Mental health is a major public health concern, especially with the dark stigma that surrounds it. With the statistic of 1 in 5 American suffering from depression at some point in their lives, we must not ignore the importance of mental health awareness.
Because relationships are how we as individuals interact with each other, we must recognize the effect of mental health on families and young children in general. I chose this public health concern because of my experience working with students with emotional disturbances in the special education community. These children face challenges within them selves involving self-control and anger management. Often then not, these children have family members with mental health issues. I think as professionals working with children and families that we help to increase the awareness of mental health in efforts to decrease the negative stigma that is associated while providing support to those children and families that are dealing with circumstances that may increase their risk of having mental health issues.
The stigma doesn't only hold true in the U.S., around the world individuals are remaining silent when it comes to mental health. People fear reject, judgement and shame in disclosing that they have a mental illness.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/mental-health-stigma-and-prejudice-strong-around-the-world-8505.aspx
Denise, this is a perfect topic. Mental health is something that we should all make a priority. Life is such a struggles these days that its hard to keep is together. I totally agree with you. Great post!
ReplyDeleteDenise, I agree with you on this mental health it is something that we should make a big priority.You hit this one on the nail, working with childrn at the Head Start level they are facing challenges within them selves involving self-control and anger management. Most parents want recognize the effect of mental health on their young children in general. This is a great topic !
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