African American men who become mental health advocates

Using a narrative approach, this study explored how African American men became mental health advocates. This ancillary study is part of a formative within an ongoing community based intervention program that was designed to promote mental health of African Americans (AMEN) project within an ongoing community based intervention program that was designed to promote mental health of African Americans (AMEN) project. Narrative research techniques were used to analyze and synthesize the data. Analysis generated one major theme (interdependence) with four supporting sub-themes (credibility, social depression, stigma, and calling). These findings and insights through this qualitative study guided the AMEN project team to formulate effective communication strategies in establishing working relationships with community partners and wider stakeholders as well as crafting culturally tailored messages for African American participants.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Innovative Digital Tool Using Progressive Muscle Relaxation to Promote Mental Health Among Frontline Healthcare Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused adverse social, economic, physical and psychological repercussions to mankind. Global healthcare systems are pushed to breaking points. Lockdowns and movement control orders imposed by the Malaysian government and many other nations on its citizens have necessitated home-based solutions to manage rising stress and anxiety due to personal, professional, financial and work-related uncertainties. Frontline healthcare workers bear the brunt of the crisis. This study responds to mental issues caused by the virulent pandemic and recognizes the increasing need for psychosocial rehabilitation among healthcare workers. It aims to create an effective, on-demand, mobile and pleasurable tool based on original music and progressive relaxation techniques that empower users to foster mental health and wellness. A combination of practice-based and user-centred design methodologies was adopted in this interdisciplinary study. Spectral analysis using Raven-Pro sound analysis offers insights into the sonic content of the tool. The result of the study is a prototype model of an innovative digital tool crafted and narrated in the English Language and Malay Language using Bespoke Music and Narration to promote mental health among COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers.