Understanding the social costs of psychosis: The experience of adults affected by psychosis identified within the second Australian national survey of psychosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 879-889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen J Stain ◽  
Cherrie A Galletly ◽  
Scott Clark ◽  
Jacqueline Wilson ◽  
Emily A Killen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Impact

Background: Social inclusion is a key priority of the Fourth National Mental Health Plan for Australia (2009–2014), with strong evidence for its protective impact on mental health. Social integration has been associated with enhanced well-being for people with mental illnesses such as psychosis. Objective: To explore the impact of psychosis on an individual’s social and community participation. Method: The second Australian national survey of psychosis was conducted across seven Australian sites. Semi-structured interviews with adults living with psychosis assessed mental health status, social and role functioning, life satisfaction and future goals. The cohort comprised 1825 adults with a psychotic illness (59.6% were male; 42.4% were aged 18–34 years; 31.5% had 12 years or more of education) of whom 32.7% had been employed in the past year. Results: Most adults indicated experiencing loneliness (80.1%) and a need for more friends (48.1%). Men were more likely to have never had a long-term relationship (59.4% M, 33.2% F). Even though women were more likely to experience anxiety in social situations [(χ2(1) = 8.95, p < 0.01)], they were more likely to have attended a social activity in the past year [χ2(2) = 11.84, p < 0.01]. Just over half of the survey participants (56.7%) reported having daily or nearly daily contact with family members. In the past year, 69% had not attended any social activity and 43% described stigma as a barrier. Although 63.2% showed significant impairment in social functioning, only 29.5% had received help for this in the last year. Social isolation and loneliness were rated as major challenges by 37.2% of the cohort. Conclusions: Social isolation and dysfunction experienced by people with psychosis have not decreased since the last Australian national survey of people with psychosis. Alongside education and employment, social functioning and participation must be addressed to improve social inclusion for people with psychosis. Programs targeting social opportunities (befriending, peer support), social anxiety and social functioning for all stages of psychosis are warranted.

scholarly journals COVID-19: impact on the mental health of university students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 4891
Author(s):  
Priyanka Aswal ◽  
Parvesh Singh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Entire Country ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Detrimental Impact

Background: Ever since the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic, education institutions in the entire country were shut down. This shutdown of universities caused the students to stay at home which caused a detrimental impact on their mental health.Methods: This survey-based study aims to decipher the impact the lockdown has caused on the mental well-being of the students. The survey was conducted through a set of online questionnaires.Results: The results of the study show that the students suffered from various psychological problems. Anxiety and stress were the most prevalent amongst mental illnesses and were reportedly increased due to uncertainty about future prospects like job and graduation.Conclusions: The study confirms that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the psychological health of the patients and has amplified stress and fear amongst them. 

scholarly journals The impact of social isolation on a selected group of older brazilians within the context of the covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Natalia Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos Sasaki ◽  
Marília Louvison ◽  
Camila Garcel Pancote ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes Santos ◽  
Amena Alcântara Ferraz Cury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The Social ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This paper is an examination of the experiences of a selected group of older Brazilians people which aims to analyse how they have been impacted by COVID-19 and, particularly, how they have been affected by protective social isolation measures. Methodology: 42 older residents of Sao Jose do Rio Preto were interviewed by phone. The applied script question was developed by International Longevity Centre the Netherlands, based at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Aging. The data collection instrument consisted of five categories of analysis: social activities, social contacts and connectivity, well-being, vitality and health, and COVID-19 news and reports. Results: All in-person social activity ceased with the implementation of the isolation measures. Most of the interviewees pointed out to be suffering do to absence of their children, grand-children, other relatives and close friends from whom they have being apart since the beginning of the Corona virus pandemic. A large number of the interviewees recognized a worsening of their health condition and attributed it to the suspension of the physical activities and the social life that they had before isolation. Conclusion: The interviewed showed some insight about the experiences of older Brazilian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. They all revealed a strong awareness of their physical vulnerability regarding corona virus. Most accepted the need to protect themselves through isolation or any other measures. However, there are barriers that difficulty the elderly people isolation as they live with of member of the family with different ages and in poor financial situations.

