scholarly journals Resilience and Challenges of Working Mothers during COVID-19

INYI Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Heifetz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Working Mothers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Activity Time ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The Many

The pandemic has brought on much hardships and highlighted the many inequities in our lives, including the increasing workload for working mothers. Compared to pre-pandemic, maternal research has found mothers to have increases in anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Given the added stressors of the pandemic, this paper aims to highlight some evidence-based strategies that mothers can use to support their mental health during the pandemic and beyond. These mental health strategies include (1) Self-compassion and mindfulness (2) Physical self-care (sleep and physical activity time); (3) Connecting time (maintaining social connections and shared responsibilities); and (4) Playtime (having fun!).

App review of anxiety and depression chatbots and their self-care features (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arfan Ahmed ◽  
Nashva ALi ◽  
Sarah Aziz ◽  
Alaa A Abd-Alrazaq ◽  
Asmaa Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
On Demand ◽  
User Ratings ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression rates are at an all-time high along with other mental health disorders. Smartphone-based mental health chatbots or conversational agents can aid psychiatrists and replace some of the costly human based interaction and represent a unique opportunity to expand the availability and quality of mental health services and treatment. Regular up-to-date reviews will allow medics and individuals to recommend or use anxiety and depression related smartphone based chatbots with greater confidence. OBJECTIVE Assess the quality and characteristics of chatbots for anxiety and depression available on Android and iOS systems. METHODS A search was performed in the App Store and Google Play Store following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol to identify existing chatbots for anxiety and depression. Eligibility of the chatbots was assessed by two individuals based on predefined eligibility criteria. Meta-data of the included chatbots and their characteristics were extracted from their description and upon installation by 2 reviewers. Finally, chatbots quality information was assessed by following the mHONcode principles. RESULTS Although around 1000 anxiety and depression related chatbots exist, only a few (n=11) contained actual chatbots that could provide the user a real substitute for a human-human based interaction, even with today's Artificial Intelligence advancements, only one of these chatbots had voice as an input/output modality. Of the selected apps that contained chatbots all were clearly built with a therapeutic human substitute goal in mind. The majority had high user ratings and downloads highlighting the popularity of such chatbots and their promising future within the realm of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Anxiety and depression chatbot apps have the potential to increase the capacity of mental health self-care providing much needed assistance to professionals. In the current covid-19 pandemic, chatbots can also serve as a conversational companion with the potential of combating loneliness, especially in lockdowns where there is a lack of social interaction. Due to the ubiquitous nature of chatbots users can access them on-demand at the touch of a screen on ones’ smartphone. Self-care interventions are known to be effective and exist in various forms and some can be made available as chatbot features, such as assessment, mood tracking, medicine tracking, or simply providing conversation in times of loneliness.

scholarly journals Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK Doctoral Researchers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassie M Hazell ◽  
Jeremy Niven ◽  
Laura Chapman ◽  
Paul Roberts ◽  
Sam Cartwright-Hatton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems

Doctoral Researchers (DRs) are an important part of the academic community and, after graduating, make substantial social and economic contributions. Despite this importance, DR wellbeing has long been of concern. Recent studies have concluded that DRs may be particularly vulnerable to poor mental health problems, but direct comparisons of the prevalence of mental health problems between them and a control group is lacking. Here, by comparing DRs with educated working controls, we show that DRs report significantly greater anxiety and depression, and that this difference is not explained by a higher rate of pre-existing mental health problems. Moreover, most DRs perceive poor mental health as a ‘normal’ part of the PhD process. Thus, our findings suggest a hazardous impact of PhD study on mental health, with DRs being particularly at risk of developing common mental health problems. This provides an evidence-based mandate for universities and funders to reflect upon practices related to DR training and mental health. Our attention should now be directed towards understanding what factors may explain heightened anxiety and depression among DRs so as to inform preventative measures and interventions.

Volume and social context of physical activity in association with mental health, anxiety and depression among youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 344-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Doré ◽  
Jennifer L. O'Loughlin ◽  
Guy Beauchamp ◽  
Marc Martineau ◽  
Louise Fournier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Anxiety And Depression

SELF-COMPASSION IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: RELATIONSHIP OF SELF-COMPASSION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL OUTCOMES

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S55-S55
Author(s):  
Nicole Neiman ◽  
Ann Ming Yeh ◽  
Rachel Bensen ◽  
Elvi Sanjines ◽  
Anava Wren
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Mental Health Diagnosis ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Health Diagnosis ◽  
Physical Outcomes

