Mental Health Support Research Articles

Understanding self-healing: Recovery insights from Indonesian suicide loss survivors and support providers.

This study examines the vital but underexplored role of self-healing in postvention efforts for suicide loss survivors (SLS) in Indonesia. We investigate the perspectives of Indonesian SLS and grief support providers (GSP) on self-healing's role in managing grief. Through in-depth interviews with 31 participants (16 SLS and 15 GSP), reflexive thematic analysis reveals both shared and divergent views. Our study developed three main themes: (1) Redefining self-healing, (2) Disconnectedness following loss, and (3) Reestablishing connection. The first theme shows both groups viewing self-healing as an intentional and dynamic process of confronting pain, and the latter themes highlight its role in restoring connections disrupted by suicide loss-spanning self, social, and spiritual dimensions. The findings offer practical implications for mental health professionals, policymakers, and support networks, promoting a more compassionate approach to post-suicide grief in Indonesia.

The protective role of employment in depression: insights from 2005 to 2018 NHANES information

BackgroundDepression is closely associated with employment status, which serves as a complex social determinant. This study explores the relationship between employment status and depression.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to 2018 were analyzed. The study included 29,452 participants aged 20 and older with complete data on employment and depression. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between employment and depression, adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol status.ResultsThe study revealed an overall depression prevalence of 8.61%, with significant variation across employment statuses—non-employed (11.77%), part-time (6.58%), and full-time (4.52%) workers. Employed individuals, particularly those in the 40-59 age group and with lower PIRs, showed reduced odds of depression (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36–0.48, p=0.000). Stratified analyses confirmed lower depression odds for employed individuals regardless of gender or marital status.ConclusionEmployment status has a significant impact on depression risk, with full-time work showing the strongest protective effect against depressive symptoms. The study underscores the role of sociodemographic factors in depression and highlights the need for policies promoting stable employment and mental health support, especially for economically vulnerable groups.

Educational leaders and school-based mental health: a social network analysis of knowledge brokerage

This study examines the relational dynamics of knowledge brokerage among educational leaders in implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for mental health promotion in schools. Recognizing the critical link between student mental health and academic achievement, schools are increasingly expected to provide comprehensive mental health supports. Utilizing social network analysis (SNA), this research explores the information-seeking behaviors of educational leaders within a public school system in British Columbia, Canada. By mapping the relational connections among school and district leaders, the study identifies how these leaders, as knowledge brokers, navigate and influence educational policies and practices related to MTSS. The findings reveal latent interaction patterns that can either facilitate or impede the flow of essential information, highlighting potential areas for strategic intervention. The analysis demonstrates the importance of leadership in fostering collaboration and ensuring the effective integration of mental health initiatives into school communities. Additionally, the study underscores the complex interactions through which knowledge is exchanged and mobilized, emphasizing the need for systems to enhance relational ties and promote collaborative leadership. This research contributes to the scholarship and practice of educational leadership by advancing the understanding of how social networks and knowledge brokerage can support the successful implementation of MTSS.

Symptoms of acute stress, anxiety, and depression following Türkiye-Syria earthquake among Syrian population: national survey during the acute phase

ABSTRACT Background: On 6 February 2023, an earthquake with a 7.8 magnitude wreaked destruction in northern Syria to add a new emergency status in the country. This study aims to evaluate the mental health status of the Syrian population in the immediate phase of the earthquake. Methods: This nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria from 17 February to 6 April. Data were collected on socio-demographics, trauma exposure characteristics, and levels of acute stress, depression, and anxiety. The NSESSS Checklist for the APA was used to assess ASD symptoms, PHQ-9 for depression, and GAD-7 for anxiety. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to identify predictive factors while accounting for governorate as a random effect and time elapsed as a fixed factor. Results: The rate of probable ASD symptoms was significant, with 55.3% of participants exhibiting these symptoms, including 10.3% reporting severe-to-extreme levels of severity. Similarly, 71.6% of participants exhibited symptoms of depression and 59.1% showed symptoms of anxiety. Furthermore, 40.4% of participants displayed a co-occurrence of ASD along with anxiety and depression. Linear mixed effects models indicated that symptoms were predicted by female sex, displacement, poor economic status, and a positive mental health history time elapsed, physical trauma, belief in the ongoing risk of earthquakes, feelings of dizziness, recurrent night-time fear arousal, and a continued sensation of seismic activity. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the high rates of symptoms of ASD, anxiety, and depression across the Syrian population during the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. High portions of people may acquire co-occurring symptoms represented by different mental health problems. These findings highlight the need for immediate actions to enhance mental health support in Syria.

