Black African Newcomer Women’s Perception of Postpartum Mental Health Services in Canada

2020 ◽  
pp. 084456212093427
Author(s):  
Deborah Baiden ◽  
Marilyn Evans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Treatment Preferences ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Black African ◽  
Postpartum Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Nonmedical Treatment

Study Background The stress of immigrating, settling into Canada, and being a new mother, may place newcomer women at risk of mental health challenges. However, little is known on Black African newcomer women’s perspectives of postpartum mental health care after experiencing childbirth in Canada. Purpose To explore sociocultural factors that impact Black African newcomer women’s perception of mental health and mental health service utilization within a year after childbirth in Canada. Methods This qualitative study, set in Southern Ontario, purposively sampled 10 African newcomer women who birthed a baby in Canada within the past year. Open-ended, semistructured interviews were conducted individually, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Black African newcomer women rely on mental strength, nonmedical treatment preferences, spirituality, and spousal support for fostering postpartum mental health. Furthermore, cultural beliefs, racial discrimination, and temporary immigration status impact their decision making around postpartum mental health services utilization. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Black African newcomer women use mental strength to minimize maternal mental illness. Also, the spouses of Black African newcomer women are crucial in their postpartum mental health support. There is an urgent need for culturally safe interventions to meet the postpartum mental health needs of Black African newcomer mothers.

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 Wellness Centre: An Evidence-Guided Approach to Delivering Culturally Relevant Community Psychogeriatric Services for Chinese Elders

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Kar C. Chan ◽  
Joel Sadavoy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Ethnic Populations ◽  
Problem Detection

Ethnic elders are commonly reluctant to access mental health services and their mental health problems are often overlooked and detected late in the course of illness. Prior studies identified major barriers to ethnic seniors accessing appropriate mental health care demonstrating that language and cultural beliefs cannot be ignored if effective mental health services are to be provided to patients from diverse cultural groups. These are particularly important when care is needed by less acculturated immigrant ethnic seniors for whom language barriers are often greatest. Differences in conceptions of mental distress affect ethnic seniors' choice of help-seeking and often discourage or divert aged persons from utilizing mainstream conventional psychiatric care. Despite the extensive need for appropriate service models for ethnic populations, there have been limited data and models to illustrate how these programs can be systematically and effectively integrated within the mainstream mental health service framework. This paper describes an innovative, mainstream, community-based psychogeriatric service delivery model developed for Chinese seniors in Toronto, Canada, aiming at improving their access to care and enhancing earlier mental health problem detection. The important concepts and strategies of designing and operating a culturally acceptable program are illustrated supported by program data and the challenges analyzed.

“We need to slowly break down this barrier”: understanding the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-81
Author(s):  
Tamara Nadine Sancho ◽  
Michael Larkin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Undergraduates are highly susceptible to the development of mental health difficulties. Afro-Caribbean students are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of university yet are less likely than other ethnic groups to receive early intervention. This paper aims to understand the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Critical Incident Technique was used as the qualitative method because it explores the critical factors that contribute to or detract from a specific experience. Seventeen Afro-Caribbean undergraduates participated in five focus groups. This involved engaging in a novel psychosocial activity that incorporated vignettes to encourage the identification of barriers and facilitators to service access. The data were analysed thematically to generate categories of critical incidents and wish-list items. Findings Analysis revealed rich data from a sub-group rarely researched within UK literature. Fifteen barriers, eleven facilitators and five wish-list items were identified. The importance of mental health literacy, social networks, cultural sensitivity and concerns surrounding services underpinned many categories. Originality/value Findings provide a new perspective on barriers reported in previous literature. Novel facilitators were highlighted where, although psychological and sociocultural factors were deemed valuable, structural changes were most desired. Recommended changes illustrate innovative interventions that could make services accessible for young adult Afro-Caribbean populations. Future research should explore the barriers and facilitators identified by Afro-Caribbean undergraduates across various universities who have successfully accessed and engaged with services. This could provide a holistic perspective on viable facilitators enabling access despite the presence of barriers.

