Mental Health Support Services Research Articles

Psychological Distress and Associated Factors among Technical Intern Trainees in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Japan is experiencing significant demographic shifts due to an aging and declining population. In 1993, the Japanese Government introduced the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) to accept foreign national workers. While the number of technical intern trainees under this program has constantly increased, many of them face challenges in their daily lives, such as stress, health insecurities and limited access to healthcare. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the mental well-being of technical intern trainees, focusing on psychological distress and its related factors. This study included 304 technical intern trainees from 12 prefectures in Japan, and was conducted from August 2021 to October 2021. We used self-administered questionnaires in the participants’ native languages to assess their sociodemographic conditions, health-related conditions such as health insecurities and healthcare-seeking behaviors, and psychological distress. The K6 Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was applied to evaluate the levels of psychological distress. Among the participants, 26.3% had moderate psychological distress and 2.3% had severe psychological distress. In addition, about 15% of the participants reported health insecurities and did not see a doctor despite wanting to. The multivariate model of logistic regression revealed significant associations between psychological distress and female gender (AOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.12–6.12), nationality other than Vietnamese (AOR 4.85, 95% CI 2.60–9.07), tough financial conditions (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.18–4.19), experiencing health insecurity (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.04–4.66) and the health behavior of refraining from seeking medical care (AOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.49–6.30). The top reasons for refraining from seeking medical care were the participants’ limited knowledge about the healthcare system in Japan and their worries about medical bills. These findings highlight the necessity to extend mental health support services, including counseling services, and share information about Japan’s healthcare system to supply medical services to the targeted technical intern trainee population.

Exploring the Psychological Health and Work Efficiency of Enterprise Employees under the EAP Perspective

Against the backdrop of rapid global economic advancement, intensifying corporate competition has made employee mental health a pivotal factor affecting both organizational performance and employee well-being. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), as structured mental health support services, have garnered increasing attention from corporate entities and academia alike. EAPs not only aim to address employees' psychological issues but also strive to enhance their work efficiency and overall satisfaction. By offering psychological counseling, stress management, and other comprehensive services, EAPs effectively alleviate workplace stress, promote mental well-being, and consequently elevate corporate productivity and competitiveness. Research underscores a significant positive correlation between mental health and work efficiency. Maintaining a healthy psychological state facilitates sustained high performance among employees, mitigating absenteeism and turnover stemming from psychological issues. As businesses increasingly prioritize employee mental health, the global adoption of EAPs is becoming more widespread. However, enterprises face various challenges in implementation, such as safeguarding employee privacy, low participation rates, and resource constraints. Thus, exploring the impact of EAPs on employee mental health and work efficiency, analyzing challenges encountered during implementation, and devising corresponding strategies are crucial for optimizing management practices and enhancing operational efficiency in enterprises.

A web-based video messaging intervention for suicide prevention in men: study protocol for a five-armed randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMore than 50% of people who die by suicide have not been in contact with formal mental health services. The rate of people who fly ‘under the radar’ of mental health services is higher among men than women, indicating a need to improve engagement strategies targeted towards men who experience suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours. In Australia, a range of mental health support services exist, designed specifically for men, yet, a substantial proportion of men do not use these services. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a brief online video-based messaging intervention is an effective approach for encouraging men with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours to engage with existing support services.MethodsInformed by a literature review, surveys, and consultation with men with a lived experience of suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours, we designed five video-based messages that will be used in this five-arm randomised controlled trial. A total of 380 (76 per arm) men aged 18 years or older with suicidal thoughts who are not currently accessing formal mental health services will be recruited online and randomly assigned to watch one of the five web-based video messages. After viewing the video, men will be presented with information about four existing Australian support services, along with links to these services. The primary outcome will be help-seeking, operationalised as a click on any one of the four support service links, immediately after viewing the video. Secondary outcomes include immediate self-reported help-seeking intentions in addition to self-reported use of the support services during a 1-week follow-up period. We will also use the Discrete Choice Experiment methodology to determine what aspects of support services (e.g. low cost, short appointment wait times) are most valued by this group of men.DiscussionThis study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief web-based video messaging intervention for promoting engagement with existing support services among men with suicidal thoughts who are not currently receiving formal help. If found to be effective, this would represent a scalable, cost-effective approach to promote help-seeking for this at-risk population. Limitations and strengths of this study design are discussed.

