Our concept of perceived mental wellbeing and how we use the built environment has been shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year. This research will investigate how humans in the city of Madison, WI have been using green spaces in the area and if these places have correlated with better perceived mental wellbeing in the age of COVID-19. The study will utilize a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analyses in order to develop a well-rounded theory that will form our understanding of the relationship between mental health and our built environment. Additionally, demographic information will be investigated as well to understand how these data may influence use of greenspaces and possible mental health outcomes.

First responders are emergency personnel that are specifically trained to arrive first on scene to a potentially very traumatic and shocking experience; these experiences can lead to varying degrees of mental health issues from substance abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide ideation, and more. About one-third of first responders develop some sort of mental health issue due to the nature of their job (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2018). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accessibility, availability, and utilization of mental health resources while also assessing what barriers and risk and protective factors are there. This study is utilizing a cross-sectional mixed methods design; collecting and analyzing data qualitatively and quantitatively through a survey of open-ended and closed-ended questions for first responders to fill out. Implications have shown that the majority of first responders that experience a traumatic experience end up adversely developing a mental health issue, but don’t have the means to access it. There is a wide variety of barriers along with risk and protective factors as to why this was so prominent.

Human beings need to have social interaction to be able to survive. Social and emotional isolation affects not only mental health but physical health as well (Coyle & Dugan, 2012). Recent research reported that “the prevalence of severe loneliness among older people living in care homes is at least double that of community-dwelling populations: 22–42% for the care population compared with 10% for the community population” (Victor, 2012, p. 1). The Centers for Disease Control (2021) reported that 8 out of 10 COVID-19 (reported) deaths in the U.S. are adults 65 years of age or older. This paper examines what older adults are experiencing in long-term facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic and how it is affecting them. Additionally, it discusses how seniors of color are affected differently by the pandemic, and how racism and anxiety are correlated in this situation. This paper offers possible solutions for long-term care facilities in order to improve the quality of life for all residents and staff.

“Professionals in the human services field specify that individuals who experienced forced migration need long- term mental health interventions such as group individual, and family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and learning relaxation techniques, as well as psychosocial education of the host community” (Boisvert, 2006). After a person goes through a traumatic experience, there are so many mental health practitioners to choose from. Minorities already have a lack of experience and knowledge when it comes to choosing one (Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity, 2011). This research topic examines the diversity of mental health practitioners a client could choose from when they feel they are ready to speak about traumatic events they have encountered. Furthermore, this study focuses on mental health practitioners and their view on mental illnesses and mental health after a traumatic event. For the study’s purpose, traumatic events include child and/or family separation from those at the border. Data collection includes interviews with mental health practitioners such as: social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, religious counseling, religious affiliations, etc. I will be conducting a qualitative research interview process where I will be interviewing mental health practitioners on the topic of their background information, demographics, education, etc. and more in depth questions based on their work with immigrants and the immigration system as a whole. It is important to see what and how each practitioner would treat the same problem and what ways are different when it comes to helping the client.