Sexual Abuse and Mental Health in Humanitarian Disasters

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Spowart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Mental Health Effects ◽  
Public Health Initiatives ◽  
Very High

This chapter provides an overview of the importance of addressing mental health issues due to sexual violence in humanitarian disasters. It provides an overview of the relevance of sexual violence in conflict and its connection to mental health concerns and a heightening of the impacts of the humanitarian disaster. Sexual violence further destroys societies and increases the repercussions of the humanitarian disaster for decades after the conflict has ended. The very high levels of sexual violence that accompany humanitarian disasters are not inevitable. Underlying cultural and societal beliefs that exist before the humanitarian disaster occurs can be aggravated and brought to surface to further exasperate the negative impacts. Large scale public health initiatives that use marketing such as radio, billboards, social media, and television advertisements for example can be helpful and impactful for changing awareness and consciousness of societal norms and assumed inevitabilities that happen in societies. Humanitarian disaster research has revealed that it is common for individuals to view sexual violence as normal and for perpetrators to minimize the effects of it. However, this is a coping strategy that does not take away from the individual, societal and familial mental health effects of sexual violence from humanitarian disasters.

scholarly journals Mental Health /Depression at Workplaces

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (SPL1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asrenee AB. Razak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Good Mental Health ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Job Related Stress

There is an increasing trend of mental health issues in Malaysia. 1 in 3 Malaysian aged over 16 years old is at risk of having a mental health problem, and the trend is on the rise. The burden of mental health disorders on health and productivity, however, has long been underestimated. It is partly due to the cultural stigma attached to mental disorders. The recent 2018 Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace survey reported that more than half of employees in the survey have been affected by job-related stress such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and could lead to suicide. The serious consequences of these mental health issues not only affecting the individual but also lead to negative impacts on the productivity and performance of the company. On the other hand, workplaces that promote good mental health, and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity as well as could benefit from associated economic gains. It is crucial for the workplace to integrate mental health intervention in their health and wellbeing strategy.  Among the useful intervention is mindfulness training. Mindfulness is not only proven to reduce the work stress but also teaches the employees to appreciate life and positively cope with their job demands. This presentation outlines the benefits of mindfulness and how it can be applied in daily life.

Environmental Development Strategies for an Industrial Area (Kochi Industrial Belt)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annu Reetha Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Industrial Pollution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Technical Solutions

Discharging of wastes and toxic pollutants produced by the industrial activities into the natural environment which consist of air, water and land implies the term Industrial Pollution. It has serious consequences on human life and its health along with several ways of negative impacts on the environment and nature. As far as our nation is concerned most of the major cities are filled with these large-scale industries which place a crucial role financial development of a country. Strictly hindering the development of industries cannot be done as it is vital for the Socio-Economic progress of a country. Yet it is our duty to protect our natural environment by limiting the pollution due to industries. This Study consist of the issues occurred in Eloor- Kadungalloor region as result of the industrial pollution followed by policies for a development plan to enhance the natural and environmental conditions with a planning approach at micro study level. As far as the Kerala context is considered, the major spot which is mostly affected by the industrial pollution is the ‘Edayar Industrial belt’ which is the largest industrial belt in Kerala. This became one of most noted spot because of the continuous dumping of dangerous chemical pollutants from adjacent industries (pesticide and fertilizer manufacturing). It has also resulted in health issues for the inhabitants of the site. Though many complaints have been filed against the companies, there has no proper laws or schemes for taking measures for reduction of pollution have come up so far. Hence this paper deals with the application of technical solutions and strategies for an Environment Improvement plan development for an industrial as well as studying on the issues of sire and its inhabitants.

scholarly journals B.05 The importance of mental health in improving quality of life in transition-aged patients with epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (s1) ◽  
pp. S11
Author(s):  
KC Mabilangan ◽  
S Healy ◽  
T Fantaneanu ◽  
S Whiting
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Transition Clinic ◽  
Elevated Rate ◽  
The Individual

Background: Growing evidence has that a suggested that mental health strongly influences quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with epilepsy. In addition, research has suggested that these mental health issues are associated with increased seizure burden and worsened health outcomes. Despite this, and the elevated rate of mental health issues in this population, seizure control tends to be the dominant or sole concern for treating physicians. Methods: In order to look at potential predictors of QoL in adolescents we looked at seizure related data, demographic variables, and comorbid conditions in 70 adolescents with epilepsy aged 14 to 18 (M= 16.3l; 37 males, 33 females) enrolled into an epilepsy transition clinic. Results: Regression analysis found that mental health remained a significant and independent predictor of QoL even when other significant seizure related variables were accounted for (t(58)= -3.44, p= .001). Furthermore, when looking at the individual subscales of patient QoL (e.g., memory, social support, stigma), mental health was consistently found to be the strongest correlate. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that in order to ensure the best outcomes for transition-aged adolescents with epilepsy, it is important to not only manage and treat seizures, but also to assess and treat mental health issues.

scholarly journals “It Went to the Very Heart of Who I Was as a Woman”: The Invisible Impacts of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-297
Author(s):  
Laura Tarzia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
The Invisible

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) sits within the intersection of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. It is prevalent, yet poorly understood. Research consistently shows that IPSV is associated with many mental and physical health issues although the mental health aspects are often the most damaging. Despite this, there is poor understanding of the mechanisms through which IPSV causes trauma and poor mental health. To address this gap, I used interpretative phenomenological analysis of n = 38 in-depth interviews with women in Australia to explore their lived experiences of IPSV. The essence of IPSV was described as “Being attacked from the inside out” and comprised four themes. The first, “Shaken foundations,” described devastating betrayal and loss of trust. The second, “A different kind of damage,” suggested that sexual violence impacts women differently from physical or psychological violence in a relationship. The third theme, “It kills something inside you,” addressed the dehumanizing aspects of IPSV. The final theme, “Lingering scar tissue,” focused on the long-term impacts of IPSV on women’s sexuality and relationships. The findings of this study highlight the “invisible impacts” of IPSV, which may be the pathways through which it causes trauma.

