Introduction: Despite centuries of attempts to clearly define what human happiness is and how to achieve it, no one has completely succeeded in defining happiness or showing the only one way to achieve it. But still, the pursuit of happiness as an unalienable right of human beings who have been striving for it for eons remains a relevant topic for everyone, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists. Nowadays, great importance is placed on the positive aspects of mental health, active functioning in the world, and overall well-being. Purpose: Integrating psychological and philosophical perspectives, this paper aims to explore the phenomenon of happiness as a core component of mental health and well-being. Methodology: The authors conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, using search terms: happiness; subjective well-being; experience of happiness; mental health; psychological well-being; eudaimonia; resilience; quality of life; traumatic experience; cultural trauma; sociocultural factors; culture. The authors used phenomenological philosophical, hermeneutic and inductive approaches, as well as the interpretive research paradigm. Results: The attention of contemporary researchers is focused on the place and role of happiness in mental health and well-being. Though ideas on happiness present a whole range of options, two main directions can still be identified, namely, eudaemonism and hedonism, in which happiness has been used to describe both momentary assessments of affect and life evaluations. Contemporary researchers have developed several approaches to well-being mainly emphasizing its eudaimonic character. Conclusion: The dramatic shift in approaches to mental health and well-being with an emphasis on positivity has expanded understanding of factors and conditions that promote or undermine our mental health and well-being. Such an understanding should lead to the creation of conditions for individual flourishing, social prosperity and overall well-being offering innovative solutions to complex individual, organizational, and societal problems

Introduction: Youngsters, often seen as the promise of the future, constitute the largest demographic in India. Recent research and statistical reports revealed a shocking decline in the mental health status of Indian youth, who currently face an increase in mental health crises. As per the existing data, emerging adults in India and all over the globe are vulnerable to mental health problems compared to any other age group. Purpose: The present study aimed to explore the relationship and predictive pathways among Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Capital and Resilience, and to examine the mediating role of Psychological Capital in the link between Psychological Flexibility and Resilience among emerging adults. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional correlational design and purposive sampling to recruit 149 emerging adults aged 18-24 years from a college setting. The Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Scale, the Compound Psychological Capital Scale-12 (CPC-12), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC) were used to collect the data. The data were analysed using statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression, and mediation analysis (Hayes process macro). Results: Findings revealed that global flexibility is positively related to PsyCap and Resilience, (r = 0.52, p <.01) & (r = .48, p<.01), whereas global inflexibility indicated negative correlation with both (r = -0.41, p <.01) & (r = -0.38, p<.01). Specifically, PsyCap was identified as a partial mediator, (B=0.060, 95% CI [0.032, 0.091]) indicating that flexibility enable individuals to develop internal psychological strength which in turn promote resilience. Conclusion: By integrating the theoretical formulation offered by COR and Broaden–and–Build theory, the findings provide a novel and comprehensive view of how adaptive cognitive-emotional mechanisms promote resilience during the critical developmental period. The existing body of research also validates these findings. Limitations, Implications and directions for future research were discussed.

Introduction: Refugees in Europe face significant psychological burdens resulting from trauma, displacement, and post-migration stressors. This review examines the tools used to assess PTSD and related mental health conditions, highlighting the lack of standardization and the need for culturally sensitive approaches. Purpose: This systematic review examined psychometric instruments used to assess mental health among adult refugees in Europe, focusing on trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methodology: Peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases (APA PsycInfo, PsycArticles, MEDLINE, among others) following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction included assessed domains, instruments, and sample characteristics, and methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: Germany was the most frequent host country, followed by Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. A total of 99 instruments were identified, with the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) most commonly applied. PTSD (n=32), depression (n=30), and anxiety (n=19) were the predominant disorders assessed. Considerable variability in tool selection, limited cultural and linguistic adaptation, and frequent reliance on self-report measures were observed. Instruments addressing post-migration stressors (e.g., RPMS, PMLD) and resilience factors provided broader clinical insights. Conclusions: No standardized European approach exists for refugee mental health assessment. A multifaceted strategy integrating validated tools, clinician-administered interviews, and culturally adapted measures is recommended. Future research should develop context-sensitive, multidimensional, and potentially digital assessment models to enhance diagnostic accuracy and care accessibility

