Mental Health of Lesbians in Japan and Taiwan: Using Support Groups

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Fun Kuang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups

Investigation of the “alternative” effects of an online support group for mental health problems among Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamu Kobori ◽  
Naoki Yoshinaga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Usage Frequency

BACKGROUND Owing to the rapid development of social networking services, online support groups vary widely both in goal and structure. Several studies have shown the potential effectiveness of online support groups, such as reducing psychological distress (eg depression) among individuals with mental health problems. However, online support groups often do not aim at effectiveness regarding distress-relief-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE The U2plus.jp (hereinafter U2plus) is an online support group for individuals with depression; in it, people support each other in structured ways while engaging in simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises. This study aimed to examine if usage frequency of the U2plus functions are associated with decreased stigma and increased consumer. METHODS In total, 355 U2plus users took part in an online survey. They were asked what therapy they had ever received, how often they logged into it and used each of its functions, and completed the following questionnaires: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale, and the General Help Seeking Scale. RESULTS Regarding the therapy they received, 89.3% (n=308) had been on medication for mental health problems, and 67.5% (n=233) had received psychotherapy or mental health counselling. Regarding the usage frequency, approximately 20% of the participants signed in to U2plus and used its functions more than once a week. The usage frequency of U2plus functions was not associated with perceived stigma. However, usage frequency of some functions was correlated to help seeking intentions from formal sources (eg doctors and psychologists). Moreover, 90% of the participants had a history of medication for their mental health. Additionally, the more depressed participants were, the more frequently they used U2plus. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that online support groups may serve as an alternative treatment option for those who are already undergoing pharmacological treatment and are willing to seek help from whatever source they deem helpful.

scholarly journals Combining online and offline peer support groups in mental health care: A qualitative study of service users� experiences (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Strand ◽  
Deede Gammon ◽  
Lillian Sofie Eng ◽  
Cornelia Ruland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Individual Interviews

BACKGROUND Peer support groups for people with long-term mental health problems are at the heart of recovery-oriented approaches in mental health care. When conducted face-to-face (offline) or on the Internet (online), peer support groups have proven to have differing strengths and weaknesses. Little is known about the benefits and challenges of combining the two formats. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to gain insights into the benefits and challenges of combining online and offline peer support groups facilitated through an Internet intervention designed to support recovery processes. METHODS In this exploratory and descriptive study, an e-recovery portal called ReConnect was used by service users in two mental health communities in Norway for 6-12 months. The portal included an online peer support forum which also facilitated participation in local in-person ReConnect-cafés. Both formats of peer support were facilitated by an employed service user consultant with lived experience of mental health problems and with training in peer support. Qualitative data about service users’ experiences of using the portal were collected through focus groups and individual interviews and inductively analyzed thematically with focus on benefits and challenges of peer support online and offline. RESULTS A total of 14 service users 22-63 years of age with various diagnoses, receiving services at both primary and specialist levels of mental health care participated in three focus groups and 10 individual interviews. Two main themes were identified in the analysis: 1) balancing anonymity and openness, and 2) enabling connectedness. These themes are further illustrated with the subthemes: i) dilemmas of anonymity and confidentiality, ii) towards self-disclosure and openness, iii) new friendships, and iv) networks in the local community. Three of the subthemes mainly describe benefits. Challenges were more implicit and cut across the subthemes. Identified challenges were linked to transitions from anonymity to revealing one’s identity, how to protect confidentiality, or to participation at face-to-face meetings in the local community. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that online peer support groups and offline meetings complement each other, and the combination is mainly beneficial to users. The identified benefits appeared to arise from participants’ options of one format or the other, or that they could combine formats in ways that suited their individual values and comfort zones. We also identified challenges related to combination of formats, and both formats require appropriate facilitation of peer support. Combining online formats that enable anonymity, a non-judgmental atmosphere, and 24/7 accessibility regardless of location, with offline formats that foster local, in-person community ties, is a promising concept for facilitating recovery-oriented care, and warrants continued research.

scholarly journals Predictors of Seeking Health Information and Mental Health Support in U.S. Prisons: A Study Using 2014 PIAAC Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 337-337
Author(s):  
Candidus Nwakasi ◽  
Darlingtina Esiaka ◽  
Janardan Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Literacy Skill ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Abstract Being in prison increases the vulnerability to poor health, especially mental illnesses. This is evident in the documented health disparities between prison inmates and the general population. For example, suicide rates among inmates are higher than in the general population. There is an urgent need to understand how inmates experience mental well-being. This is important as some inmates serve long/life sentences and some will need to successfully re-integrate into the society. Although they have a constitutional right to health care access through the Eight Amendment, little is known of the health information and mental health support seeking patterns among inmates. The current study examined factors associated with the amount of health information accessed, and participation in mental health support groups in US prisons. Data (N= 645) from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (2014) were analyzed using linear and logistic regressions. Sample weights were applied in the analyses. Results show statistically significant relationships between amount of health information acquired and age (66 years and above), race, health-status, readiness to learn, literacy skill, and numeracy skill. Social trust moderated the effect of education on the odds of participating in mental health support groups. Also, gender, work duration, attending substance abuse support and life skills groups were significant predictors. Our study may provide insight for stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, clinicians, social workers, and wardens, etc.) working in partnership to deliver a more tailored health interventions for inmates, by highlighting key contextual issues predicting mental health and well-being within prison settings.

Innovations in the area of social media

2018 ◽  
pp. 521-530
Author(s):  
Annisa Lee ◽  
Stephan Hyeonjun Stiller
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Online Psychotherapy ◽  
Use Of Social Media

An estimated 2.62 billion people use social networking sites worldwide. Only recently have studies been carried out to explore the impact of social media in terms of creating new conditions such as cyberbullying, Internet addictions, and suicide contagion, among many other forms of mental health concerns. However, social media can play a role in education and public mental health interventions. Different types of social media include computerized self-help strategies, online psychotherapy and support groups, websites with medical information, forums, blogs, web applications, mobile apps, games, and networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Snapchat, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Pinterest, and Reddit. There are generational differences in the degree of familiarity and use of social media for gathering information and seeking education. The challenge for clinicians and public health educators is to try and use social media for betterment of society.

scholarly journals Strategies Employed by Community-Based Service Providers to Address HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Challenges: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 232595821882233
Author(s):  
Renato M. Liboro ◽  
Sean B. Rourke ◽  
Francisco Ibañez-Carrasco ◽  
Andrew Eaton ◽  
Daniel Pugh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and other causes of neurocognitive challenges experienced by people living with HIV (PLWH) persist as public health concerns in developed countries. Consequently, PLWH who experience neurocognitive challenges increasingly require social support and mental health services from community-based providers in the HIV sector. Methods: Thirty-three providers from 22 AIDS service organizations across Ontario, Canada, were interviewed to determine the strategies they used to support PLWH experiencing neurocognitive difficulties. Thematic analysis was conducted to determine key themes from the interview data. Results: Three types of strategies were identified: (a) intrapersonal, (b) interpersonal, and (c) organizational. Intrapersonal strategies involved learning and staying informed about causes of neurocognitive challenges. Interpersonal strategies included providing practical assistance, information, counseling, and/or referrals to PLWH. Organizational strategies included creating dedicated support groups for PLWH experiencing neurocognitive challenges, partnering with other organizations with services not available within their own organization, and advocating for greater access to services with expertise and experience working with PLWH. Conclusion: Through concerted efforts in the future, it is likely that empirically investigating, developing, and customizing these strategies specifically to address HIV-associated neurocognitive challenges will yield improved social support and mental health outcomes for PLWH.

Wellbeing and experiences of Chinese and Vietnamese carers of people with mental illness in Australia

2020 ◽  
pp. 136346152095262
Author(s):  
Abner Weng Cheong Poon ◽  
Maria Cassaniti ◽  
Michele Sapucci ◽  
Rosaleen Ow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cultural Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Many studies show that carers of people with mental illness experience a negative impact on their wellbeing. Given the growing number of people relocating to Australia every year, there are limited studies examining the experience of carers of people with mental illness from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. Using cultural safety as a conceptual framework, this exploratory study recruited 14 carers of Chinese and Vietnamese heritage who were attending culturally and linguistically oriented support groups in Sydney, Australia. Standardised, validated scales were administered to measure carers’ wellbeing and knowledge of recovery. Structured interviews were conducted to understand carers’ perceived needs. Descriptive statistical and qualitative thematic analysis were used. Findings show that carers experienced social isolation and psychological distress, had multiple diverse needs and had a reasonably good understanding of recovery. Six themes were identified: i) obtaining information in own language; ii) attaining emotional support from support groups; iii) needing respite services to cope with caregiving responsibilities; iv) involvement in planning of treatment and care; v) migration process influencing caregiving, and; vi) cultural and transcultural factors influencing caregiving experience. Findings indicate that some carers might be experiencing some level of culturally unsafe practices in mainstream mental health services. Implications for support groups and mental health services are discussed.

