Essays and topic ideas on Mental health

Essay Topics on Mental Health

1. Manage health and social care practice to ensure positive outcomes for individuals
2. Humans And Animals Relationships
3. Mental Health Self Reflection Assignment
4. Self Assessment Paper
5. Mental wellbeing and Mental Health
6. Reflection on mental health nursing
7. Critical Reflection of an Interview
8. Assessment Criteria Questions
9. The Most Important Object in My Life
10. Self Actualization
11. Addiction and Addictions
12. Understanding Mental Disorders
13. Effects of Losing a Job
14. Understand Mental Health problems
15. Perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell
16. My Vision for Social Change
17. Cultural safety in nursing
18. Effects of Unemployment
19. Mental Health as Social Problem
20. Psychology and Nursing

Self-Destructive Tendencies

In general, anxiety and depression are difficult illnesses to overcome. With the difficulties teens already face throughout development, these disorders can be unbearable. These disorders are often a slippery slope, especially during the early stages of adolescence. If left untreated, a child faced with anxiety or depression at the beginning of their childhood can grow up to develop self-destructive tendencies including self-harm, suicidal behavior, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Further, at a time as crucial as education is in adolescent development, anxiety, depression, and other similar disorders can affect academic performance, social progression, and other future endeavors (Healey 11).

It is critical that students feel they are in an environment where their emotions are valued and understood. Failure to provide safe spaces for adolescents to discuss their feelings can cause them to turn to other, unhealthy resources. According to Justin Healey, a majority of teenagers struggling with mental health issues turn to the Internet for guidance and support. While the Internet can be a valuable source of aid, a more hands-on approach from one’s school and community is likely to be effective (Healey 12). Overall, the Internet is never as reliable as a health professional and in some cases, may worsen the situation by providing inaccurate or dangerous information. Depression and anxiety are serious issues that should be dealt with in-person, not behind a screen.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety take an extremely negative toll on not only one’s mental health but also their physical health and can result in physical side effects. Anxiety can increase one’s heart rate due to stress, cause breathing problems, headaches, and other forms of discomfort. Similarly, depression can put a strain on one’s heart, weaken their immune system, and increase fatigue (Zawn). These physical strains can lead to long-term, potentially life-threatening diseases. One’s cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory system are put at a higher risk of compromisation in forms of high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Cherney). At a time where teenage bodies are not fully developed, the physical effects of these disorders can be especially burdensome. With better knowledge regarding the outcome of these illnesses, students may be more likely to speak up when they are in trouble and in need of assistance. The education system has an opportunity to openly address these issues and possibly save or improve young lives.

For women, the additional pressures created by society can make dealing with mental disorders even more difficult. A survey showed that over the span of 10 years in the early 2000s, the percentage of females who were hospitalized due to international self-harm was both increasing and twice as high as the male’s rate (Healey). The same survey also showed that 15% of young women used an unhealthy amount of alcohol to cope and self medicate for common disorders like anxiety and depression (Healey). These alarming rates prove that a large scale of young adults are improperly dealing with these mental disorders, reducing their quality of life.

Influence of Social Media

Additionally, the new influence of social media creates unrealistic standards for developing women to live up to, introducing a level of anxiety that was not there before. In 2017, studies from the University of South Wales, Macquarie University, and the UK’s Royal Society for Public Health directly correlated Instagram’s involvement with body dissatisfaction for women (WHIMN). Instagram models and influencers portray a false representation of reality, corrupting impressionable girls into believing that they should strive for unattainable body goals. These standards initiate an unhealthy obsession to be “perfect.” This bodily fixation can result in cases of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or other harmful eating disorders. In a 2016 study, it was prevalent that girls were more prone to displaying anxious behavior and symptoms than boys (Samuel 227). This study reiterates the concept that girls are more naturally more vulnerable to scrutinization and low self-esteem.

Public schools can aid in this media epidemic by providing positive outlets and opportunities for girls to share their insecurities with their peers. Collectively addressing the additional pressure these young women feel can increase empowerment and improve confidence. The addition of a mental health curriculum is especially valuable to women due to their increased risk of developing one of these disorders (NIMH). By creating common ground with these impressionable pre-teens, the dynamic has a greater possibility of changing from continued scrutiny to positive reinforcement.

In most cases, adolescents are affected by anxiety or depression before they even realize it. Since the signs of mental distress can manifest in a plethora of ways, parents may confuse it with typical teenage behavior. Examples of depressive behavior include excessive isolation, secrecy, noticeable weight gain or loss, and expression of low self-esteem (AAP). Unlike hormonal changes, the effects of depression and anxiety are much stronger and can last for weeks to months at a time. These emotions are confusing and difficult to navigate, especially without the proper knowledge of what these disorders are and how to cope. It is important for minors to be properly informed of warning signs, how to reach out, and coping mechanisms throughout public education.

Mental Health Professionals’ Care

A simple way to raise awareness would be to introduce an annual teenage mental health assessment within the school environment. A teenage mental health assessment is an interview with a mental health professional. By providing these interviews in public education, students who are not necessarily capable of receiving mental treatment or information outside of their home would immensely benefit from this opportunity. Some schools in the Wilmington area provide on-site contract therapists or services through the WHAT clinic to help teens get the support that they need in a convenient location at school (Wood). The process of mental awareness can start as early as elementary school age. Social worker Sarah Wood has experienced first hand how electives such as “guidance” or “social work” have improved children’s interactive, behavioral, and emotional needs. Proper education on mental disorders improves a child’s ability to put a label on their emotions which is crucial when it comes to asking for help. When adolescents learn the normality of their emotions (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.), there is a reduction of shame and loneliness (Wood). If a student is in an environment where mental health is commonly addressed and discussed, the probability of reaching out for help greatly increases.

Furthermore, the peer connection between students may strengthen if they are appropriately informed of what the warning signals of mental distress look like. By adding a class or seminar that gives students an opportunity to speak freely about these important topics, they may feel more understood amongst each other. Public school intervention also helps teenagers access information and support who may not be able to otherwise due to insurance issues, transportation, or lack of parental support (Wood). In order to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity for successful futures, mental aid should be accessible to all.

Importance of Education on Mental Health

The mental health epidemic affects men and women of all ages, ranging from pre-adolescence to adulthood. In most cases of common mental disorders, knowledge is power in the battle of recovery. Public schools have an obligation to educate their students to the best of their ability. This education includes the provision of proper mental health resources and information. By giving students the proper tools to understand the warning signs of mental trouble, providing them easily accessible counseling, and informing them on healthy ways to cope, the dynamic of one’s developmental future could alter. With the excessive challenges already up against young people, especially women, in our society, the addition of this useful curriculum could be life-changing.