What were your previous thoughts about mental illness?

Part 1 (200 words)
Mental Illness is highly
misunderstood. For example, there are some police officers that will mistreat
an individual that is diagnosed with mental illness because they are not aware
of their disability. Others, claim to have acted on horrendous acts (e.g.,
massacres) due to mental illness.
-What were your
previous thoughts about mental illness?
-Have you
met/encountered/heard of anyone with a mental health illness? Describe the
event, how did you feel about their behavior, what happened to the individual?
-How is mental
illness viewed in the media/society?
-What can we do,
as a society, to change the stigma associated with mental illness and how can
we become a better resource for individuals that have a psychological disorder?

Part 2 (400 words)
Substance Abuse Disorders are
prevalent in society. Among the medical community, addiction is considered a
chronic disease, but this concept seems difficult for some to understand or
believe.
-What is it about addiction, do you
believe, that keeps it a taboo subject?
-Depending on your socio-cultural
background, you may have been brought up with certain beliefs about addicts and
addiction. Reflect on the dominant beliefs of your society. Do these beliefs
stigmatize addicts? How do the dominant
beliefs in your society either help or hinder addicts from receiving treatment?
-If you have some experience with someone that
you know, consider what you’ve witnessed and offer your thoughts.

Last Completed Projects