scholarly journals It's Complicated—Adolescent Grief in the Time of Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Weinstock ◽  
Dunja Dunda ◽  
Hannah Harrington ◽  
Hannah Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Childhood Bereavement ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adolescent Grief

Presently, there is a real possibility of a second pandemic occurring: a grief pandemic. There are estimated to be over 1 million children and young people experiencing bereavement because of Covid-19. Adolescent grief is unique due to bio-psycho-social factors such as increased risk-taking, identity-formation, and limited capacity for emotional regulation. In this article, we will argue that adolescents are at increased risk of developing complicated grief during the Covid-19 pandemic, and that it is vital that services are improved to recognize and address this need before secondary problems emerge, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Complicated grief in adolescents is widely underrecognized and often misdiagnosed as a range of mental health problems, addictions, and offending behavior. For example, 25% of <20 year olds who commit suicide have experienced childhood bereavement, whilst 41% of youth offenders have experienced childhood bereavement; this is in comparison with only 4% of the general population. Many of the broader risk factors for complicated grief were already increasing prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, including increased loneliness amongst young people, and the collapse of collective structures to help people manage grief. We propose that this pandemic could be a catalyst for mental health professionals to support and nurture the caring communities emerging in this time as an essential resource to prevent the onset of a grief pandemic.

scholarly journals Professionals’ views on the mental health problems and vulnerability of children and young people during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Angelika Labno ◽  
Melissa A. Cortina ◽  
Anna Gilleard ◽  
Daniel Hayes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Increased Risk

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to everyday life for children and young people. The aim of this study was to examine professionals’ views on the mental health problems and vulnerabilities of children and young people during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a secondary analysis of an online survey completed by mental health professionals in the UK between 22 April 2020 and 12 May 2020. The final sample was N = 601 professionals who at least partly worked with children and young people. Quantitative and qualitative survey data showed that professionals were concerned about young people experiencing economic disadvantage and young people from minority ethnic groups, as pre-existing social inequalities resulted in increased risk of infection and reduced access to physical and mental health care. Professionals were concerned about young people with little family support and young people at risk of relapse or deterioration in mental health, reporting the exacerbation of pre-existing mental health difficulties and challenging behaviours. Further research, involving young people as researchers, is needed to explore the continued impact for children and young people, and their families, including in comparison to their experiences before the pandemic.

The association between economic inactivity and mental health among young people: a longitudinal study of young adults who are not in employment, education or training

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Power ◽  
M. Clarke ◽  
I. Kelleher ◽  
H. Coughlan ◽  
F. Lynch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectivesIncreasing rates of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) are a cause of concern both in Ireland and internationally, but little longitudinal research has examined the link between psychiatric disorder in young people and NEET status.MethodsThe Challenging Times (CT) Study is a longitudinal, population-based study of psychopathology among 212 young Irish people. Clinical interviews were performed at two time points: 12–15 years and 19–24 years.ResultsNEET status in young adulthood was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of current suicidal ideation. This result was independent of prior adolescent mental disorder. NEET young people had a fourfold increased odds of being diagnosed with a mental disorder in childhood or early adolescence compared with their economically active peers. NEET young people were at an almost threefold increased risk of any mental health disorder a twofold increased risk of anxiety disorder and threefold increased odds of suicide attempts over their lifetime compared with economically active peers.ConclusionsNEET young people are at increased risk for mental disorder and suicidal ideation. The association is bidirectional, as prior mental disorder in adolescence appeared to account for much of the association between NEET status and current mental health problems. However, economic inactivity conveys an increased risk for suicidal ideation over and above that due to prior disorder. Our findings provide a compelling economic and societal argument for early intervention and treatment of mental disorder and the importance of vocational interventions for reducing suicide risk in young adults.

scholarly journals A Smartphone App (BlueIce) for Young People Who Self-Harm: Open Phase 1 Pre-Post Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Stallard ◽  
Joanna Porter ◽  
Rebecca Grist
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Young Person ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm

