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Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Indian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing continues to reflect the evolving landscape of mental health research, education, and clinical practice in India. The present issue brings together a diverse set of studies that mirror current priorities in psychiatric and mental health nursing. The postpandemic period has been marked by a noticeable shift in research attention toward youth mental health, stress resilience, digital behavior, and the psychological implications of caregiving. These directions have been reflected in several articles included in this issue. For instance, the influence of social media usage on health attitudes and sleep patterns has been investigated. Similarly, the psychological resilience of nursing students and officers, the mental well-being of older adults, and the effectiveness of stress management programs have been examined through empirical inquiry. In addition to original research, the issue includes review articles that synthesize evidence on posttraumatic stress disorder in clinical survivors and the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in India. Conceptual discussions on underexplored conditions such as orthorexia nervosa and emerging concerns in geriatric mental health have also been included, broadening the academic scope of the journal. This issue is being released in the wake of International Nurses Day 2025, celebrated under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.” This global call has emphasized the deep interdependence between nurse well-being and the strength of healthcare systems. In the Indian context, this message resonates with particular urgency. Psychiatric nurses have long operated at the intersection of clinical care, social advocacy, and emotional labor – often with minimal institutional recognition or psychological support. The sustainability of mental health systems will depend not only on infrastructure and policy but also on how well the nursing workforce is supported. Emotional safety, equitable workload distribution, and structured professional development opportunities must be prioritized across all the settings. The theme calls for a long-overdue shift – from viewing nurses solely as caregivers to acknowledging them as a critical health investment. Strengthening psychiatric nursing does not only serve the interests of professionals – it enhances the integrity, accessibility, and responsiveness of mental health services as a whole. It is also being recognized that technological advances, such as digital mental health platforms and artificial intelligence applications, are reshaping the future of care delivery. However, this transformation must be approached with caution. The need for rigorous evaluation, ethical oversight, and evidence-based implementation remains essential to prevent unintended harm and ensure equitable access. The editorial board extends appreciation to all authors, peer reviewers, and readers whose continued engagement sustains the relevance and credibility of this publication. It is hoped that the contents of this issue will not only inform professional practice but also inspire advancements in psychiatric nursing practice. The future of psychiatric nursing lies not only in the development of new interventions but also in the sustained commitment to caring for those who care. As the global community turns its focus to the nursing workforce, it is imperative that this momentum be translated into tangible support for the profession – particularly in the realm of mental health. As attention is turned toward empowering nurses and modernizing care systems, the journal reaffirms its commitment to advancing research that is contextual, ethical, and impactful.
Author: Muthuvenkatachalam Srinivasan
Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413059900