Mental Health and Domestic Violence in LGB+ Persons during Lockdown Measures in Belgium

Background: To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide restricted social and physical contact by issuing lockdown and social-distancing measures. Yet, lockdown measures may induce mental health problems and increase the occurrence of domestic violence (DV). We examine mental health and DV in lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual and asexual (LGB+) persons under lockdown. Methods: An online self-report questionnaire on relationships, stress and aggression was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of participants living in Belgium. Participants were sampled through national media, social media, and snowballing procedures. Occurrence of DV including psychological, physical and sexual violence, stress, alcohol and drug use, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, self-harming behaviour, and help-seeking behaviour in LGB+ persons in the period of 13 March – 13 April 2020 are assessed. Results: 383 LGB+ participants were included in the analysis. In addition to high levels of stress, alcohol and drug abuse, suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviour, a third of LGB+ participants reported at least one incident of domestic violence under lockdown. Conclusion: LGB+ persons have been exposed to DV and experienced lower mental health and wellbeing during the lockdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the possible need for public health measures and sociocultural changes preventing DV and improving mental health during lockdown in LGB+ persons.

Download Full-text

Mental health and domestic violence in LGB+ persons during lockdown measures in Belgium

Tijdschrift voor Genderstudies ◽

10.5117/tvgn2021.2.005.desc ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 143-160

Author(s):

Lotte De Schrijver ◽

Stefanie De Buyser ◽

Kasia Uzieblo ◽

Christophe Vandeviver ◽

Ines Keygnaert

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Physical Contact ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Alcohol And Drug Abuse

Abstract Background: To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide restricted social and physical contact by issuing lockdown and social-distancing measures. Yet, lockdown measures may induce mental health problems and increase the occurrence of domestic violence (DV). We examine mental health and DV in lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual (LGB+) persons under lockdown. Methods: An online self-report questionnaire on relationships, stress, and aggression was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of participants living in Belgium. Participants were sampled through national media, social media, and snowballing procedures. Occurrence of DV including psychological, physical, and sexual violence, stress, alcohol and drug use, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, self-harming behaviour, and help-seeking behaviour in LGB+ persons during the first four to six weeks of the hygiene and lockdown measures in Belgium were assessed. Results: 383 LGB+ participants were included in the analysis. In addition to high levels of stress, alcohol and drug abuse, suicidal ideation, and self-harming behaviour, a third of LGB+ participants reported at least one incident of DV under lockdown. Conclusion: LGB+ persons have been exposed to DV and experienced lower mental health and well-being during the lockdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the possible need for public health measures and sociocultural changes preventing DV and improving mental health during lockdown in LGB+ persons.

Download Full-text

Mental Health Problems and Help-Seeking among Adolescents

Sibirskiy psikhologicheskiy zhurnal ◽

10.17223/17267080/79/11 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 189-202

Author(s):

E.V. Rezun ◽

◽

H.R. Slobodskaya ◽

N.B. Semenova ◽

T.O. Rippinen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽

Seeking Help

The mental health problems among adolescents have long-lasting effects throughout life. However, research evidence indicates that only 10–30% of adolescents who needed mental health care had received specialized help. The present study reports the prevalence of mental health problems and help-seeking among adolescents, taking into account gender and age differences. The sample included 1752 adolescents (47 % boys,) aged 12-17 years. Data were collected on in two Siberian cities (Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk) using an international self-report questionnaire developed for the school-based Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. Participants were recruited from 18 schools, students completed questionnaires anonymously during school lessons. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, and crosstabs using a chi-squared test. The level of emotional and behavioral problems in Siberian adolescents was slightly higher than that found in European and Asian countries. Twenty three percent of adolescents reported frequent headaches (at least once a week), 11 % reported frequent abdominal pain and 14% suffered from frequent sleep disturbances (3–5 times a week or more). Girls reported a significantly higher level of problems than boys, with the largest gender differences for emotional problems, recurrent pains and sleep disturbances. Weekly consumption of alcohol and daily use of nicotine among boys was more common than among girls (3 % and 6 %, respectively), whereas less frequent use of alcohol and nicotine was commoner in girls (16 %) than in boys (10 %); 7 % of boys and girls had tried drugs at least once. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 22 % of adolescents, 6 % reported suicide attempts and 6 % reported repeated self-harm. One third of adolescents considered seeking outside help and 9 % had actually done so. Girls reported more help-seeking than boys; older girls sought help more often than younger and middle-aged ones. Around one third of adolescents sought help from their relatives; 26 % from friends, the Internet or other non-professional sources; 5 % reported seeking help from a doctor or nurse, and 3 % from a psychologist. The most important independent predictors of seeking help were emotional symptoms, suicidal ideation and hyperactivity/inattention. The results suggest a need for future investigation of the factors associated with help-seeking behavior among adolescents. It is also necessary to develop mental health promotion programs for adolescents, interventions to improve mental health literacy and access to mental health care.

