Scanning the Surface of Mental Health- #5.2
This week I also took a closer look into Mental Health. Identifying key players of what Mental Health is and possible causes of the issue.
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What's the Story? The Vermont Young People Social Action Team is sponsored by Middlebury College, Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, and the Bread Loaf Teacher Network.
Hi Meredith,
You’ve been busy this week!
After reading all of your blog posts I am wondering if you might find a way to connect all three- Climate Change, Agricultural Food Production, and Mental Health?
I feel like Vermont’s population, economy, and politics wrestle with these topics daily. I keep thinking about our migrant farm worker population and how each of the subjects you have been researching affects them. Have you considered Vermont’s Migrant Justice organization- Justica Migrante? https://migrantjustice.net/
Looking forward to your next posts!
-Abigail
Meredith hi. You’ve chosen a novel way to blog in these last few pieces. The strategy of mind-mapping is truly powerful and so appeals to visual learners; I’m realizing I don’t use it often enough.
The topic of mental health hits home for me on multiple fronts. I am connected to people who have to deal with the issue on a personal level. Secondly, you may be aware that the horrific incident that took place on Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School’s campus in Parkland, Florida last Valentine’s Day was caused by a young man who is said to have been dealing with mental health problems for a long time. That school is only about 20 minutes from where I live.
I say all that to say this is definitely a problem our country is NOT dealing with well enough, and yet it’s all around us. Thank you for this post; I will be sharing the mind map on my own (middle school) campus where we are working to help our students express kindness and thoughtfulness, and develop an awareness for these issues that are bigger than us individually, and which many of them do personally struggle with themselves.
Keep up the good work 🙂
Meredith
I like that you were able to explore this area. We know how real this is in our community. It is a much bigger issues and needs to be talked about more openly. The stigmas that are attached to mental health issues have not gone away over time. I feel we need to dig deeper as humans to show each other we care and want to support each other through struggles.
I love you mind maps. The visual piece is very strong for me.
Love
Mom
I am struck by the candor and honesty of your question – is it real? In my work as Superintendent of Schools, often employees share with me substantial parts of their stories. In addition, working closely with building administrators, I come to know some of the stories of our students. The fact that in 2018 we are still grappling with this question is stunning to me.
I wish we could live in a world where we saw mental illness as very real. When someone tells me they have a headache, I offer them something over-the-counter. I wish for people to feel as comfortable sharing they’re struggling with depression, as they are with a headache. Further, I wish for us to be empathetic and compassionate when we are faced with those who are struggling with mental health.
This is a critical conversation in our world and I’m proud that you’re taking it on!