scholarly journals Mental Health Promotion as a Prevention and Healing Tool for Issues of Youth Suicide in Canadian Aboriginal Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel L. Wortzman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Aboriginal Communities ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Forms Of Knowledge

This article discusses the appropriateness of using mental health promotion as a prevention and healing tool for Canadian Aboriginal youth dealing with issues of suicide. Strengths of mental health promotion in the context of this population include its emphasis on community-wide approaches, consideration of root causes of mental health issues, recognition of culture as a protective factor, and integration of diverse forms of knowledge. Limitations include an inadequate role for spirituality, lack of culturally-sensitive program evaluation, and emphasis on Western patterns of time, space, and communication. In response to this analysis, recommendations are proposed that could guide the development of future mental health promotion programs.

scholarly journals Mental Health Services for Students at Postsecondary Institutions: A National Survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 766-775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Jaworska ◽  
Elisea De Somma ◽  
Bernice Fonseka ◽  
Emma Heck ◽  
Glenda M. MacQueen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Postsecondary Institutions ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Objective: Although the high prevalence of mental health issues among postsecondary students is well documented, comparatively little is known about the adequacy, accessibility, and adherence to best practices of mental health services (MHSs)/initiatives on postsecondary campuses. We evaluated existing mental health promotion, identification, and intervention initiatives at postsecondary institutions across Canada, expanding on our previous work in one Canadian province. Methods: A 54-question online survey was sent to potential respondents (mainly front-line workers dealing directly with students [e.g., psychologists/counsellors, medical professionals]) at Canada’s publicly funded postsecondary institutions. Data were analyzed overall and according to institutional size (small [<2000 students], medium [2000–10 000 students], large [>10 000 students]). Results: In total, 168 out of 180 institutions were represented, and the response rate was high (96%; 274 respondents). Most institutions have some form of mental health promotion and outreach programs, although most respondents felt that these were not a good use of resources. Various social supports exist at most institutions, with large ones offering the greatest variety. Most institutions do not require incoming students to disclose mental health issues. While counselling services are typically available, staff do not reliably have a diverse complement (e.g., gender or race diversity). Counselling sessions are generally limited, and follow-up procedures are uncommon. Complete diagnostic assessments and the use of standardized diagnostic systems are rare. Conclusions: While integral MHSs are offered at most Canadian postsecondary institutions, the range and depth of available services are variable. These data can guide policy makers and stakeholders in developing comprehensive campus mental health strategies.

Community-embedded positive mental health promotion programs for the general population: A scoping review protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Hill ◽  
Lindsay Heyland ◽  
Jodi Langley ◽  
Alanna Kaser ◽  
Sophie Keddy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Study Methodology

Objective: To chart the body of literature on Positive Mental Health Promotion (PMHP) programing and to document the current PMHP in one Canadian province to provide insight into the types, scope, and nature of the programs currently and historically available to community residents in this province. Introduction: Positive mental health promotion is an emerging field within community mental health. Programming and policy efforts devoted to promoting mental health are emerging. These efforts are varied in scope and nature, and there is little consensus or evidence based best practices, and alignment with the provincial mental health policy.Inclusion criteria: Peer-reviewed literature relevant to community mental health promotion, and grey literature that contains details of relevant programs accessible to the general community.Methods: A preliminary search strategy in PubMed, EBSCO, and PsychINFO was developed with a librarian and a JBI-trained researcher. Primary studies published after 2000 in English evaluating or documenting PMHPs, will be included. Grey literature from an environmental scan of existing local programs will be included. Data to be extracted includes, study methodology and methods, program scope, content, materials, evaluation and outcomes

scholarly journals Beyond Workers’ Compensation

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Oliffe ◽  
Christina S. E. Han
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Workplace Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

The mental health of men is an important issue with significant direct and indirect costs emerging from work-related depression and suicide. Although the merits of men’s community-based and workplace mental health promotion initiatives have been endorsed, few programs are mandated or formally evaluated and reported on. Conspicuously absent also are gender analyses detailing connections between masculinities and men’s work-related depression and suicide on which to build men-centered mental health promotion programs. This article provides an overview of four interconnected issues, (a) masculinities and men’s health, (b) men and work, (c) men’s work-related depression and suicide, and (d) men’s mental health promotion, in the context of men’s diverse relationships to work (including job insecurity and unemployment). Based on the review, recommendations are made for advancing the well-being of men who are in as well as of those out of work.

scholarly journals Efficiency of an Online Health-Promotion Program in Individuals with At-Risk Mental State during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11875
Author(s):  
Ching-Lun Tsai ◽  
Cheng-Hao Tu ◽  
Jui-Cheng Chen ◽  
Hsien-Yuan Lane ◽  
Wei-Fen Ma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Promotion Program ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
At Risk Mental State

Mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impact people’s daily lives. Individuals with an at-risk mental state are more vulnerable to mental health issues, and these may lead to onset of full psychotic illnesses. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an online health-promotion program for physical and mental health of the individuals with at-risk mental state during the COVID-19 pandemic. A single group study with pre- and post-tests was conducted in 39 young adults with at-risk mental state. The participants were provided with the online health-promotion program after completing the pretest. Via social media, the online counseling program released one topic of material (about 15–20 min) every two weeks and provided interactive counseling for specific personal health needs on the platform. Study questionnaires, physiological examination, and blood serum examination were completed at both pre- and post-tests. The participants showed significant improvements in mental risk, anxiety, and physical activity after participating in the program. Furthermore, those who did not complete the program had significantly more severe negative symptoms. These results imply that the online health-promotion program is effective and accessible under certain barriers such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but not for individuals with higher risk of more negative mental health symptoms.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Protective and Risk Factors Influencing the Mental Health of Forced Migrants: Implications for Sustainable Intercultural Mental Health Practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 334
Author(s):  
Hadi Farahani ◽  
Natalie Joubert ◽  
Janet Carter Anand ◽  
Timo Toikko ◽  
Mohamad Tavakol
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Mental Health Practice ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Forced Migrants