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: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a serious challenge for global health care systems, as they affect not only the physical condition but also the psychological resilience and social adaptation of patients. Frailty syndrome, traditionally considered a problem of geriatrics, is increasingly being diagnosed in adult patients with chronic conditions such as IBDs, acting as a critical predictor of depletion of mental reserve and significant deterioration in quality of life (QofL). Purpose:To evaluate the possibilities of the adapted use of the "Clinical Frailty Scale" as a tool for predicting psychosocial well-being in adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases by verifying its prognostic significance in comparison with the comorbidity level and indicators of quality of life Methodology: The study included 248 patients with IBD: 117 with Crohn's disease (Group I), 131 with ulcerative colitis (Group II) and 82 healthy volunteers (Control group). The average age is 43.34 ± 21.57 years. A multidisciplinary assessment approach was used: "Clinical Frailty Scale" (CFS) to determine functional reserve; the CIRS scale for assessing the severity of comorbidity; and the SF-36 questionnaire for QofL analysis, with a particular focus on the relationship between physical and mental health components. Results: The obtained data confirmed a significant depletion of functional and psychoemotional resources in patients with IBD compared to the control group. The average CFS score in patients with ulcerative colitis (4.2±0.6) and Crohn's disease (3.1±1.2) was 1.5–2.0 times higher than in healthy subjects (2.1±0.97, p<0.05). A high level of comorbidity (according to the CIRS-IS and CIRS-CI scales) showed a strong correlation with a decrease in mental health scores according to the SF-36 questionnaire. The results of the correlation analysis show that frailty in IBD is not just an isolated physical symptom, but a complex psychosocial burden caused by a long-term chronic disease that leads to the loss of "mental reserve". Conclusion: The obtained results emphasize the urgent need to implement an integrated approach in managing IBD. The use of frailty assessment in routine clinical practice enables the timely detection of risks associated with psychological maladjustment in patients. To overcome the challenge of IBD, medical systems must focus on holistic care models — this involves a transition from purely biological treatment to taking into account all aspects of a person's life. Such models should be aimed at preserving both physical functionality and mental well-being and QofL of patients

Introduction: Mental health concerns are on the rise in the Philippines, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors, including sex and physical health concerns, contribute to this rise. However, there has been limited available research on the influence of physical health concerns on mental health concerns, particularly among Filipino female undergraduate students. Purpose: The study investigated the influencing role of physical health concerns, particularly sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections, in the experience of depression, anxiety, and stress among Filipino female undergraduate students enrolled in a state university. The participants were freshman and sophomore undergraduate students enrolled during the first-ever semester of residential classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of the investigation can be used in the crafting of a contextualized mental health program. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative method of research. A total of 976 female undergraduate students (mean age of 18.87, representing 23 programs) from a state university in the Philippines were asked to respond to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and to the Physical Health Questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyze responses from the research instruments. Results: Using the responses of the female undergraduate students, descriptive statistics revealed that, as a group, they experienced severe depression, extremely severe anxiety, and moderate stress. Also, it was further revealed through multiple regression analysis that sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections significantly influenced stress, while sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections significantly influenced depression and anxiety. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of physical wellness in understanding mental health concerns. Therefore, understanding mental health concerns, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress among female undergraduate students, also requires understanding physical health concerns, which is necessary in contextualizing mental health programs.

Introduction: Mental illness is a global issue that affects various population groups, including university students. Gaining insights into students' perspectives on mental illness plays a vital role in fostering mental health awareness and combating stigma in educational environments Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate Vietnamese undergraduate students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of mental illness by focusing on the dimensions: (i) the level of knowledge students possess about the causes and manifestations of mental illness, and (ii) their attitudes towards individuals experiencing mental health problems. Methodology: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, this study involved 350 undergraduate students from five universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Data collection was conducted between June and July 2024 and utilized the Perception Towards Persons with Mental Illness (PWMI) Scale adapted from previous studies. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software, version 25 (IBM SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The results indicated that approximately 80.6% knew about mental illness, and 70.5% perceived mental illness as a common or quite common phenomenon in Vietnam. Regarding the etiology of mental illness, a significant majority identified "bad things happening to you" as a cause (73.3%), followed by substance abuse (51.4%) and brain disease (50.0%). The findings also revealed that, despite some positive perceptions and attitudes, many responses clustered around the neutral option, particularly for controversial or personal items. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to foster more informed and compassionate attitudes towards individuals with mental illness among undergraduate students.

