This guide was created for your Psychology Paper
Mr. Gavron's class 2023-24
To Destigmatize is to Defeat...
If I walked into class one day complaining of severe chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness of my left arm and high blood pressure, what would you advise me to do? Would you tell me "to walk it off" or "you're weak-minded" or that "if you just think positively and relax" that it would go away? Might you think that I am faking the symptoms for attention? No, you would tell me to seek immediate medical attention I need to save my life. End of story.
Sadly, people often have a very different reaction to an individual describing thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that are distressed or deemed 'strange' or 'weird.' Instead of urging a person to seek help, often, people will be shunned and their difficulties hidden from view from, family, friends, or co-workers.
I think it is safe to say that we have all been touched by mental illness in some form or fashion. Perhaps you have struggled yourself, and have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Or, your mother, father, or siblings have. Possibly, you may have an extended relative that was always viewed as an "odd duck." Your parents may have talked about co-workers or old friends who were "crazy."
The goal of this paper is simple: to better understand those around us, either personally or in society, that have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and to DESTIGMATIZE. By doing so, you will better understand why mental illness may develop, its symptoms and treatments. In addition, you may come to see how a mental illness can affect an entire family, not just the person that has the 'disorder.'
Who may be the subject of this paper?
1. You;
2. A direct family member;
3. A public figure (living or dead, historical or celebrity, famous or not)
This may be a very difficult process for one to take on, but ultimately one that students over the years have reported was a valuable one. Please let me know if you have any concerns.