The 61st Conversation: Raising Mental Health Awareness

Having been born in Zimbabwe where mental health is not taken seriously or as an important issue and being raised in the UK were I have come to gain some understanding and realization on the matter of mental health, I am greatly affected when I notice how far this country has come within its education and grasp of mental illness as well as social inclusion to those with mental health issues, as

At his White House conference on mental illness, Obama said, "We whisper about mental health issues and avoid asking too many questions. The brain is a body part, too. We just know less about it. And there should be no shame in discussing or seeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people that we love." It is normal to become emotional with this situation. It's not abnormal to not understand and know how to deal with this. All of us can make a difference to end this stigma. End this silence and use your powerful voice. Do not label or judge people with a mental illness. Treat them with respect as you would want to be treated. As our first step forward we must get the conversation started. We can take steps today that will have a significant impact on improving the lives of the next generation and others to come. We have the opportunity to make a difference during our lifetimes that will carry on, be the change, and take the

The National charity ‘Mind’ aims to help people experiencing mental health issues to take control of their condition. In providing more information and training, it should help promote more positive public views

In the course of proper identification, evaluation, and treatment, children and adolescents suffering with mental illness can conduct positive, normal lives. Nevertheless, the devastating majority of children with mental illnesses are unsuccessfully identified and the lack of treatment or support services have led to a subordinate worth of life and violence. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689) is an inclusive bill proposed to address the extensive issue of mental health. By strongly considering the United States’ struggle against mental illness and school violence, as well as utilizing theoretical constructs to examine the Senate’s bill, a social worker can develop a more holistic perspective that can productively integrate practical insights reached from a variety of different points of view.

Mental illness has continually been part of life in the United States, albeit a part of American life that is not often discussed. Insane asylums for housing the mentally ill developed later during colonial America. New scientific ideas and the continuing influence of the Enlightenment led to further usage of insane asylums, where a widely-used architectural style developed. Commonly known as Kirkbride or linear plan asylums, these asylums were popular in the mid-nineteenth century, and were massive, intimidating structures built to impress visitors while providing care to the mentally ill housed inside. This actual style was predominant from the 1850s to just after the Civil War and their creation and fall from popularity changed

This week, I decided to reflect solely on the reading entitled “Announcing the Mental Health Engagement Network (MHEN) Lawson, TELUS Health and Canada Health Infoway launch the Mental Health Engagement Network initiative to measure effectiveness of new technology in ongoing health management.” This is because mental health is something that is near and dear to my heart. Over my lifetime, I have seen a three people very close to me struggle with mental illness, which has not only been difficult on them, but also on myself. When reading about the use of cell phones to help improve mental health and wellness, I found it to be a fantastic idea as patient’s are able to track their daily progress, issues, and are in relatively constant contact with

Also since we are the professionals within this field of mental health we should be working to educate our communities about the misconceptions of mental health. Every client functions on a different level. Some client may be unable to maintain employment and will require assistance their entire life. Some clients are able, with proper medication management and support, to maintain, employment and social life. We should educate and encourage communities to work with people who are able to function on these

My first goal was to learn more about how to work with, support, and help people with disabilities. Along with this goal, I wanted to become more familiar with the experience of working with this population. I am studying to become an occupational therapist and am currently interested in working mainly with disabled children. I am also interested in the elderly population, but through this experience at Windsong Equitherapy and some shadowing at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, I am leaning towards working with disabled children. Aside from this goal, I also wanted to learn how parents and families with disabilities cope with having a child with special needs and the effect this has on the

Every individual deserves compassionate relationships with others and deserves to have every opportunity at being the best version of themselves. I strive to help those who live with disabilities achieve this. Whether it’s helping a child grow in a positive and empathetic environment or assisting the elderly learn or maintain basic skills and become integrated with the community, I emphasize the individuality and skills they each have so they can live at their fullest.

The interview with Darlene and Kristen has added to my knowledge about adults with disabilities that I did not get from part 1 and 2 of this project. One is how the disability could be more beneficial than hurtful to the person’s life. Like with Darlene, one can could be almost oblivious to the disability and hardship it can cause. This aids them in fully functioning in their lives without feelling hopless and frustrated in their situation. I also learned how fullying being a caregiver can be. Any job is frustrating sometimes, especially those you have to take home with you, but interviewing Kristen showed me that the love and enjoyment see gets from Darlene and Rhonda, her other client, is worth it. I also learned how a relatively short

I have worked in Attendo for a year now. Attendo had its grand opening on 9th January 2016 and I have been there ever since. I have watched it grow from empty rooms and halls to a place that takes care of 48 patients. There are lots of people suffering from memory disorders and different illnesses that causes them no longer being able to live at home. We have had a lot of students from different countries in practical training so it is important to be able to communicate with them in English.

A significant experience in my life, which required me to interact with someone outside of my own social group, was working with disabled children. I first began working with disabled children in high school. This experience gave me a new perspective on how disabled children interface with the world; and how developing a meaningful relationship with them can be positive for both of us. The class was an Autism Spectrum Disorder Link program, which I participated in for two years. After my first year, it really touched me and made me feel as if I made a difference among my fellow students. Not only did I feel that I lifted the spirits of the kids I was working with, but it also created a certain happiness and fulfillment that made me want to

I believe in the mission of transforming lives. I am looking to use my skills and experience with working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities of all ages, to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals. Furthermore, I believe the perspective I have as a marginalized individual is valuable and important to providing services to those who need them the most. I am certain that Vinfen, with your commitment to a supportive work environment which develops and fosters knowledgeable and supportive staff who are dedicated to the individuals they serve, will prove me the opportunity to do this.

Lack of mental health literacy has been a rising problem in society as the prevalence of psychiatric disorders have increased. Heath literacy has helped people with physical health problems to get treatment and support that they need. It is important for people with mental health problems to have this support as well. The article, “Mental Health Literacy” by A.F. Jorn is about the issues that many societies today face when it comes to people understanding mental health.

It has been reported that the number of people with mental disorder is increasing in our communities at an alarming rate. Environmental and social changes are among the most mentioned causes of the accelerating rate of mental illness in society (Häfner, 1985). Despite the prevalence, about one fifth of the adult population will battle with mental illness every year ("Facts and figures about mental illness," 2014) and the acknowledgement of authorities mental illness is still given less attention then is needed to treat the problem successfully. Health bodies need to be putting more resources into this area as