Balancing privacy and public health: The impact of South Africa's cannabis legalization

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, enacted in South Africa in 2024, marks a significant shift in national drug policy by legalizing private cannabis use while aiming to balance individual privacy rights with public health and safety. This paper examines the Act’s impacts on socioeconomic dynamics, public health, and crime within South Africa, a context shaped by poverty, inequality, and strained healthcare resources. The study highlights potential economic benefits, such as job creation and formal market opportunities, alongside risks, including increased pressure on mental health services and complex implications for crime and gender-based violence. Drawing from government reports, recent studies, and international case comparisons, the analysis reveals how legalization might reduce the burden on the criminal justice system while also introducing challenges in public safety and healthcare capacity. The findings emphasize the need for robust governance frameworks that prioritize health system preparedness, social protections, and crime prevention. The discussion provides targeted policy recommendations for government agencies, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, addressing the importance of public education, regulatory oversight, and mental health support. This study offers valuable insights into the nuanced consequences of cannabis legalization in an emerging economy, contributing to global discussions on drug policy. By aligning policy with the realities of public health and safety, South Africa can leverage the potential benefits of legalization while mitigating its social costs.

Experiences of mothers of children with and without Special Educational Needs (SEN) in England during the COVID-19 lockdowns: a qualitative study

AbstractThe present study qualitatively examined the experiences of caregivers of primary school children with and without SEN in relation to their socioemotional wellbeing and how they coped during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 London-based mothers of 5–12-year-old children, half of whom had children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for a comparative exploration of the experiences of mothers with children with SEN and those without. The analysis generated four themes: (1) opportunities (2) challenges (3) post-pandemic considerations (4) coping strategies. Findings showed that caregivers of both SEN and non-SEN children experienced several opportunities or challenges after the initial lockdown in 2020. Both groups of caregivers reported similar long-term experiences in terms of opportunities. However, almost all caregivers in SEN group reported distinctive challenges about support services and mental health decline. In terms of coping strategies, SEN mothers placed a greater emphasis on the importance of adapting to change and establishing new routines. They also used more mental health services for themselves and their children during lockdowns compared to non-SEN mothers. Regarding the post-pandemic considerations, almost all caregivers, regardless of their children’s SEN status, expressed significant concerns about future uncertainties. This study highlights the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by caregivers, particularly emphasizing the nuanced needs of SEN families. The findings underscore the necessity for robust mental health support frameworks and tailored support strategies to address these needs. Implications for future research include further exploration of long-term support mechanisms for SEN families and a broader investigation into the diverse coping strategies across different caregiver populations.

Young Adults’ Perceptions of the Role of Self-Reliance and Trust on Help Seeking for Mental Health Problems

Many young people are reluctant to seek support for mental health concerns, and a preference for self-reliance has been identified as a key barrier. Yet, the conceptualisation of self-reliance and its role in help seeking is not well understood. This study examines the meaning of self-reliance for young people and how they perceive it affects help seeking, with a focus on the role of trust (both in oneself and in others). Thirty Australian young people aged 18–25 years were interviewed. A reflexive approach, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding techniques, was used to construct themes about self-reliance, trust, and help seeking for young people. Participants identified that both self-reliance and help seeking exist on a continuum from insufficient self-reliance to extreme self-reliance and excessive help seeking to unwillingness to seek help. Trust was a key component of self-reliance, and a balance between trust in oneself and trust in others was deemed necessary for self-reliance to be adaptive and for appropriate help seeking to occur. To maintain this balance, young people felt that a level of self-awareness was necessary. A high level of trust in oneself was considered to increase self-reliance, whereas a high level of trust in others increases help-seeking behaviours. Understanding the role of trust in self-reliance informs developmentally appropriate ways to address self-reliance as a barrier to mental health help seeking for young people.

