Introduction: Adolescent mental health challenges have been identified as a public health concern globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to the scarcity of services, where help-seeking is often hampered by social stigma. A strategy to increase the availability of services is to implement, brief, stigma-free, and scalable interventions. The Shamiri Intervention (the Kiswahili word for “thrive”) is an example of a 4-week, group-based intervention which is implemented via 1-hour sessions within high school settings. Purpose: The present study employed qualitative methods to explore participant feedback on their preferred elements of Shamiri Intervention. The aim is to use the feedback to help to guide and improve intervention effectiveness, acceptability, and appropriateness. The results have the potential to understand better lay-provided mental health service delivery and design among high school students in LMICs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: The project employed a qualitative phenomenological design to collect participant feedback, and reflective thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The researchers constructed the following themes to summarize the participants’ responses: learning (acquiring new knowledge related to the core components of the Shamiri Intervention, i.e., growth mindset, values affirmation, and gratitude); rewards (e.g., prizes award that encouraged participation); positive interaction (i.e., the peer-lead delivery); and solutions-oriented (e.g., the practicality of the Shamiri Intervention). Conclusion: The preferred components of the Shamiri Intervention were learning, rewards for participation, positive interactions with other people, and the solution-oriented nature of the sessions. The mentioning of the features of the Shamiri Intervention could also suggest that, indeed, they are appropriate for the target population. Additionally, the support for the lay providers is critical in Shamiri intervention cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and scalability

Introduction: This paper focuses on the experiences of thirty-three newcomer Ukrainian Canadians as they adapt to their new multicultural reality in Canada. Challenges of leaving home and adjusting are studied along with changes to identity and strategies of resilience.
 Purpose: Using a mental health and peace building lens, we hope that our findings will inform better understanding of newcomer struggles, hopes and dreams and can be helpful in transforming existing injustices in Canada’s vibrant multicultural society towards positive peace
 Methodology: Supported by a document search that supplies the broader context, the heart of the research is based on individual narrative interviews conducted in 2020/2021 with grassroot Ukrainian Canadians who immigrated to Canada as adults before Russia’s overt invasion of Ukraine. The experiences of these modern newcomer research participants are viewed through a peacebuilding and mental health lens. 
 Results: While coming from the same country in a relatively short period of history, study participants were found to be a multivariate group. There were often competing needs for personal growth, security (economic and physical) and belonging. Major challenges upon arrival in their new home also varied. Along with some downshift in employment status, they experienced challenges to identity, language, finances, cultural adaptation, along with loneliness and sadness at leaving their homeland. They shared personal resilience strategies. Participants shared hopes and dreams for themselves, Ukraine, and Canada ,along with advice for others considering the journey. 
 Conclusion: As Canada’s ethnic and cultural makeup continues to evolve through embracing our current multicultural population accepting increasing numbers of immigrants, newcomers’ experiences and their integration become important aspects of the multiculturalism debate which acknowledges the importance of developing harmonious relationships between Canada’s new and older settler population and the Indigenous people who share this land. This study highlights the importance of newcomers engaging in cross-cultural experiences, while considering one’s own identity at home and in community

Introduction: The National Health Service cannot chronically sustain the overwhelming demands being placed on it due to financial cuts, staff numbers and recent presence of Covid-19. As a result, anxiety levels are on the rise thus increasing the need for effective first-line treatment. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of yoga as a first-line treatment for anxiety. Previous systematic reviews have produced mixed results. Methodology: The inclusion criteria followed the PICO research statement. The population (P) were either healthy or diagnosed with anxiety and the intervention (I) was yoga. The comparison (C) was a control group, or CBT, or used a pre-and post-intervention design. The outcome (O) was the change in the level of anxiety post-intervention. Results and Discussion: After the review of 64 studies, 7 studies fit the inclusion criteria: four randomized controlled studies, one longitudinal study, and two pre- and post-intervention comparisons. All the studies included provided statistically significant results for the beneficial effect of yoga on anxiety. Conclusion: This study adds to preceding literature on the current anxiety levels of adults and the potential utility of yoga as a first-line treatment for self-management of anxiety levels. This review stresses the issue of heterogeneity, mode of yoga and calls for more robust randomised controlled trials to pioneer the subject matter to help, if not prevent, to slow down the rising cases of anxiety and ill mental health worldwide.

Introduction: Due to the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family became the primary setting in which people were confined. As a result, the family bond during confinement is an important phenomenon to study. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if the family bond would influence the changes in mental health brought on by confinement and the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The methodological were a Systematic Review using the PRISMA model in the search engines Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PSYINFO, Taylor and Francis, Sciendo, Academic Search Ultimate, and Medline between September 2021 and April 2022. NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) was utilized. Results: Concerning the search results, it was possible to identify seven relevant studies for analysis: four on the variables associated with psychological well-being during the pandemic and two on the perceived changes in emotional state during the pandemic. Conclusions: the effects of confinement on mental health are characterized by an increase in negative emotions, heightened perceptions of stress, anxiety, and depression, and altered sleep patterns. Concerning the influence of the family bond on mental health, it was discovered that when the bond is perceived as positive and strong, that is, the individual perceives that their basic, social, and affective needs are covered, it becomes a protective factor for mental health, regulating the manifestation of stress, favoring the manifestation of positive emotions over negative ones, and becoming emotionally supportive.

