5-2 Activity - Reflection - Self

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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402

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Health Science

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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RUNNING HEADING: 5-2 ACTIVITY: REFLECTION: SELF 1 5-2 Activity: Reflection: Self Christina Gray Southern New Hampshire University IDS – 402 Wellness Dr. Laura Kruger

Running Heading: 5-2 Activity: Reflection: Self 2 Reflection: Self Individual Framework of Perception Throughout the process of critically analyzing young adults with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, my perception on the community around me has varied. Delving into this issue aided in expanding the knowledge and understanding that I had from experiencing this co-occurring disorder, as well as having loved one’s struggle with this disorder also. Initially, when I started conducting research for this critical analysis, due to my personal experiences I recognize and understand how demographics; education; economic status; and genetics; are all significant factors to the development of co-occurring mental illness and substance are use disorder, and not that these individuals are just “crazy people”, or “junkies”. However, there are two significant elements of my perception that were altered from my investigative research for this analysis. Even though I feel extremely connected and understand this topic, I struggled with the perception of “if they wanted to, they would” mentality, because I did. Meaning that if the individuals wanted to get help for their co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder that they would simply seek the help and work the necessary steps. That quickly shifted when I learned of the numerous obstacles that prevent young adults from seeking help such as: cost; simply not knowing where to go; belief that they can handle it on their own; fear of being “committed” or needing to take medication; concerns with possible repercussions at work/school; and confidentiality concerns (Weinstein, 2023). My perception was drastically altered towards community health care systems regarding mental health and substance abuse. A normal perception of health care practices is providing adequate and effective care to all patients to the best of the providers ability. I was shocked when my research revealed that the U.S. health care system contributes to disparities in funding for research and treatment for mental disorders

Running Heading: 5-2 Activity: Reflection: Self 3 in addition to negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors from health care professionals, in comparison to physical health conditions (Committee on the Science of Changing Behavioral Health Social Norms, 2016). Learning of the structural stigmas within health care that is not only hindering people who need and want help, but also contributing to society’s negative perception is devastating. Bias Biases are completely normal and a vital part of what makes us all unique, however they can also have negative ramifications if used unjustly. It is impossible to be completely unbiased, especially when there is a deep connection. From a very young age, I realized that I’ve always been self-aware of my own mental struggles, I was officially diagnosed at 10-years-old with major depression and anxiety. That self-awareness allowed me to be more empathetic and understanding to others. I have always had a passion for helping others, and I knew that I was meant to be in the medical field, but that desire wasn’t without bias. I felt passionate about working in pediatrics, on the flip side, one area I wanted nothing to do with addictions/substance abuse. I understood mental illness, but I had difficulty understanding how people would “choose” a substance over this, that, or the other. Even though I experienced my own personal battle in addiction, I still held onto biases against addiction. After a series of unfortunate events pertaining to my mental health, I realized my biases and how they were keeping me blinded to the good that would come from working in psychiatry with a focus on addiction. Becoming aware of these biases has drastically changed my perceptions of addicts and addiction as a whole. In addition, it changed my perspective of the value that working in the field could impact me, and the impact I would have in the field. Generally, becoming aware of one’s biases can change

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