#7 Lets Make This Change Happen Together
People deserve the necessary and appropriate resources for them to feel good and be able to live the life they want without difficulties getting in their way. This right is unfortunately not granted for all people due to external forces blocking the way to the mental health care they need. Do you want people to be forced to live with unwanted side affects of medication that may possibly not even be the proper treatment for their mental health challenges? Or feel compelled to not address their challenges due to the stigma created by our culture? Or even feel embarrassed or unfairly labeled due to the lack of knowledge about neutral language around mental health challenges? Of course the answer is no, we do not want people to feel this wrongful compulsion or discomfort due to unsuitable care, stigma and offensive or hurtful language. These issues must be addressed and that is why I believe and want to create the change needed for a better, neutral and fair mental health care system that will cater to the needs of the specific person who can then receive the care and support they desire free of stigma around receiving it. Additionally, people need to be educated on the preferable vocabulary because many do not know what is correct or favored so they simply stumble around trying to phrase their sentence which may cause them and those they are speaking with to feel uncomfortable or awkward. Many are involved in this issue such as those with mental health challenges who would like to receive care, hospitals and programs, various providers and the families of those wishing to receive care. Most if not all of us are touched in some way by this pressing issue–either we have had our own challenges or a family member, friend, neighbor or classmate has. As you can see, I have stated the changes I see as necessary and can’t wait to collaborate with others to make these changes happen and create a better system for all who are a part of it. Here is the link to my google slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16WoQJEcjZG39tngL796GyiT92H-5XM3nhAENKEnVE2Y/edit#slide=id.g17c5487cf8_0_0
Cover Image from The Guardian
Link to Image- Mental Health Care. 2016. The Guardian. By Billy Boland. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
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Hi Grace,
I think you have a convincing pitch, and others will certainly recognize the importance of your issue. From the poking around I’ve done on our collective blog site, I see several other students are exploring issues that dovetail with mental health.
I know I’ve said this before, but I love the narrow focus of this idea: “Additionally, people need to be educated on the preferable vocabulary because many do not know what is correct or favored so they simply stumble around trying to phrase their sentence which may cause them and those they are speaking with to feel uncomfortable or awkward.” I think even just this step is a lens for seeking tangible change.
I just requested access to see your slides, and I’d love to check those out before the overnight (for which I am getting quite excited!).
Take care, and I’ll see you soon.
All the Best,
Courtney
Thank you so much for the thoughts on my post. I have made the slides accessible to everyone who would like to view them now so I hope that works! Let me know if it doesn’t. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again on the overnight.
Thank you so much,
Grace
Dear Grace,
Great opening slide that illustrates your approach to mental health care. The quotes provoke thinking and encourage reflection. As you continue to explore your topic, take a look at the comparison between the medical (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_model_of_disability) and social justice model of disability (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_model_of_disability). Another example of this different way of looking at mental health care that is highlighted in your slides can be found here: https://sendthewholebattalion.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/668/.
Looking forward to your presentation.
Bill