Download Full-text

The culture, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Rohingya refugees: a systematic review

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796019000192 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 489-494 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

A. K. Tay ◽

A. Riley ◽

R. Islam ◽

C. Welton-Mitchell ◽

B. Duchesne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

United Nations ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Asia Pacific ◽

Idioms Of Distress ◽

Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

AbstractAimsDespite the magnitude and protracted nature of the Rohingya refugee situation, there is limited information on the culture, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of this group. This paper, drawing on a report commissioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the literature on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Rohingya refugees, including an examination of associated cultural factors. The ultimate objective is to assist humanitarian actors and agencies in providing culturally relevant Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Rohingya refugees displaced to Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search across multiple sources of information with reference to the contextual, social, economic, cultural, mental health and health-related factors amongst Rohingya refugees living in the Asia-Pacific and other regions. The search covered online databases of diverse disciplines (e.g. medicine, psychology, anthropology), grey literature, as well as unpublished reports from non-profit organisations and United Nations agencies published until 2018.ResultsThe legacy of prolonged exposure to conflict and persecution compounded by protracted conditions of deprivations and displacement is likely to increase the refugees' vulnerability to wide array of mental health problems including posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. High rates of sexual and gender-based violence, lack of privacy and safe spaces and limited access to integrated psychosocial and mental health support remain issues of concern within the emergency operation in Bangladesh. Another challenge is the limited understanding amongst the MHPSS personnel in Bangladesh and elsewhere of the language, culture and help-seeking behaviour of Rohingya refugees. While the Rohingya language has a considerable vocabulary for emotional and behavioural problems, there is limited correspondence between these Rohingya terms and western concepts of mental disorders. This hampers the provision of culturally sensitive and contextually relevant MHPSS services to these refugees.ConclusionsThe knowledge about the culture, context, migration history, idioms of distress, help-seeking behaviour and traditional healing methods, obtained from diverse sources can be applied in the design and delivery of culturally appropriate interventions. Attention to past exposure to traumatic events and losses need to be paired with attention for ongoing stressors and issues related to worries about the future. It is important to design MHPSS interventions in ways that mobilise the individual and collective strengths of Rohingya refugees and build on their resilience.

Download Full-text

Mental Health Literacy, Help-Seeking Behaviour and Wellbeing in Young People: Implications for Practice

The Educational and Developmental Psychologist ◽

10.1017/edp.2019.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (01) ◽

pp. 16-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Prishini Ratnayake ◽

Chelsea Hyde

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Gender Differences ◽

High School Students ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Young People ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Literacy ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

AbstractResearch indicates that individuals who have high levels of mental health literacy engage in help-seeking for mental health issues more in comparison to those with low mental health literacy. It is therefore important to ensure that young people are able to identify signs of psychological distress and identify appropriate supports and resources when necessary. Preliminary research has identified gender differences in help-seeking and identification of mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health literacy, help-seeking intentions and wellbeing in senior high school students. The sample consisted of 22 females and 10 male students, ranging from 16–18 years. Findings indicated a positive correlation between wellbeing and general help-seeking, as well as wellbeing and help-seeking for suicidal ideation. Gender differences were identified for aspects of mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions. Results of this research have implications for practitioners in fostering positive outcomes and developing targeted interventions towards improving mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour in the future.

Download Full-text

Factors Associated with Suicidal Thought and Help-Seeking Behaviour in Transition-Aged Youth versus Adults

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0706743716667417 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 61 (12) ◽

pp. 789-796 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Nathalie MacKinnon ◽

Ian Colman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Transition To Adulthood ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Canadian Community Health Survey ◽

Suicidal Thought ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

Objective: Suicide is a leading cause of death for transition-aged youth (TAY), and yet few studies examine correlates of suicidal ideation specifically in this age demographic (age 18-24 years). The transition to adulthood is a unique context, marked by novel stressors (e.g., joining the workforce) and increased independence, which may influence risk factors for suicidal ideation. This study examined correlates of suicidal ideation in TAY and adults and contrasted profiles across age. Methods: We used 4 biannual cycles (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey on health. We used logistic regression to assess the association between suicidal ideation and depression, distress, alcohol use, smoking, exercise, sedentary behaviour, chronic illness, restrictions to daily living, perceived physical and mental health, and perceived social support independently in both TAY ( n = 4427) and adults ( n = 14,452). We subsequently assessed possible interactions with age (18-24 v. 25-44 years) and sex and differences in help-seeking behaviour in a combined model. Result: TAY exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation than adults did ( P < 0.001). Numerous factors were associated with suicidal ideation in TAY. Notably, alcohol abstinence was associated with decreased suicidal ideation in TAY but not for adults. Moreover, when depressed, TAY were significantly less likely to have received professional mental health help than adults (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.94). Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is more prevalent in TAY than adults, and its consequences may be aggravated by poor treatment-seeking behaviour in at-risk (i.e. depressed) individuals. These different risk profiles substantiate the recent shift toward clinical interventions focusing on transition-aged youth, rather than traditional child (<18 years) and adult (>18 years) services.

