scholarly journals Sleep and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara A. Cloonan ◽  
Emily C. Taylor ◽  
Michelle R. Persich ◽  
Natalie S. Dailey ◽  
William D.S. Killgore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
First Year ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Resilience Capacity

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the mental health and wellbeing of much of the population. Rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, and other mental health concerns increased during the first year of the pandemic, with heightened fears of the virus, social isolation, and economic instability. Psychological resilience remains a key factor in sustaining healthy emotional functioning during the crisis and facilitating rapid recovery as we move forward to build a better post-pandemic world. Our research, and that of others, suggests that healthy sleep is one of the most powerful aspects of psychological resilience. This chapter will summarize the current literature on psychological resilience, particularly as it relates to the pandemic, and describe the important role of sleep as a key component of resilience capacity. We will discuss novel empirical data linking sleep and resilience during the pandemic. We will conclude with concrete, empirically based suggestions for modulating sleep to sustain psychological resilience during the present crisis and those that may emerge in the future.

scholarly journals The role of accommodation environments in student mental health and wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne D. Worsley ◽  
Paula Harrison ◽  
Rhiannon Corcoran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
First Year ◽  
Student Mental Health ◽  
North West ◽  
Human Element ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Physical Attributes ◽  
Attachment To Place ◽  
Pastoral Staff

Abstract Background Due to the increasing concern over student mental health and wellbeing, attention has turned to the matter of creating environments, communities, and institutions which enable students to flourish. Methods To explore the role of accommodation environments in first year student mental health and wellbeing, eight focus groups were conducted in two universities in North West England and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three overarching themes were identified: ‘The betwixt space’; ‘Accommodations as vessels to cultivate friendships and communities’; and ‘The importance of accommodation-based pastoral staff’. As attachment to place and relationships with significant others are disrupted by the transition, this leaves young people vulnerable whilst they go through a process to re-attach to new people and a new environment, and loneliness and social isolation were keenly felt during this period. Physical attributes of place that prevent social cohesion further exacerbated feelings of loneliness. Conclusions As it is common for students to withdraw physically and psychologically when they do not form friendships within their flat, accommodation-based pastoral staff have an important role to fulfil. Although these findings demonstrate the importance of the human element within accommodation, designing places that facilitate community, a sense of we-ness, and belonging is crucial.

Impact of Covid-19 on the mental health needs of asylum seekers in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110054
Author(s):  
Sarah Mares ◽  
Kym Jenkins ◽  
Susan Lutton ◽  
Louise Newman AM
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Human Rights Violations ◽  
Mental Health Needs

Objective: This paper highlights the significant mental health vulnerabilities of people who have sought asylum in Australia and their additional adversities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Australia’s policies in relation to asylum seekers result in multiple human rights violations and add significantly to mental health vulnerabilities. Despite a majority being identified as refugees, people spend years in personal and administrative limbo and are denied resettlement in Australia. Social isolation and other restrictions associated with Covid-19 and recent reductions in welfare and housing support compound their difficulties. The clinical challenges in working with people impacted by these circumstances and the role of psychiatrists and the RANZCP in advocacy are identified.

Unemployment Normalization: Its Effect on Mental Health During Various Stages of Unemployment

2018 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 1600-1617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Thill ◽  
Claude Houssemand ◽  
Anne Pignault
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Health ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
First Year ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
Normalization Process

The negative effects of job loss on mental health have been thoroughly described in the literature. However, different fluctuations in mental health during the unemployment period have been noticed. We argue that a coping process takes place in this kind of situation. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of the unemployment normalization process on mental health during various stages of unemployment. Participants ( N = 803) completed the General Health Questionaire-12 and the Unemployment Normalization Questionnaire. Results showed that a negative perception of unemployment had the greatest impact on mental health during the different phases of unemployment. Nevertheless, during the first year, having a positive perception counteracted these negative effects, and after 1 year, the unemployment norm took over the role of buffering against the negative effects on mental health. These results indicate that unemployment is still perceived as negative, but depending on the stage of unemployment, various coping strategies are used to buffer the negative consequences of unemployment.

The Role of AYUSH in Mental Well-Being

2020 ◽  
pp. 281-295
Author(s):  
Ranjit Kumar Dehury ◽  
Rajeev Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Peace Of Mind ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Mind And Brain ◽  
The Government ◽  
Mental Well Being

Mental wellbeing was the centerpiece of the Indian system of medicine. Many healthcare issues are resolved by the peace of mind and brain stimulating processes. Of late, Government of India adopted many systems of medicines that are complementary to the modern allopathic medicines and named it AYUSH system of medicine. In this Ayurveda, Yoga, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Swa-rigppa, and additional healing systems are represented. There is also a great need for psychological wellbeing due to the rapid increase in stressful life situations. The current modern medical care is not adequate to provide mental health services in the society. At the same time, many indigenous and AYUSH system have come into action and solve the problem the best way it possible. The chapter focuses on the role of AYUSH system in catering to mental wellbeing in India. The policies of the government of India are to promote mental health and wellbeing in society. The specialties of various systems of medicine in curing the mental health conditions have been elaborated.

The Role of Social Isolation in the Relationships Between Psychosis and Suicidal Ideation

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Lindsay A. Bornheimer ◽  
Juliann Li ◽  
Vitalis Im ◽  
Madeline Taylor ◽  
Joseph A. Himle
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Social Isolation

scholarly journals The role of technology in Australian youth mental health reform

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane M. Burns ◽  
Emma Birrell ◽  
Marie Bismark ◽  
Jane Pirkis ◽  
Tracey A. Davenport ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Reform ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Mental Health Reform ◽  
The Right

This paper describes the extent and nature of Internet use by young people, with specific reference to psychological distress and help-seeking behaviour. It draws on data from an Australian cross-sectional study of 1400 young people aged 16 to 25 years. Nearly all of these young people used the Internet, both as a source of trusted information and as a means of connecting with their peers and discussing problems. A new model of e-mental health care is introduced that is directly informed by these findings. The model creates a system of mental health service delivery spanning the spectrum from general health and wellbeing (including mental health) promotion and prevention to recovery. It is designed to promote health and wellbeing and to complement face-to-face services to enhance clinical care. The model has the potential to improve reach and access to quality mental health care for young people, so that they can receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. What is known about the topic? One in four young Australians experience mental health disorders, and these often emerge in adolescence and young adulthood. Young people are also prominent users of technology and the Internet. Effective mental health reform must recognise the opportunities that technology affords and leverage this medium to provide services to improve outcomes for young people. What does this paper add? Information regarding the nature of young people’s Internet use is deficient. This paper presents the findings of a national survey of 1400 young Australians to support the case for the role of technology in Australian mental health reform. What are the implications for practitioners? The Internet provides a way to engage young people and provide access to mental health services and resources to reduce traditional barriers to help-seeking and care. eMental health reform can be improved by greater attention toward the role of technology and its benefits for mental health outcomes.

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