Development of a two-stage depression symptom detection model: application of neural networks to twitter data

This study aims to help in the area of depression screening in the Philippine setting, focusing on the detection of depression symptoms through language use and behavior in social media to help improve the accuracy of symptom tracking. A two-stage detection model is proposed, wherein the first stage deals with the detection if depression symptoms exist and the second stage focuses on the detection of depression symptom category or type for English and Filipino language. A baseline data set with 14 depression categories consisting of 86,163 tweets was used as input to various machine learning algorithms together with Twitter user behaviors, linguistic features, and psychological behaviors. The two-stage detection models used Bidirectional Long-Short Term Memory type of Artificial Neural Network with dropout nodes. The first stage, with a binary output classifier, can detect tweets with “Depression Symptom” or “No Symptom” categories with an accuracy of 0.91 and F1-score of 0.90. The second stage classifier has 6 depression symptom categories, namely “Mind and Sleep,” “Appetite,” “Substance use,” “Suicidal tendencies,” “Pain,” and “Emotion” symptoms that has an accuracy of 0.83 and F1-score of 0.81. The two-stage algorithm can be used to complement mental health support provided by clinicians and in public health interventions to serve as high-level assessment tool. Limitations on misclassifications, negation, and data imbalance and biases can be addressed in future studies.

Compulsive sexual behavior, sexual functioning problems, and their linkages to substance use among German medical students: exploring the role of sex and trauma exposure

Sexual problems relevant to psychotherapy, such as compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and sexual functioning problems (SFP), have been related to harmful substance use in several studies. Substance use is prevalent among medical students (MS) and is often considered a maladaptive coping strategy for stress, as well as a risk factor for mental health issues. Sexual problems and substance use share trauma exposure and post-traumatic symptoms as risk factors for their development. This study aimed to explore the interaction effects between problematic sexual behaviors, substance use, and trauma among German MS. A cross-sectional study (n = 359; 69% women, 29% men) was conducted using an online questionnaire. MS at a German university were recruited via email. CSB (CSBD-19), SFP (SBQ), harmful alcohol (AUDIT) and drug use (DAST), childhood trauma exposure (CTQ), and current post-traumatic symptoms (IES-R) were assessed. Multivariate linear and ordinal regressions, as well as path analyses, were conducted to investigate associations between the study variables. CSB was identified in 3% of all MS. The most commonly reported SFPs were decreased sexual desire and difficulties achieving orgasms among women and premature ejaculation among men. Higher CSBD scores were predicted by male sex, elevated AUDIT scores, and increased frequencies of hyperarousal (IES-R). Path analyses revealed associations between the severity of emotional/sexual abuse, the intensity of post-traumatic symptoms, and both CSBD and AUDIT scores. Among female MS, less severe emotional abuse and more severe physical abuse in childhood predicted higher frequencies of orgasmic difficulties. The frequency of SFPs was correlated with the use of benzodiazepines among female MS, with cannabis and MDMA/ecstasy among male MS, and with cocaine/crack, speed, and AUDIT among both sexes. No interaction effects were found between SFPs, substance use, or trauma-related factors in the path analyses. To some extent, there appears to be a relationship between substance use, childhood trauma exposure, and currently persisting post-traumatic symptoms with problematic sexual behaviors among MS. However, further research is required to explore these relationships in greater depth and to identify the underlying pathways. Mental health support measures should incorporate the factors of sexuality, substance use, and trauma while also exploring their relationships with workload, career-related anxieties, and other curriculum-related factors.

Validation of the Emotions&Care App: A Mobile Application for Supporting Mental Health of College Students

College students have experienced an increment in mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When students start college, their mental health can be affected by emotional, social, or academic requirements. It is essential to provide tools for supporting the mental health of this population. In this paper, we present the validation of the Emotions&Care app, a mobile application for supporting the mental health of college students. Emotions&Care follows a user-centered design and provides mental health screening and monitoring. We used gamification techniques to motivate the sustained use of the app. Emotions&Care also allows mental health specialists to monitor college students’ mental health by tracking daily notes and emotions and by controlling appointments. We validated Emotions&Care with eleven college students and four mental health specialists. Our results indicate that Emotions&Care has the potential to provide college students with mental health screening and monitoring; however, several design issues should be addressed to ensure its extended-term use.

