A Public Health Perspective on Diversion Programs for Justice-Involved Individuals with Mental Health Issues

2021 ◽  
pp. 171-193
Author(s):  
Lisaann S. Gittner ◽  
Jeff A. Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Diversion Programs ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Public mental health: a psychiatry and public health perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
J. Lyne ◽  
L. Connellan ◽  
R. Ceannt ◽  
K. O’Connor ◽  
E. Shelley
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Services ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
And Training

Abstract Mental health issues are fast becoming one of society’s greatest health challenges with evidence of higher levels of illness and strain on psychiatric services. The reasons for this trend of increasing mental health problems across the population are complex and there is an urgent need to research and deliver effective public mental health strategies. In this perspective piece we argue that psychiatrists and public health physicians have unique knowledge and perspectives on population mental health. The development of interdisciplinary initiatives and training posts would result in clinicians with expertise to drive forward public mental health strategies. Focused and sustained advocacy and collaboration are necessary for prioritisation of public mental health on policymakers’ agendas.

Discrimination and mental health among lesbian, gay and bisexual adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S734-S734
Author(s):  
M.A. Dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
And Bisexual

IntroductionMental health care is indispensable, has an essential role in development, but mental health issues are a major public health concern worldwide. Sexual minorities, lesbian, gay and bisexual, suffer from prejudice and it determines health inequities, especially for their mental health.ObjectiveTo show the relation between discrimination and mental health issues in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people and to increase understanding of this serious neglected public health problem.MethodsThe search was conducted using Science Direct and Scopus, using the following keywords: “discrimination” and “mental health” and “lesbian” and “gay” and “bisexual”. Using the review of literature, documents in English (articles, official documents, editorial, reviews, clinical trials).DiscussionNumerous studies have identified highest risk behavior, as illicit drug use, sexual risk-taking behaviors and mental health issues among LGB people. Some previous studies propose that health and risk disparities between heterosexual and LGB identifying or behaving people are due to minority stress–that is, that the stigma, discrimination, and violence experienced, leading to stress, thus predisposing illness, disease (worse mental and physical health outcomes) and potentially substance use, which may be used to relieve or escape stress.ConclusionHealth professionals and healthcare organizations must cover these unmet mental health needs if they move to more integrated, coordinated models of care. Health educators should attend to the unique needs of each sexual orientation group when presenting sexual health information and health care providers should undergo diversity and sensitivity training to work more effectively with those groups.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Mental Health and Obesity: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 1468-1473
Author(s):  
M. M. Sopian ◽  
S. Abbas ◽  
S. H. Teoh ◽  
E. Khan ◽  
R. Hami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
Increased Risk

Both mental health issues and obesity are widespread problems with major public health implications. Because of their increasing prevalence and the fact that they carry an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, a potential association between depression, anxiety, and stress and obesity has been presumed and repeatedly examined. As various studies concerning overweight and obesity have been published, the objective of this review is to appraise critically the literatureto clarify the association between mental health andobesity.More extensive research in this field is needed to improve management and minimize the chance of potential complications. Keywords: mental health, depression, anxiety, stress, obesity

scholarly journals Lockdown experiences and views on future research participation of autistic adults in the UK during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba X Realpe Rojas ◽  
Nicola Mills ◽  
Lucy Beasant ◽  
Sarah Douglas ◽  
Lorcan Kenny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 lockdown was a set of nationwide public health restrictions in force on the UK from March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Co-occurring anxiety and depression in autistic people placed them at heightened risk of potential adverse mental health due to the lockdown. Furthermore, the impact of current and future public health measures on autistic people’s willingness to take part in autism research was unknown. We carried out in-depth interviews with 31 autistic adults exploring their experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown and how the pandemic may affect future research participation. Transcripts were analysed thematically within a critical realism framework. Participants identified positive aspects of lockdown such as enjoying the lack of social pressures and using their well-developed skills for dealing with uncertainty. Autistic people also shared challenges of adjusting to lockdown, e.g., rapid change in daily routines. While hopeful about the freedom gained from easing restrictions, participants were concerned about the inconsistent communication and application of rules during the transition out of lockdown which may exacerbate already rising mental health issues among autistic people. The participants viewed research participation and engagement with increased relevance during the pandemic and welcomed efforts to conduct research using online methods of communication. The COVID-19 lockdown had a varied effect in the lives and routines of autistic people. However, healthcare providers and researchers need to be mindful of rising mental health issues during the pandemic, especially for people who were already vulnerable. The response to the pandemic may have offered opportunities for innovation in research processes enabling more autistic people to engage with research and making studies more inclusive.

scholarly journals Bridging Disciplines

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (31) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lise-Mari Lauritzen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Narrative Medicine ◽  
Close Reading ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Sociocultural Context ◽  
Main Character ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Character Identification

