A Primer on Rational Suicide and Other Forms of Hastened Death

2000 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Werth ◽  
Daniel J. Holdwick

This article provides an overview of the major mental health issues involved in the debate over rational suicide and other forms of hastened death. In doing so, it covers the arguments for including counseling psychologists and other mental health professionals in discussions about hastened death; highlights the relevant empirical research associated with the topic, with special attention given to the studies involving psychologists and areas needing more investigation; and reviews the implications for practice and training and provides direction for those counseling psychologists who are working with persons who may be rational in their decisions to hasten death.

Author(s):  
Tejaswini Bhave

This chapter attempts to present the overview of mental health issues associated with online dating and online romantic relationships with relevant research background. It briefly cautions about the possible risks involved in the world of online dating platforms and later delves into mental health concerns that can emerge out of experiences while selecting a potential partner online, developing a romantic relationship, and being involved in a romantic relationship online. It also discusses safety measures that need to be taken before and while being active on such online dating sites. The chapter draws attention to the specific role of mental health professionals that is needed while dealing with victims of online scams and abuse.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-101
Author(s):  
Karam Daljit Singh ◽  
Rajoo Keeren Sundara ◽  
Muharam Farrah Melissa ◽  
Zulperi Dzarifah

Preserving mental health during the COVID-19 crisis should be a priority for individuals worldwide. In this regard, mental health professionals should advise the general public on the actions/activities that they can take to prevent mental health issues from becoming the next pandemic. However, the general public should also actively take measures to improve their mental wellbeing. Music therapy, aromatherapy or indoor nature therapy may or may not have the potential to preserve mental wellbeing, but individuals should experiment with them to ascertain the effects on themselves. Moreover, the guidelines provided by WHO should also be adhered to, as a healthy mind starts with a healthy body.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1739-1745

Objective: Even though the number of health professionals is growing in many counties in Southeast Asia, the shortage of mental health professionals remains a challenge. The current model of professional training needs to be changed to foster cooperative and collaborative skills, through interprofessional and transprofessional education, so professionals as well as non-professional service providers and operational personnel are trained to be members of the health teams. However, training needs in each Southeast Asian country remains unknown. The present study surveyed these needs using Hennessy-Hick’s criteria and experts’ opinions. Materials and Methods: Fifteen representatives from Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, mostly psychiatrists, nurses, and psychologists, attended the meeting and presented for 30 to 50 minutes on the condition of mental health services and training needs in their countries. All representatives were asked to complete an online-shared report of the adapted Hennessy-Hicks Training Analysis Questionnaires. Results: According to the Hennessy-Hick’s criteria, some teamwork tasks were required for Thailand, whereas most tasks were required for Indonesia and Cambodia. Training on special topics depended on the country’s necessity. Basic skills are needed in all ranges of mental health issues. Thailand and Indonesia expressed quite similar needs, while Thailand had identified itself as having ‘an aging society’, which ‘caring for patients with dementia and caregivers’ in their training needs were more urgent than Indonesia. Training non-psychiatric professionals, such as primary physicians and nurses, concerning mental health issues, might help to address current mental health needs in Thailand, while Cambodia was concerned about recruiting mental health professionals and focusing on providing sufficient services for the country rather than training non-professionals to deal with mental health issues. Conclusion: The training needs for mental health professionals centered on research, clinical tasks, and communication, while including nonprofessional mental health providers in training of basic skills such as communication and up-to-date technology are deemed important at the present. Keywords: Training Needs Analysis; Thailand; Cambodia; Indonesia; Mental Health


Author(s):  
Tejaswini Bhave

This chapter attempts to present the overview of mental health issues associated with online dating and online romantic relationships with relevant research background. It briefly cautions about the possible risks involved in the world of online dating platforms and later delves into mental health concerns that can emerge out of experiences while selecting a potential partner online, developing a romantic relationship, and being involved in a romantic relationship online. It also discusses safety measures that need to be taken before and while being active on such online dating sites. The chapter draws attention to the specific role of mental health professionals that is needed while dealing with victims of online scams and abuse.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
James Pandarakalam ◽  
James Pandarakalam

Medical profession was unprepared to face the corona virus pandemic and the pharmaceutical armamentarium is currently not robust enough to combat with SARS-CoV-2. Drugs that are used for other medical conditions are also on trial to treat COVID-19. The pandemic is bound to pose psychological and economical sufferings. Testing, treatments and vaccine are the three tools to combat with COVID-19. It is feared that this viral infection would lead to an amplification of existing mental health issues and result in a surge of cases of PTSD and depression. Senior citizens and people with compromised immunity becomes more vulnerable to this toxic pathogen. A sound knowledge of all aspects of COVID-19 becomes essential to deal with the aftermaths of this unprecedented pandemic and mental health professionals will have to refresh their knowledge of virology and immunology. All the medical specialities will have to work together to defeat the novel virus.


Author(s):  
Jeffrey E. Barnett ◽  
Jeffrey Zimmerman

Although most mental health professionals receive excellent education and training that helps them to become competent and highly effective clinicians, graduate school tends not to provide training in the business side of practice that is needed for success in private practice. Many trainees and early-career clinicians may think they learned in graduate school all they need to know to be successful in the business of practice. Unfortunately, this is generally not true and many of those who enter private practice are poorly prepared for planning, establishing, and running a successful private practice. This chapter addresses the key issues every mental health clinician should know about when contemplating opening a private practice. Business and financial issues are addressed, including developing a business plan and utilizing various consultants. This chapter addresses the myth that excellent clinical skills are sufficient for success in the business of private mental health practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianni Pirelli ◽  
Liza Gold

Purpose Firearm-involved violence and suicide in the USA, often collectively referred to as “gun violence,” has been labeled a public health problem and an epidemic, and even an endemic by some. Many lawmakers, community groups, mainstream media outlets and professional organizations regularly address gun-related issues and frequently associate firearm violence with mental health. As a result, these groups often set forth positions, engage in discussions and promote policies that are at least partially based on the widely held but incorrect assumption that medical and mental health professionals are either inherently equipped or professionally trained to intervene with their patients and reduce gun deaths. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Furthermore, notable proportions of medical and mental health professionals self-report a level of comfort engaging in firearm-specific interventions that is often disproportionate to their actual education and training in the area. This type of overconfidence bias has been referred to as the Lake Wobegon Effect, illusory superiority, the above average effect, the better-than average effect or the false uniqueness bias. While medical and mental health professionals need to serve on the front line of firearm-involved violence and suicide prevention initiatives, the vast majority have not actually received systematic, formal training on firearm-specific issues. Findings Therefore, many lack the professional and cultural competence to meet current and potential future in regard to addressing gun violence. In this paper, the authors discuss empirical studies that illustrate this reality and a novel model (i.e. the Know, Ask, Do framework) that medical and mental health professionals can use when firearm-related issues arise. In addition, the authors set forth considerations for clinicians to develop and maintain their professional and cultural competence related to firearms and firearm-related subcultures. Originality/value This paper provides empirical and conceptual support for medical and mental health programs to develop formal education and training related to guns, gun safety and gun culture. A framework is provided that can also assist medical and mental health professionals to develop and maintain their own professional and cultural competence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 200-202
Author(s):  
Barbara Jayson

The Perinatal Positivity film and website is a resource for health professionals and charities working with families to raise awareness of perinatal mental health issues, and provide information for expectant and new parents


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