Supporting psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners’ preparedness to treat mental health concerns during pregnancy: Results from a grounded theory study

Background and objective: Pregnant persons are less likely to be screened and treated for depression and anxiety during pregnancy compared to the pre- and post-natal periods, despite adverse effects associated with untreated mental health concerns during pregnancy. Patients have reported that maternal and mental health providers seem unable or unwilling to discuss treatment with psychopharmacological options during pregnancy. Literature concerning this pattern has not included the perspective of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP). The objective of this study was to identify the barriers and needs of PMHNPs regarding the treatment of mental health concerns during pregnancy.Methods: In this constructivist grounded theory study, data were collected between February 2023 and February 2024 through in-depth interview. Eligible participants were PMHNPs, or PMHNP students, working with patients who might become pregnant in an outpatient setting.Results: Seventeen PMHNPs or students participated in this study. Many believed they were unprepared to treat pregnant patients and described barriers and needs that impede their comfort and willingness to treat people who are pregnant. These included inadequate training, limited research, and concerns about legal liability. PMHNPs requested more information about perinatal mental health and its treatment to be incorporated into training programs and clinical experience.Conclusions: Many PMHNPs were unaware or underinformed of available resources and best practices for treatment during pregnancy. In addition to best practices for the treatment of people who are pregnant, PMHNP programs should consider including preparation for the emotional consequences of practice as well as clear and accurate information about malpractice and liability risks.

The Role of Interpersonal Communication in Maintaining The Mental Health of University Students in Makassar: A Phenomenological Study

Maintaining mental health among university students is a growing concern, especially in culturally rich regions like Makassar. This study investigates the role of interpersonal communication in supporting the mental well-being of students in Makassar. The research aims to understand how students utilize interpersonal communication to address mental health challenges and adapt to academic and social environments. Using a qualitative approach with an interpretative phenomenological design, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten students from various study programs in Makassar. The findings reveal five primary functions of interpersonal communication: (1) serving as emotional catharsis, (2) establishing social support systems, (3) managing conflicts and academic pressures, (4) aiding cultural adaptation for migrant students, and (5) facilitating mental health care through technology. The research highlights the influence of local cultural values, such as sipakatau (mutual respect) and siri' na pacce (a sense of shame and empathy), on the ways interpersonal communication is practiced. The results underscore the importance of interpersonal communication skills in equipping students for academic and professional challenges. These findings have critical implications for higher education institutions in designing mental health support programs that are culturally sensitive and address students' interpersonal communication needs.

The Impact of Anxiety and Depressive Symptomatology on Greek Practicing Lawyers’ Self-Esteem

Background/Objectives: This study examines the impact of anxiety and depressive symptomatology on self-esteem among Greek practicing lawyers. The high-stress environment of the legal profession is known to heighten the risk of mental health issues, yet limited research exists on Greek lawyers. The study aims to explore associations between anxiety, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem, hypothesizing that increased anxiety and depression correlate with reduced self-esteem. Method: The study utilized a correlational design with a sample of 80 Greek lawyers, recruited through professional associations. Participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to assess the relationships between anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Results: The findings indicated significant negative correlations between self-esteem and both depressive (r = −0.631, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (r = −0.405, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that both depression (β = −0.558, p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = −0.225, p = 0.014) were significant predictors of lower self-esteem, explaining approximately 44% of the variance in self-esteem scores. Conclusions: The study concludes that higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms significantly lower self-esteem among Greek lawyers, underscoring the need for mental health support within this profession. Addressing mental health issues in legal professionals may promote better self-esteem and overall well-being, with potential benefits for both lawyers and their clients.

