Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Mental illness and suicide in British South Asian adults
- Author:
- INEICHEN Bernard
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Religion and Culture, 15(3), 2012, pp.235-250.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
South Asians make up about 4.7% of the UK population. Studies from the 1990s concluded that the mental health of British people of South Asian origin was at least as good, and probably rather better, than that of the ethnic majority. Their rates for mental illness and suicide have been shown by some researchers to be lower than that of the total UK population, using a variety of measures, and considering many psychiatric conditions. This paper reviews the literature on the extent of mental illness among British South Asian adults, and explores aspects of their service use, and their attitudes to mental illness. Some distinguishing features of British South Asian mental health are identified, including areas justifying further research. The author concludes that variations in the South Asian population including generation, country of origin, religion, class, wealth and geography, emphasise the growing need to disaggregate this population when presenting data about them.
The role of social support in suicidal ideation: a comparison of employed vs. unemployed people
- Authors:
- FARIAS Miguel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 29(1), 2020, pp.52-59.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: With the financial crisis, the number of unemployed has grown up, and so has suicidal ideation in these individuals. Although extensive research has been done about the factors associated with it, studies about protective factors are also necessary. Aims: To examine the relationship between unemployment and suicidal ideation, and the protective effect of social support. Methods: Participants were 149 people in full-time employment (age M = 41.63, SD = 10.37), 55 unemployed (M = 42.25, SD = 10.23 years), and 32.72 months average unemployment time (SD = 26.13). Instruments were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) and the Social Support Appraisal (SSA). Results: Suicidal ideation was significantly higher in the unemployed group, and positively associated with duration of unemployment. Social support, both from family and friends, was found to be a protective factor in suicidal ideation, particularly in long-term unemployment. Limitations: Cross-sectional study, convenience sample. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is markedly present in unemployed individuals, particularly those unemployed for a year or more, and social support from family and friends may act as a significant protective factor. (Publisher abstract)
Suicide-related disclosure: implications for inclusion and recovery
- Authors:
- SHEEHAN Lindsay, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 18(3), 2019, pp.162-168.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: People who have lived experiences with suicide often struggle with concealable stigmatized identities that threaten their inclusion and recovery. While disclosure of a stigmatized identity can promote support and recovery and therefore prevent suicide, it may also present distinct risks. The purpose of this paper is to summarize key issues in suicide-related disclosure, suggest theoretical models for describing suicide-related disclosure and identify research needs. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper discusses the existing literature on disclosure of concealable stigmatized identities, then explores research on disclosure of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide loss. Theoretical models (disclosure processes model and interpersonal theory of suicide) that can be employed in understanding suicide-related disclosure are explored. Finally, the paper suggests areas for future research, including longitudinal research to identify strategic disclosure practices that can lead to greater inclusion and recovery. Findings: Research on suicide-related disclosure should differentiate between disclosure of past and current suicidality, incorporate theoretical frameworks and examine approaches for preparing potential confidants and disclosers for the disclosure process. Originality/value: This paper highlights issues unique to the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and to suicide loss. (Edited publisher abstract)
Lessons from down under
- Author:
- CHRISTIE Bryan
- Journal article citation:
- Care and Health Magazine, 45, 24.9.03, 2003, pp.28-29.
- Publisher:
- Care and Health
Looks at the Mental Health First Aid Programme which has been adopted in Scotland following it's success in Australia. The programme trains health professionals, social workers, carers, teachers and members of the public to recognise the signs of mental health and applying strategies to help the person concerned, and guide them towards professional help.
World mental health: problems and perspectives
- Author:
- SEIPEL Michael M.O.
- Journal article citation:
- International Social Work, 42(4), October 1999, pp.407-418.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Although improved medical technologies, economic developments and social transformations have produced many positive health outcomes, they have also created troubling mental disorders such as depression, dementia, and suicide tendencies. Mental disorders are increasingly of concern to individuals and society; therefore, they must be viewed as a major public health issue. This article examines this health problem and considers strategies world communities can use to deal with mental illness.