BACKGROUND Recent years have seen a significant increase in the availability of smartphone apps for mental health problems. Despite their proliferation, few apps have been specifically developed for young people, and almost none have been subject to any form of evaluation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to undertake a preliminary evaluation of a smartphone app (BlueIce), coproduced with young people and designed to help young people manage distress and urges to self-harm. We aimed to assess the acceptability, safety, and use of BlueIce and to explore the effects on the primary outcome of self-harm and the secondary outcomes of psychological functioning. METHODS We undertook an open trial where we recruited young people aged 12 to 17 years attending specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) who were currently self-harming or had a history of self-harm. Eligible participants were assessed at baseline and then given BlueIce. They were assessed 2 weeks later (post familiarization) and again at 12 weeks (post use). A behavior-screening questionnaire (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) was completed along with standardized measures of depression (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire or MFQ) and anxiety (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale or RCADS), taking into account self-reports of self-harm, app helpfulness, and safety. RESULTS All core CAMHS professional groups referred at least 1 young person. Out of 40 young people recruited, 37 (93%) elected to use BlueIce after familiarization, with 29 out of 33 (88%) wanting to keep it at the end of the study. No young person called the emergency numbers during the 12-week trial, and no one was withdrawn by his or her clinician due to increased risk of suicide. Almost three-quarters (73%) of those who had recently self-harmed reported reductions in self-harm after using BlueIce for 12 weeks. There was a statistically significant mean difference of 4.91 (t31=2.11; P=.04; 95% CI 0.17-9.64) on postuse symptoms of depression (MFQ) and 13.53 on symptoms of anxiety (RCADS) (t30=3.76; P=.001; 95% CI 6.17-20.90), which was evident across all anxiety subscales. Ratings of app acceptability and usefulness were high. CONCLUSIONS Our study has a number of methodological limitations, particularly the absence of a comparison group and a prospective way of assessing self-harm. Nonetheless, our findings are encouraging and suggest that BlueIce, used alongside a traditional CAMHS face-to-face intervention, can help young people manage their emotional distress and urges to self-harm.

scholarly journals Risk of Developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in COVID-19 Survivors: What Should Mental Health Specialists Prepare For?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Sękowski ◽  
Małgorzata Gambin ◽  
Karolina Hansen ◽  
Paweł Holas ◽  
Sylwia Hyniewska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Ptsd Prevalence

Given the high COVID-19 mortality, the disease itself may be experienced as a life-threatening and traumatic event. Therefore, in the article we try to answer three questions that are relevant to public mental health: Should mental health professionals prepare for the increase in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence due to the pandemic? Can we define groups of COVID-19 survivors who are at higher risk of developing PTSD? How can health specialists prepare for it? Given the results of previous research on PTSD in epidemic survivors (e.g. SARS), we suggest that mental health professionals in countries touched by the pandemic should prepare for an increase in the PTSD prevalence in individuals who have had COVID-19. The PTSD risk group includes mainly individuals: from groups at increased risk of complications or who have experienced complications; who were not provided healthcare due to health service overload; experiencing additional mental health problems; healthcare workers; and stigmatized groups. We postulate that individuals who experienced COVID-19 should be routinely screened for PTSD; particular attention should be given to individuals at risk. Mental health services should prepare for providing therapeutic interventions for individuals with PTSD, and support to families, especially children, of COVID-19 survivors with PTSD.