Assessment of Suicidal Risk through Clinical Scales: A Comparative Analysis of Measurement Tools and Their Effectiveness in Psychiatric Practice

<p dir="ltr"><span>Suicide risk assessment is one of the critical components of mental health care, necessitating accurate, reliable, and sensitive tools to identify at-risk individuals and guide interventions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of various clinical scales used to assess suicidal risk, exploring their psychometric properties, target populations, and practical applications. Key scales discussed include BSS, C-SSRS, SBQ-R, and SS. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The analysis highlights the importance of integrating these tools into clinical practice to enhance early detection and management of suicidal behaviors, particularly among high-risk groups such as individuals with depression, mood disorders, adolescents, and so on. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The effective application of these assessment scales is crucial in improving mental health outcomes, emphasizing a multifaceted approach that includes mental health support, community engagement, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups. The article underscores the need for ongoing research and refinement of these tools to adapt to the evolving understanding of suicidal behavior and prevention strategies.</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>

Challenges and facilitators to perinatal mental healthcare among first-generation migrant women: A qualitative ethnographic study in Flanders, Belgium.

Women with a migration background face significant barriers to accessing perinatal mental health support. This study aims to explore the needs, barriers and facilitators regarding perinatal mental health support in women with a first-generation migration background and how they experience support within their own community. We conducted qualitative in-depth face-to-face interviews with mothers who gave birth within 12 months preceding the interview, recruited from an Antwerp maternity ward between August and September 2022. Three midwife researchers conducted interviews at the participants' home, using an interpreter if needed. A midwife researcher with relevant expertise reviewed the final manuscript. Two researchers independently performed qualitative inductive content analysis and constant comparison of audio transcripts using NVIVO. Of the 11 participants, none reported mental health issues at the time of the interview. However, four mothers shared experiences indicative of postnatal depression, highlighting significant challenges such as isolation, language barriers, and a lack of awareness about mental health support. Recurring themes included the importance of professionals taking the time and making efforts to provide accessible information, navigating language barriers, differences in participants' openness toward discussing mental health, the importance of having a close network available for psychological support, and practical aspects inhibiting access. Overall, participants reported a desire for more culturally sensitive care and information about available support. Findings underscore the urgent need for tailored perinatal mental health support that is easy to access, emphasizing awareness and training for professionals, especially midwives, to meet diverse needs. Recognizing this population's variety is essential.

Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support

Anxiety disorders represent one of the most widespread mental health challenges globally, yet access to traditional therapeutic interventions remains constrained, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot, developed using ChatGPT, in managing anxiety symptoms through evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Fifty participants with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms engaged with the chatbot over two observational phases, each lasting seven days. The chatbot delivered personalized interventions, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques, and was accessible 24/7 to provide real-time support during emotional distress. The findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in both phases, with an average improvement of 21.15% in Phase 1 and 20.42% in Phase 2. Enhanced engagement in Phase 2 suggested the potential for sustained usability and familiarity with the chatbot’s functions. While participants reported high satisfaction with the accessibility and personalization of the chatbot, its inability to replicate human empathy underscored the importance of integrating AI tools with human oversight for optimal outcomes. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven interventions as valuable complements to traditional therapy, providing scalable and accessible mental health support, particularly in regions with limited access to professional services.

Does Having a Guardian with Cancer Contribute to Heightened Anxiety in Adolescents?

When a guardian is diagnosed with cancer, the emotional and psychological toll they endure can have a profound impact on their children’s mental health. Understanding the factors that contribute to heightened anxiety in these children is crucial for identifying mental health disorders early. This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between having a guardian with cancer and elevated anxiety levels in adolescents, accounting for confounding variables such as sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Data were obtained from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) using the Sample Adult Interview (27,651 participants) and Sample Child Interview (7464 participants) datasets. The independent variable (guardian’s cancer diagnosis) was derived from the Sample Adult Interview, while the dependent variable (childhood anxiety) and confounders were derived from the Sample Child Interview. Using Stata 16.0, the datasets were merged based on household index variables, yielding a final sample of 4563 participants. Logistic regression analyses assessed the correlation between a guardian’s cancer diagnosis and anxiety levels in children. The results show that children with a guardian battling cancer are significantly more likely to develop anxiety (through the use of odds ratio), with the effect size varying based on factors such as sex, income, and environment. Girls, children from lower-income families, and those with a guardian experiencing depression were at particularly high risk. These findings highlight the strong link between familial health challenges and adolescent anxiety, emphasizing the need for early intervention and mental health support in families affected by cancer.

