Rainbow experiences of accessing mental health support in Aotearoa New Zealand: A community-based mixed methods study

Health Professionals ◽

Community Members ◽

Community Based ◽

Aotearoa New Zealand ◽

Mental Health Settings ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

<p>While we know that rainbow people in Aotearoa New Zealand (that is, people of diverse sexualities, genders, and sex characteristics) experience high rates of adverse mental health outcomes, we know much less about the extent to which Aotearoa’s rainbow community members are receiving the mental health support they need. To address this gap I used mixed methods and a reflexive community-based approach to extend current understandings of rainbow mental health support experiences, and to explore how the provision of mental health care can be improved for rainbow people in New Zealand. I first conducted interviews with 34 rainbow community young adults about their experiences of accessing mental health support. My thematic analysis showed that rainbow people across New Zealand faced significant structural barriers to accessing mental health support. Participants understood mental health settings as embedded within a heteronormative and cisnormative societal context, rather than as a safe place outside this context. This, together with a widespread silence from mental health professionals around rainbow identity, meant that participants actively negotiated coming out in mental health settings. Participants shared a variety of perspectives as to whether it should be standard practice for mental health professionals to ask about rainbow identities, but agreed on a number of subtle acts that could communicate a professional or service is rainbow-friendly. Knowledge about sexuality, gender, and sex characteristic diversity, together with clinical skills of empathy, validation, and affirmation, were described as key components for the provision of effective mental health support. I conducted a second thematic analysis of data from a subset of the initial interviews, in which 13 participants discussed their experiences of accessing gender-affirming healthcare. Participants reported a lack of funding for gender-affirming healthcare in New Zealand, and described its provision a “postcode lottery”; the care available was largely dependent on the region participants were living in. Mental health assessments for accessing gender-affirming care were often described as tests of whether participants were “really” transgender, and participants discussed the need to express their gender in a particular way in order to access the healthcare they needed. Thematic analyses of interview data informed the development of an online survey about rainbow peoples’ experiences of accessing mental health support and gender-affirming healthcare in New Zealand (n = 1575). Survey results closely reflected interview findings, indicating that rainbow people have mixed experiences in New Zealand’s mental health settings, and that accessing gender-affirming healthcare is a lengthy and convoluted process. Finally, interview and survey data were used to develop a resource for mental health professionals, to guide their work with rainbow clients. I sought and incorporated feedback from key stakeholders (n = 108) during resource development. I then distributed the resource to mental health professionals around New Zealand, both in print and online. Overall, my research shows that widespread knowledge gaps compromise the ability of New Zealand’s mental health professionals to provide culturally competent support to rainbow clients. Knowledge from this thesis can be used to increase awareness of rainbow community members’ mental health support needs, and to inform mental health professionals’ training and self-reflection around sexuality, gender, and sex characteristic diversity.</p>

Rainbow experiences of accessing mental health support in Aotearoa New Zealand: A community-based mixed methods study

10.26686/wgtn.17147873 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Gloria Fraser

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Community Members ◽

Community Based ◽

Aotearoa New Zealand ◽

Mental Health Settings ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

COVID-19: Mental Health Prevention and Care for Healthcare Professionals

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.566740 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Julie Rolling ◽

