Mental Health Outcomes of Peer-led Therapeutic Adventure for Military Veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 105382592110495
Author(s):  
Joanna Ellen Bettmann ◽  
Ileana Anderson ◽  
Joe Makouske ◽  
Adam Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Adventure Program

Background: Skepticism of therapy and stigma are significant barriers for veterans with mental health issues. Therapeutic adventure shows promise in addressing veterans’ mental health needs while circumventing the stigma many veterans face in initiating treatment. Purpose: Given the small group model of therapeutic adventure programs, such programs may be ideal to provide social support for veterans and reduce mental health symptomology. The present study investigated: can a brief peer-led therapeutic adventure program modify veterans’ mental health symptoms? Methodology/Approach: The study's sample included 56 participants attending one Sierra Club Military Outdoors trip lasting at least three days and two nights and involving camping. Participants completed study measurements assessing depression, anxiety, stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, substance misuse symptoms, and suicidality at pre-trip, post-trip, one-month post trip, six-months post trip, and 12-months post trip. Six-month and 12-month post-trip data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings/Conclusions: Results indicated significant reduction in mental health symptomology from pre-trip to post-trip, but showed few longer-term changes in mental health symptomology. Implications: The present study's findings are consistent with research suggesting improvements in overall psychological well-being immediately following a nature-based intervention and suggest the need for on-going, community-based interventions to support optimally military veterans’ mental health.

scholarly journals Perceived stress and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among intensive care unit staff caring for severely ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients during the pandemic: a national study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Kader ◽  
Bushra Elhusein ◽  
Nirvana Swamy Kudlur Chandrappa ◽  
Abdulqadir J. Nashwan ◽  
Prem Chandra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Abstract Background Intensive care unit (ICU) staff have faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which could significantly affect their mental health and well-being. The present study aimed to investigate perceived stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms reported by ICU staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. Methods The Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess perceived stress, the PTSD Diagnostic Scale for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) was used to determine PTSD symptoms, and a sociodemographic questionnaire was used to record different sociodemographic variables. Results Altogether, 124 participants (57.2% of whom were men) were included in the analysis. The majority of participants perceived working in the ICU with COVID-19 patients as moderately to severely stressful. Moreover, 71.4% of doctors and 74.4% of nurses experienced moderate-to-severe perceived stress. The staff with previous ICU experience were less likely to have a probable diagnosis of PTSD than those without previous ICU experience. Conclusions Assessing perceived stress levels and PTSD among ICU staff may enhance our understanding of COVID-19-induced mental health challenges. Specific strategies to enhance ICU staff’s mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic should be employed and monitored regularly. Interventions aimed at alleviating sources of anxiety in a high-stress environment may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD.

scholarly journals Well-being status and post-traumatic stress symptoms in health workers attending mindfulness sessions during the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mexico

Salud Mental ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 303-310
Author(s):  
Janet Real-Ramírez ◽  
Luis Alberto García-Bello ◽  
Rebeca Robles-García ◽  
Montserrat Martínez ◽  
Karime Adame-Rivas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
National Mental Health

Introduction. In Mexico, a National Mental Health Strategy was implemented to identify and attend the mental health repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. It included the creation of five virtual clinics for health workers, being the Burnout, Post-traumatic Stress and Compassion Fatigue clinic one of them. Objective. To describe the basal sociodemographic and psychological characteristics of health workers attending online mindfulness sessions as part of the treatment of the aforementioned clinic. Method. This is a cross-sectional report part of a major nationwide and longitudinal project. All attendants responded to digital sociodemographics and COVID-19 questionnaires, the Extended Physician Well-Being Index (EPWBI), and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) TOP-8 index. Results. Of the 507 health workers that participated, 70.02% of them were at risk of burnout according to the Extended Well-Being Index and 57.31, 7.91 and 2.77% had a mild, moderate, and severe risk of PTSD, respectively. The most affected were the female health workers, from metropolitan or central areas of the country, and those diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to a person with the diagnosis. Discussion and conclusion. Mexican health workers attending mindfulness sessions presented high frequencies of PTSD symptoms and burnout. Female workers at urban hospitals could be at a special risk for developing PTSD or Well-ness alterations, and thus, they must be cared for closely, particularly those having direct contact with COVID 19 positive persons. The early participation in mental health strategies might lessen the immediate and long-term pandemic effects.