Introduction: Comparing mental health systems between different countries illuminates the potential for change by showing us different approaches exist in the global here and now. Globally, people are suffering and dying daily from untreated mental health conditions and those working in these systems have to live in this reality. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine how stigma, underfunding, deficits in best practices, confusing systems, and failed strategic planning are all variables causing systems’ deficits that have people unnecessarily suffering and dying around the world. Methodology: To make the case for change, we use critical analysis to examine mental health systems through an analytic framework that includes history, systems investment, and general treatment approaches. We review mental health care systems through theories of structural functionalism, conflict, social dynamics, and socio-economic asset development. Results: The historical examination provides vital systems-development insight while the systems investment examination delves into the overall funding structures and strategies of each country. Theoretical analysis reveals how problems seem intractable, but also how progress is always possible. Conclusion: This examination informs critically thinking advocates, through historical and theoretical lenses, to generate precise calls for win-win strategies that can be individualized per World Health Organization and other advancing treatment recommendations

Introduction: Infertility increases the risk for psychopathology more often in women, who can develop symptoms in mood disorders and chronic stress. Depression is one frequent psychological consequence of this medical condition and if it’s not being addressed accordingly, depressive symptoms can lead to delays in the onset of medical treatment, impairments in its outcomes and, likewise, poses a risk on the patient's mental health. Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to disseminate a specific example of how infertility affects mental health, offering a multidisciplinary approach from both traditional CBT and health psychology. In addition to this, the case study presents important cultural aspects regarding psychotherapeutic process and access to health care. Methodology: This is a descriptive and explanatory case study where multiple quantitative data sources have been used such as self-reported inventories: The Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), in addition to a semi-structured clinical interview. Results: Results showed an improvement in mood, acquisition of a more adaptive thinking style, healthy coping mechanisms and self-help strategies to support the patient post-therapy. The contribution of cultural orientation and wellbeing-centered recommendations are being discussed. Conclusion: The improvement of healthcare services relies on such presentations of case studies that can shift the focus in new directions of good clinical practices.

Mental Health: Global Challenges Journal is an open access peer-reviewed journal, whose main aim is to promote dialogue and debate on topics such as Mental Health, Mental Health Care Systems, international studies on MHC systems in the context of global social challenges. The Journal was originally founded for publication of the materials from the International Conference on Mental Health Care “Mental Health: global challenges of XXI century”. The journal especially encourages manuscripts which may be of interest to policy makers and/or practitioners.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging the health care systems and public wellbeing unprecedentedly. The United Kingdom and Turkiye were the countries worst hit by the pandemic in the World Health Organization European region. Purpose: This review investigated the mental health policies in these countries which draw a contrasting pattern of mental health care, sociodemographic background, and income level. Following the investigation, we recommended the possible directions to be pursued by European policymakers Methodology: The documents were picked from the health policy sections from the websites of international organizations (European Parliament, OECD, WHO, UN), online data and policy reports of national ministerial bodies, and general web search. Later, the papers were reviewed and the author identified the main concepts of the responses to discuss after policy review. The study was designed as a review; therefore, no statistical framework was conducted. Results: Identified concepts were as follows: a) continuing service provision for people with mental health conditions, b) digital mental health care interventions, c) building psychological resilience for citizens. Conclusions: A strategy only focusing on treating mental health conditions will not be sustainable during the post-pandemic era. It is essential to address mental health in all policies to foster a strong mental health care system

Renal failure is commonly accompanied by psychological distress compounding to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Common risk factors towards the development of mental health disorders in people with renal failure include the need to attend regular hemodialysis session and the burden of related complications. A growing body of evidence has elucidated the biochemical and immunological underpinnings of mental health disorders in the context of renal failure. This knowledge calls for strengthening the existing mental health support frameworks and conducting research with the reported molecular pathways as potential therapeutic targets

Introduction: The COVID-19 outbreak has become a challenging crisis for public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the indefinite closure of educational institutions in Bangladesh has a severe impact on the mental health of students. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that might have considerable influence on the mental health of students during quarantine in Bangladesh though they did not explore in previous studies on mental health status during the pandemic. Methodology: A standardized questionnaire was generated using PH9 and GAD7 to measure depression and anxiety levels. A total of 203 responses were collected from university students of Bangladesh through social media. Results: Descriptive statistics found that 37% of the students experienced moderate to severe anxiety while 54% faced moderate to severe depression. Ordinal Logistic Regression analysis found that anxiety is significantly related to gender, students’ current affiliation status in university (e.g., sophomore, masters), and time spent on watching TV while depression was related to family member’s contact with Covid-19, performing multiple activities as hobbies, and spending time in reading and writing. Conclusions: This study adds valuable findings in the existing literature, and it will help Students, university authorities, and government can take productive steps to tackle mental health issues