scholarly journals Effects of Economic Uncertainty on Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic Context: Social Identity Disturbance, Job Uncertainty and Psychological Well-Being Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danijela Godinic ◽  
Bojan Obrenovic ◽  
Akmal Khudaykulov
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Economic Uncertainty ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Identity Disturbance ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Psychological well-being is a major global concern receiving more scholarly attention following the 2008 Great Recession, and it becomes even more relevant in the context of COVID-19 outbreak. In this study, we investigated the impact of economic uncertainty resulting from natural disasters, epidemics, and financial crisis on individuals’ mental health. As unemployment rate exponentially increases, individuals are faced with health and economic concerns. Not all society members are affected to the same extent, and marginalized groups, such as those suffering from chronic mental illnesses or low-income families cannot afford the downsizing, mass lay-offs and lack of access to public health services. Psychiatric profession is familiarized with the phenomenon of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and we examine how this concept is associated with job uncertainty and social identity disturbance. Several studies have formally investigated the effects of IU, but to our knowledge, this is the first research integrating the psychological well-being, job uncertainty and identity disturbance caused by economic breakdown. Literature points to many reported cases of PTSD, anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies following major social disasters. Yet, we have undertaken to analyze the subjective experiences underlying the self-harming behaviors in an attempt to fill the methodological gap by drawing insights from prominent psychological, sociological and economic theories. We find economic uncertainty to have a positive relation to job uncertainty and identity disturbance, and a negative relationship with psychological well-being. Psychological well-being depends on coherency between both abstract subjective and concrete objective identity, and when these perceptions are inconsistent, cognitive dissonance arises resulting in identity disturbance. We argue that stability is not associated with monetary advantage only, but also with a wide range of other benefits that are crucial for individuals’ growth, satisfaction and sense of identity. Therefore, we propose the implementation of social support and public welfare policies to mitigate health risks during the turbulent socio-economic changes.

Research watch: tackling everyday exclusion

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-189
Author(s):  
Sue Holttum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Past ◽  
Marginalised Groups ◽  
Experiences Of Women

Purpose This paper aims to examine three recent papers on discrimination and exclusion that happen on a day-to-day basis in social interactions, known as micro-aggressions. Design/methodology/approach The author searched for recent papers on discrimination in the databases Psyc INFO and ASSIA. Three papers were selected addressing a common theme published within the past 24 months. Findings All three papers concern a US context. The first reports experiences of women with physical disabilities in relation to micro-aggressions. Based on focus groups with 30 women, micro-aggressions appear to be common and some cause considerable distress. The second paper reports experiences of 65 mental health peer support workers in a range of mental health services and finds micro-aggressions common for them too. The third paper goes beyond occurrence and type of micro-aggressions. Based on existing research, it proposes how members of marginalised racial groups can tackle micro-aggressions, whether they are the target, an ally or a bystander. Originality/value These papers show clear examples of micro-aggressions, making them easier to see. While the first two papers are each the first to document micro-aggressions for specific marginalised groups, the third paper is the first to bring together practical ways to tackle micro-aggressions in day-to-day life. There is potential for this to help bring about increased social inclusion and equity for a range of marginalised groups, and for a resultant benefit in the mental and physical well-being of many people.

scholarly journals Preferences of people with mental illness for engaging in exercise programs under COVID-19 restrictions

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622097529
Author(s):  
Justin J Chapman ◽  
Emily Hielscher ◽  
Sue Patterson ◽  
Nicola Reavley ◽  
Wendy J Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: People with mental illness may be vulnerable to decline in mental health and reduced physical activity because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The aim of this study was to inform the design of physical activity interventions for implementation under these conditions to improve/maintain well-being and physical activity in this population. Methods: People with mental illness who had participated in a physical activity program prior to the pandemic were invited to complete a survey about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical activity and their preferences for engaging in a physical activity program under pandemic-related restrictions. Results: More than half the 59 respondents reported worse mental health and lower physical activity during the pandemic. The preferred format for a physical activity program was one-on-one exercise instruction in-person in a park. Program components endorsed as helpful included incentivization, provision of exercise equipment and fitness devices, and daily exercise programs. About a third of the participants reported limitations in using technology for a physical activity program. Conclusions: In-person exercise support is preferred by people with mental illnesses during pandemic-related restrictions. Enablement strategies such as providing equipment and self-monitoring devices should be utilized; assistance may be needed to incorporate the use of technology in exercise programs.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and Sleep: Manifestation During COVID-19 Quarantines

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
June J. Pilcher ◽  
Logan L. Dorsey ◽  
Samantha M. Galloway ◽  
Dylan N. Erikson
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Organizations ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
The Past ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Although researchers have investigated the impact of social isolation on well-being, the recent quarantines due to COVID-19 resulted in a social isolation environment that was unique to any examined in the past. Because sleep is one of the endogenous drives that impacts short and long-term health and well-being, it is important to consider how social isolation during the COVID-19 government-mandated quarantines affected sleep and sleep habits. A number of researchers have addressed this question during the last 2 years by examining several concepts related to possible changes in sleep during the quarantines. To best understand these recent results, the current mini review provides a background on the pre-pandemic literature on the effects of social isolation and loneliness with a focus on sleep and then summarizes the recent literature on sleep and sleep habits. In general, sleep was negatively impacted for many people during the pandemics but not all. One group that seemed to benefit from the pandemic in terms of sleep patterns, were younger people who could more easily adapt their sleep times to match their internal chronobiology. Given the potential broad impact of sleep on health and well-being, better understanding how social isolation impacts sleep is an important consideration for individuals, work organizations, and governments.