Russian Speaking Immigrants from the Commonwealth of Independent States in the United States: Implications for Mental Health Counselors

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulnora Hundley ◽  
Glenn Lambie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mental Health Counselors ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Commonwealth Of Independent States ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Independent States

In this article, we present common mental health issues facing Russian speaking immigrants from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), highlighting the necessity for counselors to have an understanding and appreciation of these issues in order to provide effective treatment services. An introduction to CIS mental health services and a historical description of the influence of the communist government on health care in the CIS are provided. Additionally, we review the cultural beliefs and values of CIS immigrants regarding mental health services and their underutilization. Finally, a series of practical suggestions for mental health counselors providing services to Russian speaking immigrants are offered.

scholarly journals Frontline yet at the back of the queue – improving access and adaptations to CBT for Black African and Caribbean communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Lawton ◽  
Melissa McRae ◽  
Lorraine Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
List Type ◽  
Black African ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Minority Ethnic

Abstract This paper focuses on the Black minority ethnic population (Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean) and uses the term BME in reference to this group. Only 6.2% of BME people access psychological intervention for common mental disorders. In provision of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) the diversity in global majority populations1 requires culturally specific informed and responsive approaches. The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme needs to be accountable, culturally congruent and strategic, to ensure accessibility and improve outcomes for BME people. According to the Mental Health Foundation (2019), a higher percentage of Black, Asian and other minority ethnic populations (BAME) are diagnosed with common, severe and complex mental health disorders. Despite the weight of literature on this, little has changed. The NHS Implementation Plan outlines trajectories for increased access and reduced attrition within mental health services, addressing inequalities for BAME populations. Evidence-based guidance and audits for provision of culturally sensitive and adapted therapies are presented in the pioneering (IAPT) BAME Positive Practice Guide (PPG). However, there are no funding arrangements or formal integrated frameworks to support implementation. The COVID-19 global pandemic and the high-profile death of George Floyd tragically exposed and highlighted the consequences of systemic racism. Understanding of the importance of service and clinical anti-racist practice is imperative for CBT therapists. Implementation of the BAME PPG audit tool ensures review of race equity in access, engagement, adaptation and workforce within IAPT and other mental health services. This could transform lives. Key learning aims (1) To understand the barriers (individual, societal and systemic) to accessing psychological therapies such as CBT and the impact on CBT treatment outcomes specifically for black minority ethnic (BME) populations. (2) To recognise barriers to implementation of formal frameworks for equitable access to psychological therapies such as CBT for BME communities. (3) To assist services and therapists to implement evidence-based learning, on cultural adaptations, to address barriers in access, retention and completion of CBT. (4) To provide examples of services that have taken successful actions to address the issues identified in the earlier points.

scholarly journals Mental Health Support in the Time of Crisis: Are We Prepared? Experiences With the COVID-19 Counselling Programme in Hungary

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsófia Szlamka ◽  
Márta Kiss ◽  
Sámuel Bernáth ◽  
Péter Kámán ◽  
Amina Lubani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Intervention ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
Online Counselling ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Delivery Models

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed unexpected global economic and societal challenges. These include a heavy impact on mental health due to fast changing lockdown and quarantine measures, uncertainty about health and safety and the prospect of new waves of infections. To provide crisis mental health support during the pandemic, Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary launched a specialist online counselling programme, consisting of one to three sessions. The programme was available to all university members between 4th March and 25th May 2020. Overall, 47 clients received support. In this paper we discuss challenges reported by clients, key features of providing a brief mental health intervention online, reflect on counsellor experiences and give recommendations on how mental health services could be developed in the time of crisis. Most clients had challenges with developing a daily routine under quarantine; and many had hardship related to finances, housing, and distance learning. Common mental health consequences included fear from the virus and stress, anxiety, and fatigue due to the interruption to everyday life. In some cases, more complex conditions were triggered by the pandemic. Examples include addictive behaviours and symptoms of depression or psychosis. However, referring cases beyond the competency of counselling proved to be a challenge due to the closure of specialist services. Counsellors observed three key features to the online delivery of a brief crisis mental health intervention: [1] an explicit problem-oriented approach to counselling; [2] challenges of building rapport online; and [3] frames of online counselling. Counsellor experiences often overlapped with those of clients and included challenges of working from home and adjusting to online counselling methods. The possibility of online counselling allowed that mental health care could take place at all during the pandemic. Client experiences reflect findings from previous literature. Like other mental health initiatives launched to tackle COVID-19, the intervention's effectiveness was not measured given the unexpected context and short time frame for programme development. We recommend the use of impact measurement tools to develop mental health services in crises. Meanwhile, the pandemic brought to attention the need to better understand online delivery models. Counsellors should have access to training opportunities on online counselling and managing work-life balance in a remote setting. The COVID-19 counselling programme in Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary is an example of providing online mental health counselling in the time of crisis. Clearly, more studies are needed discussing delivery models and effectiveness of mental health interventions during the pandemic. Experience and knowledge sharing across practitioners should be encouraged to improve how the field reacts to unexpected, high risk events and crises.

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