Insomnia, Suicidal Thoughts, and Mental Health Among Health-Care Workers During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a significant mental health crisis among frontline healthcare workers (FHCWs), with increased reports of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. This letter to the editor responds to a recent study on the psychological burden among FHCWs in Mexico and presents complementary findings from Taiwan. We found that fear of COVID-19, trust in information, and resilience were significant factors contributing to mental health outcomes, including insomnia and suicidal thoughts, among outpatients, healthcare workers, and the general population during the pandemic. These findings suggest that mental health interventions for healthcare workers should consider these factors and include strategies for clear communication, stress management, and resilience building. Particular attention should be given to nurses and residents/fellows who seem to be bearing a disproportionate share of the psychological burden. Ultimately, understanding these contributing factors can guide the development of targeted interventions to support the mental well-being of FHCWs during the pandemic.

Brief report: Implementing and evolving suicide prevention strategies at Taoyuan Psychiatric Center inspired by NIC Umbrella review

This brief report discusses the implementation and evolution of suicide prevention strategies at Taoyuan Psychiatric Center in Taiwan. These strategies are inspired by the nursing interventions presented in an "Umbrella review of nursing interventions NIC for the treatment and prevention of suicidal behavior." The interventions are a part of an employee assistance program (EAP) designed to support the mental health of the nursing staff and other employees, with a particular focus on preventing and managing suicidal behaviors. The EAP involves multi-tiered primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures, offering different levels of psychological interventions.

Utilizing Insights on Shame to Enhance Empathy and Support for CSA Survivors in Clinical Practice

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors often experience long-lasting shame, which can significantly impede their healing process and overall well-being. This letter to the editor, written by psychiatrist LienChung Wei, discusses the valuable insights gained from the article, "The Legacy of Shame following Childhood Sexual Abuse Disclosures." By better understanding the dynamics of shame and its relationship with CSA, mental health professionals can provide more empathetic and effective care to their patients who have experienced such trauma. The letter emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment for patients to disclose their experiences and overcome the barriers that shame creates in their journey toward recovery. By applying these insights in clinical practice, mental health professionals can facilitate the healing process for CSA survivors and improve their overall well-being.