World We Dare to Imagine Part I
I believe change is inspired at the group level but happens on the individual level. For this reason, change needs to happen to start with the health of the individuals on this earth. Mental illness is something that affects each and every one of us daily, whether it stems from ourselves or from the people we surround ourselves with. For far too long, there has been a stigma attached to mental illness, and this idea that people should keep mental diseases to themselves. I believe a step to make the world a better place is to start talking about mental illnesses, and in a sense normalizing them. People think they are alone when they suffer from anxiety, depression or any of the various mental illnesses, and do not realize that so many people surrounding them have these same problems. A few ways to implement this is to have seminars teaching others what constitutes mental illness and the various levels of the illnesses, having support groups where people can console and discuss, or teaching individuals how to cope with them. Another way to help with mental illnesses is to focus more on physical health such as health, nutrition and physical activity. Educating people on these issues will help as well. Reducing mental disease is key to increasing happiness worldwide.
Along the same lines, I feel as though another direction to help make the world a better place is to have free education for all. Education is vital for any person’s well-being. Being knowledgeable on a topic allows individuals to make smarter decisions whether it be during an election process or advancing a business. For our citizens to take part in our highly competitive, global economy, the individuals making up that society must be educated. Many students do not have the privilege of attending college, because it means thousands of dollars in debt. If secondary schooling were free, it would open so many doors for aspiring students. It ensures that students who wish to gain a college degree, can without going into debt or regardless of their family’s income.
Along the same lines, I feel as though another direction to help make the world a better place is to have free education for all. Education is vital for any person’s well-being. Being knowledgeable on a topic allows individuals to make smarter decisions whether it be during an election process or advancing a business. For our citizens to take part in our highly competitive, global economy, the individuals making up that society must be educated. Many students do not have the privilege of attending college, because it means thousands of dollars in debt. If secondary schooling were free, it would open so many doors for aspiring students. It ensures that students who wish to gain a college degree, can without going into debt or regardless of their family’s income.
I completely agree with all of your points. I think you have some very interesting ideas for next steps already within your post. One thing I've noticed is that there are resources (here on campus) that are available for all students but there is a lack of communication about these resources. We could start by sharing the availability of these resources and let those, who are currently struggling, know that there are things they can do to help themselves.
ReplyDeleteKim already mentioned the next steps for combating mental illness, so I'll focus on the next steps of education! I really agree with you in that education is so important in positively influencing both past, current, and future generations in making smarter decisions and becoming more aware of the world around them. I think that the next step for this is to seek out and support funds, scholarships, and initiatives that provide funding to low-income students so that they can attend college, in addition to lobbying for increased federal and state-wide financial aid with low interest rates that can easily be paid back in a few years.
ReplyDeleteHi Elisa,
ReplyDeleteI think you have great ideas to raise awareness and support for people with mental illness. My recommendations for the next steps would be to create potential events to support people with mental awareness. Maybe you can use technology as a advantage to raise awareness. We live in an age where everyone is connected through social media.
For your second idea, I feel like free education is very political in terms of funding. But I think you can try developing a company or program that will support free education for people in need.
Hello Elisa,
ReplyDeleteAbout the free education idea, I suggest you to look at Switzerland case as they have free education till college. My recommendations for holding seminar would be focusing more on how to deal with stress and depression if we have it and teaching students how to find resources they need.