A web-based video messaging intervention for suicide prevention in men: study protocol for a five-armed randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMore than 50% of people who die by suicide have not been in contact with formal mental health services. The rate of people who fly ‘under the radar’ of mental health services is higher among men than women, indicating a need to improve engagement strategies targeted towards men who experience suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours. In Australia, a range of mental health support services exist, designed specifically for men, yet, a substantial proportion of men do not use these services. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a brief online video-based messaging intervention is an effective approach for encouraging men with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours to engage with existing support services.MethodsInformed by a literature review, surveys, and consultation with men with a lived experience of suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours, we designed five video-based messages that will be used in this five-arm randomised controlled trial. A total of 380 (76 per arm) men aged 18 years or older with suicidal thoughts who are not currently accessing formal mental health services will be recruited online and randomly assigned to watch one of the five web-based video messages. After viewing the video, men will be presented with information about four existing Australian support services, along with links to these services. The primary outcome will be help-seeking, operationalised as a click on any one of the four support service links, immediately after viewing the video. Secondary outcomes include immediate self-reported help-seeking intentions in addition to self-reported use of the support services during a 1-week follow-up period. We will also use the Discrete Choice Experiment methodology to determine what aspects of support services (e.g. low cost, short appointment wait times) are most valued by this group of men.DiscussionThis study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief web-based video messaging intervention for promoting engagement with existing support services among men with suicidal thoughts who are not currently receiving formal help. If found to be effective, this would represent a scalable, cost-effective approach to promote help-seeking for this at-risk population. Limitations and strengths of this study design are discussed.

Consultations With Muslims From Minoritised Ethnic Communities Living in Deprived Areas: Identifying Inequities in Mental Health Care and Support.

Limited research concerning existing inequities in mental health care and support services in the United Kingdom captures perceptions and lived experiences of the significantly underrepresented Muslim population. Underpinned by social constructivist theory, we used consultation to facilitate public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) to identify inequities in mental health care and support experienced by Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities living in deprived areas in Liverpool, UK. The rationale was to (a) better inform standards and policies in healthcare and (b) provide a psychologically safe space to members of the Muslim community to share perceptions and experiences of mental health care and support services. To ensure trustworthiness of the data, member checking was adopted. This paper describes the procedure to achieving this consultation, including our recruitment strategy, data collection and analysis as well as key findings. Twenty-seven consultees attended the women's consultation and eight consultees attended the men's consultation. Consultees were from Yemeni, Somali, Sudanese, Egyptian, Algerian, Pakistani and Moroccan communities and share the Islamic faith. Four key interlinked themes were identified from consultees' narratives: (1) broken cycle of trust; (2) an overmedicalised model of care; (3) community mental health prevention initiatives; and (4) culturally conscious training and education. The Muslim population has identified numerous barriers to accessing mental health support and there is a need to resource activities that would aid deeper understanding of mental health support needs through continuous and meaningful community initiatives. This would afford mental health practitioners and organisations opportunities for developing realistic anti-racism strategies, effectively adopting social prescription, strengthening partnerships and collaborations aimed at supporting delivery of evidence-based mental health care provisions to tackle mental health inequities. This paper reports on the involvement and engagement of Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities living in the Liverpool city region.

The risk of premature cardiac contractions (PAC/PVC) related to caffeine consumption among healthcare workers: A comprehensive review.

Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are ectopic heart rhythm disorders with implications for cardiovascular health. This study explores the relationship between caffeine consumption and the risk of PACs and PVCs, with a focus on healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and midwives, who often rely on caffeine to combat fatigue, especially during night shifts. A thorough review was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, utilizing a combination of MeSH terms and keywords. Studies examining the link between caffeine consumption and PACs and PVCs, particularly in healthcare workers, were included. We found that caffeine shows various effects based on dosage and can impact arrhythmia risk. Individuals working long shifts, including healthcare professionals, are prone to increased caffeine intake, leading to higher cardiovascular risk. To mitigate these risks, tailored guidelines for caffeine consumption, flexible shift scheduling, and mental health support services are recommended. Promoting caffeine alternatives within healthcare institutions can be beneficial. Although caffeine may have potential benefits, its drawbacks, particularly concerning cardiovascular health, may surpass its advantages, especially when consumed in high doses. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for healthcare workers' well-being and quality of patient care. Further research is required to refine and support these recommendations.