scholarly journals Alienated and unsafe: Life through the Covid-19 lockdown for vulnerable young people (aged 11-24 years) as revealed in web-based therapeutic sessions with mental health professionals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Mindel ◽  
Crystal Oppong ◽  
Louisa Salhi ◽  
Joanna Lockwood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have detrimentally and disproportionately affected young people, with those who are considered vulnerable due to their experiences or life circumstances disadvantaged further still. In this study, we seek to understand the experiences of vulnerable young people accessing web-based therapeutic support during the pandemic and early lockdown, as revealed through the observations of mental health professionals. Methods Four focus groups with twelve web-based mental health professionals from the service Kooth were conducted on Zoom, and data analysed using thematic analysis. Participatory workshops with young people with diverse experiences supplemented the study approach and design and involved young people in the co-design of the focus group topic guide and the interpretation and validation of analysis. Results Four main themes and additional sub-themes were identified relating to the experiences of vulnerable young people on a web-based mental health platform. These were Escalation of risk, The Experience and Consequence of Loss, Feeling Supported and Empowered, and Feeling Separate and Isolated. Conclusions Findings broadly reflect early data that suggests that those with existing vulnerability face increased risk of poor outcomes through the pandemic and the restrictions of lockdown, but evidence is also provided of positive outcomes from lockdown and its function as a catalyst for change. Results reinforce that focused support for vulnerable young people is a priority as we emerge from lockdown and points to support and protective factors of relevance to online and offline support provision. The study uniquely contributes qualitative insight from web-based mental health professionals who have provided continuity of care to vulnerable youth from pre-pandemic and during lockdown and are therefore well-positioned to understand the impact of lockdown on the lives of service users. The robust youth-based participatory design is an additional study strength.

scholarly journals Screening for smoking and substance misuse in pregnant women with mental illness

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 294-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Shah ◽  
Louise Howard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Increased Risk

Aims and MethodSmoking and substance misuse adversely affect the outcome of pregnancy and psychiatric patients are known to smoke more than other patients. Data collected at the time of routine antenatal booking were analysed to investigate whether pregnant women with mental health problems smoke more than other pregnant women.ResultsData were collected from 156 women. Those with a psychiatric diagnosis (n=76) were significantly more likely to smoke (P<0.001). Associations were also found with illicit drug use and previous termination of pregnancy. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was depression (62%). A diagnosis of schizophrenia was not recorded for any of the women.Clinical ImplicationsThe strong association between smoking and psychiatric diagnosis results in an increased risk of obstetric complications in psychiatric patients. Anti-smoking interventions might be delivered by adequately trained midwives and opportunistically during contact with mental health professionals.

Low Physical Activity in Adolescence is Associated with Increased Risk for Mental Health Problems

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Monshouwer ◽  
Margreet ten Have ◽  
Mireille Van Poppel ◽  
Han Kemper ◽  
Wilma Vollebergh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Increased Risk

Family Type Predicts Mental Health Problems in Young Adults: A Survey of Students at a University in Botswana

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kennedy Amone-P'Olak ◽  
Boniface Kealeboga Ramotuana
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Mother ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Family Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intact Family ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Family Types

In Africa, the structure of the family is changing rapidly. The effects of this change on mental health remain unknown. This study investigated the extent to which different family types (intact, single-mother, and multiple) predict mental health problems in young adults in Botswana (N = 264, mean age = 21.31, SD = 2.40). In a cross-sectional design, the study sampled students registered at various faculties at the University of Botswana. The revised symptoms checklist (SCL-90-R) was used to assess symptoms of mental health problems (depression, anxiety and hostility). Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) of mental health problems for mother-only and multiple family types relative to the intact family type. Compared to the intact family type, single-mother (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.51) and multiple family types (OR = 1.56; CI: 0.88, 2.78) were associated with an increased risk of depression. For anxiety, the ORs were 2.27 (CI: 1.18, 4.38) and 1.10 (CI: 0.56, 1.82) for single-mother and multiple family types respectively. For hostility, the ORs were 2.60 (CI: 1.34, 5.04), and 0.79 (CI: 0.44, 1.42) for single-mother and multiple family types, respectively. Family types predict mental health problems in young adults and therefore the interventions to mitigate the effects should consider family backgrounds and the ramifications of family types for treatment and care.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document