Drawing time revisited: the benefits of art therapy in prison

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-60
Author(s):  
David Gussak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Art Therapy ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Prison Inmates ◽  
Correctional Institutions ◽  
Mental Well Being

My ideas of the benefits of art and art therapy in prison has evolved over the years, culminating in the publication Art and Art Therapy with the Imprisoned: Re-Creating Identity. The chapter reproduced here, stipulates that one obstacle correctional institutions need to address is the unending rise of mental illness due to the escalating arrest and incarceration of the mentally ill or the degradation of mental well-being of those inside. Such trauma is brought about, in part, by the overcrowded facilities and the resultant lack of privacy, stress, abuse, inadequate health care, and poor support. In addition, prison inmates are burdened with derogatory labels resulting in poor sympathy from society at large. Poor mental health is the unavoidable consequence. Yet, it is increasingly difficult to provide services in an environment where identified weaknesses and vulnerabilities may be taken advantage of. To succeed, therapists should be armed with tools to overcome the inmates’ distrust, inherent aggression, and potentially damaged cognitive abilities. Art therapy has been effective in addressing the needs of the clients by its ability to bypass these survival-based defences. This article explores these various benefits and provides an overview on why art therapy is clinically advantageous for those inside.

scholarly journals COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Vanhaecht ◽  
Deborah Seys ◽  
Luk Bruyneel ◽  
Bianca Cox ◽  
Gorik Kaesemans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may aggravate workplace conditions that impact health-care workers’ mental health. However, it can also place other stresses on workers outside of their work. This study determines the effect of COVID-19 on symptoms of negative and positive mental health and the workforce’s experience with various sources of support. Effect modification by demographic variables was also studied. Methods A cross-sectional survey study, conducted between 2 April and 4 May 2020 (two waves), led to a convenience sample of 4509 health-care workers in Flanders (Belgium), including paramedics (40.6%), nurses (33.4%), doctors (13.4%) and management staff (12.2%). About three in four were employed in university and acute hospitals (29.6%), primary care practices (25.7%), residential care centers (21.3%) or care sites for disabled and mental health care. In each of the two waves, participants were asked how frequently (on a scale of 0–10) they experienced positive and negative mental health symptoms during normal circumstances and during last week, referred to as before and during COVID-19, respectively. These symptoms were stress, hypervigilance, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, unable to relax, fear, irregular lifestyle, flashback, difficulty concentrating, feeling unhappy and dejected, failing to recognize their own emotional response, doubting knowledge and skills and feeling uncomfortable within the team. Associations between COVID-19 and mental health symptoms were estimated by cumulative logit models and reported as odds ratios. The needed support was our secondary outcome and was reported as the degree to which health-care workers relied on sources of support and how they experienced them. Results All symptoms were significantly more pronounced during versus before COVID-19. For hypervigilance, there was a 12-fold odds (odds ratio 12.24, 95% confidence interval 11.11–13.49) during versus before COVID-19. Positive professional symptoms such as the feeling that one can make a difference were less frequently experienced. The association between COVID-19 and mental health was generally strongest for the age group 30–49 years, females, nurses and residential care centers. Health-care workers reported to rely on support from relatives and peers. A considerable proportion, respectively, 18 and 27%, reported the need for professional guidance from psychologists and more support from their leadership. Conclusions The toll of the crisis has been heavy on health-care workers. Those who carry leadership positions at an organizational or system level should take this opportunity to develop targeted strategies to mitigate key stressors of health-care workers’ mental well-being.

Improvement in Cognitive Abilities, Mental and Emotional Well-being of Teenagers following a Meditation Retreat: An Open-Trial pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Kanchibhotla ◽  
Saumya Subramanian ◽  
Shashank Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Meditation Retreat ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Background: Today’s teenagers face several challenges that result in poor mental health, depression and anxiety. Several studies in the past decade have explored meditation as an adjunctive therapy for mental illness however the long term residual benefits of meditation have rarely been studied. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the benefits of a four day meditation retreat on cognitive abilities, mental and emotional well-being of teenagers. Methods: 303 teenagers participated in this study. Cognitive abilities of the students were measured using theSix letter cancellation test (SLCT). Mental and emotional well-being was measured using World Health Organization Well-being index (WHO-5) and Strength and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) respectively. Data analysis was performed using paired sample t-test and repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Teenagers demonstrated a 33% increase in average accuracy for SLCT post intervention. WHO-5 mental well-being index scores also increased significantly (p <1). The participants experienced significant reduction in emotional problems and hyperactivity as measured by SDQ. The benefits of the retreat continued to persist, when measured after 40 days of the intervention. Conclusion: A well-structured meditation retreat has significant and long term benefits on teenagers’ mental well-being, emotional stability and cognitive capacity.