Depressive symptoms predict cannabis vaping initiation among young adults

BackgroundYoung adults in the United States, including college students, have the highest prevalence of cannabis use compared with other age groups. Although cannabis vaping is increasingly prevalent during young adulthood, little is known about factors contributing to the onset of cannabis vaping during this developmental period. MethodsParticipants were 3085 cannabis vaping naïve young adults aged 18–25 years (M = 20.60; SD = 1.80), initially recruited from 24 Texas colleges and participating in a multi-wave, longitudinal study. A survival analysis was conducted to determine if participants reporting elevated depressive symptoms had an increased risk of onset of cannabis vaping over six follow-up waves from fall 2015 to spring 2019 compared to their peers with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Socio-demographic characteristics, time-varying past 30 day substance use, and time-varying peer nicotine vaping were included as covariates in the model. ResultsTwenty-five percent of participants initiated cannabis vaping during the four-year study period, with stable initiation rates from 2015 to 2017 but doubling from 2017 to 2019. Analyses, both unadjusted and adjusted for study covariates, indicated that elevated depressive symptoms were significantly associated with an increased risk of cannabis vaping initiation. ConclusionFindings indicate that initiation of cannabis vaping during young adulthood is common, and particularly more likely among those with greater depressive symptoms, thus underscoring the importance of prevention programs that include mental health support services tailored to young adults.

Nursing student perspectives on improving mental health support services at university in Saudi Arabia – a qualitative study

Background University students’ needs for mental health (MH) services are an important aspect of academic success or failure. Nursing students enrolled at Saudi Arabian universities in need of MH care encounter obstacles in accessing this type of care. Aims The present work explores students’ views and suggestions about the existing problems surrounding university students’ MH and well-being support services. Methods Twenty students enrolled in a Master of Nursing program were recruited as research participants. Individual interviews of students’ perceptions of the needs and availability of MH services during their studies provided inductive data. These data were analysed through a constructivist thematic method. Findings Three major themes and sub-themes regarding the issues and possibilities of MH services were distinguished from the research data, namely, social implications, access and opportunity, and ways to improve care. Participants emphasised a need for a university-wide approach to reforming MH services to provide students with the required support and alleviate service demand by qualified professionals. Conclusion The present work underscores the need for provision of good quality MH care for university students and health promotion which strives to reduce stigma related to MH care.

Social Support and Mental Well-Being of Newcomer Women and Children Living in Canada: A Scoping Review

Newcomer women and children are less likely to access and utilize mental health support services as compared to the general Canadian population, despite reporting experiences of mental health issues. This review aimed to map out the social support interventions that are available for promoting the mental well-being of newcomer women and children living in Canada. A search using Medline, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library was conducted to identify published studies. Studies were screened, extracted, and synthesized by two independent reviewers in line with the methodological approach for scoping reviews. Fourteen articles published in English between 2012–2023 were reviewed. Results identified five types of interventions: art and sand play interventions, support groups and workshops, assessment of existing support services, social media interventions, and short-term cognitive behavioral therapy. Our results suggest that culturally appropriate social support interventions increase mental well-being outcomes, such as self-esteem and social support, and reduce peri-migratory traumas for newcomer women and children in Canada. However, findings from this review underscore the need for more quantitative and participatory research approaches so that newcomer women’s and children’s needs are adequately explored and addressed.

Wellbeing education increases skills and knowledge among tertiary students in the agricultural sector: insights from a mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Purpose The agricultural sector is facing a myriad of financial, environmental, social, and cultural challenges which affect the mental health of those working on-farm. This study focused on a tertiary education programme designed to increase recognition of mental health issues and convey strategies to address these. Methodology To identify the effect of such a programme, and which aspects contribute to that effect, this paper applied a mixed methods approach. Quantitative propensity score matching was used to identify changes in knowledge and skills, and qualitative surveys were conducted to explore the wellbeing of students and to identify aspects of the programme contributing to change. Findings Students report an increase in (i) ability recognising signs of poor mental health in self and others; (ii) confidence talking about their own and others’ mental health; and (iii) knowing how to access mental health support services. Programme aspects contributing to this effect are peer-to-peer education and building on existing knowledge. Practical implications This paper addresses a gap in the literature by providing insights into programme aspects that lead to successful delivery. Theoretical implications This study reports on the evaluation of a tertiary education programme and provides valuable insights into whether such programmes can contribute to increased knowledge on wellbeing. Originality This research describes and analyses the effectiveness of a mental health promotion programme aimed at young adults which is rare in the literature.