Young people at breaking out
- Author:
- BORTON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 21.5.97, 1997, pp.32-33.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
The suicide rate for young people is increasing. The author examines a worrying trend.
Suicide as an outcome for mental disorders
- Authors:
- HARRIS E. Clare, BARRACLOUGH Brian
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 170, March 1997, pp.205-228.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Mental disorders have a strong association with suicide. This meta-analysis, or statistical overview, of the literature gives an estimate of the suicide risk of the common mental disorders. Reports on results. Concludes that if these results can be generalised then virtually all mental disorders have in increased risk of suicide excepting mental retardation and dementia. The suicide risk is highest for functional and lowest for organic disorders with substance misuse disorders lying between. However, within these broad groupings the suicide risk varies widely.
Suicide and AIDS: lessons from a case note audit in London
- Author:
- SHERR L.
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 7(S1), 1995, pp.S109-S116.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is growing evidence that HIV infection and AIDS have an impact on a range of suicidal issues. The literature lacks clarity and the subject is traditionally problematic to research. True prevalence is often difficult to gauge and many researchers focus simply on death by suicide rather than exploring the extreme mental health burden brought about by suicidal thoughts, attempts, completions and bereavement. The study seeks to explore the nature and extent of problems in an unselected cohort of psychology clinic attenders in a London centre.
Development and initial validation of the Hopelessness Inventory for Later Life (HILL)
- Authors:
- GREGG Jeffrey J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 25(9), 2021, pp.1740-1749.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Hopelessness is associated with depression, physical illness, and mortality. It is a key risk factor for suicidality in later life. Limitations have been identified in available hopelessness assessment measures regarding their use with older adults. The current study describes the development and initial psychometric evaluation of a content-valid, self-report scale for late-life hopelessness (i.e. the Hopelessness Inventory for Later Life; HILL). Methods: A sample of 265 older adults (ages 60–99, M = 71.1, SD = 6.7) was recruited through a combination of in-person, online, and mailed solicitations. Participants completed a survey battery containing the preliminary HILL and measures of related constructs (e.g. depression, anxiety, suicide risk, social support) to examine its psychometric properties. Results: Multiple analytic item selection strategies resulted in two viable versions of the scale: the HILL and the HILL-Shortened (HILL-S). Both exhibited strong item response characteristics and preliminary evidence of unidimensionality (via factor analysis), internal consistency (α = .96 and α = .89, respectively), and construct validity (via correlations with related constructs). Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary psychometric support for both the HILL and HILL-S. Advantages for use of the HILL and the HILL-S over existing measures of hopelessness are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Preventing prison suicide: perspectives from the inside
- Authors:
- HOWARD LEAGUE FOR PENAL REFORM, CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
- Publisher:
- Howard League for Penal Reform
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- London
Focuses on the views and lived experience of those with current or past experience of prison, examining what contributes to vulnerability and risk of suicide. In 2014 there was a marked increase in suicides in English and Welsh prisons, when 89 prisoners took their own lives. This was the highest number of suicides since 2007. In 2015 another 89 prisoners took their own lives. The number of suicides in prisons has remained high for two years, and by the end of March 2016 there had already been 27 self-inflicted deaths in prisons. The report highlights that staff shortages have increased the risk of suicide and that relationships between staff and prisoners are key as prisoners need to feel supported, cared for and able to confide in and trust staff. Drawing on findings from focus groups with both current and former prisoners, the briefing reports that prisoners described a culture where, on the whole, distress was not believed or responded to with compassion. In particular, arrival, being released and transferred were all cited as times when prisoners felt most vulnerable. Staff inexperience and lack of training around mental health were seen as a significant factor in increasing risk while mental health services in prison were mainly seen by prisoners as providers of medication. Conversely, wellbeing groups, the chaplaincy and imams, peer mentor schemes and listening schemes were perceived as helpful. The briefing argues that change needs to happen across the system to recognise the influence of the prison environment on people’s vulnerability. Prisons should be enabling environments, striving to be a psychologically informed environment with an emphasis on the quality of relationships. (Edited publisher abstract)