Social participation, inclusion and mental well-being following SARS-CoV-2 related lockdown restrictions in adults with and without mental disorders. Results from a follow-up study in Germany

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Schützwohl ◽  
Eduard Mergel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: In Germany, as in many other countries, several lockdown restrictions were put in place with the aim of curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections. This study investigated the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the related lockdown restrictions on opportunities for social participation, social inclusion and psychological well-being for adults with and without mental disorders within a follow-up study based on pre- and post-lockdown assessments. Methods: Study participants (n=132) were assigned to one of three groups, depending on the mental health status at the initial survey. Parameters of interest were assessed using the Measure of Participation and Social Inclusion for Use in People with a Chronic Mental Disorder (F-INK), the Index for the Assessment of Health Impairments (IMET), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18).Results: The impact on opportunities for social participation and social participation considerably differed depending on the participants’ mental health status at the first assessment. Independent of this, we found no detrimental effects on the psychological well-being of participants four weeks after the implementation of lockdown restrictions.Conclusion: Findings imply a general resilience in well-being during the preliminary stages of the coronavirus pandemic. This result adds to the growing number of existing studies which show a heterogeneous pattern overall and especially in international comparison. Further follow-up studies with larger samples should address the divergent effects. Besides, efforts are needed to improve social participation and inclusion opportunities that are severely impaired for individuals with chronic mental disorders regardless of lockdown or physical distancing restrictions.

scholarly journals Public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-based focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e039334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon N Williams ◽  
Christopher J Armitage ◽  
Tova Tampe ◽  
Kimberly Dienes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Early Stages

ObjectiveThis study explored UK public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignThis qualitative study comprised five focus groups, carried out online during the early stages of the UK’s stay at home order (‘lockdown’), and analysed using a thematic approach.SettingFocus groups took place via online videoconferencing.ParticipantsParticipants (n=27) were all UK residents aged 18 years and older, representing a range of gender, ethnic, age and occupational backgrounds.ResultsQualitative analysis revealed four main themes: (1) loss—participants’ loss of (in-person) social interaction, loss of income and loss of structure and routine led to psychological and emotional ‘losses’ such as loss of motivation, loss of meaning and loss of self-worth; (2) criticisms of government communication—participants reported a lack of trust in government and a lack of clarity in the guidelines around social distancing and isolation; (3) adherence—participants reported high self-adherence to social distancing guidelines but reported seeing or hearing of non-adherence in others; (4) uncertainty around social reintegration and the future—some participants felt they would have lingering concerns over social contact while others were eager to return to high levels of social activity.Most participants, and particularly those in low-paid or precarious employment, reported feeling that the social distancing and isolation associated with COVID-19 policy has had negative impacts on their mental health and well-being during the early stages of the UK’s ‘lockdown’.ConclusionsA rapid response is necessary in terms of public health programming to mitigate the mental health impacts of COVID-19 social distancing and isolation. Social distancing and isolation ‘exit strategies’ must account for the fact that, although some individuals will voluntarily or habitually continue to socially distance, others will seek high levels of social engagement as soon as possible.

scholarly journals Oxford Textbook of Migrant Psychiatry

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Push And Pull Factors ◽  
Therapeutic Interaction ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Push And Pull ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Human beings have been migrant for millennia. Reasons for migration vary from economic, financial, and educational reasons to persecution on religious or other discriminations. Push and pull factors for migration can produce inordinate amount of stress on individuals, families, or groups. Migrant psychiatry is a new discipline bringing together professionals from humanities, arts, sciences, and medicine, including psychiatry and psychology, together to understand the impact of migration on mental illnesses, mental health and well-being of migrant individuals. The Oxford Textbook of Migrant Psychiatry brings together constructs related to theories of migration, the impact of migration on mental health and adjustment, collective trauma, individual identity, and diagnostic fallacies. The book also covers practical aspects of management, including cultural factors, ethnopsychopharmacology, therapeutic interaction, and therapeutic expectation and psychotherapy.

scholarly journals Emerging Role for Technology in Positive Psychiatry Interventions

2021 ◽  
pp. 181-198
Author(s):  
Emily B. H. Treichler ◽  
Ellen E. Lee ◽  
Dilip V Jeste
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Recent Trial ◽  
Academic Organizations ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Computer Scientists ◽  
The Impact

Increasing well-being, happiness, resilience, wisdom, and related positive psychiatry outcomes is possible via behavioral and psychological interventions. Convergence of psychiatry with computer science, engineering, and related disciplines will allow for the impact of these interventions to be personalized, maintained, and augmented in a number of ways. To illustrate such potential impacts, the authors use an example of a recent trial of a novel intervention to improve resilience within senior housing communities. Specialized technologies have the potential to improve fidelity and dissemination of positive psychiatry interventions. With the shortage of specialized mental health clinicians and the growing need for mental health services, technology can be used to extend the in-clinic services and provide greater support in the free-living environment. Development of such technologies to improve well-being will require mental health specialists to work directly with computer scientists, engineers, and people with mental illnesses. These collaborations will require infrastructure and support from research and academic organizations that partner with industry and community-based agencies and organizations.

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