Amaury C. Mengin ◽

Cédric Palacio ◽

Dominique Mastelli ◽

Morgane Fath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

High Stress ◽

Health Prevention ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

Care System

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed health professionals to high stress levels inducing significant psychological impact. Our region, Grand Est, was the most impacted French region during the first COVID-19 wave. In this context, we created CoviPsyHUS, local mental health prevention and care system dedicated explicitly to healthcare workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in one of this region's tertiary hospitals. We deployed CoviPsyHUS gradually in 1 month. To date, CoviPsyHUS comprises 60 mental health professionals dedicated to 4 complementary components: (i) a mental health support hotline (170 calls), (ii) relaxation rooms (used by 2,120 healthcare workers with 110 therapeutic workshops offered), (iii) mobile teams (1,200 contacts with healthcare staff), and (iv) a section dedicated to patients and their families. Among the critical points to integrate mental health care system during a crisis, we identified: (i) massive dissemination of mental health support information with multimodal communication, (ii) clear identification of the mental health support system, (iii) proactive mobile teams to identify healthcare professionals in difficulty, (iv) concrete measures to relieve the healthcare professionals under pressure (e.g., the relay in communication with families), (v) support for primary needs (body care (physiotherapy), advice and first-line therapy for sleep disorders), and (vi) psychoeducation and emotion management techniques. The different components of CoviPsyHUS are vital elements in meeting the needs of caregivers in situations of continuous stress. The organization of 4 targeted, modular, and rapidly deployable components makes CoviPsyHUS an innovative, reactive, and replicable mental health prevention and care system that could serve as a universal support model for other COVID-19 affected teams or other exceptional health crises in the future.

Options and realities for trans and gender diverse young people receiving care in Australia’s mental health system: findings from Trans Pathways

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0004867420972766 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 000486742097276

Author(s):

Penelope Strauss ◽

Ashleigh Lin ◽

Sam Winter ◽

Zoe Waters ◽

Vanessa Watson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Counselling Services ◽

Gender Diverse ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

And Gender

Objective: Trans and gender diverse young people experience mental health difficulties self-harm and suicidality at markedly higher rates than the general population, yet they often feel isolated from mental health services. There is little qualitative research on the experiences of trans and gender diverse young people accessing mental health support in Australia. The objective of this study was to comprehensively explore the experiences of trans and gender diverse young people in Australia who have sought mental health support from therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists and/or inpatient care providers. Methods: We report on findings from the Trans Pathways study, which was a mixed-methods study to evaluate the experiences of trans and gender diverse young people accessing mental health services: specifically, therapy and counselling services, psychiatric services and mental health inpatient services. Results: A total of 859 trans and gender diverse young people aged 14–25 years across Australia completed an anonymous online questionnaire. Therapy and/or counselling services (64.4%) were most frequently sought by trans and gender diverse young people in this study, followed by psychiatric services (43.0%) and mental health inpatient services (12.3%). The findings demonstrated that many mental health professionals lacked expertise in gender diversity, and that trans and gender diverse young people found it difficult to locate mental health professionals who were able to meet their needs in a timely manner. Conclusion: These findings indicate that training is necessary for all mental health professionals to improve their knowledge of gender diversity, enhance the support provided to trans and gender diverse young people and help to address the high rates of poor mental health. The findings outlined here provide insight into the areas in which clinicians could optimise their care of trans and gender diverse young people.

Oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals: a cross sectional web-based survey

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01438-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Roisin McGrath ◽

Rodrigo Marino ◽

Julie Satur

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Oral Health ◽

Community Mental Health ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Oral Health Promotion ◽

Mental Health Consumers ◽

Australian Community ◽

Abstract Background This study explored the oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals working with people living with severe mental illness (SMI). Methods An anonymous cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed to all Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers (CRSWs) working at Neami National (n = 471), an Australian community mental health service. The validated questionnaire assessed participants’ self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence (7 questions); their perceived barriers (9 questions) and attitudes (5 questions) to oral health promotion; and their oral health promotion practices (7 questions). Differences in responses between groups were analysed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests. Logistic Regression Analysis served to explore the probability of providing oral health support to mental health consumers. Results A total of 141 CRSWs were included in this study, achieving a response rate of 30 percent. Roughly two-fifths (39.0%) of participants had oral health training in the previous 12-months. The majority of CRSWs (89.3%) believed (‘Agreed’ or ‘Strongly agreed’) that mental health support workers have a role to play in promoting oral health. However, less than half (44.0%) of CRSWs practiced oral health promotion activities when working with mental health consumers. When asked about barriers to promoting oral health, ‘lack of consumer interest’ was the most prevalent issue. CRSWs who had oral health training were over three-times (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.25–9.83, p = 0.017) more likely to provide oral health support. Results showed the provision of oral health support was most strongly associated with self-rated knowledge and confidence (OR 4.089, 95% CI 1.629–10.263, p = 0.003) and attitudes to oral health promotion (OR 3.906, 95% CI 1.77–8.65, p = 0.001). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that mental health support workers who have more positive attitudes to oral health promotion and who have higher self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence are more likely to provide oral health support in their professional role. Training for community mental health professionals is essential to build confidence and skills to promote oral health for mental health consumers.