scholarly journals Depression and experience of incarceration in North Central Nigeria: a situation analysis at Makurdi medium security prison

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka Nwefoh ◽  
Chinyere M. Aguocha ◽  
Grace Ryan ◽  
Philip Ode ◽  
Festus O. Ighagbon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Prison Inmates ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Medium Security

Abstract Background Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State. Methods A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.

scholarly journals COVID-19 policies in practice and their direct and indirect impacts in Northern California jails

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiran E Liu ◽  
Christopher LeBoa ◽  
Marcela Rodriguez ◽  
Beruk Sherif ◽  
Chrisele Trinidad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Northern California ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Direct And Indirect Impacts ◽  
Indirect Impacts ◽  
Survey Responses

Context: Although the increased risk of COVID-19 in carceral facilities is well documented, little is known about the practical barriers to infection control and indirect impacts of pandemic policies in these settings. Evidence in jails is especially scarce. Methods: Between July 8, 2020 and April 30, 2021 we performed SARS-CoV-2 serology testing and administered a questionnaire among residents and staff in four Northern California jails. We analyzed seroprevalence in conjunction with demographic factors and survey responses of self-perceived COVID-19 risk, recent illness, COVID-19 test results, and symptom reporting behaviors. We additionally assessed COVID-19 policies in practice and evaluated their impacts on court dates, mental health, and routine health care. We engaged stakeholder representatives, including incarcerated individuals and their advocates, to guide study design, conduct, and interpretation. Findings: We enrolled 788 incarcerated individuals and 380 staff across four county jails. Most seropositive individuals had not previously tested positive for COVID-19, despite many suspecting prior infection. Among incarcerated participants, we identified deficient access to face masks and prevalent symptom underreporting associated with fears of isolation and perceptions of medical neglect in jail. Incarcerated participants also reported substantial hindrances to court cases and reductions in routine health care due to COVID-19. Incarcerated individuals and staff both cited worsened mental health due to COVID-19, which for incarcerated individuals was largely attributable to further isolation from loved ones and other pandemic restrictions on recreation and programming. Conclusions: Perceptions of inadequate protection from COVID-19 were pervasive among incarcerated individuals. Simultaneously, restrictive measures compounded poor mental health and fostered fears of isolation that undermined effective infection control. Custody officials should work to systematically improve provision of masks, understand and mitigate fears and mistrust, and take proactive steps to minimize the detrimental impacts of restrictive policies on residents' mental health and well-being.

scholarly journals C's Get Degrees and Degrees lead too…Healthier Mental Health? The Effect of Cultural and Social Capital on Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cultural Capital ◽  
First Generation ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
College Degree ◽  
Social And Cultural Capital ◽  
First Generation College ◽  
Mental Well Being

Does social and cultural capital have beneficial outcomes that extend to the mental well-being of First Generation College graduates? Obtaining higher levels of educational degrees is known to produce positive rewards in lifestyle, opportunities, and income. Educational mobility is directly linked to social mobility. As one climbs the social ladder, one builds a broader network of people to rely on. This study analyzes 2010-2014 General Social Survey (GSS) data to report on the relationship between first-generation graduate status and self-reported days of mental health among 1654 non-institutionalized respondents in the U.S. All the parents of the respondents in the subset did not have a college degree of any kind. I hypothesize that among individuals whose parents do not have a college degree, first-generation college graduates (FGCG) are more likely to report less days of poor mental health than respondents with no college degree. The results support the hypothesis. Being a FGCG decreases the amount of days of poor mental well-being. In this study I make the connection that acquiring social and cultural capital is an effect of FGCG status. However, age appears to have a significant effect on the number of days of poor mental health, as well. I suggest reasons for this finding in the discussion.

scholarly journals Immediate impact of stay-at-home orders to control COVID-19 transmission on mental well-being in Bangladeshi adult population: Patterns, Explanations, and future directions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali ◽  
Gias U. Ahsan ◽  
Risliana Khan ◽  
Hasinur Rahman Khan ◽  
Ahmed Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Women Unemployed ◽  
At Home

