Identification with arts-based groups improves mental wellbeing in adults with chronic mental health conditions

People experiencing chronic mental health conditions often report feeling socially marginalised. There is emerging evidence that social and mental wellbeing can be enhanced through arts-based programs. In this paper, a social identity theoretical approach was applied to explore how participation in the arts may improve mental health in a longitudinal study. A one-year prospective study of 34 choir members and 25 creative writing group members (Mage = 46, 51% female) with chronic mental health conditions, involved three assessments of participants’ group identification and mental wellbeing, measured by the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. The programs were community-based and facilitated by arts professionals. Multilevel modelling analyses demonstrated that participants’ mental wellbeing significantly improved over time. Greater identification with their arts based group was significantly related to an increased rate of improvement in mental wellbeing. The trajectory of improvement in mental wellbeing did not differ between participants partaking in the choir or creative writing group. This study demonstrates that participation in arts-based groups can be effective in improving mental wellbeing in adults with chronic mental health problems, particularly for those who strongly identify with the group. This study supports arts-based group participation as an accessible component of mental health services.

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Experiences of living with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a coproduced, participatory qualitative interview study

10.1101/2020.11.03.20225169 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Steven Gillard ◽

Ceri Dare ◽

Jackie Hardy ◽

Patrick Nyikavaranda ◽

Rachel Rowan Olive ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Qualitative Interview Study ◽

The Impact

AbstractPurposeResearch is beginning to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Our paper addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring their experiences and perceptions of how life has changed at this time.MethodsWe used qualitative interviews (N=49) to explore experiences of the pandemic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In a participatory, coproduced approach, researchers with lived experiences of mental health conditions conducted interviews and analysed data as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.ResultsExisting mental health difficulties were exacerbated for many people. People experienced specific psychological impacts of the pandemic, struggles with social connectedness, and inadequate access to mental health services, while some found new ways to cope and connect to community. New remote ways to access mental health care, including digital solutions, provided continuity of care for some but presented substantial barriers for others. People from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities experienced heightened anxiety, stigma and racism associated with the pandemic, further impacting their mental health.ConclusionThere is a need for evidence-based solutions to achieve accessible and effective mental health care in response to the pandemic, especially remote approaches to care. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to understanding inequalities of impact on mental health, especially for people from BAME communities.

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The changing epidemiology of Ebstein’s anomaly and its relationship with maternal mental health conditions: a European registry-based study

Cardiology in the Young ◽

10.1017/s1047951116001025 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 677-685 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Breidge Boyle ◽

Ester Garne ◽

Maria Loane ◽

Marie-Claude Addor ◽

Larraitz Arriola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Congenital Anomaly ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Maternal Mental Health ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Ebstein’S Anomaly ◽

Live Births ◽

Ebstein's Anomaly ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Total Prevalence

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of Ebstein’s anomaly in Europe and its association with maternal health and medication exposure during pregnancy.DesignWe carried out a descriptive epidemiological analysis of population-based data.SettingWe included data from 15 European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies Congenital Anomaly Registries in 12 European countries, with a population of 5.6 million births during 1982–2011.ParticipantsCases included live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks gestation, and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly.Main outcome measuresWe estimated total prevalence per 10,000 births. Odds ratios for exposure to maternal illnesses/medications in the first trimester of pregnancy were calculated by comparing Ebstein’s anomaly cases with cardiac and non-cardiac malformed controls, excluding cases with genetic syndromes and adjusting for time period and country.ResultsIn total, 264 Ebstein’s anomaly cases were recorded; 81% were live births, 2% of which were diagnosed after the 1st year of life; 54% of cases with Ebstein’s anomaly or a co-existing congenital anomaly were prenatally diagnosed. Total prevalence rose over time from 0.29 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.41) to 0.48 (95% CI 0.40–0.57) (p<0.01). In all, nine cases were exposed to maternal mental health conditions/medications (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) 2.64, 95% CI 1.33–5.21) compared with cardiac controls. Cases were more likely to be exposed to maternal β-thalassemia (adjOR 10.5, 95% CI 3.13–35.3, n=3) and haemorrhage in early pregnancy (adjOR 1.77, 95% CI 0.93–3.38, n=11) compared with cardiac controls.ConclusionsThe increasing prevalence of Ebstein’s anomaly may be related to better and earlier diagnosis. Our data suggest that Ebstein’s anomaly is associated with maternal mental health problems generally rather than lithium or benzodiazepines specifically; therefore, changing or stopping medications may not be preventative. We found new associations requiring confirmation.