The Role of the Media and Self-Compassion in Enhancing Mental Health and Preventing Suicide among Nigerian Youth: A Literature Review

In this review, we examine the impact of media and self-compassion on the mental well-being of Nigerian youth, particularly in suicide prevention and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Nigeria faces socioeconomic challenges contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates among young people. Despite this, the influence of media and self-compassion interventions on mental health remains largely unexplored. The research questions centred on how media exposure enhances mental health awareness and resilience building, as well as the role of self-compassion in preventing suicide. Seven studies employing various methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and experimental designs were identified from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases and were analysed. The results indicated the significant role of media in health communication and education, while self-compassion interventions show promise in enhancing mental health resilience. Recommendations include utilising media for mental health education and support services, particularly targeting youth. This synthesis offers insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and educational institutions to integrate media-based mental health interventions into their strategies.

Stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance among healthcare professional during the COVID-19 pandemic: An umbrella review of 72 meta-analyses.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has significantly impacted the psychological and physical health of a wide range of individuals, including healthcare professionals (HCPs). This umbrella review aims provide a quantitative summary of meta-analyses that have investigated the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance among HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses reviews was conducted. The search was performed using the EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases from 01st January 2020 to 15th January 2024. A random-effects model was then used to estimate prevalence with a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analyses were then conducted to explore the heterogeneity of the sample. Seventy-two meta-analyses involved 2,308 primary studies were included after a full-text review. The umbrella review revealed that the pooled prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance among HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic was 37% (95% CI 32.87-41.22), 31.8% (95% CI 29.2-34.61) 29.4% (95% CI 27.13-31.84) 36.9% (95% CI 33.78-40.05) respectively. In subgroup analyses the prevalence of anxiety and depression was higher among nurses than among physicians. Evidence from this umbrella review suggested that a significant proportion of HCPs experienced stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information will support authorities when implementing specific interventions that address mental health problems among HCPs during future pandemics or any other health crises. Such interventions may include the provision of mental health support services, such as counseling and peer support programs, as well as the implementation of organizational strategies to reduce workplace stressors.

Advancing Educational accessibility and experiences: A sophisticated Chatbot integration approach

The integration of chatbots into the educational sector has ushered in a new era of learning and administrative support. This review paper explores the dynamic landscape of chatbots within educational institutes, focusing on their evolution and the emergence of innovative trends. From their early days as basic information providers to their current roles as personalized learning companions, chatbots have undergone significant transformations. The study identifies key milestones in the evolution of chatbots in education, highlighting their transition from rule-based systems to intelligent learning assistants. Moreover, this review delves into the latest trends shaping the chatbot ecosystem in education. It underscores the growing emphasis on Al-powered personalization, multimodal interfaces, and integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) to streamline administrative tasks. Chatbots are no longer confined to text-based interactions; they now support voice and video, making education more accessible and inclusive. Additionally, they are contributing to mental health support and counseling services, addressing the well-being of students. The paper will argue that chatbots have the potential to revolutionize education by providing students with personalized learning experiences, supporting students with special needs, and promoting student engagement. However, it is important to address the ethical implications of using chatbots in education, such as privacy and bias. The paper will be of interest to educators, researchers, and policymakers who are interested in learning more about the potential of chatbots to transform education. Keywords— Deep Learning, Machine learning, NLP, Voice Assistant, Linux, Artificial Intelligence, Speech Recognition, LLMs.

Transcending technology boundaries and maintaining sense of community in virtual mental health peer support: a qualitative study with service providers and users