This systematic review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The primary aim of this research was to identify risks and protective factors for the mental health of forced migrants. The secondary aim was to suggest an alternative, more comprehensive approach in social work that surpasses usual diagnoses and intrinsically contradicts the medicalization of mental health issues of forced migrants. The search was conducted between January 2015 and January 2021. As a result, 29 studies met inclusion criteria. Medicalizing mental health issues by relying solely on the effectiveness of medicine was a controversial risk factor that negatively affected daily life activities of refugees and reduced their willingness for seeking professional mental health services. Empowering vulnerable minorities by giving them back their power and agency to be able to speak for themselves and raise voices of trauma and recovery was the missing protective factor for a sustainable mental health practice. The benefits of group-based interventions were highlighted in which communities and individuals address mental health issues as well as isolation through building collective identities and support networks. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can add more strength to any kind of mental health interventions. Finally, the benefits of applying an ecological perspective for the study of the mental health of refugees, and its implications for a sustainable intercultural practice, were discussed. Social workers in this model are the representatives of at-risk groups, and thus require more agency and creativity in reflecting client’s concrete needs.

Mental health issues in the schools: are educators prepared?

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Andrews ◽  
Mike McCabe ◽  
Taunya Wideman-Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Teacher Education Programs ◽  
Health Practitioner ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Purpose – Mental health issues are exceedingly prevalent in society. Approximately one in five people will experience a mental illness within their lifetime and serious mental illnesses are most likely to emerge between the ages of 16 and 24. This research endeavored to gain a better understanding of teachers’ knowledge and perceived roles in dealing with students with mental health issues. The purpose of this paper is to explore teacher education programs and other resources accessible to teachers as well as barriers to their continued learning about issues related to mental health. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 75 secondary school teachers completed an online survey consisting of 42 Likert-style questions constructed with the main objective of the study in mind. The questions were organized under five different subheadings in the survey in order to provide some direction regarding the research questions. Measures of central tendency were utilized to determine frequencies of responses. The researchers created summary tables of the data for analysis purposes. Findings – Teachers indicate that it is within their role to deal with mental health issues, but many do not have the knowledge to do so. Teacher education programs are not providing enough preparation for teachers and, although available, many teachers do not have knowledge of resources produced by interest groups. Research limitations/implications – Teacher education programs, both pre-service and in-sevice, must respond to the needs of teachers. In doing so, the authors can then address the needs of students and assist them in the challenges that mental illnesses present. Practical implications – While an educator's role does not officially include being a mental health practitioner, it is their role to educate all students. This inevitably requires an understanding of the connection between mental health issues and how they affect a student's ability to learn and to live a healthy life. Social implications – Resiliency theory suggests “the most important and consistent protective factor is that of adults caring for children during or after major stressors” (Masten et al., 1991, p. 431). Who better placed to assist them than teachers? Originality/value – This research adds to the ever-increasingly difficulty tasks that teachers are charged with implementing. It identifies a clear need for increased attention to preparing teachers.

Mental Health Promotion in Victoria: A Strategic Approach

1997 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
Rhonda Galbally
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

Health promotion has proved to be crucial in most areas of health, for example, cardiovascular health, cancer control and injury prevention. However, mental health promotion has hitherto been a very poor cousin by comparison with funds spent on other health promotion areas, and also by comparison with funds spent on mental health services. This situation is understandable. First, there has been a need to shake mental health services out of antiquity to ensure that they not only meet fundamental standards of human rights, but also begin to develop a focus on rehabilitation. Second, the amorphous, unspecific and often haphazard nature of the few existing mental health promotion programs has, to a degree, given mental health promotion a bad name. As mental health promotion initiatives must inevitably relate to social and structural issues, the health content of mental health promotion has sometimes been hard to identify.

scholarly journals Peer Responses to Trans Youth Tweeting About Self-Harm and Suicidality

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-142
Author(s):  
Drew Simms
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Young People ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Trans Youth

BackgroundTransgender youth have been found to be at higher risk of experiencing common mental health problems than their cisgender peers, but there has been little research into the mechanisms of peer support among this group. Research into how young people communicate about self-harm and suicidality on social media has found patterns of behavior in which young people encourage each other's risky and self-injurious actions, but whether this holds true among minority groups such as trans youth has not been established.MethodTwitter biographies were searched to find self-identifying trans people aged 14–18 years. The resulting accounts were searched for key words related to common mental health issues. The tweets caught by the search terms and their replies were coded into themes using a combination of inductive and deductive coding. The occurrence of themes were quantified and analyzed using SPSS 24.Results1,468 tweets were analyzed from 235 accounts; 133 (56.6%) of the accounts with relevant content received no public replies to tweets mentioning mental health issues. Of the 102 (43.4%) that did receive public replies, 64 (62.7%) received a maximum of two replies. Three themes were found in replies to tweets, Support, Feeling the Same Way, and Advice. Most replies were expressions of support, followed by expressions of feeling the same way; advice was rare. There were no incidents of replies that were dismissive of or encouraged self-injurious behavior.DiscussionFindings differ from existing research on how youth interact with each other online with regard to mental health issues: the trans youth in this study were not found to encourage risky and self-injurious behavior in each other. This has implications for caring for trans youth in mental health settings, where social media use is normally discouraged, as its use may be a protective factor for trans youth specifically.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document