scholarly journals Access to community-based mental healthcare and psychosocial support within a disaster context

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine P O'Hanlon ◽  
Boris Budosan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Clear Vision ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Effects

After a large-scale humanitarian disaster, 30–50% of victims develop moderate or severe psychological distress. Rates of mild and moderate mental disorders increase by 5–10% and severe disorders by 1–2%. Those with such disorders need access to mental healthcare. Primary care clinics are appropriate due to their easy accessibility and the non-stigmatising environment. There is a consensus among experts that the mental health effects of disaster are best addressed by existing services, that is, through capacity building rather than by establishing parallel systems. Mental health interventions in emergencies should begin with a clear vision for the long-term advancement of community services.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Mental Toughness, Job Loss, and Mental Health Issues During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dara Mojtahedi ◽  
Neil Dagnall ◽  
Andrew Denovan ◽  
Peter Clough ◽  
Sophie Hull ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Affective States ◽  
Mental Health Effects ◽  
The Relationship

Concerns toward public well-being and mental health are increasing considering the COVID-19 pandemic's global societal and individual impact. The present study builds on the current body of COVID-19 literature by examining the role of mental toughness (MT) in predicting negative affective states (depression, anxiety and stress) during the pandemic. The study also examined the effects of changes in employment on mental health and MT. Participants (N = 723) completed a battery of questionnaires including the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-item, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items. Participants reported relatively higher levels of depression, stress and anxiety in comparison to pre-COVID-19 samples from previous research, with respondents who had lost their jobs during the pandemic reporting higher levels of negative affective states. Despite this, mentally tough individuals appeared to report lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Moreover, moderation analyses identified some interaction between MT and employment status when predicting depression, anxiety and stress. Our findings suggest that MT may have some utility in reducing the adverse mental health effects of the pandemic on individuals, however, further longitudinal research is needed to support these implications.

Social Media for Mental Health Initiatives

2018 ◽  
pp. 210-224
Author(s):  
Gemma Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
New Challenges

Social media has added a new dynamic for those living with mental illness. There are several benefits to using social media to obtain information and support for mental health issues, but there are also new challenges and drawbacks. This chapter explores social media for mental health initiatives, with a focus on two case studies: Facebook's suicide prevention tools and the Bell Let's Talk campaign. These case studies highlight the unique ways that social media can be harnessed to raise awareness and provide support and resources to vulnerable populations, while also providing insights into the challenges of utilizing these platforms.

Media advocacy for policy influence

2020 ◽  
pp. 340-347
Author(s):  
Simon Chapman ◽  
Becky Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Media Advocacy ◽  
Effective Media ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
The Media ◽  
Public Health Initiatives

Many public health interventions are controversial or potentially controversial. The way the media handle such issues can strongly influence public and policy-maker attitudes towards them, and effective media advocacy can be a powerful way of taking forward public health initiatives. After reading this chapter, you should have a better understanding of: how the media deal with public health issues; how the framing of an issue influences whether and how it leads to changes in policy; what you can do when a public health issue is framed in an adverse or harmful way.

Maddi Faith in conversation with Jerome Carson

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Maddi Faith ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Maddi Faith. Design/methodology/approach In this single case study, Maddi gives a short background and the origins of her mental health issues and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Maddi tells the authors how her problems developed in her childhood and of the journey she has been on since. Research limitations/implications Single case studies provide a single perspective. Yet are they of any less value than a commentary by an academic? On the contrary, many offer unique insights into how the authors provide services for people with mental health problems, and of better ways to help them. Practical implications Maddi raises the issue of “falling between services”, with the result that the individual concerned does not receive the help they need. Social implications The persistent stigma of mental health problems is an issue that will need to be addressed for decades if it is to be overcome. Personal witness is vital in tackling this issue. Maddi has already done a lot to address this through her work at University. Originality/value The Trust the second author worked for, for many years used to have a staff “Made a Difference” award. Maddi surely deserves such an award for her own efforts to develop our understanding of the realities of mental health problems.

COVID-19 related mental health issues: a narrative review of psychometric properties of scales and methodological concerns in scale development

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622199264
Author(s):  
Ramdas Ransing ◽  
Elona Dashi ◽  
Sajjadur Rehman ◽  
Varun Mehta ◽  
Ashish Chepure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Pubmed Central ◽  
Augmentation Strategies ◽  
Mental Health Effects ◽  
Methodological Aspects ◽  
Design And Testing

Objectives: The global crisis of COVID-19 and its consequential strict public health measures placed around the world have impacted mental health. New scales and tools have been developed to measure these mental health effects. This narrative review assesses the psychometric properties of these scales and tools and methodological aspects of their development. Methods: PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from 15 May 2020 to 15 August 2020. This search used three groups of terms (“tool” OR “scale” AND “mental” OR “psychological”; AND “COVID-19” OR “coronavirus”). The identified scales were further evaluated for their psychometric properties and methodological aspects of their development. Results: Though the studies developing these scales ( n = 12) have demonstrated their robust psychometric properties, some methodological concerns are noteworthy. Most of the scales were validated using internet-based surveys, and detailed descriptions of the mode of administration, sampling process, response rates, and augmentation strategies were missing. Conclusions: The heterogeneous and inadequate reporting of methods adopted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the identified scales can limit their utility in clinical and research settings. We suggest developing guidelines and checklists to improve the design and testing, and result in reporting of online-administered scales to assess the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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