Abstract Objective We aim to evaluate the immediate impacts of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on the mental well-being of Bangladeshi adults. We recruited 1404 healthy adults following the Bangladesh government's lockdown announcement. A questionnaire comprising the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to define mental health. Results The overall mean score for well-being was 42.4, indicating that 51.9% of adults suffered from poor mental health. And within that 48% of males and 57% of females were depressed. The mean scores for government workers, unemployed workers, and business employees were 45.1, 39.6, and 39.5, respectively. Confounding adjustments in multivariable linear regression models revealed that married women, unemployed and business communities, and individuals returning to villages were heavily depressed. Stay-at-home orders had significant repercussions on mental health and created a gender disparity in depression among adults. Suggestions include promoting mental health for women, unemployed, and business individuals. Married women need to be taken into special consideration as their mental well-being is worse. Older people (50 years of age and over) reported a high day-to-day variation in their mental health. These results should be factored in when discussing the mental health of adults and communities to cope with quarantine.

scholarly journals Depression and Experience of Incarceration in North Central Nigeria: A Situation Analysis at Makurdi Medium Security Prison 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
EMEKA NWEFOH ◽  
chinyere MIRIAN aguocha ◽  
GRACE RYAN ◽  
PHILIP ODE ◽  
FESTUS Ighagbon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Prison Inmates ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Medium Security

Abstract Background: Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State.Methods: A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results: Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.Keywords: depression, prison, Experience of Incarceration

scholarly journals European Integrated Care Horizon 2020: increase societal participation; reduce care demands and costs in Finnish context

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Heikkinen ◽  
Mari Lahti ◽  
Johanna Berg ◽  
Arina Kiseleva ◽  
Sini Eloranta
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Societal Participation ◽  
Mental Health Client

This project is part of larger European level integrated care project led by HU University of Applied Sciences.Background: In Finland, the integration of social and health care services has taken centre stage in both the policy and practice arenas. The needs of many client groups, for example mental health client, older people and families of child, are many and varied.For example, poor mental health considerably impairs well-being of the population and has considerable economic consequences like absence from work, early retirement and productive losses. Efforts to move towards integrated care in social and health care have been met with increased interest and enthusiasm in recent years.  This will increase the focus to improve care and population health while containing costs. However, there is a need to better understand different integrated care approaches for social and health care and guide future implementation of new integrated care models.It is now important to move towards integrated care for many client groups e.g. mental disorders. In this, professionals with different training backgrounds co-ordinate their expertise in providing care for theirshared clients. It provides a safe nexus for the exchange of knowledge and opinions, as well as a framework for reaching a consensus about appropriate health care delivery for a particular client or client cohort. The client should have an immediate access to integrated care, with a focus on rehabilitation in patient’s social roles.Aim: Support societal participation, quality of live and reduce care demand and costs in social and health care client, for example mental health client through integration of healthcare and welfare services. 

scholarly journals Screening Mental Well-Being in High Demand Occupational Settings in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Charles H Van Wijk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Self Report ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Occupational Settings

This study considered promoting well-being of employees in high demand occupational positions, through the screening of mental well-being. The numerous challenges to such monitoring in a multi-lingual developing country like South Africa – where this study was conducted – requires a tool that can screen for the mental well-being of at-risk individuals, in order to timeously refer vulnerable persons to appropriate mental health support services. This paper explored whether the State-Trait Personality Inventory-Trait Scales (STPI-T) can be used fairly to monitor the well-being of young adult South Africans in high demand occupational settings. The self-report scales were administered to a non-clinical sample (women=392, men=521) aged 20 to 40 years, and their responses were analyzed with MANOVA and a ROC analysis. The main findings of the study indicated that contextualised norms are required (and were provided for the sample studied), develop per specific national and occupational environment; and that socio-demographic variables like gender, age, and language had limited effect on scale responses in this select sample. The scales effectively identified vulnerable individuals, comparable to psychological interviews. Scale scores were highly homogenized, facilitating identification of outliers which may indicate poorer mental health, thus enabling further referral for appropriate support. In conclusion, the study provides support for the use of the SPTI-T to promote the well-being of employees in multi-lingual high demand occupational settings, through regular monitoring and early identification of risk for poor mental health.

scholarly journals Depression and Experience of Incarceration in North Central Nigeria: A Situation Analysis at Makurdi Medium Security Prison

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
EMEKA NWEFOH ◽  
chinyere MIRIAN aguocha ◽  
GRACE RYAN ◽  
PHILIP ODE ◽  
FESTUS Ighagbon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Prison Inmates ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Medium Security

Abstract Background: Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State.Methods: A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results: Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.

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