BackgroundThis qualitative study explores the experiences of peer support workers (PSWs) and service users (or peers) during transition from in-person to virtual mental health services. During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for accessible and community-based mental health support has become increasingly important. This research aims to understand how technological factors act as bridges and boundaries to mental health peer support services. In addition, the study explores whether and how a sense of community can be built or maintained among PSWs and peers in a virtual space when connections are mediated by technology. This research fills a gap in the literature by incorporating the perspectives of service users and underscores the potential of virtual peer support beyond pandemic conditions.MethodsData collection was conducted from a community organization that offers mental health peer support services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 employees and 27 service users. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and synthesize a comprehensive understanding.ResultsThe findings highlight the mental health peer support needs that were met through virtual services, the manifestation of technology-based boundaries and the steps taken to remove some of these boundaries, and the strategies employed by the organization and its members to establish and maintain a sense of community in a virtual environment marked by physical distancing and technology-mediated interrelations. The findings also reveal the importance of providing hybrid services consisting of a mixture of in person and virtual mental health support to reach a broad spectrum of service users.ConclusionsThe study contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance community mental health services and support in the virtual realm. It shows the importance of virtual peer support in situations where in-person support is not accessible. A hybrid model combining virtual and in-person mental health support services is recommended for better accessibility to mental health support services. Moreover, the importance of organizational support and of equitable resource allocation to overcome service boundaries are discussed.

Psychiatric Diagnoses Are Associated With Postoperative Disparities in Patients Undergoing Major Colorectal Operations.

Over 50% of hospitalized patients have comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, resulting in increased risk of morbidity such as longer lengths of stay, worse health-related quality of life, and increased mortality. However, data regarding colorectal surgery postoperative outcomes in patients with psychiatric diagnoses (PD) are limited. We queried a single institution's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2013-2019 for major colorectal procedures. Postsurgical outcomes for patients with and without PD were compared. Primary outcomes were prolonged length of stay (pLOS) and 30-day readmission. From a total of 1447 patients, 402 (27.8%) had PD. PD had more smokers (20.9% vs 15%) and higher mean body mass index (29.1kg/m2 vs 28.2kg/m2). Bivariate outcomes showed more surgical site infections (SSI) (10.2% vs 6.12%), reoperation (9.45% vs 6.35%), and pLOS (34.8% vs 29.0%) (all P values <.05) in the PD group. On multivariate analysis, PD had higher likelihood of reoperation (OR 1.53, 95% CI: [1.02-2.80]) and SSI (OR 1.82, 95% CI: [1.25-2.66]). Psychiatric diagnoses are a risk factor for adverse outcomes after colorectal procedures. Further studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of perioperative mental health support services for these patients.

Community integration, quality of life, thriving, and mental health among refugees and asylum seekers. A London service provider perspective.

This article explores how systemic injustices and social inequalities affect refugee and asylum seeker integration, thriving, and mental health in London. This is pertinent as the United Kingdom currently operates a 'broken' asylum system with unfair policies and a 'tough' immigration rhetoric which makes it extraordinarily difficult for asylum seekers and refugees to achieve community integration, have a good quality of life, be able to thrive, and have good health including mental health. Paradoxically, the United Kingdom Home Office also features an Indicators for Integration Framework to provide practical ways to design more effective strategies, monitor services and evaluated integration interventions. This study employed a qualitative research design including semi-structured interviews with 19 mental health and psychosocial support service providers working in third-sector organizations in London. The study results show that the current asylum system severely undermines efforts to support asylum seekers and refugees with their integration. All participants highlighted that asylum seekers and refugees lacked experienced poor quality of life and faced structural challenges to build meaningful social connections; to have access education, fair employment and good work; to achieve good mental health and wellbeing; and to be able to thrive. To improve community integration, quality of life, thriving, and mental health for asylum seekers and refugees in London and, beyond, the United Kingdom, four recommendations are made on structural and service-levels: (1) reform of the current asylum system by centering human rights; (2) implement and carry out needs assessments among asylum seekers and refugees focussing on key social determinants; (3) ensure asylum seekers and refugees benefit from the NHS Inclusion Health framework; and (4) extend the NHS Patient and Carer Race Equality framework beyond England. To be effective, all four initiatives need to be grounded in a participatory approach that meaningfully involves diverse groups of stakeholders including asylum seekers and refugees.

Navigating the High Seas of Mental Health: Exploring the Prevalence of Depression, Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout Among Indian Seafarers

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which depression, stress, anxiety, and burnout in Indian seafarers. The study collected data from 109 Indian seafarers through Google Forms from March 2023 to April 2023. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to summarize the data based on selected demographic factors. The results showed that Indian seafarers suffered from mild depression (Mean =13.54) Seafarers also suffer from moderate levels of anxiety (Mean= 10.81). The levels of stress are found to be of normal level (Mean=13.28). The average scores for the components of burnout, namely Disengagement, and Exhaustion, among seafarers are 20.03 (SD= 3.673) and 20.43 (SD= 4.051) respectively. These findings suggest that seafarers exhibit moderate levels of burnout. Also, the correlational analysis shows a positive moderate correlation between total scores of depression, anxiety, stress, and components of Burnout with a value of 0.392 at a 1 % level of significance. The study highlights the need for mental health interventions and support services for seafarers to prevent and manage mental health issues in this population.

