Echezona Udokanma BSc. MSc. MBA’s Post

PUBLISHED!!! I am excited to have authored this pivotal global mental health paper - the first systematic review and meta-analysis of psychosocial interventions for young people with depression in Sub-Saharan Africa. Published in the world-leading BMC International Journal of Mental Health Systems: https://lnkd.in/eH6TJJ_3 The Sub-Saharan Africa region is severely under-resourced and under-researched but this review uncovers resource-effective ways of delivering evidence-based mental healthcare to young Africans. What did we find? - CBT-based interventions were the most effective. They were mostly delivered in group format, which is promising for scale-up in the resource-constrained region. - Interestingly, Wise Interventions, a newer form of psychosocial intervention based on positive psychology were found to be effective both in face-to-face and digital formats. - Limited but promising results on digital mental health interventions. More research is needed given their ability to reduce barriers to care. - School based interventions proved effective which highlights schools as important frontiers for the delivery of accessible mental #healthcare. - ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL! What works for secondary school students might neither be effective nor suitable for war-affected adolescents. Hence, tailoring of interventions is crucial! This paper is important for #mentalhealth policy and advocacy in the region: please read and share! Together, we can achieve a thriving #Africa! 💪

🌍 Exciting news in the world of mental health and cultural interventions! 🎉 Our team has just published a groundbreaking study that validates the effectiveness of Pre-Texts, a cultural intervention protocol, in improving adolescent mental health. 📚   Pre-Texts is an innovative approach that combines the power of art and literature to inspire creativity and critical thinking in young people. This protocol has been successfully implemented in various countries worldwide, spanning from the United States to Zimbabwe, India, China, and Latin America. 🎨📚   Our recently published study on The Lancet eClinicalMedicine, titled "An arts-literacy intervention for adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms: outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of Pre-Texts with Kenyan adolescents," is the first comprehensive validation of the protocol's effects on adolescent mental health. This research collaboration involved institutions such as Harvard University, the Shamiri Institute, the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, and the University of Chieti-Pescara. 🌟   The results of our study not only shed light on the positive impact of Pre-Texts on reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among Kenyan adolescents, but they also lay the groundwork for further investigations into the wider potential effects and applications of this intervention. 🌱   This study serves as a stepping stone for ongoing and planned intervention studies worldwide that aim to harness the power of Pre-Texts for promoting mental well-being and human flourishing. 🤝 It has the potential to become a key protocol in the realm of cultural welfare, providing opportunities for collective, non-competitive, and non-judgmental creative engagement that fosters personal growth and resilience.   I am proud to have contributed to this significant research and to be part of a global collaboration that is advancing our understanding of the impact of cultural interventions on mental health. 🙌 Together, we can continue to promote the integration of art and literature into mental health practices, fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and emotional well-being among young people worldwide.   I invite you to read the full article and join me in celebrating this milestone in the intersection of culture and mental health. Let's continue to prioritize the promotion of mental well-being for the betterment of individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. 🌍✨ #PreTexts #CulturalInterventions #MentalHealth #ResearchCollaboration #GlobalImpact #CreativeEngagement #CollectiveWellbeing #LinkedInPost https://lnkd.in/enVAsdwG

The month of May tackles all aspects of mental health and we would like to bring to your attentiin that Integrating mental health into primary care is crucial for addressing the growing burden of mental health disorders in our country and in Africa as a whole. This integration offers several benefits including; -Reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment by normalizing discussions about mental well-being within routine healthcare visits. -Enhancing early detection and intervention for mental health conditions, as primary care providers are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing psychological distress. -Improving the coordination and continuity of care by enabling collaborative approaches between primary care providers and mental health specialists. It promises improvement of mental health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing overall well-being for individuals and communities. By addressing mental health needs holistically within primary care settings, we can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan. Shamiri Institute Shamiri Health Mental 360 Mental Health Data Prize Africa SG Mental Well-Being Network Fortis National Mental Health Program AKU Brain & Mind Institute mindful kenya #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthstigma

Salam Alekum With all due respect to the well intentioned initiatives being proposed, as a licensed psychologist in the West Bank and professor of Clinical Psychology at An Najah National University of Palestine I would humbly ask you as individuals and organizations to take the following into consideration before offering to open tele therapy services in Palestine. 1. The mental health system in Palestine has procedures for licensure, verification of qualifications, and on the ground service providers lead by Palestinian mental health professionals covering all of the varied needs of individuals in Palestine, only part of which are related to trauma. The Union of Psychology and Social Work has worked diligently so that individuals from other countries ( including the United States) are restricted from practicing without monitoring and integration in the mental health systems in the Palestinian Territories.  Even Muslims with the best intentions should follow the procedures set out to protect the indigenous system of mental health in Palestine. 2. Absolutely no means of communication are confidential in the West Bank or Gaza. Any therapy session can be accessed by the occupation forces and anything the individual says may (and has) be used as a motivation to detain, interrogate or arrest them. For this reason Palestinian systems have not supported tele-therapy as a safe means for providing mental health services. 3. Psychologists notes can be seized and subpoenaed for use in cases against both US citizens and immigrants. 4. When individuals are considering martyrdom and/or suicide it is imperative for the mental health provider to know and understand local services and supports that the client may need to access. If you as a therapist are not familiar with the systems where the person resides it may lead to both a dangerous and high risk situation for both the client and yourself. While I am deeply appreciative of the best intentions of the group, there may be less challenging ways to support the mental health professionals in the West Bank and Insha’Allah when it is more stable in Gaza. I would ask you to work with the organizations on the ground that have trained Palestinian leadership and expertise instead of creating separate systems for the community. 1. Palestinian Counselling Center https://www.pcc-jer.org/en 2. Doctors of the World Palestine https://lnkd.in/dmVpkbVw.