Download Full-text

Help-seeking behaviour in men and women with common mental health problems: cross-sectional study

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.186.4.297 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 186 (4) ◽

pp. 297-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 231

Author(s):

Maria Isabel Oliver ◽

Nicky Pearson ◽

Nicola Coe ◽

David Gunnell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Professional Help ◽

Men And Women ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

BackgroundMany people with mental health problems do not seek professional help but their use of other sources of help is unclear.AimsTo investigate patterns of lay and professional help-seeking in men and women aged 16–64 years in relation to severity of symptoms and sociodemographic variables.MethodPostal questionnaire survey, including the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–12), sent to a stratified random sample (n=15222) of the population of Somerset.ResultsThe response rate was 76%. Only 28% of people with extremely high GHQ–12 scores (⩾8) had sought help from their general practitioner but most (78%) had sought some form of help. Males, young people and people living in affluent areas were the least likely to seek help.ConclusionsHealth promotion interventions to encourage appropriate help-seeking behaviour in young people, particularly in men, may lead to improvements in the mental health of this group of the population.

Download Full-text

Help Seeking Behavior in a Diverse Sample of Asian American Adults

Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies ◽

10.29333/ejecs/124 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Peter Nguyen ◽

Rosalie Corona ◽

Matthew Peter DeCarlo ◽

Anna Yaros ◽

Anh Thuy Le ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Asian Americans ◽

Asian American ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Help Seeking Behavior ◽

Help Seeking Behaviors ◽

Different Types ◽

Seeking Behavior

We sought to characterize the help-seeking behavior of Asian Americans living in a Southeastern community in the U.S. by examining different types of services sought, help-seeking preferences, and how demographic characteristics and mental health problems (including domestic violence) predicted these behaviors. 610 Asian Americans (mean age = 39.43 years; 59.6% female; 75% immigrants) completed an anonymous, community survey that included measures of different types of help-seeking behaviors and preferences, mental health symptoms, and exposure to domestic violence. The two most-frequently help-seeking behaviors included seeking advice from friends, family members, or relatives (66.7%), and visiting a medical doctor (46.4%). In logistic regression models, older age, sex, immigrant status and symptomatic depression predicted different types of help-seeking behaviors and preferences. Neither domestic violence experience or symptomatic anxiety significantly predicted help-seeking.

Download Full-text

Predictors of help-seeking behaviour in people with mental health problems: a 3-year prospective community study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03435-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Carolin M. Doll ◽

Chantal Michel ◽

Marlene Rosen ◽

Naweed Osman ◽

Benno G. Schimmelmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Community Study ◽

People With Mental Illness ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Anticipated Stigma

Abstract Background The majority of people with mental illness do not seek help at all or only with significant delay. To reduce help-seeking barriers for people with mental illness, it is therefore important to understand factors predicting help-seeking. Thus, we prospectively examined potential predictors of help-seeking behaviour among people with mental health problems (N = 307) over 3 years. Methods Of the participants of a 3-year follow-up of a larger community study (response rate: 66.4%), data of 307 (56.6%) persons with any mental health problems (age-at-baseline: 16–40 years) entered a structural equation model of the influence of help-seeking, stigma, help-seeking attitudes, functional impairments, age and sex at baseline on subsequent help-seeking for mental health problems. Results Functional impairment at baseline was the strongest predictor of follow-up help-seeking in the model. Help-seeking at baseline was the second-strongest predictor of subsequent help-seeking, which was less likely when help-seeking for mental health problems was assumed to be embarrassing. Personal and perceived stigma, and help-seeking intentions had no direct effect on help-seeking. Conclusions With only 22.5% of persons with mental health problems seeking any help for these, there was a clear treatment gap. Functional deficits were the strongest mediator of help-seeking, indicating that help is only sought when mental health problems have become more severe. Earlier help-seeking seemed to be mostly impeded by anticipated stigma towards help-seeking for mental health problems. Thus, factors or beliefs conveying such anticipated stigma should be studied longitudinally in more detail to be able to establish low-threshold services in future.

Download Full-text