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at increased risk for poor psychological and physical well-being. Self-compassion (i.e., understanding and acceptance towards oneself) has been associated with better psychological and physical outcomes in AYA with chronic health conditions. There is limited research exploring self-compassion in AYA with IBD. Aims To examine: 1) the reliability of a Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF), and 2) how self-compassion relates to physical (i.e., pain interference, fatigue) and psychological (i.e., stress, anxiety, depression) outcomes in a sample of AYA with IBD. Methods This study was a collaboration with ImproveCareNow, and all procedures were approved by Stanford’s Institutional Review Board. Study participants included 85 AYA (mean=18 yrs) with IBD (52% Crohn’s; 55% female; 61% White). Participants completed a one-time online survey. The internal reliability of SCS-SF was a = 0.88, indicating high internal consistency. Hierarchical linear regression (HLR) analyses examined the unique contribution of self-compassion to pain interference, fatigue, physical stress, psychological stress, anxiety, and depression after controlling for significant demographic and medical variables (sex, IBD diagnosis, mental health diagnosis). Results The overall HLR models were significant for all dependent variables. For physical outcomes, the overall model examining pain interference was significant (F(3, 72) = 4.517; P = 0.003), with sex, IBD diagnosis, and mental health diagnosis accounting for 13% of the variance in pain interference. Self-compassion accounted for an additional 20% of the variance in pain interference over and above demographic/medical variables. For psychological outcomes, the overall model examining anxiety was significant (F(3, 73) = 15.54; P < 0.001), with sex, IBD diagnosis, and mental health diagnosis accounting for 33% of the variance in anxiety. Self-compassion accounted for an additional 46% of the variance in anxiety over and above demographic/medical variables. HLR also demonstrated that self-compassion was a significant independent predictor of pain interference (b = -0.30, P = 0.015), fatigue (b = -0.38, P = 0.001), psychological stress (b = -0.51, P = < 0.001), anxiety (b = -0.41, P = < 0.001), and depression (b = -0.59, P = < 0.001). Participants reporting higher levels of self-compassion had less pain interference, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion Preliminary results suggest self-compassion may be an important factor in explaining the variability of key physical and psychological outcomes among AYA with IBD. Research should investigate self-compassion in diverse IBD populations, and explore if feelings of kindness and acceptance towards oneself can be a protective factor for AYA by supporting positive coping and adjustment to IBD.

scholarly journals Correlation of physical activity with stress, depression and anxiety in female students

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 244-251
Author(s):  
Olivera Pilipović-Spasojević ◽  
Nenad Ponorac ◽  
Mira Spremo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Average Height

Background/Aim: The period of beginning of studies is a stressful period of life in which students are expected to develop skills and abilities with which they will be able to take on the most important roles in all areas of social activity. Physical activity (PA) triggers and remodels mental health. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between PA and stress, anxiety and depression in female students. Methods: Epidemiological observational study was performed and included a representative sample of 408 healthy female students aged 19 to 22 years. Questionnaires were used and anthropometric measurement of weight and body mass index (BMI) calculation was performed. Used questionnaires were: a socio-demographic questionnaire, standardised tests: DASS-21 test (short version) for mental health assessment and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-IPAQ test (long version). Results: Mean age of female students was 20.5 ± 0.72 years, average height 168.65 ± 6.01 cm, body weight 63.09 ± 9.9 kg, and BMI 22.1 ± 3.2. A significant negative correlation was found between high PA and anxiety (r =-0.160, p = 0.001), PA and depression (r =-0.118, p = 0.01), while the category of stress had a low correlation with PA. Conclusion: This research shows that a high level of PA has no effect on stress but has an effect on reducing anxiety and depression. Carefully planned physical activities can affect the emotional status of young female students.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health and Technology Preferences for Support during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Report of Cancer Survivors (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M Faro ◽  
Kristin M Mattocks ◽  
Catherine S Nagawa ◽  
Stephenie C Lemon ◽  
Bo Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Physical Activity Programs

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has had significant health and behavioral impacts on populations worldwide. Cancer survivors are at particular risk of changes in behavioral patterns, as they were encouraged to be more vigilant and observe stricter social distancing guidelines. OBJECTIVE We explored 1) changes in physical activity/sedentary behaviors since COVID-19, and mental health status, 2) alternative strategies to support the survivors’ physical activity and social support during and after COVID-19 including the role of digital health. METHODS A survey was distributed to cancer survivors participating (currently or in the past) in a community-based physical activity program, LIVESTRONG at the Y. Questions addressed pre-COVID vs. current changes in physical activity and sedentary time. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 with scores ≥3 classified as clinically diagnosed anxiety/depression. Digital health preferences were assessed using closed ended questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Open-ended responses addressing other preferences for physical activity programs and social support were analyzed, coded and categorized into themes. RESULTS Of the 61 participants, (mean age=62 ± 10.4; female=83.6%), 67.2% reported performing less physical activity and 67.2% reported sitting more since COVID-19 began. For the GAD-2 and PHQ-2, 24.6% and 26.2% met the criteria for clinical anxiety and depression, respectively. All participants (100%) reported having a cellphone; 90% had a smartphone. Preferences reported for physical activity programming (n=28) included three themes: 1) Use of digital/remote platforms (Zoom, online, videos), 2) Specific activities and locations (e.g. outdoors, walking, gardening, biking, YMCA, senior centers) and 3) Social support is important regardless of the type of activity (e.g. family, friends, peers and coaches). Participants reported a mean score of 71.8 ± 21.4 (scale 0-100) for importance of social support during physical activity programs. Social support preferences (n=15) included three themes: 1) Support from remote platforms (e.g. text messaging, Zoom, phone calls, emails and Facebook), 2) Tangible support in person (YMCA, Senior Center), and 3) Social support with no specific platform (e.g. small groups and family/friend visits). CONCLUSIONS Since the start of COVID-19, cancer survivors in our study have experienced decreased physical activity and increased sedentary time. Depression and anxiety were reported by one-quarter of respondents. Both physical activity and mental health are critical factors in survivor’s quality of life, and interventions tailored to survivors’ preferences for activity are necessary. Digital remote physical activity programs with added social support may be a promising way to address ongoing needs during and after the pandemic.

