Increased suicidal ideation in the COVID-19 pandemic: an employee cohort in Japan

Objectives This study investigated the change in suicidal ideation and its risk factors among employees. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, starting with the baseline online survey in March 2020 (T1), followed by May (T2), and August (T3). The change in suicidal ideation from T2 to T3 and relevant factors associated with suicidal ideation at T3 were examined. Suicidal ideation significantly increased between May and August 2020 among females, younger (under 39 years old), highly educated population, and those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were younger age, suicidal ideation at T2, and with pre-existing mental health conditions. Loneliness at T2 showed a significant association with suicidal ideation, if adjusting those without pre-existing mental health conditions. National and community support is needed to target people who are likely to be left behind, such as young people and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, in the pandemic. Method A longitudinal study was conducted with a cohort of full-time employees, starting with the baseline online survey in March 2020 (time point 1), followed by May (time point 2) and August (time point 3). The change in suicidal ideation from time point 2 to 3, and relevant factors associated with suicidal ideation at time point 3, were examined. Results Suicidal ideation significantly increased between time points 2 and 3 among women, younger people (aged <39 years), those who were highly educated and those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were younger age, suicidal ideation at time point 2 and pre-existing mental health conditions. Loneliness at time point 2 showed a significant association with suicidal ideation when adjusting for those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Conclusions National and community support is needed to target people who are likely to be left behind, such as young people, those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those experiencing loneliness, in the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Beyond the high: Mapping patterns of use and motives for use of cannabis as medicine

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs ◽

10.1177/1455072520985967 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 145507252098596

Author(s):

Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽

Michael M. Pedersen ◽

Sagi Alagem-Iversen ◽

Birgitte Thylstrup

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Side Effects ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Patient Organisations ◽

Patterns Of Use

Background: In Denmark the boundaries between cannabis as an illicit drug and licit medicine have shifted rapidly in recent years, affecting also policy. However, the vast majority of Danes, who use cannabis as medicine (CaM) continue to rely on the unregulated market for supply. This study explores patterns of use and motives for use of CaM in Denmark. Methods: An anonymous online survey was made available to a convenience sample of users of CaM from July 14, 2018 to November 1, 2018. Participants were recruited through patient organisations, social and public media, and the illegal open cannabis market. Results: Of the final sample ( n = 3,021), a majority were women (62.6%) and the mean age was 49 years. Most had no prescription for CaM (90.9%), a majority had no or limited previous experience with recreational cannabis use (63.9%), and had used CaM for two years or less (65.0%). The most common form of intake was oil (56.8%) followed by smoke (24.0%). CBD oil (65.0%) was used more than hash, pot or skunk (36.2%). Most frequent conditions treated were chronic pain (32.0%), sleep disturbances (27.5%), stress (23.7%), osteoarthritis (22.7%), anxiety (19.6%), and depression (19.6%). Overall, users experienced CaM to be effective in managing somatic and mental health conditions and reported relatively few side-effects. CBD oil only users were more likely to be women, older, have limited recreational experience and have initiated use recently. Conclusions: A new user group has emerged in Denmark that, for the most part, use illegally sourced CaM to treat a broad range of somatic and mental health conditions, often with experienced effect and relatively low level of side-effects. The prevalent use of low-potency CBD oil indicates an interest in effects beyond the high normally associated with cannabis use. More clinical research into the effects and side-effects of CaM is needed to draw the boundaries of the medical utility of cannabis.

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Suicidal ideation in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with mental health conditions at risk for homelessness.

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry ◽

10.1037/ort0000590 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amber V. Keller ◽

Jillian M. R. Clark ◽

Chantal M. Muller-Cohn ◽

Amy J. Jak ◽

Colin A. Depp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions

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Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts—A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182413072 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 13072

Author(s):

Allison Dunne ◽

Steve Haake ◽

Helen Quirk ◽

Alice Bullas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Local Community ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Health Improvement ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

The Impact

Participation in regular physical activity is a well-established strategy to support good mental wellbeing in adults with, and without, mental health conditions. The physical activity initiative parkrun is a free, weekly, timed, running and walking event which is attended by people from the local community of all abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental wellbeing of UK parkrun participants along with their motives for taking part and the impact of participation. Mental health conditions were self-reported in 2.5% of 60,000 respondents to an online survey of parkrunners, with the most prevalent being depression and anxiety. Those with mental health conditions were more motivated than those without to first participate in parkrun to manage their health conditions and improve their mental health. Those with mental health conditions were equally motivated to improve their physical health when compared to those without, and reported similar levels of improvement. Mental wellbeing scores for those with mental health conditions were close to the normal range, suggesting that engagement in parkrun may have had a role in limiting the effect of their illness. Community initiatives could replicate parkrun’s model, and use the potential for both mental and physical health improvement, as well as health condition management, as a motivation for participation.

