Self-compassion promotes mental help-seeking in older, not in younger, counselors

Art on the skin, lifesaving within: Exploring the role of tattoo artists in suicide prevention

Different populations experience suicide at different rates. Some studies have found an increased risk of suicide among individuals with tattoos. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals with one or more tattoos. These findings signal a need to explore suicide prevention in tattoo shops. The aim of this project is to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and interest of providing education on suicide prevention among tattoo artists. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with tattoo artists. Survey items assessed artists' experiences with clients expressing mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, their comfort level assisting clients, and general perceptions around suicide and stigma. Seventy-nine surveys were collected. Most artists reported that they have had at least one situation in which a client mentioned something that made them concerned about that client's mental health. Most respondents reported that a client has expressed suicidal thoughts to them at least once. Our study demonstrated that tattoo artists encounter clients who express mental health challenges as well as suicidal ideation, underscoring the potential role for tattoo artists in supporting individuals at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The Benefits of Self-Compassion in Mental Health Professionals: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research

The importance of cultivating self-compassion is an often neglected issue among mental health professionals despite the risks to occupational well-being present in psychological care, such as burnout or compassion fatigue. In this context, this literature review has a twofold aim. Firstly, to contribute to raising awareness of the benefits of self-compassion among professionals, based on empirical research findings. Secondly, to coherently organize the available evidence on this topic, which to date appears scattered in a variety of articles. A systematic search on the APA PsycInfo database was conducted, and 24 empirical studies focused on the topic of the benefits of self-compassion in mental health professionals were finally selected. Concerning their methods, only 4 of the selected studies used experimental or quasi-experimental designs, 14 were cross-sectional studies, 3 presented qualitative research, and 3 were literature reviews. The research, regardless of methods used, points mainly to the benefits of self-compassion on the therapists’ mental health and well-being; prevention of occupational stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatization as well as improvement of therapeutic competencies and professional efficacy-related aspects. In the review, self-compassion appeared as a process that could explain the benefits (eg on burnout) of cultivating other skills (eg mindfulness). To further explore this point, an additional review included 17 studies focused on the effects of mindfulness or compassion-based interventions on therapists’ self-compassion. In conclusion, our work joins those who have recommended the inclusion of self-compassion trainings in the curricula of mental health professionals.

The plight and promise of mental health providers in the face of a warming planet: perspectives and experiences from the Philippines

A growing body of research shows the inimical impact of climate change on people's mental health. However, attention to mental health providers at the frontlines is rather sparse, especially in climate-vulnerable countries. This commentary aims to present the perspectives and experiences of mental health providers within the context of climate change in the Philippines. Specifically, this paper explicates the challenges faced by mental health providers in trying to address the increasing climate-related distress experienced by many Filipinos and the recent progress in promoting climate change and mental health nexus in the country. The recommendations offered in this commentary will hopefully provide the basis for a more comprehensive mental health framework that incorporates climate change and supports mental health providers in their pursuit to preserve Filipino mental health on a warming planet.