scholarly journals Low Cost Community Health Interventions to Address the Mental Health Crisis Arising From Greece’s Financial Austerity Measures

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Eleni Styliani Ramphos ◽  
Raywat Deonandan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Social Spending ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Community Based Programs

In response to the European financial crisis of 2008-2009, Greece reduced funding for social spending as part of its austerity program, which may have reversed past progress in Greece’s mental health system. Significant increases in depression and suicide rates coincided with the start of the crisis. A slower economic recovery may result from the combination of a less productive work force and out-migration of mental health professionals. In order to alleviate the detrimental effects of this crisis, mental health crisis training, as well as low cost community-based programs should be prioritized in Greece. 

scholarly journals Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Moral Injury in Nurses on the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-76
Author(s):  
Marsha Lesley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Moral Hazards ◽  
Self Blame ◽  
Ego Strengths

OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness of the potential for moral injury in nurses working on the frontlines of COVID-19 patient care and to present aspects of mental functioning that may increase the likelihood of psychological distress. Approaches that draw on psychoanalytic thinking to support frontline nurses’ mental health are explained. METHOD: This article draws on recent work that is available from multiple sources, including published journal articles on moral injury, recent reports from news services highlighting the crisis state of the pandemic and effects on nurses, established literature on the structural model of the mind, and recent webinars and online lectures addressing mental health crisis interventions. The author draws on expertise from years of training in the Adult Psychoanalytic Training Program at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and graduation as an academic analyst. RESULTS: How nurses navigate moral hazards inherent in the current state of frontline health care may depend on their existing ego strengths and levels of self-blame and guilt from a harsh superego. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health professionals need to be aware of the mental minefields that frontline nurses must navigate when providing care that, due to circumstances beyond their control, may be morally ambiguous. Educating nurses about the meaning of their own emotional and psychic responses amid the realities in the field may help to decrease the damaging effects of moral injury.

India is going partway to easing mental health crisis

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Indian Government ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare ◽  
The Government ◽  
National Mental Health

Subject India's efforts to address a mental health crisis. Significance The Indian government is aiming to convert 150,000 primary health centres into health and wellness centres (HWCs) providing comprehensive care, including management of mental disorders. Its plans for secondary and tertiary healthcare include medical insurance for poorer families that will cover treatment of mental illness. According to a 2016 study conducted by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), 150 million out of the country’s 1.3 billion people urgently need mental healthcare. Impacts Expanding mental healthcare infrastructure could lead to an overemphasis on a biomedical model of treatment for mental health disorders. The government will come under pressure to increase funding for mental health professionals as well as technological resources. Future budgets will be key indicators of the government’s commitment to its National Mental Health Programme.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Emergence of Mental Health Upheaval and Transition in Human Future Perspectives: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Saba Khurshid ◽  
Sidra Mumtaz ◽  
Hafsa Khalil Toor ◽  
Rubina Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Major Transition

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic is constantly posing warning and creating mental health crisis among people without any discrimination. Therefore, the current study purpose is to explore mental health upheaval and transition in future perspectives due to COVID-19. Using exploratory study design, semi structure interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed by using Thematic Content Analysis. The major themes which were identified showed that COVID-19 is constantly eliciting panic and mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression, fears of death, xenophobia, OCD and uncertainty about future among general population. Results also indicated the major transition in public future perspectives and perception. Concern related to adjustability in life after pandemic is major emerging future concern among Pakistani People. During pandemic outbreak, people are becoming vulnerable to different mental health problems. To overcome these issues successfully, role of mental health professionals cannot be denied. There is strong need to devise activities and strategies which help people to increase resilience and build strong relationships during the period of social distancing. This paper gives a deep insight into mental health problems among general population due to COVID-19 and it also implicates need of psychological services to overcome these issues.

scholarly journals “We can’t carry the weight of the whole world”: illness experiences among Peruvian older adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Flores-Flores ◽  
Alejandro Zevallos-Morales ◽  
Ivonne Carrión ◽  
Dalia Pawer ◽  
Lorena Rey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Illness Experiences ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

Abstract Background Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low. Help-seeking behaviors are shaped by how an individual perceives and experiences their illness. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) from peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru. We included individuals with only depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10), only anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 16), with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and older adults who mentioned they had received mental health treatment/care. The interview guide included the following topics: perceptions and experiences about depression and anxiety; perceptions about the relationship between physical chronic diseases and mental health; experiences with mental health professionals and treatments, and coping mechanisms. Data collection was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. Results We interviewed 38 participants (23 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 67.9 years. Participants’ ideas and perceptions of depression and anxiety showed considerable overlap. Participants attributed depression and anxiety mainly to familial and financial problems, loneliness, loss of independence and past traumatic experiences. Coping strategies used by older adults included ‘self-reflection and adaptation’ to circumstances, ‘do your part’, and seeking ‘emotional support’ mainly from non-professionals (relatives, friends, acquaintances, and religion). Conclusions Illness experiences of depression and anxiety set the pathway for tailored community-based mental health interventions for older adults. Overlapping narratives and perceptions of depression and anxiety suggest that these conditions should be addressed together. Mental health interventions should incorporate addressing areas related to depression and anxiety such as prevention of loss of independence, trauma, and loneliness. Good acceptability of receiving emotional support for non-professionals might offer an opportunity to incorporate them when delivering mental health care to older adults.