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Preparedness, Confidence, and Best Practices in Preventing, Recognizing, Managing Mental Health Cases in NCAA Institutions

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/129-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Julia Young ◽

Elizabeth Renee Neil ◽

Kelcey Granger ◽

Stacy E. Walker ◽

Jennifer L Chadburn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Patient Education ◽

Online Survey ◽

Chart Review ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Policies And Procedures ◽

Emergency Mental Health

Abstract Context: Currently, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recommends written policies and procedures that outline steps to support student athletes facing a mental health challenge and the referral processes for emergency and non-emergency mental health situations. Objective: To assess the mental health policies and procedures implemented and athletic trainers' perceived confidence in preventing, recognizing and managing routine and crisis mental health cases across all three divisions of NCAA athletics. Design: Cross-sectional survey design and chart review. Setting: Online survey Participants: Athletic trainers with clinical responsibility at NCAA member institutions (n=1091, 21.5% response rate). Main Outcome Measure(s): Confidence in screening, preventative patient education, recognizing and referring routine and emergency mental health conditions (5-point Likert scale: 1= not at all confident, 2= hardly confident, 3= somewhat confident, 4= fairly confident, 5=very confident) using a content-validated survey (Cronbach's α=0.904) and mental health policy and procedure chart review. Results: Respondents indicated they felt “fairly confident” with screening (40.21%, n=76/189) for risk of any mental health condition and “fairly confident” in implementing preventative patient education (42.11%, n=80/190). Respondents were “fairly confident” they could recognize (48.95%, n=93/190) and refer (45.79%, n=87/190) routine mental health conditions. Respondents were “fairly confident” they could recognize (46.84%, n=89/190), but “very confident” (46.32%, n=88/190) they could refer mental health emergencies. Policies lacked separate procedures for specific emergency mental health situations such as suicidal/homicidal ideation (36.1%), sexual assault (33.3%), substance abuse (19.4%), and confusional state (13.9%). Policies lacked prevention measures such as student athlete involvement (16.7%) in annual mental health education (16.7%). Conclusions: While athletic trainers were generally confident in their ability to address emergency and routine mental health conditions, opportunities exist to improve policies for prevention, screening, and referral. Best practice guidelines should be used as a guide to develop policies that foster an environment of mental health wellness.

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Experience of mental health diagnosis and perceived misdiagnosis in autistic, possibly autistic and non-autistic adults

Autism ◽

10.1177/1362361318818167 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 1508-1518 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Sheena K Au-Yeung ◽

Louise Bradley ◽

Ashley E Robertson ◽

Rebecca Shaw ◽

Simon Baron-Cohen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Case Reports ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Autistic People ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

Mental Health Diagnoses ◽

Health Diagnosis

Previous research shows that autistic people have high levels of co-occurring mental health conditions. Yet, a number of case reports have revealed that mental health conditions are often misdiagnosed in autistic individuals. A total of 420 adults who identified as autistic, possibly autistic or non-autistic completed an online survey consisting of questions regarding mental health diagnoses they received, whether they agreed with those diagnoses and if not why. Autistic and possibly autistic participants were more likely to report receiving mental health diagnoses compared to non-autistic participants, but were less likely to agree with those diagnoses. Thematic analysis revealed the participants’ main reasons for disagreement were that (1) they felt their autism characteristics were being confused with mental health conditions by healthcare professionals and (2) they perceived their own mental health difficulties to be resultant of ASC. Participants attributed these to the clinical barriers they experienced, including healthcare professionals’ lack of autism awareness and lack of communication, which in turn prevented them from receiving appropriate support. This study highlights the need for autism awareness training for healthcare professionals and the need to develop tools and interventions to accurately diagnose and effectively treat mental health conditions in autistic individuals.