Mental Health Support for First Responders Provided Outside of California's Workers' Compensation System.

Concern about psychiatric injuries for first responders has grown. We examine alternatives to workers' compensation (WC). We conducted 15 interviews across 5 California departments contracted with non-WC mental health (MH) providers. We performed content analysis. MH support outside of WC most often was a dedicated contract with outside MH providers for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Departments had formal financing mechanisms with union and city support designating funding for MH care. Frustration and past WC experiences drove the desire for WC alternatives. First responders reported high levels of stigma associated with MH care. Compared to WC, these alternatives allowed more comprehensive services to injured workers along with ease of accessing care, expediting the healing process. Contracting culturally competent MH providers outside of WC for first responders has potential and needs formal evaluation.

Addressing the Human Experience of Chronic Kidney Disease: ACall to Transform Kidney Care.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a long-term condition in which kidney function declines over time, is a growing global healthcare concern. CKD can have a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Recent research by the International Society of Nephrology highlights that current treatment strategies and policies do not fully address patients' needs. This commentary provides patient insights into the real-life concerns of those who are living with CKD, with main concerns focusing on relationships and support, work and finances, and awareness, prevention, and intervention. Strong support networks are essential for patients and caregivers, but the burden of CKD can make it difficult to maintain personal connections. Limiting disease progression and providing mental health support can help patients and caregivers to maintain their relationships. Work or education can be challenging to manage with CKD; however, employers and educational institutions can create supportive environments that meet the diverse needs of people with CKD. Although delaying disease progression can preserve patient quality of life, people are often unaware of their disease prior to diagnosis, the severity of their CKD, and the risk factors for progression. This presents an opportunity to involve patients in their care by improving education about the benefits of maintaining kidney health. Early identification and holistic intervention could slow disease progression and protect the well-being of patients with CKD and their caregivers. This commentary brings together the diverse perspectives of patients and patient advocacy groups, as well as primary care and specialist healthcare professionals, to advocate for a transformation of CKD management that encourages patient self-care and that prioritizes timely intervention.A patient perspective video and a graphical abstract are available with this article. Addressing the Human Experience of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Call to Transform Kidney Care. Watch Lweendo Hamusankwa discuss his experience of living with chronic kidney disease, from how it impacted his family life to the importance of support networks and patient-facing information. Lweendo advocates for patients to be educated on CKD progression, treatment options, and lifestyle interventions to encourage people to manage their own health and well-being.

Stress, physical activity, and mindfulness practices among youth amidst COVID-19

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stress and anxiety among young people, particularly university students, impacting their mental well-being and daily life. Given the rise in social isolation and economic uncertainty, the adoption of mindfulness practices such as sophrology, meditation, and yoga becomes essential for improving their mental health. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these practices on stress levels and their effect on engagement in physical activities among youths.MethodThis study employed a mixed methods design to assess the impact of different wellness and mindfulness practices on stress levels and physical activity (PA) engagement among university students. Quantitative data were gathered electronically from 218 students at the University of Rouen and the university of Paris-Cité through validated questionnaires, including custom tools on sports and mindfulness practices and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The sample consisted mainly of young adults aged 18 to 35, with a majority of 170 female and 48 male participants. Qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with three directors of the university's sports and physical activities department (SUAPS), as well as four wellness program instructors. Data analysis involved statistical techniques using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software for quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically using Sphinx software, a tool for textual analysis. Ethical approval for the study was obtained, and confidentiality of all participants was maintained throughout the research.Results and conclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on French university students’ PA, mental health, and stress levels. Lockdowns led to a decline in sports practices for many, while others adapted by increasing their engagement in fitness and wellness practices. The majority of participants (64.68%) reported moderate levels of stress. A significant correlation was found between motivations for mental health support and stress management, and higher levels of stress (p = 0.0000 and p = 0.0024, respectively). Regular participation in wellness activities was associated with lower stress (p = 0.0193). The findings reinforce the idea that incorporating wellness practices into educational environments can strengthen students’ mental resilience and overall well-being, equipping them with essential tools to effectively cope with future stressors.