PART 1 Directions:

Discussion – Mental Health Disorders and Mental Health Stigma

In this module, we explore the world of mental health disorders and how they affect the lives of individuals and those around them. Students also learn how social stigma can interfere with an individual’s ability to reach out for needed help. For this discussion forum, students will further explore how social stigma affects people and their mental health, and how society can fight to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

• Identify two celebrities or prominent social figures who have come forward to bring awareness to the stigma surrounding mental health disorders by sharing their stories about mental health.
• Describe each person’s struggle with mental health illness:
• Specify their particular psychological disorder
• Describe the symptoms of their disorder
• Do you believe their stories help bring awareness to mental health issues? Why or why not?
• Give suggestions for how society can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Instructions for reply post

• What did you learn about yourself and your mental health from hearing the stories of the celebrities in your peers’ posts?
• What are your thoughts about your peer’s suggestions to reduce the stigma attached to mental health disorders?
• Ask your peer a question about their post.
  

  classmate #1

  • Chadd Kasimatis

  10 hours ago, at 12:34 AM NEW

  Demi Lavato and Pete Davidson have publicly spoken out about their struggles with mental health. Actress and singer Demi Lavato has struggles with bipolar disorder. The symptoms of bipolar disorder include: increased energy and agitation, irritability or hostility, euphoria, excessive talking, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, racing thoughts, impulsivity and recklessness, and poor decision-making. The actor and comedian Pete Davidson struggles with borderline personality disorder. The symptoms of borderline personality disorder include: unstable in self-image, mood, and behavior; cannot tolerate being alone and experiences chronic feelings of emptiness; unstable and intense relationships with others; behavior is impulsive, unpredictable, and sometimes self-damaging; shows inappropriate and intense anger; makes suicidal gestures.I am sure that for their followers and fanatics the sharing their stories is beneficial. If one of the fans was struggling silently then they may be encouraged to seek help knowing that they are not the only person struggling with an issue. I think that with more availability of mental help will reduce the stigma. Also continuing the open discussion about mental health will also increase the acceptance.
  ReferencesLightner, L. (2024, January 24). 25 Celebrities Who Are Open About Their Mental Illness: Breaking the Stigma. Retrieved February 5, 2024, from http://Bipolar and Related Disorders
  Rasmussen University. (n.d.). Bipolar and Related Disorders. PSY1012 General Psychology. Retrieved February 5, 2024, from https://learning.rasmussen.edu/ultra/courses/_1472…
  Rasmussen University. (n.d.). Personality Disorders. PSY1012 General Psychology. Retrieved February 5, 2024, from https://learning.rasmussen.edu/ultra/courses/_1472..

  classmate #2 DaJhay Lofton

  19 hours ago, at 3:22 PM NEW

  Taraji P Henson- Has opened up about her dealing with anxiety and depression. Some of the symptoms she talked about while dealing with anxiety and depression are sadness, hopelessness, and an intense sense of worry of fear. She would experience panic attacks and have a hard time managing anxiety as it pertains to her daily life. Her story brings awareness to mental health as she started a foundation named after her father to provide mental health support to the African American community.Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson- Talks about the depression he faced after injuries ended his football career and his dream of playing the NFL. His symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest and pleasure in doing things. He discussed being overwhelmed and somewhat of a failure during that time in his life. His story brings awareness to mental health as one of the biggest movie stars in the entertainment industry to openly talk about his mental health is huge. It helps bridge the gap between getting help and not getting help. To help with the stigma surrounding mental health some suggestions are promoting education but providing accurate information. Have open and hard conversations to encourage mental health to create supportive culture where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

  PART 2

  Written Assignment – Rasmussen University’s “Mental Health Matters” Conference

  1. This module discussed the importance of mental health literacy—knowledge and understanding of how to care for your mental health. Becoming a responsible steward of your mental health can improve how you cope with stress, relate to others, perform in class, and make life decisions. When we devote time to our mental health, we can enhance our overall health and well-being as well as have a positive impact on the lives of others.
     For this assignment, you will be taking on the role of the Keynote Speaker at Rasmussen University’s “Mental Health Matters” Conference. As a presenter, you will discuss the importance of mental health literacy—caring for one’s mental health. To accompany the presentation, you will create a PowerPoint highlighting the main ideas. The goal of your presentation is to bring awareness to mental health issues and encourage your fellow classmates and professors to do things that will help them improve their mental health and quality of life.

     Instructions

     Students will create a PowerPoint for this assignment. The PowerPoint will address the following topics:

     • Define mental health literacy and discuss its importance
     • Discuss how social stigma affects mental health
     • Provide some statistics that illustrate the importance of practicing good mental health
     • Discuss the effects of poor mental health literacy on our lives
     • Discuss the benefits of practicing good mental health literacy
     • Offer strategies to improve our mental health (i.e., self-care)
     • Provide resources for those struggling with mental health issues (i.e., national hotlines, governmental agencies, online sources, etc.)

     This assignment will be APA formatted, including a title page slide, citations on each slide, and a reference slide.