Religion and psychiatry: recent developments in research

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 262-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold G. Koenig ◽  
Faten Al-Zaben ◽  
Tyler J. VanderWeele
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Religious Involvement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Relationship

SUMMARYThe evidence base on the relationship between religion and mental health is growing rapidly, and we summarise the latest research on the topic. This includes studies on religious involvement and depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, personality disorder, chronic psychotic disorder, marital/family stability, social support and psychological well-being. We also review a relatively new topic in psychiatry, moral injury, which often accompanies PTSD and may interfere with its treatment. We describe a theoretical model that explains how religion might affect mental health and briefly discuss its applications in clinical practice, including a discussion of religiously integrated therapies for depression, anxiety and other emotional problems. Overall, studies indicate that religious involvement often serves as a powerful resource for patients, one that can be integrated into psychiatric care. At times, however, religion may impede or complicate treatment. This article will help clinicians determine, on the basis of the latest research, whether religion is an asset or a liability for a particular patient.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and the Military

2018 ◽  
pp. 155-176
Author(s):  
Calyn Crow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Military Culture ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Solution Focused ◽  
The Military

This chapter will describe how SFBT has been used in the military. Many people in the military have experienced some type of trauma throughout their lifetime. However, the military culture itself has not historically embraced or taught the importance of mental health or emotional well-being and are taught not to cry. This chapter discusses how using SFBT is effective in a culture where clients are not always allowed to show emotion. Solution-focused questions allow clients to quickly explore what is important to them, what it is they want or need currently, and how they are going to move forward. The chapter stresses the importance of not fixing what is not broken and how the solution is not necessarily related to the problem.

Evaluation of Corona Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, Quality of Life and Stress Coping Styles in COVID-19 Survivors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Süleyman Korkut
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Objectives The study aims to evaluate coronavirus anxiety, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), quality of life (QOL) levels and coping styles with stress in COVID-19 survivors, as well as to assess these factors by comparing with people who have not had COVID-19. Methods The number of COVID-19 survivors, who suffer from the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic, is also increasing. The study was conducted between February 15- April 5, 2021 as a cross-sectional study design in a city, in Turkey. 113 people who confirmed with COVID-19 by clinical tests in the last 3 months and 107 people who have not had COVID-19, randomly participated in the study. Scales were used which evaluating generalized anxiety, corona anxiety, post-traumatic stress, quality of life and coping styles. Results COVID-19 survivors had higher generalized anxiety. PTSS was high in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. Corona anxiety was higher in the group who have not had COVID-19. The QOL levels of the participants were found to be low in all domains. Furthermore, COVID-19 survivors had poorer QOL. A negative correlation was found between corona anxiety and generalized anxiety. Conclusion COVID-19 survivors, whose number has exceeded millions and increased over time, suffer from serious psychosocial problems. Psychosocial intervention studies should be conducted and public mental health strategies should be developed. Providing psychosocial support and psychological guidance will contribute to mental health well-being and improve the QOL.

Psychiatric and post-traumatic stress disorders among COVID-19 survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 157-160
Author(s):  
Ammar Ahmed ◽  
Naeem Aslam Chughtai, PhD ◽  
Qurat- Ul- Ain
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Traumatic Stress Disorders ◽  
Post Traumatic

Evidences related to neuropsychological impact of COVID-19 and its long-term side effects are beginning to emerge that may take years to catalogue the number of diseases and their treatments. Nonetheless, as neuropsychologists are evaluating COVID-19 survivors, a debate related to the psychiatric and neurocognitive sequels of past outbreaks, along with the recurrent co- occurrence of PTSD and acquired brain injuries, may be enlightening. This paper is highlighting the emergence of mental health issues that can be addressed and treatments can be provided according to the need of time. Technology has also been increasing day by day according to the current needs of public. COVID- 19 crisis has now shifted the focus towards the role of digital health care. For ensuring the best and right use of tele-health and app tools in such crises, it is suggested that there is a need for training of mental health professionals to ensure proper protocols for improved efficacy.