Digital psychiatry: implications for patients and services

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
James P Pandarakalam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Substantial Effect ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased burden on all medical services and healthcare professionals are applying new strategies to cope with the added demands. During the pandemic mental healthcare services in many parts of the world have been reorganised to incorporate modern technology and maintain efficient service delivery. Mental health professionals are playing a major role in alleviating the suffering resulting from this pandemic. A selective survey of the literature, including narrative reviews, was carried out to study the implications of digital psychiatry. Historically, epidemics have had a substantial effect on mental health and general health services. Telehealth appears to be the right solution to the present mental health crisis, but technology cannot substitute for human presence and proximity in mental health services, so the newer interventions have advantages and disadvantages. Remote methods of therapy are likely to continue to be used and proper assessment of these new ways of working in psychiatry is required. In the post-pandemic period, the challenge will be to combine digital and in-person therapies. Discussions about digital revolution in the field of psychiatry should be modified to digital evolution.

The Making of Mental Health Policy: The 1980s and the Challenge of Sanity in Quebec and Ontario

1987 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Françoise Boudreau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Political Language ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Volunteer Organizations ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Convergence And Divergence

This paper examines the current socio-political language in the formulation of mental health policy in Ontario and Quebec. “Before long,” coherent and rational policy has been promised in each province to “solve” today's mental health crisis—often identified as that of “deinstitutionaliztion.” However, there is not just one view. Here, we examine the arguments presented in the form of briefs, reports, and working documents on the part of mental health professionals, governments and unions, patient groups, and volunteer organizations in both provinces. We analyze the areas of convergence and divergence and attempt to make sense of this mass of material so important in the formulation of a sensible and sensitive government policy of action.

scholarly journals Determinants of dropout in a community-based mental health crisis centre

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Henzen ◽  
Clotilde Moeglin ◽  
Panteleimon Giannakopoulos ◽  
Othman Sentissi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Crisis

scholarly journals Can Mental Health Apps Be Effective for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress During a Pandemic?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Longyear ◽  
Kostadin Kushlev
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Health Apps

Covid-19 is poised to exacerbate the global mental health crisis as social isolation, unemployment, and economic recession are risk factors for negative mental health consequences. Since the need for social distancing can make face-to-face services less accessible, people may turn to mental health apps as an accessible and inexpensive solution. But are the claims about the efficacy of these apps supported by evidence? We identified 19 published articles on PubMed of peer-reviewed randomized clinical trials of mental health apps focused on stress, anxiety, and depression. Despite some evidence for the effectiveness of mental health apps, it remains unclear how effective these apps are compared to standard of care. Populations studied so far also lack diversity, making it difficult to generalize any benefits to racial minorities and low-income individuals—the very people who have been most negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and traditionally have higher barriers to mental health services. While apps are not a substitute for face-to-face therapy, further evidence is warranted given their potential for delivering scalable, low-cost care to patients. We call for regulatory oversight as a means to ensure mental health apps demonstrate safety and effectiveness prior to marketing.

The Mental Health Acute Assessment Team: a collaborative approach to treating mental health patients in the community

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven C Faddy ◽  
Kevin J McLaughlin ◽  
Peta T Cox ◽  
Senthil S Muthuswamy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
Mental Health Patients

Objective: Many models of community-based mental health crisis teams have been reported. We present our experience of an outreach team made up of a paramedic and mental health nurse. Methods: A proof-of-concept was conducted in Western Sydney. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients where the team were able to facilitate the most appropriate care. Results: Nearly 70% of patients were able to be treated outside the Emergency Department, with about two-thirds being transported directly to a mental health facility. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that our model of care is successful in enabling appropriate physical and mental health care for patients suffering an acute mental health crisis.

Mental health and policing: Picking up the pieces in a broken system

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-99
Author(s):  
Eileen Florence Pepler ◽  
Clay G. Barber
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Partners ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
High Utilizers ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Impact

A key theme of this article is the need to view the intersection of public safety and public health through a new lens to break down the traditional information silos of the many agencies that serve vulnerable populations and the impact of inadequate community-based mental health services that contribute to the increasing number of calls to police in responding to people in or approaching a mental health crisis. The manifestation of this crisis in the community is that the police are too often the first port in the storm. This article suggests the system is broken and needs fixing. Implementing a population health approach to identifying the high utilizers in the community and building a case for sustained funding, partnerships, resources, and accountability together with data sharing agreements, community partners and police collaboratively design and evaluate outcome approaches aimed at prevention and recovery to minimize contact with the police.

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