Randomized controlled trial of a sibling support group: Mental health outcomes for siblings of children with autism

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1468-1481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily A Jones ◽  
Theresa Fiani ◽  
Jennifer L Stewart ◽  
Nicole Neil ◽  
Susan McHugh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Typically Developing Siblings

Typically developing siblings of a child with autism spectrum disorder may be at increased risk of mental health difficulties. A support group is one approach to improve mental health outcomes for typically developing siblings. During support groups, typically developing siblings discuss their feelings, learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills, and develop a peer network. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing a support group to an attention-only social control group. Some areas of mental health improved. Autism spectrum disorder symptom severity in the sibling with autism spectrum disorder moderated effects. Findings suggest continuing to examine what areas of mental health and adjustment are improved with support groups and subgroups of typically developing siblings for whom support groups might be particularly effective. Lay abstract Typically developing siblings of a child with autism spectrum disorder may show mental health difficulties. A support group is one approach to help typically developing siblings. During support groups, typically developing siblings discuss their feelings, learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills, and develop a peer network. We compared a support group to participation in a similar group without a focus on the sibling with autism spectrum disorder. Some areas of mental health improved. Improvements were also impacted by autism spectrum disorder symptom severity in the sibling with autism spectrum disorder. Findings suggest continuing to examine how support groups can help typically developing siblings and for which siblings support groups might be particularly effective.

Daydreams, Stress and Burn-out in Women Mental Health Workers: A Preliminary Clinical Report

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Mehr ◽  
Andrea Senteney ◽  
Tracy MacCreadie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Mental Health Workers ◽  
Fear Of Failure ◽  
Clinical Report ◽  
Burn Out ◽  
Reduction Program ◽  
Structured Intervention

This study examined the effects of an intensive stress-reduction program on changes in daydreams and levels of burn-out in twenty-seven women mental health workers who participated in two weekend conferences followed by monthly support groups. The study measured the effectiveness of intervention by evaluating changes in stress and daydreaming prior to and upon completion of the program. As hypothesized, participants showed lower levels of exhaustion and depersonalization and a fear of failure. There was a positive relationship between achievement-oriented daydreams and attendance at meetings. Results were interpreted in terms of the effect of structured intervention in affecting positive daydreams and preventing burn-out.

Online Talk About Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Lamerichs ◽  
Wyke Stommel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Counseling ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Mediated Discourse

There is a need to focus on research conducted on online talk about mental health in the domains of ethnomethodology, Conversation Analysis (CA), Discursive Psychology (DP), and Membership Categorization Analysis (MCA). We use the notion of “talk” in this article, as opposed to what could be considered a more common term such as “discourse,” to highlight that we approach computer-mediated discourse as inherently interactional. It is recipient designed and unfolds sequentially, responding to messages that have come before and building a context for messages that are constructed next. We will refer to the above domains that all share this view as CA(-related) approaches. A characterizing feature of interactional approaches to online mental health talk is their focus on in-depth analyses of relatively small amounts of data. With this focus at the center of their attention, they sit in the wider field of Discourse Analysis (DA), or Computer-Mediated Discourse Analysis (CMDA) who use language as their lens to understand human interaction. DA and CMDA research include a much wider set of both micro- and macro-analytic language-focused approaches to capture online discourse. Of all the CA(-related) work on online materials, a disproportionally large number of studies appear to deal with (mental) health talk. We aim to answer the question what the field of research on online mental health talk has yielded in terms of findings and methodologies. Centrally, CA (-related) studies of online mental health talk have aimed to grasp the actions people accomplish and the identities they invoke when they address their health concerns. Examples of actions in online mental health talk in particular are presenting oneself, describing a problem, or offering advice. Relevant questions for the above approaches that consider language-as-social-action are how these different actions are brought off and how they are received, by closely examining contributions such as e-mail and chat postings and their subsequent responses. With a focus on talk about mental health, this article will cover studies of online support groups (OSGs, also called online communities), and interaction in online counseling programs, mainly via online chat sessions. This article is organized as follows. In the historiography, we present an overview of CA(-related) work on online mental health talk. We discuss findings from studies of online support groups (OSGs) first and then move to results from studies on online counseling. The start of our historiography section, however, sets out to briefly highlight how the Internet may offer several particularly attractive features for those with mental health problems or a mental illness. After the historiography, we discuss what an interactional approach of online mental health talk looks like and focuses on. We offer examples of empirical studies to illustrate how written contributions to a forum, and e-mails or chat posts that are part of online counseling sessions are examined as interaction and which types of findings this results in. We conclude with a review of methodological issues that pertain to the field, address the most important ethical considerations that come into play when examining online mental health talk, and will lastly highlight some areas for future research.

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