Mental Health Promotion in Victoria: A Strategic Approach

1997 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
Rhonda Galbally

Health promotion has proved to be crucial in most areas of health, for example, cardiovascular health, cancer control and injury prevention. However, mental health promotion has hitherto been a very poor cousin by comparison with funds spent on other health promotion areas, and also by comparison with funds spent on mental health services. This situation is understandable. First, there has been a need to shake mental health services out of antiquity to ensure that they not only meet fundamental standards of human rights, but also begin to develop a focus on rehabilitation. Second, the amorphous, unspecific and often haphazard nature of the few existing mental health promotion programs has, to a degree, given mental health promotion a bad name. As mental health promotion initiatives must inevitably relate to social and structural issues, the health content of mental health promotion has sometimes been hard to identify.

1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 398-399
Author(s):  
Ian G Manion ◽  
Simon Davidson ◽  
Christina Norris ◽  
Sarah Brandon

Abstract Today's youth are at a disturbingly high risk for mental health and illness problems and are largely dissatisfied with the existing mental health services. Youth Net/Réseau Ado (YN/RA), supported by input from mental health professionals, is a bilingual mental health promotion program that seeks out the opinions and attitudes of youth regarding mental health and illness issues, while connecting them with appropriate resources and mental health services. This paper describes the Youth Net/Réseau Ado program and provides some guidelines for the identification of mental health and illness problems, including indicators of the risk of suicide.


2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 766-775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Jaworska ◽  
Elisea De Somma ◽  
Bernice Fonseka ◽  
Emma Heck ◽  
Glenda M. MacQueen

Objective: Although the high prevalence of mental health issues among postsecondary students is well documented, comparatively little is known about the adequacy, accessibility, and adherence to best practices of mental health services (MHSs)/initiatives on postsecondary campuses. We evaluated existing mental health promotion, identification, and intervention initiatives at postsecondary institutions across Canada, expanding on our previous work in one Canadian province. Methods: A 54-question online survey was sent to potential respondents (mainly front-line workers dealing directly with students [e.g., psychologists/counsellors, medical professionals]) at Canada’s publicly funded postsecondary institutions. Data were analyzed overall and according to institutional size (small [<2000 students], medium [2000–10 000 students], large [>10 000 students]). Results: In total, 168 out of 180 institutions were represented, and the response rate was high (96%; 274 respondents). Most institutions have some form of mental health promotion and outreach programs, although most respondents felt that these were not a good use of resources. Various social supports exist at most institutions, with large ones offering the greatest variety. Most institutions do not require incoming students to disclose mental health issues. While counselling services are typically available, staff do not reliably have a diverse complement (e.g., gender or race diversity). Counselling sessions are generally limited, and follow-up procedures are uncommon. Complete diagnostic assessments and the use of standardized diagnostic systems are rare. Conclusions: While integral MHSs are offered at most Canadian postsecondary institutions, the range and depth of available services are variable. These data can guide policy makers and stakeholders in developing comprehensive campus mental health strategies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Hill ◽  
Lindsay Heyland ◽  
Jodi Langley ◽  
Alanna Kaser ◽  
Sophie Keddy

Objective: To chart the body of literature on Positive Mental Health Promotion (PMHP) programing and to document the current PMHP in one Canadian province to provide insight into the types, scope, and nature of the programs currently and historically available to community residents in this province. Introduction: Positive mental health promotion is an emerging field within community mental health. Programming and policy efforts devoted to promoting mental health are emerging. These efforts are varied in scope and nature, and there is little consensus or evidence based best practices, and alignment with the provincial mental health policy.Inclusion criteria: Peer-reviewed literature relevant to community mental health promotion, and grey literature that contains details of relevant programs accessible to the general community.Methods: A preliminary search strategy in PubMed, EBSCO, and PsychINFO was developed with a librarian and a JBI-trained researcher. Primary studies published after 2000 in English evaluating or documenting PMHPs, will be included. Grey literature from an environmental scan of existing local programs will be included. Data to be extracted includes, study methodology and methods, program scope, content, materials, evaluation and outcomes


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