scholarly journals Feeling Blue - Get Green

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Holli-Anne Passmore

Human bodies and minds evolved together—simultaneously and interdependently. Therefore, if nature provides for our physical health and well-being, it follows that nature also provides for our mental health and well-being. Psychologists have begun to recognize the impact that exposure to nature has on many aspects of our mental health and well-being; and a substantial body of supporting research and empirical data has accumulated. Nature’s beneficial effects on individuals’ mental health have been shown to extend beyond a mere restoration to baseline after negative periods of stress, anxiety, or depression. Nature’s beneficial effects extend to positively increasing true mental health and well-being, to elevating individuals beyond a neutral “just getting by” level and into an additive state of thriving and flourishing. This paper discusses highlights from the ever-increasing body of research findings and empirical data evidencing the positive and additive effects that nature has on our mental health and well-being. Included in this discussion are findings from a recent series of studies conducted at Grant MacEwan University that this author was involved in. The research summarized in this paper demonstrates that our relationship with nature is vital to our mental health and well-being.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 104-110
Author(s):  
Z. Budayova ◽  
L. Ludvigh Cintulova

The research study analyses the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and identifies changes in the life satisfaction of seniors in social services facilities. The research sample consisted of 79 seniors in social services facilities, the sample consisted of ten participants, data collection took place in the period from November 2020 to April 2021, where the method of qualitative research was used in empirical research, through semi-structured interviews to determine the impact of Covid-19 on We collected the data collected by open coding and pointed to those dimensions of the lives of seniors that were most marked by pandemic measures against the spread of Covid-19.


Author(s):  
David Bolton

In the Introduction, the author describes the background to the book and his personal experiences of violence in Northern Ireland - as a social worker and health and social services manager in Enniskillen and Omagh. He addresses the impact of loss and trauma linked to conflict and the implications for mental health and well-being. The structure of the book is outlined and the author sets the rest of the book in the argument that the mental health of conflict affected communities should be an early and key consideration in peace talks, politics and post-conflict processes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 397
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Brook ◽  
Melanie Freeman ◽  
Graeme Ditchburn

Concerns about the increased risk to mental health in fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers in the construction and resources industries led to increased public and government scrutiny, resulting in Western Australia’s adoption of a code of practice. In general, research has found that a higher incidence of psychological distress in FIFO workers has resulted from high compression rosters and work–family conflict, as well as feelings of isolation. Risk controls, such as perceived levels of support, have been found to be significantly related to improved mental health and organisational outcomes. Organisations need to address the non-financial needs of their workers and look to develop their perceived support, job satisfaction and adjustment to the FIFO lifestyle. This paper outlines practical risk controls and interventions organisations can take to improve psychological and organisational outcomes.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e052739
Author(s):  
Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽  
Elizabeth Andres ◽  
Meghan M Mitchell ◽  
Bastien Quirion ◽  
Diane Groll ◽  
...  

IntroductionKnowledge about the factors that contribute to the correctional officer’s (CO) mental health and well-being, or best practices for improving the mental health and well-being of COs, have been hampered by the dearth of rigorous longitudinal studies. In the current protocol, we share the approach used in the Canadian Correctional Workers’ Well-being, Organizations, Roles and Knowledge study (CCWORK), designed to investigate several determinants of health and well-being among COs working in Canada’s federal prison system.Methods and analysisCCWORK is a multiyear longitudinal cohort design (2018–2023, with a 5-year renewal) to study 500 COs working in 43 Canadian federal prisons. We use quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments (ie, surveys, interviews and clinical assessments) to assess participants’ mental health, correctional work experiences, correctional training experiences, views and perceptions of prison and prisoners, and career aspirations. Our baseline instruments comprise two surveys, one interview and a clinical assessment, which we administer when participants are still recruits in training. Our follow-up instruments refer to a survey, an interview and a clinical assessment, which are conducted yearly when participants have become COs, that is, in annual ‘waves’.Ethics and disseminationCCWORK has received approval from the Research Ethics Board of the Memorial University of Newfoundland (File No. 20190481). Participation is voluntary, and we will keep all responses confidential. We will disseminate our research findings through presentations, meetings and publications (e.g., journal articles and reports). Among CCWORK’s expected scientific contributions, we highlight a detailed view of the operational, organizational and environmental stressors impacting CO mental health and well-being, and recommendations to prison administrators for improving CO well-being.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabo Akafekwa ◽  
Elizabeth Dalgarno ◽  
Arpana Verma

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the impact of the COVID 19 lockdown measures on the mental health and well-being of unpaid carers, who make up the largest number of the carer population in England.Study designA systematic review research protocol was designed and used to conduct the review along with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative Research - ENTREQ statement [43]. Pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. EndNote X9 reference management was used and the search process was represented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram [76]. Appraisal of the included research was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) [57]. Line by line coding was done using inductive thematic synthesis and EPPI Reviewer 4 software [60].ResultsFour themes emerged; immediate worries or fears, adapting to change, post pandemic fears and use of technology.ConclusionThe measures put in place during the first lockdown period have had detrimental impacts on unpaid carers, putting them at greater risk of burnout. However, use of digital platforms could have a positive impact on well-being. Recommendations for further research are provided.What is new?Key findings?Discontinued or reduced access to activities and services during the first lockdown during the pandemic has had a negative impact on both people who require care and their carers.Carers prioritise the mental health and wellbeing needs of the people they care for over their own.Further qualitative research from different groups of carers would be useful to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic measures on unpaid carers.Use of digital technology and digital platforms may be useful tools for carers both during the pandemic and after.What this adds to what is known?There have been very few qualitative studies on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of unpaid carers, this review has synthesised their findings and will contribute to future research.Unpaid carers are known to be at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes, this review demonstrates that they are even more at risk due to the increased reliance on them during the pandemic.What is this implication and what should change?There is limited qualitative data available from a range of different groups of carers for example, spouse carers, parent carers, carers of people who have specific needs or conditions. Therefore, purposeful sample research to determine the needs of groups of carers during the COVID 19 pandemic could be valuable.Unpaid carers who do not have appropriate support are more at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes. During the pandemic services have had to adapt to the various rules implemented. Digital adaptations to the provision of support to both carers and the people they care for could be beneficial both during and after the pandemic.


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