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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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What has changed in the experiences of people with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic? Findings from follow-up interviews using a coproduced, participatory qualitative approach

10.1101/2021.08.12.21261913 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Prisha Shah ◽

Jackie Hardy ◽

Mary Birken ◽

Una Foye ◽

Rachel Rowan Olive ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Service Use ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Online Advertising ◽

Social Contact ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions

Purpose: We sought to understand how the experiences of people in the UK with pre-existing mental health conditions had developed during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In September-October 2020 we interviewed adults with mental health conditions pre-dating the pandemic whom we had previously interviewed three months earlier. Participants had been recruited through online advertising and voluntary sector community organisations. Interviews were conducted by telephone or video-conference by researchers with lived experience of mental health difficulties and explored changes over time in experiences of participants of the pandemic. Results: We interviewed 44 people, achieving diversity of demographic characteristics and a range of mental health conditions and service use among our sample. Three overarching themes were derived from interviews. The first theme Spectrum of adaptation: to difficulties in access to, or the quality of, statutory mental health services, through developing new personal coping strategies or identifying alternative sources of support. The second theme is Accumulating pressures: from pandemic-related anxieties and sustained disruption to social contact and support, and to mental health treatment. The third theme Feeling overlooked: A sense of people with pre-existing mental health conditions being overlooked during the pandemic by policy-makers at all levels. The latter was compounded for people from ethnic minority communities or with physical health problems. Conclusion: Our study highlights the need to support marginalised groups who are at risk of increased inequalities, and to maintain crucial mental and physical healthcare and social care for people with existing mental health conditions, notwithstanding challenges of the pandemic.

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“We’re All in the Same Boat” – The Experience of People With Mental Health Conditions and Non-clinical Community Members in Integrated Arts-Based Groups

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.661831 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Aya Nitzan ◽

Hod Orkibi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sense Of Belonging ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Personal Recovery ◽

Community Members ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Integrated Arts ◽

Clinical Community ◽

The Arts

In recent decades there has been a significant increase in community rehabilitation programs for people with mental health conditions. One such nationwide programs is Amitim in Israel whose mission is to foster the psychosocial rehabilitation of people with mental health conditions in the community. Amitim’s flagship program consists of arts-based groups that integrate participants with mental health conditions and non-clinical community members. To better understand the experiences of participants in these arts-based groups, five focus groups were conducted with participants from 15 integrated arts-based groups. In total, 17 people with mental health conditions and 21 non-clinical community members were interviewed for this qualitative study. Three main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: creation and expression through the arts promote well-being, self-disclosure in a safe space encourages a sense of belonging, and “we are all in the same boat.” The participants underscored the role of creation and expression through the arts in facilitating emotional expression, self-discovery, interpersonal communication, and spiritual elevation. The findings suggest that the facilitators should instill a sense of equality by enabling intergroup acquaintances without labeling participants’ mental health status. Integrated arts-based groups should be accompanied by a mental health professional who can contain and work through complex emotional situations when needed. Arts therapists who specialize in both arts and mental health are particularly suitable for this role. Overall, the interviewees reported that participation in the integrated arts-based groups positively impacted their personal recovery processes by providing a corrective experience of equality as well as enhancing a sense of belonging to the community and social relationships. The participants also reported being empowered by the final artistic event that not only enhanced their sense of visibility, competence, and aspirations for future development in personal, interpersonal, and artistic realms, but also helped to combat both self- and public stigma.