Unravelling Causes and Mitigating Suicidal Tendencies in Male Educators in Zimbabwe's Rural Regions: A Comprehensive Analysis

This qualitative study aims to explore the underlying causes of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions and identify the strengths of current interventions targeting this issue. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 knowledgeable participants who possessed relevant experiences and expertise. The study employed focus group discussions to generate data, which was subsequently analysed using content thematic analysis. The research questions addressed in this study were two-fold: (1) What are the underlying causes, including work-related, psychosocial, and personal factors, that contribute to the emergence of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions? (2) What are the strengths of the current interventions targeting suicidal tendencies among male educators in these regions? The analysis of the data revealed two key findings. Firstly, the study identified multiple causal factors contributing to the emergence of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions. These factors encompassed work-related challenges such as heavy workload, insufficient resources, and inadequate support systems. Additionally, psychosocial factors such as stigma, social isolation, and emotional distress were identified. Personal factors like financial difficulties and relationship problems were also found to contribute to suicidal tendencies. Secondly, the study identified several strengths within the current interventions targeting suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions. Notably, the provision of mental health support services, including counselling and awareness campaigns, was found to be a valuable aspect of the existing interventions. Moreover, the study highlighted the significance of community involvement and collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare providers, and relevant stakeholders in addressing this critical issue. Based on the findings, two key recommendations emerge. Firstly, it is crucial to enhance the existing support systems for male educators in rural regions, focusing on addressing work-related challenges and providing adequate resources and support. This may include workload management strategies, professional development opportunities, and the establishment of comprehensive mental health support networks. Secondly, there is a need for increased awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health issues among male educators. This involves implementing targeted awareness campaigns to promote mental well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and encouraging open dialogue on mental health concerns.

Understanding How Contingency Staffing Programs Can Support Mental Health Services in the Veterans Health Administration.

Introduction: Beginning in 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prioritized improving access to care nationally to deliver virtual care and implemented 18 regionally based Clinical Resource Hubs (CRHs) to meet this priority. This observational study describes the quantity and types of care delivered by CRH Mental Health teams, and the professions of those hired to deliver it. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, based on national VA CRH mental health care utilization data and CRH staffing data for CRH's first 3 years, was conducted. Results: CRH Mental Health teams primarily used Telemental Health (TMH) to provide care (98.1% of all CRH MH encounters). The most common disorders treated included depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders. The amount of care delivered overtime steadily increased as did the racial and ethnic diversity of Veterans served. Psychologists accounted for the largest share of CRH staffing, followed by psychiatrists. Conclusions: CRH TMH delivered from a regional hub appears to be a feasible and acceptable visit modality, based on the continuously increasing CRH TMH visit rates. Our results showed that CRH TMH was predominantly used to address common mental health diagnoses, rather than serious mental illnesses. Traditionally marginalized patient populations increased over the 3-year window, suggesting that CRH TMH resources were accessible to many of these patients. Future research should assess barriers and facilitators for accessing CRH TMH, especially for difficult-to-service patient populations, and should consider whether similar results to ours occur when regional TMH is delivered to non-VA patient populations.

Problems with Students' Mental Health in the Context of Online Learning

The 21st century has witnessed a profound transformation in education, accelerated by global events and fueled by the emergence of online learning as the predominant mode of educational delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a pivotal role in expediting this shift. This paper explores the intricate relationship between online learning and the mental well-being of students, dissecting five key factors that influence this dynamic. These factors encompass the complexity of navigating information in the digital age, the diminishing face-to-face interactions, dissatisfaction with academic performance, the historical backdrop of the pandemic, and the profound influence of students' personality traits. In response to these challenges, the paper offers a set of comprehensive suggestions. Digital literacy education equips students with the skills to navigate the online world responsibly. Enhancing communication and interaction fosters a sense of community in the virtual classroom. Providing academic support and setting clear learning objectives alleviates anxiety and bolsters motivation. Finally, mental health support services are essential for addressing the emotional toll of these changes on students.