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Keep Calm and Study Abroad: The Effect of Learning Abroad on Student Mental Health

Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad ◽

10.36366/frontiers.v27i1.371 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Amber Bathke ◽

Yang-Hyang (Ryoka) Kim

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Study Abroad ◽

International Education ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Condition ◽

Support Network ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Student Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

The University

This research set out to discover whether statistics would support the belief in the international education field that the stress of going abroad (adjusting to a new culture, missing home, being away from support network, etc.) can trigger mental health conditions in students participating in learning abroad programs. The study sought to glean on overall picture of student mental health abroad, as well as determine the percentage of students studying abroad who reported experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition while abroad, the nature of these diagnosed mental health conditions, the frequency of relapse/recurrence of existing conditions while abroad, the frequency and type of treatment received, and local attitude toward mental health conditions. The research was conducted by means of an online survey administered by the University of Minnesota’s Office of Measurement Services, which was sent by email to people who had participated in study abroad through the University of Minnesota’s Learning Abroad Center between Summer 2009 and Spring 2012, a total of 7,191 students. As the Learning Abroad Center, while serving University of Minnesota students first and foremost, also acts as a program provider recruiting students nationally, the participants’ home institutions were likely dozens of universities nationwide (though home institution information was not collected). We received 613 responses for a response rate of 8.52%. The data from the survey suggest, surprisingly, that in general, student mental health actually improves while abroad, an in fact, that skills learned during an international experience may contribute to improved mental health upon return.

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Changes in emotions and worries during the Covid-19 pandemic: an online-survey with children and adults with and without mental health conditions

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health ◽

10.1186/s13034-021-00363-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Josefine Rothe ◽

Judith Buse ◽

Anne Uhlmann ◽

Annet Bluschke ◽

Veit Roessner

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Emotional Responses ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Potential Health ◽

Children And Adolescent ◽

Mental Health Conditions

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has spread quickly worldwide with dramatic consequences on our daily lives. Adverse psychosocial consequences of Covid-19 might be particularly severe for children and adolescents, parents of young children and people with mental health conditions (mhc), who are more prone to the experience of psychosocial stress and who are more dependent on the access to professional psychosocial support. The present survey therefore aimed to explore perceived stress and the emotional responses of children and adolescents as well as adults with and without mhc during the social restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods The survey gathered information about 284 children and adolescent (parent-on-child-reports) and 456 adults (including 284 parents, self-reports). The participants were allocated to four groups: children and adolescents with mhc, children and adolescent without mhc, adults with mhc and adults without mhc. The survey included general questions about socio-demographic characteristics and mental health status, the CoRonavIruSHealth Impact Survey and the Perceived Stress Scale (only data on adults). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for comparing the emotional responses during the Covid-19 pandemic with emotions before the Covid-19 pandemic. Independent sample t-test were used to compare the level of perceived stress between the adult groups, linear regression analyses were conducted to examine which variables predicted perceived stress during the Covid-19 restrictions. Results An increase to the worse during the Covid-19 restrictions was observed for most emotions and worries in all four groups (children and adolescents with mhc, children and adolescents without mhc, adults with mhc, adults without mhc). Contrary to our expectations, a greater number of emotions worsened significantly for children and adolescents as well as adults without mhc as compared to those with mhc. We found higher perceived stress in parents as compared to adults without children in the same household and in adults with mhc as compared to those without mhc. Discussion Covid-19-related social restrictions and potential health risks seem to affect emotions and perceived stress in children, adolescents and adults. Especially, Covid-19 seems to be have worsened the mental well-being of children and adolescent and their families, who were mentally healthy before the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Phenotypes of caregiver distress in military and veteran caregivers: Suicidal ideation associations

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253207 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0253207

Author(s):

Roxana E. Delgado ◽

Kimberly Peacock ◽

Chen-Pin Wang ◽

Mary Jo Pugh

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Latent Variable ◽

The United States ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Service Members ◽

