Quite often, the go-to mental healthcare treatment is hospitalization/medication. This form of treatment may be the norm, but this doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. One organization called the Soteria House based in Burlington, Vermont, provides another option for people who are experiencing first time psychosis, as they refer to it, and don’t want to go onto medication. It is a group home that people usually stay at for months at a time. One of the members on the development team discussed the program and its philosophy on Vermont Edition. The program mainly tries to provide help to those experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time. It moves away from medication and focuses more on peer support and helping the person through a peer relationship as opposed to a doctor or nurse. This program has really helped a lot of people and offers stability and an alternative resource for them.

Another resource I found located in Vermont are two programs called Another Way and the Wellness Co-op. They are both talked about on a website created by the programs in which people who have participated in the programs talk about their experiences briefly and share a meaningful photograph. They are also based on the foundation of peer support and collaboration with others and veering away from medication and hospitalization.

Looking more at the medication norm in the world today, I found myself rather surprised to hear this issue brought up in the newest season of Family Guy. In the episode, the day care provider of Stevie, a baby, discusses her worry of him having ADHD with Stevie’s mother Lois. This show often mocks or exaggerates stereotypes or current social issues in the world today. When the provider tells Lois about her concern, it is phrased,”Kids who are difficult or different need medication.” This is precisely the problem with the outlook on medication for mental health challenges. It is the go-to when in fact this might not be the best option for everyone and not everyone may know about the alternative options so that is why I believe the awareness of these options needs to be increased.

I believe that what unites people are similar ideas, beliefs and opinions on a given topic. It is the agreement on a topic that creates the bond and unity among two or more people. It is when we disagree or dislike another’s opinion on something we may feel strongly about that dissociates people.

My most pressing questions related to my topic are:

• How do the people in the alternative programs view the stigma around getting any care?
• How do people who have received both hospitalization and alternative programs view stigma and additionally which care worked better for them?
• Why is hospitalization and medication still the primary option for those dealing with mental health difficulties?
• I would like to explore language and vocabulary related to mental health challenges and care, looking at the use and misuse of language and the labeling of people experiencing challenges and receiving care

“Different.” Vermont MHTG Photovoice Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.

Rosen, Jane Lindholm Sam Gale. “Burlington’s Soteria House: An Alternate Model For Mental Health Treatment.” Vermont Public Radio. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.

Image by Michael Kent