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‘Listen, empower us and take action now!’: reflexive-collaborative exploration of support needs in bipolar disorder when ‘going up’ and ‘going down’
- Authors:
- BILLSBOROUGH Julie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 23(1), 2014, pp.9-14.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: People with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder experience mood fluctuation from depression to mania, and their support needs may differ during these fluctuations. Aims: To investigate support needed during periods of mania and depression, and when ‘going up’ or ‘going down’. Method: Five service user researchers were supported in a reflexive-collaborative approach to undertake and analyse semi-structured interviews with 16 people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and 11 people providing informal support. Results: Support needs differed when becoming manic or depressed. When manic, people needed a calming approach and encouragement to avoid overly stimulating activities. When depressed, positive activity and engaging in everyday life routines were helpful. Three core themes determined the effectiveness of support: (1) being listened to with active engagement through affirmation and encouragement, (2) empowerment through development of personal coping and self-management strategies, and (3) early action and understanding of early warning signs to respond to developing crises and protect wellbeing. Conclusion: Periods of depression or mania, and lesser ‘ups’ and ‘downs’, all require different support needs. Active listening and engagement, facilitating empowerment and appropriate early action are crucial elements of effective support. (Publisher abstract)
Supporting transitions in child and adolescent mental health services: a rough guide to introducing peer support
- Authors:
- LAMBERT Marissa, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice, 9(4), 2014, pp.222-231.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share the lessons learnt during the implementation of a Peer Support Worker (PSW) pilot project within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The project aimed to reduce the barriers experienced by young people and carers during the process of transition between child and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS). Design/methodology/approach: The paper combines reflections of staff, PSWs and trainers in order to share the lessons that may be taken from this project. This includes a rough guide for those hoping to employ PSWs to support transitions. Findings: The PSWs provided the vehicle to support the process of transition by empowering young people and their carers to use their strengths to facilitate a hopeful and timely transition. Recommendations regarding support for peers, staff and the organisation during the process of training and employing peers are discussed. Research limitations/implications: The paper provides a purely reflective account of the pilot project. These reflections may provide guidance for others wishing to develop peer support positions within CAMHS so that an evidence base for the effectiveness of peer support within transitions may continue to grow. Originality/value: Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust are the first NHS Trust in the UK to employ PSWs specifically to support transitions between CAMHS and AMHS. This paper builds on the work of Oldknow et al. (2014) to highlight the first attempts to use peer support to support transitions. (Original abstract)
Translating Daoist concepts into integrative social work practice: an empowerment program for persons with depressive symptoms
- Authors:
- CHAN Celia Hoi Yan, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 33(1), 2014, pp.61-72.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Chinese people display different usage patterns of mental health service, while mental health social workers report encountering cultural difficulties in delivering traditional Western psychosocial interventions. Culture and behaviour of Chinese people are heavily influenced by Daoist philosophy and practices. This article discusses the application of Daoist concepts in working with people with mental illness, and reports the development of a pilot empowerment programme for Chinese people with depressive symptoms. In an uncontrolled study, participants (N = 61) after the programme reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety. They also reported reduced affliction and increased equanimity, two concepts pertinent in the Chinese conception of mental well-being. The findings suggest culturally sensitive integrative social work interventions can complement the existing mental health care system in Chinese communities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Strengthening positive parenting through intervention evaluating the moms’ empowerment program for women experiencing intimate partner violence
- Authors:
- HOWELL Kathryn H., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(2), 2014, pp.232-252.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention in changing the positive and negative parenting practices of 120 mothers who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in the last 2 years. Mothers assigned to the treatment group participated in a 10-session evidence-based intervention, known as the Moms' Empowerment Program, which targets the mental health problems of women and works to increase access to resources and improve parenting abilities of women exposed to IPV. Participants were interviewed at baseline and immediately following the intervention or waitlist period, representing an elapsed time of approximately 5 weeks. After controlling for relevant demographic variables, violence severity, and mental health, women showed significantly more change in their positive parenting scores if they were in the treatment condition. No significant differences were found between the treatment and comparison groups in their negative parenting practices change scores. These findings suggest that even short-term intervention can improve positive parenting skills and parenting knowledge for women who have experienced partner abuse. (Publisher abstract)