In 2016, the Norwegian government announced that public health and life mastery would be an overarching topic in all the subjects in high schools. Empathy may predict mental health issues, and fiction can encourage empathy. This article illustrates narrative empathy through the Norwegian novel Begynnelser (Beginnings) (2017) by Carl Frode Tiller. The aim is, to give a theoretical account of combined methods and insights from literary studies and narrative medicine in order to investigate how narrative empathy can emphasize mental health and life mastery in Norwegian literature when taught in high school. The article draws upon the thoughts of Bloom, Nussbaum, van Lissa et al. and Bryant on empathy and its meaning, Suzanne Keen’s theory of narrative empathy and pedagogical perspectives from the field of narrative medicine, represented by Rita Charon. Begynnelser connects to the concept of life mastery and through a close reading of the novel in a sociocultural context, students can learn to recognize important details in the text. Character identification and narrative situation are two main techniques in narrative empathy and in the novel by Tiller. This article reflects upon, how students can identify with the main character, in terms of both categorical and situational empathy, and how the narrative situation can show the reader why the character’s life unfolded as it did. The teacher must adjust the texts and the tasks to the particular group of students, and remember that teaching should not be a therapy session.

scholarly journals Anxiety, Uncertainty and Resilience during the Pandemic Period-Anthropological and Psychological Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranjan Bhattacharyya
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Traditional Print

Following any natural disaster, tragedy, calamities, there are upsurge of mental health issues found worldwide. COVID 19 is no exception to them. Public health and infection control domains were the first hit at the peak of pandemic. The news and information were bombarded in traditional print and electronic Medias as well as in social Medias. The tsunami of infodemic was a recent topic of discussion. The responsible reporting, media role, role of Government and Non Government organizations are immense. To combat these challenges and ensuring peace and tranquillity are the biggest task of the policymakers ahead.

scholarly journals Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health hospital admissions: comparative population-based study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Bonello ◽  
Daniela Zammit ◽  
Anton Grech ◽  
Victoria Camilleri ◽  
Rachel Cremona
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Hospital ◽  
Health Hospital

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic caused mental health services to be downscaled to abide by the public health restrictions issued. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pandemic and resultant restrictions had an impact on Malta's admissions to hospital for mental health issues by assessing the number and nature of psychiatric admissions to our only national mental health hospital. Method Data collection was carried out retrospectively for the 13-week period between 7 March 2020 and 4 June 2020, compared with the equivalent in 2019. Demographic data was obtained and descriptive statistical analysis through the use of the χ²-test, z-test and logistic regression model were used to compare both data-sets, using a P-value of 0.05. Results An overall reduction in admissions to hospital was noted in 2020 when compared with 2019, recorded to be lowest in March 2020 with a steady acceleration of admissions up until May 2020 (χ2(3) = 22.573, P < 0.001). This coincided with a decelerated rate of positive COVID-19 cases locally. In 2020, there were significantly higher female admissions (χ2(1) = 10.197, P < 0.001), increased presentations of self-harm/suicidal ideation (P < 0.001) and higher involuntary admissions using the Mental Health Act (χ2(1) = 4.904, P = 0.027). The logistic regression model identified total length of stay in hospital, primary mental health diagnosis, gender and month of admission as variables significantly associated with an admission. Conclusions Our first population-wide study confirms that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health restrictions had an impact on the population's hospital admissions for mental health issues.

scholarly journals Public health nurses’ experience, involvement and attitude concerning mental health issues in a school setting

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Øyfrid Larsen Moen ◽  
Hege Skundberg-Kletthagen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Public Health Nurses ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Issues

The aim of the study was to describe and explore public health nurses’ perceptions of involvement and their attitudes concerning the mental health aspects of their work in schools. Furthermore, we wished to explore their need for useful approaches and training topics. The teenage years in particular are associated with an incidence of mental health problems such as depression. Public health nurses in schools have an extensive role in relation to health promotion and the prevention of both physical and mental health. A cross-sectional study with 284 public health nurses from 163 municipalities in Norway was carried out, using the Depression Attitude Questionnaire. The public health nurses reported various degrees of confidence and time spent working with mental health issues. Confidence was found to be related to further education and courses.

scholarly journals Philippine Mental Health Act: just an act? A call to look into the bi-directionality of mental health and economy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholle Mae Amor Maravilla ◽  
Myles Joshua Tan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Mental Health Act ◽  
Current State ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The World

This article calls for an investigation into the potential bi-directionality between mental health and economics, particularly in the Philippines. Here, we talk about the three themes that contribute to misbeliefs about mental health in Philippine culture and the current state of mental health in the Philippines, including established mental and public health legislations and the lack of resources needed to address mental health concerns in the country. We also compare the Philippines with Northwestern European countries, nine of which are among the 10 happiest countries in the world. In these countries, collaboration between governments and their citizens strengthens research, monitoring, and the evaluation framework of policymaking for mental health — areas in which the Philippines must improve. Finally, we call for Filipinos to view mental health issues in a different light and to impel government and public sectors to prioritize them and to set the Philippine Mental Health Act into motion.

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