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Depression and Suicide: Current Perspectives

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Guest Editor

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Guest Editor
Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, 1600-096 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: addictive behaviors; mental health; quality of life; well-being; positive mental health; mental health literacy; mental health stigma

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is common for people to experience episodes of depression throughout their lives. The World Health Organization classifies depression as the most prevalent health issue worldwide. While the relationship between suicide and depression is increasingly present in academic literature, it is crucial to differentiate sadness, depression, and melancholy as distinct aspects of the depressive experience. Therefore, it is of great importance to conduct studies that seek a deeper understanding of the mental conditions that lead to suicide. This differentiation is significant due to the increasing incidence of suicide associated with the severity of the pathology, especially when considering the psychotic nature of melancholic depression.

As a mood disorder (Stimmung), depression is not limited to the feeling of sadness, which is fleeting and transient. Mood is of basal order and establishes itself as an existential foundation, hindering the ability of individuals with depression to relate to the world and others. In the melancholic experience, suicide emerges as the last resort to escape suffering, representing the final attempt to find relief.

Therefore, it is of great relevance to conduct studies that seek a deeper understanding of the mental conditions that lead to suicide. A suggestion for these studies is to focus on the phenomenon of suicide related to depression in all stages of life, from youth to old age, and examine the specific rates of suicide and depression associated with other psychopathologies. This would allow for more effective interventions, personalized for each individual and type of mental disturbance, including the psychotherapeutic context as a preventive approach.

Articles exploring these topics are welcome, especially those that combine quantitative and qualitative methods. Articles addressing issues such as access to mental health services, stigma reduction, mental health literacy, quality of life, and the impact of health policies on clinical practices and prevention programs for depression and suicide are also encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Sequeira
Dr. Olga Maria Martins de Sousa Valentim
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • depression
  • suicide
  • mental health
  • psychosocial intervention
  • literacy
  • quality of life