MyCare study: protocol for a controlled trial evaluating the effect of a community-based intervention on psychosocial, clinical outcomes and hospital admission rates for adults with severe mental illness

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040610 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e040610

Author(s):

Renée O'Donnell ◽

Melissa Savaglio ◽

Debra Fast ◽

Ash Vincent ◽

Dave Vicary ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Community Based ◽

Admission Rates ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

IntroductionPeople with serious mental illness (SMI) often fail to receive adequate treatment. To provide a higher level of support, mental health systems have been reformed substantially to integrate mental healthcare into the community. MyCare is one such community-based mental health model of care. This paper describes the study protocol of a controlled trial examining the effect of MyCare on psychosocial and clinical outcomes and hospital admission and duration rates for adults with SMI.Methods and analysisThis is a multisite non-randomised controlled trial with a 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up period. The study participants will be adults (18–64 years of age) with SMI recruited from Hobart, Launceston and the North-West of Tasmania. The treatment group will include adults who receive both the MyCare intervention and standard mental health support; the control group will include adults who receive only standard mental health support. The primary outcome includes psychosocial and clinical functioning and the secondary outcome will examine hospital admission rates and duration of stay. Mixed-effects models will be used to examine outcome improvements between intake and follow-up. This trial will generate the evidence needed to evaluate the effect of a community mental health support programme delivered in Tasmania, Australia. If MyCare results in sustained positive outcomes for adults with SMI, it could potentially be scaled up more broadly across Australia, addressing the inequity and lack of comprehensive treatment that many individuals with SMI experience.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Tasmanian Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee. The findings will be disseminated to participants and staff who delivered the intervention, submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and shared at academic conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000673943.

Rates and predictors of uptake of mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of 26,720 adults in the UK in lockdown

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ◽

10.1007/s00127-021-02105-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Feifei Bu ◽

Hei Wan Mak ◽

Daisy Fancourt

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Study ◽

Active Role ◽

Service Planning ◽

Gender Education ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

The Uk

Abstract Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a great strain on people’s mental health. A growing number of studies have shown worsening mental health measures globally during the pandemic. However, there is a lack of empirical study on how people support their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine a number of formal and informal mental health support. Further, it explored factors that might be associated with the use of different types mental health support. Methods Data from 26,720 adults in the UCL COVID-19 Social Study were analysed between 13th April 2020 and 3rd July 2020. Data were analysed using logistic and Poisson regression models. Results About 45% of people reported talking to friends or family members to support their mental health, 43% engaging in self-care activities, 20% taking medication, 9% speaking to mental health professionals, 8% talking to a GP or other health professional, and another 8% using helpline or online services. Gender, education, living status, loneliness, pre-existing mental health conditions, general depression and anxiety, coping and personality were found to be associated with the use of mental health support. Conclusion While the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are inevitable, people can play an active role in managing their mental health. Understanding the patterns and predictors of various kinds of mental health support during the pandemic is crucial for future service planning and delivery through recognising potential barriers to mental health care faced by certain groups.