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A descriptive study of mental health and burnout among Nigerian medical students

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211057706 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110577

Author(s):

Olatunde Olayinka Ayinde ◽

Eniola Racheal Akinnuoye ◽

Andrew Molodynski ◽

Oliver Battrick ◽

Oye Gureje

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Medical School ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Short Version ◽

Mental Health Conditions

Background: Increasing attention is being paid to medical students’ mental wellbeing globally due in part to their exposure to stressors inherent in medical education and the numerous reports of elevated rates of mental health conditions in this population. Aims: This study aimed to identify stressors and determine prevalence rates of psychiatric morbidity, substance use and burnout in a sample of Nigerian medical students. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 505 medical students from 25 Nigerian medical schools completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, short version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the CAGE questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Result: The most commonly reported sources of stress were study (75.6%), money (52.3%) and relationships (30.1%). Nine students (1.8%) had received a mental health diagnosis prior to medical school but this number had increased to 29 (5.7%) whilst in medical school, with the majority being cases of anxiety and depressive disorders. The prevalence of psychological distress was 54.5%, but <5% of affected students had received any help for their mental health conditions. Twenty five students (5%) met criteria for problematic alcohol use and 6% had used cannabis. The proportions of students who met criteria for disengagement and exhaustion domains of the OLBI were 84.6% and 77.0% respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress and burnout is high among medical students. Interventions for medical students’ well-being should be tailored to their needs and should target risk factors related to personal, organisational and medical school academic structure attributes.

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Rhyme and Reason: The Relationship between Creative Writing and Mental Wellbeing

British Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/030802269706001205 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 60 (12) ◽

pp. 525-530 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Christine M Jensen ◽

Sheena E E Blair

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Creative Writing ◽

Health Services ◽

Nominal Group Technique ◽

Nominal Group ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Writing Group ◽

The Subject ◽

The Relationship

The relationship between creative writing and mental wellbeing is the subject of much debate and is often founded on conjecture and supposition. The aim of this small study was to explore the relationship between creative writing and mental wellbeing, with the cooperation of 14 adults who had all been users of mental health services and were involved in a creative writing group in the community. Qualitative data were collected from an interview (with the group facilitator), observation (of the group over a period of four group sessions) and the nominal group technique (to elicit the beliefs and opinions of the group itself). The findings of the study were two-fold. Firstly, there was a tension between the cathartic expression of thoughts and feelings and the production of quality writings and, secondly, the notion of stigmatisation as a result of being a user of mental health services emerged. This explorative study, carried out in an urban Scottish context, indicated a covert relationship between creative writing as a product (rhyme) and its therapeutic by-products which affect an individual's mental wellbeing (reason).

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Choir singing and creative writing enhance emotion regulation in adults with chronic mental health conditions

British Journal of Clinical Psychology ◽

10.1111/bjc.12149 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 56 (4) ◽

pp. 443-457 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Genevieve A. Dingle ◽

Elyse Williams ◽

Jolanda Jetten ◽

Jonathon Welch

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emotion Regulation ◽

Creative Writing ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions

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Experiences of living with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a coproduced, participatory qualitative interview study

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ◽

10.1007/s00127-021-02051-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Steven Gillard ◽

◽

Ceri Dare ◽

Jackie Hardy ◽

Patrick Nyikavaranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Qualitative Interview Study ◽

The Impact

Abstract Purpose Research is beginning to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Our paper addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring their experiences and perceptions of how life has changed at this time. Methods We used qualitative interviews (N = 49) to explore experiences of the pandemic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In a participatory, coproduced approach, researchers with lived experiences of mental health conditions conducted interviews and analysed data as part of a multi-disciplinary research team. Results Existing mental health difficulties were exacerbated for many people. People experienced specific psychological impacts of the pandemic, struggles with social connectedness, and inadequate access to mental health services, while some found new ways to cope and connect to the community. New remote ways to access mental health care, including digital solutions, provided continuity of care for some but presented substantial barriers for others. People from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities experienced heightened anxiety, stigma and racism associated with the pandemic, further impacting their mental health. Conclusion There is a need for evidence-based solutions to achieve accessible and effective mental health care in response to the pandemic, especially remote approaches to care. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to understanding inequalities of impact on mental health, especially for people from BAME communities.

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