Introduction: Pharmacists have an obligation to comprehend the special requirements of people with mental disorders. Their role in mental healthcare is becoming more important as mental disorders are becoming more common and treatment plans get more complicated. Regretfully, pharmacists frequently fail to provide the best care possible to those with mental disorders. Purpose: The purpose of this narrative review was to explore the role of pharmacists in enhancing mental healthcare services focusing on the current roles, challenges, and strategies for improvement. Methodology: English language peer-reviewed articles from Google Scholar and PubMed, as well as guidelines and governmental data were screened and assessed for inclusion. The key terms "mental health," "mental health services," and "pharmacist role" and phrases related to the role of pharmacists in mental healthcare were used to extract the most pertinent literature from the databases. The Boolean operators "AND," "NOT," and "OR" were used alongside the keywords. The search covered literature published between 2010 and 2024. Results: This review highlights the role that pharmacists play in providing mental healthcare services, emphasising their capacity to monitor and optimise therapy related to psychotropic medications, offer education and counselling, and manage substance use disorders. Although there are advantages to integrating pharmacists into mental healthcare, there are also obstacles, including systemic underutilisation of pharmacists, lack of training and specialisation, poor communication and collaboration, mental health stigma, lack of resources and time constraints. Conclusion: The role of pharmacists in mental healthcare can be improved by employing strategies such as integrating mental health education into pharmacy curriculum, making use of technology, and implementing successful multidisciplinary approach. Given the increasing demand for mental healthcare services, integrating pharmacists into mental healthcare will be vital in providing comprehensive, patient-centred healthcare that improves the accessibility and quality of mental healthcare services, however, the realisation of this potential will require overcoming the mentioned obstacles

Introduction: Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with substantial social and health burdens, and conventional pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments remain limited by side effects, poor tolerability, and variable efficacy. Baduanjin Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind–body exercise, has recently emerged as a promising complementary intervention. Purpose: This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin in the prevention and treatment of depression, with particular attention to its role as a stand-alone therapy and as an adjunct to pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and exercise-based interventions. Methodology: A systematic search of PubMed and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure was conducted for studies published between 2015 and 2024 using English and Chinese keywords. Eligible studies examined Baduanjin interventions for depressive symptoms and met criteria for peer-reviewed clinical research. Sixteen studies were included, and qualitative synthesis was performed. Results: Evidence indicates that Baduanjin effectively reduces depressive symptoms, alleviates anxiety, and improves quality of life across diverse populations. As a stand-alone therapy, it enhances mood and sleep quality, while adjunctive use with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or other modalities produces superior outcomes compared with single treatments. Safety analyses consistently reported minimal adverse events, highlighting its feasibility as a low-risk intervention. Conclusions: Baduanjin demonstrates significant potential as an effective, safe, and scalable therapy for depression. However, most studies remain limited by small samples, short follow-up periods, and heterogeneous protocols. Future research should pursue larger, standardized, and long-term trials to strengthen the evidence base and inform global clinical adoption

Introduction: In the modern world, forced displacement is considered as one of the most serious threats to mental health, especially for vulnerable groups, and at the same time as a decisive humanitarian problem. Children who are still in the process of identity and psycho-emotional stability formation are an extremely vulnerable category, since their ability to adapt significantly depends on adults and relationships with the environment. Purpose: To study the impact of traumatic experience associated with forced displacement due to Russian-Ukrainian war, on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and behavioral disorders in children. Methodology: The study included 40 children, 11±2.3 years old. The control group, representative by age and sex, consisted of 20 children. Using PCL-5, CPS-V-SR, SSS-8, and Vanderbilt Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Parenting Scale (VADPRS), the authors have conducted a quantitative and qualitative study of post-traumatic symptoms. Results: The results indicated the high prevalence of PTSD, with dominance of intrusive symptoms, hyperactivation, negative cognitive schemes, and somatic complaints. The factor analysis confirmed the binary structure of post-traumatic response: “psychophysiological matrix of uncontrolled trauma” and “pattern of affective depletion. VADPRS scale revealed a persistent tendency to mild distraction as a leading cognitive symptom, as well as less common but structured manifestations of impulsiveness, opposition, anxiety, and affective turbulence. Factor analysis provided an opportunity to define four patterns of psycho-emotional disorganization: socio-cognitive disorientation, impulse dysregulation, antisocial processing of trauma, and affective protest behavior. Conclusion: The authors emphasize the importance of not only clinical recognition of these patterns, but also the public recognition of the fact of traumatization due to forced displacement, which is often depreciated in public discourse.