Morbidity among bystanders of bullying behavior at school: concepts, concerns, and clinical/research issues

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Rivers
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
School Violence ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Social Dynamic ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Bullying Interventions ◽  
Family Abuse

Abstract The role of the bystander is not one that is easily understood in the anti-bullying literature. Roles within the unofficial hierarchy of the schoolyard and playground overlap considerably, and each role has its own social dynamic that brings with it a shifting behavioral landscape that affects every student. In this article, the mental health correlates of three categories of bystander are explored: the co-victim, the isolate, and the confederate. Each category of bystander has its own characterizations and mental health correlates. Reports of post-traumatic stress, internalized hostility, substance use, and suicide ideation are discussed with reference to studies involving witnesses of family abuse, community and school violence as well as bullying. It is argued that bystanders are the key to challenging bullying in schools, and their mental health and well-being is pivotal to the effectiveness of anti-bullying interventions.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Lady Health Workers and their trainers about their curriculum for implementing the interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaherzad Sohail ◽  
Gohar Wajid ◽  
Saima Chaudhry
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Neonatal Resuscitation ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Government

Background and Objectives: Lady Health Workers (LHWs) form the central cadre of community-based health workers in Pakistan. They must be trained well for implementing community-based interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) by the government of Pakistan. This study aims to explore the perceptions of LHWs and their trainers about their existing curriculum and identifies gaps in the curriculum for effective implementation of the interventions identified in EPHS. Methods: In this qualitative study, perceptions of 45 LHWs were taken through focus group discussions and their six trainers were interviewed as well. In addition, three experts analyzed the LHWs training curriculum to identify its relevance with achieving the community-based interventions as described in the EPHS by the government of Pakistan. Results: Thematic analysis of the information gathered by the interviews of trainers and focus group discussions from LHWs, was performed. Most participants were satisfied with their curriculum but suggested the addition of topics on emerging health issues, neonatal resuscitation, mental health and rehabilitation. Participants felt a deficiency in practical skills, communication skills and leadership skills. Experts identified gap in the current LHWs curriculum to address the recently identified community-based interventions. Conclusions: The current curriculum of LHWs need reforms to make it compatible with Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan. The suggested areas for improvement include knowledge of emerging health issues, neonatal resuscitation, adolescent problems, mental health and rehabilitative services. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4175 How to cite this:Sohail S, Wajid G, Chaudhry S. Perceptions of Lady Health Workers and their trainers about their curriculum for implementing the interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4175 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The psychological effects of COVID-19 spread in young Canadian adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402098887
Author(s):  
Praneet K. Gill ◽  
Cynthia Du ◽  
Farihah Khan ◽  
Nima Karimi ◽  
Kanav Sabharwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Government Aid ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Burdens

Background and aim: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only threatens physical health but also psychological well-being. As a result of the pandemic, increased mental health burdens have been recorded in young adults around the world. We sought to understand the association of stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic with symptoms of psychological and emotional distress in young Canadian adults. Method: Questionnaire respondents were asked about the extent to which they were personally impacted by COVID-19, and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, and emotional distress. Results: Of 84 respondents, most identified as female (74%; 62/84). Overall, 61% (51/84) reported experiencing symptoms of psychological distress related to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); specifically, 43% (36/84) reported anxiety-related symptoms, 33% (28/84) reported depression-related symptoms, and 6% (5/84) reported PTSD-related symptoms. Individuals with family in settings high risk for COVID-19 infection and individuals who received government aid with a reduction in income were 4.30-fold and 2.80-fold more likely, respectively, to experience symptoms of psychological distress (95% CI 1.31–14.14; p = .013 and 95% CI 1.08–7.25; p = .038, respectively). Visits to social media daily to hourly for COVID-19 related news resulted in a 3.24-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing depression-related symptoms (95% CI 1.26–8.35; p = .020). Conclusion: We demonstrate a necessity to focus on alleviating the mental health burdens and contributing stressors within young Canadian adults. Though the mental health burdens are currently exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may persist after the pandemic ends if left unaddressed.

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