers in dealing with the pandemic is so high, the identification process for the resilience of healthcare workers is not going well. The purpose of this article is to review about how to optimize the resilience of healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 outbreak working conditions. Methods: This literature review is conducted in October 2021. Research related to the resilience of healthcare workers during COVID-19 Pandemic by using valid keywords, including resilience, healthcare workers, COVID-19 through ProQuest, ScienceDirect and SpingerLink. Results: A total of 10 articles were selected for the literature review. The process of self-reflection is one of the important things for healthcare workers. Optimizing relisience of healthcare workers by carrying out an efficient division of tasks to reduce workloads, give more attention to their needs, provide training and knowledge about digital applications to increase capacity in carrying out their work, provide mental health support for healthcare workers and creating a safe and comfortable work environment for them. Conclusions: Maintaining health during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important thing that needs to be done by healthcare workers. Stress management is an important factor in dealing with a pandemic. Create an assessment of the resilience of healthcare workers by detecting gaps, determining priorities, developing plans to prevent psychosocial hazards at all levels both individual and organizational levels.

scholarly journals Predictors of Seeking Health Information and Mental Health Support in U.S. Prisons: A Study Using 2014 PIAAC Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 337-337
Author(s):  
Candidus Nwakasi ◽  
Darlingtina Esiaka ◽  
Janardan Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Literacy Skill ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Abstract Being in prison increases the vulnerability to poor health, especially mental illnesses. This is evident in the documented health disparities between prison inmates and the general population. For example, suicide rates among inmates are higher than in the general population. There is an urgent need to understand how inmates experience mental well-being. This is important as some inmates serve long/life sentences and some will need to successfully re-integrate into the society. Although they have a constitutional right to health care access through the Eight Amendment, little is known of the health information and mental health support seeking patterns among inmates. The current study examined factors associated with the amount of health information accessed, and participation in mental health support groups in US prisons. Data (N= 645) from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (2014) were analyzed using linear and logistic regressions. Sample weights were applied in the analyses. Results show statistically significant relationships between amount of health information acquired and age (66 years and above), race, health-status, readiness to learn, literacy skill, and numeracy skill. Social trust moderated the effect of education on the odds of participating in mental health support groups. Also, gender, work duration, attending substance abuse support and life skills groups were significant predictors. Our study may provide insight for stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, clinicians, social workers, and wardens, etc.) working in partnership to deliver a more tailored health interventions for inmates, by highlighting key contextual issues predicting mental health and well-being within prison settings.

Wellbeing and experiences of Chinese and Vietnamese carers of people with mental illness in Australia

2020 ◽  
pp. 136346152095262
Author(s):  
Abner Weng Cheong Poon ◽  
Maria Cassaniti ◽  
Michele Sapucci ◽  
Rosaleen Ow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cultural Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Many studies show that carers of people with mental illness experience a negative impact on their wellbeing. Given the growing number of people relocating to Australia every year, there are limited studies examining the experience of carers of people with mental illness from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. Using cultural safety as a conceptual framework, this exploratory study recruited 14 carers of Chinese and Vietnamese heritage who were attending culturally and linguistically oriented support groups in Sydney, Australia. Standardised, validated scales were administered to measure carers’ wellbeing and knowledge of recovery. Structured interviews were conducted to understand carers’ perceived needs. Descriptive statistical and qualitative thematic analysis were used. Findings show that carers experienced social isolation and psychological distress, had multiple diverse needs and had a reasonably good understanding of recovery. Six themes were identified: i) obtaining information in own language; ii) attaining emotional support from support groups; iii) needing respite services to cope with caregiving responsibilities; iv) involvement in planning of treatment and care; v) migration process influencing caregiving, and; vi) cultural and transcultural factors influencing caregiving experience. Findings indicate that some carers might be experiencing some level of culturally unsafe practices in mainstream mental health services. Implications for support groups and mental health services are discussed.

The development and results of the European Mental Health Integration Index (2014)

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-210
Author(s):  
Peter John Huxley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and results of the Mental Health Inclusion Index. Design/methodology/approach – Data gathering and interviews with key policy makers in 30 countries in Europe (the EU28 plus Switzerland and Norway). Data gathered enabled the production of an 18 indicator benchmarking index ranking the 30 countries based on their commitment to integrating people with mental illness. Findings – The main findings were: mental illness exacts a substantial human and economic toll on Europe, and there is a substantial treatment gap, especially for people with common mental health problems. Germany’s generous social provision and strong healthcare system put it number one in the Mental Health Integration Index. The UK and Scandinavian states come next. The lowest-scoring countries in the index are from Europe’s south-east, where there is a long history of neglect of mental illness and poorly developed community services. One needs to understand that the leading countries are not the only ones providing examples of best practice in integrating those with mental illness. Employment is the field of greatest concern for people with mental illness, but employment is also the area with the most inconsistent policies across Europe. A distinction can be made between countries whose policies are aspirational and those where implantation is support by substantial and most importantly sustained, resource investment. Europe as a whole is only in the early stages of the journey from institution- to community-based care. Lack of data makes greater understanding of this field difficult, and improvement can only be demonstrated by repeated surveys of this kind, based on more substantial, comprehensive and coherent information. Research limitations/implications – Usual caveats about the use of surveys. Missing data due to non-response and poverty of mental health inclusion data in many European countries. Practical implications – The author reflects on the findings and considers areas for future action. The main implications are: better services result from substantial, but most importantly, sustained investment; and that employment is most important to people with mental health problems, but is one of the most inconsistent policy areas across Europe. Social implications – Supports the need for consistent investment in community mental health services and more consistent employment policies in Europe. Originality/value – This survey is the first of its kind in Europe, and was conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in London, and sponsored by Janssen.

Mental Well-Being and Its Associated Factors Among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Penang, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 320-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mila Nu Nu Htay ◽  
Swe Swe Latt ◽  
Khine Sandar Maung ◽  
Wai Wai Myint ◽  
Soe Moe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Mental Well Being

International migration has become a global phenomenon bringing with it complex and interrelated issues related to the physical and mental well-being of the people involved. This study investigated the mental well-being and factors associated with mental health among Myanmar migrant workers (MMW) in Malaysia. The cross-sectional study was conducted in Penang, Malaysia by using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index Scale (WHO-5) and the Mental Health subscale of 36 items in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Among 192 migrant workers who were understudied, 79.2% had poor mental well-being according to the WHO-5 scale. The duration of stay in Malaysia and without receiving financial aid from their employers despite having a physical illness were significantly associated with poor mental well-being. Mental health support groups should target migrant workers for mental health education and find ways to provide assistance for them. Furthermore, premigration training should be delivered at the country of origin that also provides information on the availability of mental health support in the host country.

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