Argumentative Essay On Mental Illness

A mental disorder, also known as a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a diagnosis by a mental health professional of a behavioral or mental pattern that may cause suffering or a poor ability to function in life. Mental disorder consists of a wide range of things that affect mood thinking and behavior. Some of the more common forms of mental illness are major depression, anxiety disorder. Two of the more severe forms are bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Depression and bipolar disorder fall under the category of mood disorders. These disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy, or fluctuations from extreme happiness to extreme sadness. Schizophrenia Is a psychotic disorder that causes a person

“Nearly 5 million children in the U.S. have some type of mental illness” (Goldberg). It is agreeable that there are many young children that deal with mental illness every day. Schools should be concerned for every student’s well being. Moreover, mental health is a part of a person’s overall “well being.” Therefore, schools need to make the mental health of students a stronger focus and implement plans to keep students mentally well and educated. To help create a positive, mental health aware environment where students feel open to seek help, high school students should be educated on how to be mentally healthy, be given a safe place to seek help, and be encouraged to monitor and maintain their mental health. Mental illness and mental health care need to be a more eminent priority in our society, starting with high schools.

MENTALL ILLNESS A mental disorder, also known as a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a diagnosis by a mental health professional of a behavioral or mental pattern that may cause suffering or a poor ability to function in life. Mental disorder consists of a wide range of things that affect mood thinking and behavior. Some of the more common forms of mental illness are major depression, anxiety disorder. Two of the more severe forms are bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

To understand what mental illness is you have to know what it means. Mental health is the state of our well-being. Mental health has to do with the mind. According to thefreedictionary.com mental health is “a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life”. Mental illness are behavioral, psychological, and emotional disorders that effect the mind. Mental illness is not something that should be avoided. There many different types of mental illnesses. There are also mental healthcare services that can help people with their mental illnesses.

One in five adults has a mental health condition, that's over 40 million Americans; more than the populations of New York and Florida combined (Mental Health in America, 2017). More Americans have access to health care services by the Affordable Care Act. Access to insurance and treatment increased, as healthcare reform has reduced the rates of uninsured adults. The greatest decrease in uninsured adults with mental illnesses was seen in states that expanded Medicaid, but most Americans still lack access to care; 56% of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment (Mental Health in America, 2017). Even in Maine, the state with the best access, 41.4% of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment (Mental Health in America, 2017). There is a serious

About 1 in 5 youth aged 13–18 experiences a severe mental disorder at least once in their lifetime. Over one-third of students with a mental health condition, age 14­–21 drops out—the highest dropout rate of any disability group. With these statistics, it shows how many people are not gaining support and are just giving up because they cannot find convenient help. If this issue is shown in the classroom, then the awareness rates will rise, making more establishments for support and treatment.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning individuals are almost 3 times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder (National Alliance on Mental Illness). That is around 55% of LGBTQ people who will develop a mental illness. While some mental illnesses can be genetic, prejudice and stigma have created a higher rate of mental illness in LGBTQ youth because mental illnesses and disorders develop due to prejudice resulting in hate crimes, the stigma of mental health, and the homophobia and transphobia in the United States - all of which that efforts to change are slowly being implemented in schools and homes around the nation. Prejudice and hate crimes such as sexual assault, murder, and torture are not something uncommon for LGBTQ people to experience. For instance, in 2016, 27 transgender people reported to have been murdered, that is more than two people murdered a month (Schmider). However, we can trace it back to much earlier than that.

During a mental health event the First Lady, Michelle Obama said, “At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. [...] Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness, and there should be no distinction.” This shows that mental illness stigma in society is based on mental illness being perceived more negatively than other physical illness when it should actually be seen as the same. Stigma around mental illness has had very immense adverse effects on the willingness of undiagnosed suffers to not seek treatment when they need it. As a result of this one in five people with a mental illness will not get the treatment they need which has the effect of high suicide rates among the untreated sufferers. In an effort to reduce stigma around mental illness, so that more undiagnosed sufferers seek treatment, schools should devote more time to increasing awareness of mental illness and its effects.

Since mental illnesses cannot be seen, some people refuse to acknowledge their existence. I think that you shouldn’t be ashamed to be facing disorder like these and feel as if you have to hide it. You are not alone. Although, since the injury is not physical, most people would not know what you are struggling from unless you told them. Therefore, it is your choice. However some people think that you have a choice in the matter of having a mental illness are undoubtedly wrong. It is just like a physical injury, you did not choose to break your leg, it just happened whilst living your life. Those who suffer should not be ashamed for needing help of a therapist or medication, they are all steps on working through your illness and making your life

When people are mentally ill, they suffer social stigma, have higher health costs, and are at an increased risk of becoming poor. Every one out of five Americans is diagnosed with a mental illness. That 20 percent of the population can negatively influence the normal stresses of life, working productively and fruitfully, and being able to make a contribution the community. When humankind as a whole cannot recognize that mental illness is a serious issue, there is more harm being done than good. Any kind of mental illness can be caused merely by society, but also can worsen due to humanity not understanding how injustice can make a serious impact. The mental health problems that people face can be limited to society learning about the injustice of these illnesses.

Imagine a world where a third of the human population suffered from the same type of illness. Imagine a world where the government does little to help those who suffer from this terrible illness. Imagine a world where nobody acknowledged the pain and suffering that comes along with this illness. This is, unfortunately, the world we live in today. The illness is not one that others notice, but it can have terrible consequences to those who suffer from it. The type of illness are the ones that plague people mentally.

Mental Illness is a growing battle in today’s world. Many Teenagers struggle with mental health issues that paralyze them from living a normal healthy life. There is a world of research about healthy habits that can ease the burden of anxiety and depression if one will just seek it out. From seeking professional help, to starting daily habits there are many ways to deal with sicknesses of the mind in a similar way to how one would treat a physical illness. The question that guided my research is “What are the best ways for teens to deal with anxiety and depression?”

Statistics show that one in five youth will experience a mental health illness within the year or in one point in their lifetime (National Alliance on Mental Illness). In today’s society, one doesn’t need to go far to find mental illness in the population; At Vaughn International Studies Academy (VISA), there are students living with mental health disorders. A student from the high school, Ava Gonzalez*, described the hardships she faces when living with depression as, “difficult, especially when I’m not feeling good and I don’t want to come to school and deal with everything going on.” While it may appear as if a person living with a mental health disorder is only struggling with the disorder itself, the stigma is another struggle; Peers will often negatively stereotype and label with common misconceptions and preconceived notions of mental illness. Mia Velasquez*, a tenth grader attending VISA, details that besides having anxiety, stigma is a constant struggle because “no one really understands how you feel.” As the students have expressed, negatively labeling teens with mental health issues prompts stigmatic thinking, prejudice, and other bias.

Bring Change to Mind is a nonprofit organization that strives to positively impact the mental health community. Their mission is to “end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness”. They have strong guiding principles and beliefs that support their mission. Starting the conversation about mental illness, amplifying voices, being an ally, empowering the future, supporting science, and fighting for human rights are specific ways that the organization builds awareness, understanding, and hope.

Mental health, like many people I struggle from mental illness.Last year after the death of my Godmother I officially was diagnosed with severe depression,two impulsive and social anxiety disorder.My journey has been long ,confusing and a constant struggle even knowing many people can relate. Although a constant topic in the media, it remains taboo and many people are unaware of what to do when faced with mental health issues.The following is a series of steps to help and also a guide for those that need help dealing with a loved one or friend who suffer with these issues.