Introducing Mental Health

The authors explain key concepts in easily understandable language, accessible even to those with no prior knowledge of the subject. They detail the major mental health disorders and the issues and implications surrounding them, and include separate chapters on personality disorder, dual diagnosis and self-harm.

"A clear, straightforward guide to the issues around mental health [and] a useful starting resource for non-mental health practitioners to develop their understanding of the processes involved in mental health." Joanne Fisher, Senior Practice Educator, Cambridge University Hospitals An Introduction to Mental Health is essential reading for anyone learning the fundamentals of mental health. Written for an interdisciplinary audience with no prior knowledge of mental health practice, the book uses a patient-centred focus and covers the historical context of mental health through to contemporary issues, including mental health law, policy, professional practice, equality and diversity in the sector, and international perspectives. Key learning features include concept summaries, reflective points, case studies and reflective exercises to help situate content in the context of practice.

Succinct, thought-provoking, introduction ideal for students in all mental health disciplines and everyone with an interest in mental health.

Mental health systems are in a crucial transition period, thanks to the increasing prominence of health promotion theory and a corresponding shift toward emphasizing wellness and empowerment, holistic and family-friendly design, and empirically supported treatment. Such changes demand adjustments to mental health education, and re-education, to maintain a common ground among students, specialists, and providers. The first book of its kind, Integrating Health Promotion and Mental Health presents a seamless framework for approaching contemporary mental health problems.In this informative and engaging text, healthcare expert Vikki L. Vandiver shows how mainstream mental health services can realistically begin to utilize health promotion principles. Vandiver begins by approaching the need for mental health reform based on stakeholder perspectives and providing an overview of the history and practice of health promotion, leading into a discussion of how health promotion practices can be incorporated into evidence-based mental health treatments, particularly those for women with co-morbid health and mental health conditions and children with mental health needs. Finally, Vandiver offers an articulate summary and critique that sheds light on how mental health administrators can incorporate health promotion concepts and practices in their organizations in a strategic, culturally competent manner.Driven by theory and the most recent data, Vandiver's writing is also eminently accessible; the pages are rich with conceptual diagrams, case examples, and testimonies from mental health consumers. Integrating Health Promotion and Mental Health will help specialists, researchers, and students alike in fields such as public health, nursing, social work, health psychology, psychiatric rehabilitation, and counseling to comprehend the basics of health promotion and how they can lead to new and more effective practice models.

This book provides students and professionals in nursing and allied professions, in psychiatry, psychology and other related disciplines, with a theoretically grounded introduction to the ways in which our attitudes are shaped by the media.

Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling presents a broad overview of the field of clinical mental health and provides students with the knowledge and skills to successfully put theory into practice in real-world settings. Drawing from their experience as clinicians, authors Joshua C. Watson and Michael K. Schmit cover the foundations of clinical mental health counseling along with current issues, trends, and population-specific considerations. The text introduces students to emerging paradigms in the field such as mindfulness, behavioral medicine, neuroscience, recovery-oriented care, provider care, person-centered treatment planning, and holistic wellness, while emphasizing the importance of selecting evidence-based practices appropriate for specific clients, issues, and settings. Aligned with 2016 CACREP Standards and offering practical activities and case examples, the text will prepare future counselors for the realities of clinical practice.

Student wellbeing is foundational to academic success. One recent survey of postsecondary educators found that nearly 80 percent believed emotional wellbeing is a "very" or "extremely" important factor in student success. Studies have found the dropout rates for students with a diagnosed mental health problem range from 43 percent to as high as 86 percent. While dealing with stress is a normal part of life, for some students, stress can adversely affect their physical, emotional, and psychological health, particularly given that adolescence and early adulthood are when most mental illnesses are first manifested. In addition to students who may develop mental health challenges during their time in postsecondary education, many students arrive on campus with a mental health problem or having experienced significant trauma in their lives, which can also negatively affect physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. The nation's institutions of higher education are seeing increasing levels of mental illness, substance use and other forms of emotional distress among their students. Some of the problematic trends have been ongoing for decades. Some have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic consequences. Some are the result of long-festering systemic racism in almost every sphere of American life that are becoming more widely acknowledged throughout society and must, at last, be addressed. Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education lays out a variety of possible strategies and approaches to meet increasing demand for mental health and substance use services, based on the available evidence on the nature of the issues and what works in various situations. The recommendations of this report will support the delivery of mental health and wellness services by the nation's institutions of higher education.

Healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) development is a critical foundation for a productive adulthood. Much is known about strategies to support families and communities in strengthening the MEB development of children and youth, by promoting healthy development and also by preventing and mitigating disorder, so that young people reach adulthood ready to thrive and contribute to society. Over the last decade, a growing body of research has significantly strengthened understanding of healthy MEB development and the factors that influence it, as well as how it can be fostered. Yet, the United States has not taken full advantage of this growing knowledge base. Ten years later, the nation still is not effectively mitigating risks for poor MEB health outcomes; these risks remain prevalent, and available data show no significant reductions in their prevalence. Fostering Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development in Children and Youth: A National Agenda examines the gap between current research and achievable national goals for the next ten years. This report identifies the complexities of childhood influences and highlights the need for a tailored approach when implementing new policies and practices. This report provides a framework for a cohesive, multidisciplinary national approach to improving MEB health.

The text is a first in a series of books on the science of mental health (psychology) based upon Thomistic philosophy and theology. The book includes a discussion of the faculties of man and the natural law.