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 536 KiB  
Article
Double Burden of Distress: Exploring the Joint Associations of Loneliness and Financial Strain with Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
by Fahima Hassan, Lihui Liu and Cindy Feng
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050682 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 122
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with social distancing measures and economic disruptions, has been associated with increased experiences of loneliness and financial strain. While prior research has examined their separate associations with suicidal ideation, limited attention has been given to their joint relationship. [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with social distancing measures and economic disruptions, has been associated with increased experiences of loneliness and financial strain. While prior research has examined their separate associations with suicidal ideation, limited attention has been given to their joint relationship. Methods: We used data from the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS) (n = 9861; ages 15+ in Canada) to assess whether financial strain modifies the association between loneliness or emotional distress and suicidal ideation. Multivariable survey-weighted logistic regression was conducted, adjusting for sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, and health-related characteristics, including mental health and substance use conditions. Results: Among the 9743 respondents who answered the question on suicidal ideation, 355 (3.65%) reported suicidal ideation. Compared to individuals with neither stressor, those who experienced loneliness or emotional distress alone had 1.54 times higher odds of suicidal ideation (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.29–1.84, p < 0.001), while those who reported financial strain alone had 0.58 times the odds (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43–0.80, p = 0.001). The highest odds were observed among individuals who experienced both loneliness/emotional distress and financial strain, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.05 (95% CI: 1.71–2.45, p < 0.001), indicating an interaction between these stressors. Conclusion: The co-occurrence of loneliness or emotional distress and financial strain was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to individuals experiencing neither stressor. These findings highlight the importance of considering both social and economic stressors when assessing mental health risks. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, further longitudinal research is needed to explore the temporal relationships and potential causal pathways linking these experiences to suicidal ideation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depression and Suicide: Current Perspectives)
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35 pages, 14981 KiB  
Article
Mirrors for Pacific Islander Children: Teaching Resilience Through Culturally Adapted Bibliotherapy
by Isabel Medina Hull, Elizabeth A. Cutrer-Párraga, Paul H. Ricks, G. E. Kawika Allen, Kendra M. Hall-Kenyon, Lorena Seu, Kristofer J. Urbina and Melia Fonoimoana Garrett
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030430 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 517
Abstract
Pacific Islander youth face disproportionately high rates of suicide and mental health challenges, yet culturally appropriate interventions remain scarce. This study investigated whether culturally adapted bibliotherapy could effectively promote resilience in American Samoan children by incorporating culturally relevant stories and coping strategies. Through [...] Read more.
Pacific Islander youth face disproportionately high rates of suicide and mental health challenges, yet culturally appropriate interventions remain scarce. This study investigated whether culturally adapted bibliotherapy could effectively promote resilience in American Samoan children by incorporating culturally relevant stories and coping strategies. Through collaboration with on-island Samoan cultural brokers, we developed and implemented culturally adapted stories and lessons designed to resonate with the experiences of children in American Samoa. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with 34 American Samoan children aged 5–13 years, using observations, adapted card sorts, and forced-choice procedures to measure responses to the intervention. The results demonstrated that participants showed strong identification with the culturally adapted stories and characters, actively engaged with the embedded coping strategies, and reported increased confidence in applying resilience techniques. These findings suggest that culturally adapted bibliotherapy holds promise as an effective method for promoting resilience in Pacific Islander children while highlighting the importance of cultural authenticity in mental health interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depression and Suicide: Current Perspectives)
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32 pages, 429 KiB  
Article
“It Would Ruin My Life”: Pacific Islander Male Adolescents’ Perceptions of Mental Health Help-Seeking—An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Focus Group Study
by Melia Fonoimoana Garrett, Elizabeth A. Cutrer-Párraga, G. E. Kawika Allen, Ellie L. Young, Kristofer J. Urbina and Isabel Medina Hull
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010062 - 4 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1702
Abstract
Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, [...] Read more.
Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan backgrounds regarding mental health help-seeking behaviors. Four overarching themes emerged: stigma and judgment, cultural misalignment in professional services, impact of disclosure and perceived punitive consequences, and a complex ecosystem of trusted relationships as mental health support. Notably, participants expressed belief that disclosing mental health challenges would “ruin their lives” and held misconceptions about adults’ ability to address mental health concerns. These findings are particularly significant given high suicidality rates among PI adolescents. This study provides insights for developing culturally responsive mental health interventions and highlights the urgent need to address mental health stigma within PI communities. Implications for practice are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depression and Suicide: Current Perspectives)
15 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Preventing Adolescent Suicide: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcome Evaluation of a Theatre-Based Gatekeeper Training for Teachers
by Chiara Davico, Federica Graziano, Alessandra Rossi Ghiglione, Federico Amianto, Tatiana Begotti, Emanuela Calandri, Giorgia Copetto, Francesca Di Franco, Elena Lonardelli, Daniele Marcotulli, Linda Olcuire, Federica Ricci and Benedetto Vitiello
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121631 - 7 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1075
Abstract
Improving teachers’ knowledge and skills in dealing with adolescent suicidality may be important for prevention. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a theatre-based gatekeeper teacher training for adolescent suicide prevention (SPES project). Self-reported changes in knowledge and self-efficacy were also investigated. Based [...] Read more.
Improving teachers’ knowledge and skills in dealing with adolescent suicidality may be important for prevention. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a theatre-based gatekeeper teacher training for adolescent suicide prevention (SPES project). Self-reported changes in knowledge and self-efficacy were also investigated. Based on a quasi-experimental repeated measures design, secondary schools were invited to participate in one of two intervention groups (theatre workshop or attending a theatre performance) or a control group (no intervention). Assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, shortly following it and 3 months later. Attendance and retention were indicators of feasibility. Knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed longitudinally using anonymous questionnaires. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. 191 teachers (84.3% women; Mage = 46.8, SD = 9.8) participated in the study (63 workshop, 66 performance and 62 control group). Attendance was 92% in the workshop group and 94% in the performance group. The retention rate after three months was 51% in the workshop group and 53% in the performance group. Teachers in both groups reported greater knowledge of adolescent suicide (p < 0.001) and higher gatekeeper self-efficacy (p < 0.05) than the control group. The SPES project was found to be feasible and acceptable. Both the workshop and the performance viewing may improve teachers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in recognizing signs of suicide risk in adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depression and Suicide: Current Perspectives)
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