Unraveling the Hidden Scars: Unveiling the Far-Reaching Consequences of Family Dysfunction on Uganda's Future Generation. As a clinical psychologist, I am deeply concerned about the hidden scars caused by family dysfunction in Uganda. The consequences of such dysfunction are far-reaching and have a profound impact on the future generation. These hidden scars manifest in various ways, including mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. They also affect the development of healthy relationships, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining connections with others. Moreover, family dysfunction hinders personal growth and self-esteem, limiting the potential of Uganda's youth. It is crucial to unveil and address these issues through therapy, counseling, and support systems. By providing a safe space for healing, we can empower the future generation to break the cycle of dysfunction and create a brighter future for themselves and their country. Collaboration with communities, schools, and policymakers is essential to raise awareness, promote mental health education, and implement preventive measures. Together, we can unravel the hidden scars and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future generation in Uganda.

Prioritising mental health for key populations (KPs) is crucial in public health efforts, necessitating specialised and inclusive services. KPs have historically borne a more significant burden of mental health issues, exacerbated by stigma, discrimination as well as social and cultural barriers. This underscores the importance of dismantling these barriers to enable access to mental health care tailored to the specific needs of KPs. Collaborative efforts between local governments, non-governmental organisations, and healthcare providers are critical in efficiently directing resources towards innovative solutions that address the unique mental health needs of KPs. The South to South Learning Network (SSLN) recently facilitated a Link & Learn session on "Integrating Mental Health for Key Populations". It was hosted by Zimbabwe and attended by other countries in the region. To learn more about this learning event, please visit https://lnkd.in/d7PMmNuz.

Inclusive mental healthcare starts with education. We cannot develop equitable mental health solutions if we do not diversify our input to include the opinions of the marginalised and underserved population. The first step to achieve this is by promoting mental health awareness and educating the masses about mental health and well-being. Only then, can we truly co-create relevant and lasting solutions to Africa's many mental health blockers. PS: What is your first step to improve mental health in Africa? Orius Medical Orius Fellowship #IamJamesAdebisi #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #oriusmedical

Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Africa Mental health issues are prevalent across Africa, yet stigma and lack of resources hinder effective treatment. Cultural attitudes and misconceptions about mental illness often lead to discrimination and social exclusion… #Africa #mentalhealth >>>>> Full article in the link below

Palestine In Mental Health - calling all mental health workers, have you felt managed, disciplined or silenced on Palestine? NEW STUDY: Led by Racial Justice Researcher Dr Tarek Younis @Tarek_Younis_, address harms and expose the ways liberal mental health settings impact Palestinian solidarity and mobilisation. Contact [email protected] for more information Do you work in professional mental health services or attend mental health training/education in the UK? Have you experienced feeling managed, disciplined or silenced for speaking out on Palestine? Please participate in an interview to explore the racial politics of our mental health systems/ experiences of racism and how this has impacted mental health workers. Share challenges, collate & build a picture of this experience within these systems. Full confidentiality and anonymity is ensured. Nothing will shared without consent. Fee of £30 for participation. TO JOIN: send an email to [email protected] Institute Of Family Therapy Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT)Murmurations Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

On the 11th March of 2023, we reached out to a primary school in a rural community to provide basic support. Looking back, I realise how greatly mental health and economic status intertwine. Financial instability can cause chronic stress and anxiety among young people who are forced to carry a burden. Constant worry about basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare can lead to many mental health issues. According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry (2019), approximately 14.3% of adolescents aged 12-17 in Uganda experience significant psychological distress. A 2020 study conducted by the Makerere University School of Public Health found that about 21% of adolescents in Uganda reported symptoms of depression. The same study by Makerere University reported that approximately 13% of adolescents experience anxiety disorders. In an economy where there is an ever increasing financial strain, it is imperative that we provide our communities with skills to handle stress and the ability to build resilience. Our endeavour is to Integrate mental health education into the school curriculum to teach students about mental health, coping mechanisms, and how to seek help. We campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations. We are currently using social media, and community outreach to spread awareness. Visit our youtube channel @ Zaantu Speaks www.speaks.zaantu.com #MentalHealthMatters, #MentalHealthAwareness, #BreakTheStigma, #EndTheStigma #YouthMentalHealth, #AdolescentMentalHealth, #TeensMatter, #YouthWellbeing #MentalHealthUganda, #UgandaYouth, #UgandaMentalHealth, #HealthyUganda #AccessToMentalHealth, #MentalHealthServices, #MentalHealthCare, #SupportSystems. #MentalHealthEducation, #MentalHealthAwarenessUganda, #EducateForMentalHealth, #MentalHealthInSchools. #StopSubstanceAbuse, #YouthAgainstDrugs, #SubstanceAbusePrevention. #MentalHealthPolicy, #AdvocateForMentalHealth, #MentalHealthRights #SuicidePrevention, #CrisisSupport, #PeerSupport, #CommunitySupport