scholarly journals First Things First: Parent Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion During COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa W. Coyne ◽  
Evelyn R. Gould ◽  
Mikala Grimaldi ◽  
Kelly G. Wilson ◽  
Gabriel Baffuto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Parenting Behaviors ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Positive Parenting ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The World

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant stress and anxiety for many parents around the world. Psychological flexibility and self-care are fundamental aspects of psychological health (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). For parents, shaping these processes may help promote family nurturance, support children’s prosocial behavior, and provide effective and consistent use of evidence-based parenting “kernels”. The goal of this article is to provide practitioners with evidence-based tools that will support psychological flexibility, self-care, and positive parenting behaviors in caregivers during COVID-19 and beyond.

scholarly journals Relationship of Physical Activity With Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Qiang Xiang ◽  
Xian-Ming Tan ◽  
Jian Sun ◽  
Hai-Yan Yang ◽  
Xue-Ping Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
The Self ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Chinese College Students ◽  
Self Rating ◽  
Relationship Of

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, many citizens were asked to stay at home in self-quarantine, which can pose a significant challenge with respect to remaining physically active and maintaining mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of inadequate physical activity, anxiety, and depression and to explore the relationship of physical activity with anxiety and depression symptoms among Chinese college students during quarantine.MethodUsing a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 1,396 Chinese college students. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. The data on physical activity were collected by types of physical activity and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF).ResultsDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, about 52.3% of Chinese college students had inadequate physical activity. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 31.0 and 41.8%, respectively. A high level of physical activity (β = −0.121, P < 0.001) was significantly closely associated with low anxiety, while a moderate (β = −0.095, P = 0.001), or high (β = −0.179, P < 0.001) level of physical activity was significantly closely associated with reduced depression after adjusting confounding demographic factors. Moreover, specific types of physical activity, such as stretching and resistance training, were negatively correlated with both anxiety and depression; doing household chores was negatively correlated with depression.ConclusionOur findings highlight specific levels and types of home-based physical activities that need to be taken into consideration to protect the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Self-Compassion and Confucian Coping as a Predictor of Depression and Anxiety in Impoverished Chinese Undergraduates

2017 ◽  
Vol 120 (4) ◽  
pp. 627-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhou Lihua ◽  
Chen Gui ◽  
Jiang Yanghua ◽  
Liu Liqiong ◽  
Chen Jian
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Impoverished Undergraduates ◽  
Chinese Undergraduates ◽  
Better Than

The ability of self-compassion and Confucian coping to predict anxiety and depression were examined in impoverished Chinese undergraduate students. Three hundred and thirty impoverished undergraduates completed measures of self-compassion, Confucian coping, depression, and anxiety. Results showed that higher self-compassion predicted lower depression and anxiety in impoverished undergraduates. Higher pro-setback thinking and responsibility thinking of Confucian coping were related with lower depression and anxiety. Higher fate thinking of Confucian coping was related with higher depression and anxiety. The predictive ability for depression and anxiety of self-compassion combined with fate thinking was better than self-compassion alone. Intervention to enhance self-compassion and reduce fate thinking may be beneficial to mental health in impoverished undergraduates.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on High School Student-Athlete Experiences with Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Social Connection

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3515
Author(s):  
Heather A. Shepherd ◽  
Taffin Evans ◽  
Srijal Gupta ◽  
Meghan H. McDonough ◽  
Patricia Doyle-Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Student ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 restrictions led to reduced levels of physical activity, increased screen usage, and declines in mental health in youth; however, in-depth understandings of the experiences of high school student-athletes have yet to be explored. To describe the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic on student-athletes’ physical activity, social connection, and mental health, 20 high school student-athletes living in Calgary, Alberta participated in semi-structured interviews, designed using phenomenography. Participants reported variations in physical activity, social connections, and mental health which were influenced by stay-at-home restrictions and weather. Access to resources, changes to routines, online classes, and social support all influenced engagement in physical activity. School and sports provided opportunities for in-person social connections, impacted by the onset of the pandemic. Participants reported their mental health was influenced by social connections, online classes, and physical activity. Findings from this study will inform the development of resources for high school student-athletes amidst COVID-19.

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