Mental health is a universal concern impacting individuals at every stage of life, influenced by a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social elements that shift as people age. Each phase from early childhood and adolescence through adulthood to older age presents unique mental health challenges, protective factors, and opportunities for early intervention. Early childhood and adolescence are crucial periods for identifying mental health issues as they emerge and for implementing preventive strategies that can shape outcomes well into later life. During adulthood, individuals commonly encounter stressors related to work, relationships, parenting, and identity development, which can trigger or exacerbate conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders etc. In later life, older adults face additional challenges like cognitive decline, social isolation, grief, chronic health problems, and loss of independence, all of which can profoundly impact mental wellbeing. Although awareness of the importance of a lifespan perspective in mental health is increasing, much research remains fragmented and focused on specific age groups. This segmentation limits comprehensive understanding of mental health across the entire life course. To bridge this gap, there is a critical need for integrated, longitudinal, and comparative research that tracks mental health trajectories, identifies risk and protective factors, evaluates access to care, and assesses age appropriate interventions. This special issue aims to consolidate interdisciplinary and international insights on mental health through a lifespan lens. It welcomes original research, systematic reviews, theoretical models, and case studies that explore mental health progression, age specific challenges, and intergenerational influences on psychological wellbeing.

Sub themes:

• Mental health issues in childhood and adolescence

• Early life and the role of the social environment

• Adverse childhood experiences and mental health

• Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health

• Mental health challenges in early adulthood

• Psychological wellbeing at the workplace

• Mental health in midlife

• Emotional adjustment during midlife transitions

• Mental and cognitive wellbeing in older adulthood

• Grief, loneliness, and social isolation in later life

• Ageism, stigma, and their impact on mental health

• Psychological support and emotional care at end of life

• Generational differences and its influence on mental health

Keywords: Mental health, lifespan perspective, age specific challenges, preventive strategies, protective factors, early intervention

This Collection invites cutting-edge research and perspectives on advancing mental health systems by empowering nurses through innovations in clinical care, research, and education. Nurses play a pivotal role in mental health delivery, yet their own well-being and professional development are critical to sustaining high-quality patient outcomes. This Collection seeks interdisciplinary contributions that explore novel strategies to enhance nurses’ mental health resilience, optimize evidence-based practices, and foster transformative educational frameworks. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Innovative care models (e.g., trauma-informed care, digital health tools, workplace interventions).

• Research advancements in psychiatric nursing, including interdisciplinary collaborations and policy-driven studies.

• Educational initiatives addressing burnout prevention, skill development, and lifelong learning.

• Strategies to promote nurses’ psychological well-being and organizational support systems.

We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies that bridge theory and practice, with a focus on scalability and global applicability. Submissions emphasizing equity, interprofessional collaboration, and measurable impacts on both nurse and patient outcomes are particularly encouraged.

Keywords:

Nurse mental health, psychiatric nursing innovations, care models, workplace well-being, nursing education, interprofessional collaboration, digital health, resilience, evidence-based practice.