Future Research ◽

Medical Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions

The United States (US) has been at war for almost two decades, resulting in a high prevalence of injuries and illnesses in service members and veterans. Family members and friends are frequently becoming the caregivers of service members and veterans who require long-term assistance for their medical conditions. There is a significant body of research regarding the physical, emotional, and social toll of caregiving and the associated adverse health-related outcomes. Despite strong evidence of the emotional toll and associated mental health conditions in family caregivers, the literature regarding suicidal ideation among family caregivers is scarce and even less is known about suicidal ideation in military caregivers. This study sought to identify clusters of characteristics and health factors (phenotypes) associated with suicidal ideation in a sample of military caregivers using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Measures included the context of caregiving, physical, emotional, social health, and health history of caregivers. Military caregivers in this sample (n = 458) were mostly young adults (M = 39.8, SD = 9.9), caring for complex medical conditions for five or more years. They reported high symptomology on measures of pain, depression, and stress. Many (39%) experienced interruptions in their education and 23.6% reported suicidal ideation since becoming a caregiver. General latent variable analyses revealed three distinct classes or phenotypes (low, medium, high) associated with suicidality. Individuals in the high suicidality phenotype were significantly more likely to have interrupted their education due to caregiving and live closer (within 25 miles) to a VA medical center. This study indicates that interruption of life events, loss of self, and caring for a veteran with mental health conditions/suicidality are significant predictors of suicidality in military caregivers. Future research should examine caregiver life experiences in more detail to determine the feasibility of developing effective interventions to mitigate suicide-related risk for military caregivers.

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Well-Being of Canadian Veterans during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Results from the COVID-19 Veteran Well-Being Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-531471/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

J. Don Richardson ◽

Kate St. Cyr ◽

Callista Forchuk ◽

Jenny JW Liu ◽

Rachel A. Plouffe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Well Being ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Virtual Care

Abstract Background The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionally affected different population groups. Veterans are more likely to have pre-existing mental health conditions compared to the general Canadian population, experience compounded stressors resulting from disruptions to familial, social, and occupational domains, and were faced with changes in healthcare delivery (e.g., telehealth). The objectives of this study are to assess (a) the mental health impact of COVID-19 and related life changes on the mental health of Veterans and (b) perceptions of and satisfaction with changes in healthcare treatments and delivery during the pandemic. Methods A total of 1139 Canadian Veterans were recruited to participate in an online survey. Participants completed questions pertaining to their mental health and well-being, lifestyle changes, and concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as experiences and satisfaction with healthcare treatments during the pandemic. Results Results showed that 55.9% of respondents reported worse mental health functioning compared to before the pandemic. Frequency of probable posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, and suicidal ideation were 34.2%, 35.3%, 26.8%, 13.0%, and 22.0%, respectively. Between 39.0% and 53.0% of respondents attributed their symptoms as either directly related to or exacerbated by the pandemic. Approximately 18% of respondents reported using telehealth for mental health services during the pandemic, and among those, 73.0% indicated a choice to use telehealth even after the pandemic. Conclusions This study found that most Veterans experienced worsening mental health as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of telehealth services was widely endorsed by mental health treatment-seeking Veterans who transitioned to virtual care during the pandemic. Our findings have important clinical and program administrator implications, emphasizing the need to reach out to support veterans, especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions and to enhance and maintain virtual care even post pandemic.

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Tobacco smoking in three “left behind” subgroups: indigenous, the rainbow community and people with mental health conditions

Drugs and Alcohol Today ◽

10.1108/dat-02-2020-0004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 263-281 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marewa Glover ◽

Pooja Patwardhan ◽

Kyro Selket

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Tobacco Control ◽

Smoking Prevalence ◽

Important Determinant ◽

Indigenous Communities ◽

World Health ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Content Type ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Left Behind

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the extent to which three subgroups – people with mental health conditions, people belonging to sexual minority and gender groups and Indigenous peoples – have been “left behind” by countries implementing the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Design/methodology/approach A general review of electronic bibliographical databases to provide an overview of smoking prevalence among the three groups and interventions designed specifically to reduce their smoking rates. Findings Although explanations and specific rates differ, two trends are consistent across all three groups. First, information reported in the past two decades suggests that smoking prevalence is disproportionately high among people with mental health conditions, and in the rainbow and indigenous communities. Second, most cessation programmes are targeted at majority politically dominant groups, missing opportunities to reduce smoking rates in these minority communities. Research limitations/implications There is a general dearth of data preventing detailed analysis. Better data collection efforts are required. Trials to identify effective smoking reduction interventions for marginalised groups are needed. Social implications It is socially unjust that these groups are being systematically ignored by tobacco control initiatives. A failure to equitably reduce tobacco harms among all groups across society has contributed to the perceived concentration of smoking in some subgroups. The increasing stigmatisation of people who smoke then adds a marginality, compounding the negative effects associated with belonging to a marginalised group. Ongoing marginalisation of these groups is an important determinant of smoking. Originality/value Cross-case analysis of neglected subgroups with disproportionately high smoking rates suggests social marginalisation is a shared and important determinant of smoking prevalence.

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