Professionals harnessing experiential knowledge in Dutch mental health settings

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-08-2021-0054 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Simona Karbouniaris ◽

Alie Weerman ◽

Bea Dunnewind ◽

Jean Pierre Wilken ◽

Tineke A. Abma

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Experiential Knowledge ◽

Research Approach ◽

Content Type ◽

Action Research Approach ◽

Mental Health Settings ◽

Four Levels

Purpose This study aims to explore the perspectives of mental health professionals who are in a process of integrating their own experiential knowledge in their professional role. This study considers implications for identity, dilemmas and challenges within the broader organization, when bringing experiential knowledge to practice. Design/methodology/approach As part of a participatory action research approach, qualitative methods have been used, such as in-depth interviews, discussions and observations during training and project team. Findings The actual use of experiential knowledge by mental health care professionals in their work affected four levels: their personal–professional development; the relation with service users; the relation with colleagues; and their position in the organization. Research limitations/implications Because of its limited context, this study may lack generalisability and further research with regard to psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as perceptions from users, is desirable. Social implications According to this study, social change starts from a bottom-up movement and synchronously should be facilitated by top-down policy. A dialogue with academic mental health professionals seems crucial to integrate this source of knowledge. Active collaboration with peer workers and supervisors is desired as well. Originality/value Professionals with lived experiences play an important role in working recovery-oriented, demonstrating bravery and resilience. Having dealt with mental health distress, they risked stigma and rejections when introducing this as a type of knowledge in current mental health service culture. Next to trainings to facilitate the personal–professional process, investments in the entire organization are needed to transform governance, policy and ethics.

Advances in Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioral Studies - Workforce Development Theory and Practice in the Mental Health Sector ◽

Mental Health Support Workers

10.4018/978-1-5225-1874-7.ch010 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 200-221

Author(s):

Julia L. Hennessy ◽

Liz Smythe ◽

Max Abbott ◽

Frances A. Hughes

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Educational Preparation ◽

Mental Health Consumers ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

Health Consumers ◽

The Relationship ◽

Community Based Services

This chapter provides the background for policy setting, educational preparation, and emergence of mental health support workers (MHSWs) in New Zealand and examines the work they do in mental health services. New Zealand formally introduced the MHSW role in the early 1990's to provide non-clinical services for mental health consumers or clients through either hospital or community-based services. The work MHSWs undertake and their relationship with other health professionals is discussed. Also discussed, is the relationship that MHSWs have with mental health consumers/clients and the attributes that the MHSW brings to the relationship. Consideration is given to the debate as to whether the role of the MHSW should be regulated, what it means to be considered a health professional, and the possibilities of expanding the scope of practice for MHSWs.

Exploring Mental Health Professionals’ Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence–Related Training: Results From a Global Survey

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260520908020 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 088626052090802 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Samantha C. Burns ◽

Cary S. Kogan ◽

Richard E. Heyman ◽

Heather M. Foran ◽

Amy M. Smith Slep ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Relationship Problems ◽

Mental Health Settings

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem that has been shown to lead to serious mental health consequences. Due to its frequent co-occurrence with psychiatric disorders, it is important to assess for IPV in mental health settings to improve treatment planning and referral. However, lack of training in how to identify and respond to IPV has been identified as a barrier for the assessment of IPV. The present study seeks to better understand this IPV-related training gap by assessing global mental health professionals’ experiences of IPV-related training and factors that contribute to their likelihood of receiving training. Participants were French-, Spanish-, and Japanese-speaking psychologists and psychiatrists ( N = 321) from 24 nations differing on variables related to IPV, including IPV prevalence, IPV-related norms, and IPV-related laws. Participants responded to an online survey asking them to describe their experiences of IPV-related training (i.e., components and hours of training) and were asked to rate the frequency with which they encountered IPV in clinical practice and their level of knowledge and experience related to relationship problems; 53.1% of participants indicated that they had received IPV-related training. Clinicians from countries with relatively better implemented laws addressing IPV and those who encountered IPV more often in their regular practice were more likely to have received training. Participants who had received IPV-related training, relative to those without training, were more likely to report greater knowledge and experience related to relationship problems. Findings suggest that clinicians’ awareness of IPV and the institutional context in which they practice are related to training. Training, in turn, is associated with subjective appraisals of knowledge and experience related to relationship problems. Increasing institutional efforts to address IPV (e.g., implementing IPV legislation) may contribute to improved practices with regard to IPV in mental health settings.