Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Mental Health and Bullying

I plan to be a counselor when I graduate from college. I love helping people and want to motivate others. I want to help those suffering from mental illness. Today I wish I had the chance to help someone with mental illness. 

At my old high school today, a student killed himself. It is not clear if it was bullying or if it was a mental health issue. What is more disturbing is that this is the fourth student suicide at my school in four years. 

What can I do?

What can we do?

First, is to stop playing the blame game. Mental health is not a joke. It's not merely "feeling bad." A person can't "snap out of it."  It is ignorant to blame those who are mentally ill and say that it was their fault. It's ignorant to think that they could have prevented it. It isn't that simple.
Due to chemical imbalances, brain deficiencies, genetics, or their environment, a person develops a mental illness. Watch the video for some information.



I once heard someone say that they wished a person would stop complaining about their depression because it wasn't cancer. No it isn't cancer. I can't say what is worse or better. What I am saying is don't compare the two different pains. Also, don't compare the two treatments. When a person is mentally ill they don't or can't treat themselves. This is where a person can come in and help.


1. Stay informed



2. Reach Out
Often, those who suffer from mental health issues are embarrassed and will tell you to keep quiet if they have shared with you that they are ill. Unless you are a psychiatrist, you shouldn't keep this to yourself. Their family needs to know. Your school counselor need know. 
There is also the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. If you are questioning to call them, THEN JUST CALL THEM. A life isn't an issue to take lightly. Or call the National Youth Crisis Hotline at 1-800-442-4673. 



3. Support, Support, SUPPORT
The worst part of mental illness is feeling alone. Check up on them and often. Don't go weeks without contact. A person with mental health wants to be alone but that makes the problem worse. They need someone to talk to or be around that is a positive influence. It sounds intimidating to be around someone who is ill but it can mean recovery for this person. When they are talking to you about mental illness avoid statements that were listed above. These would be better to say.  Or these as well.  Be open as possible.


4. Prevent
Each school needs a mental health program. Find programs that help students with mental health issues. My school has an "Open Door Policy" which is where a student can go to any faculty member with a sign of an open door on their office and talk to them about any issue. They are trained in mental health counseling and are in contact with the residence hall association. Does your school have an open door program? Think about implementing one. Get after school programs that promote positivity.  Raise awareness on mental health. Bring in speakers.

Prevent the stigma by understanding mental health and talking about it. Make more programs or give more funding for mental health. Donate. Watch documentaries. Read. Stop blaming. 

Courtesy of Pinterest

Bullying should not be taken lightly. 
For issues on bullying, a person needs to report if they see any bullying happening. Report to a teacher, counselor, principal, even the police department. "Bullying" is harassment and is against the law. There a few different types of bullying such as mental or physical. There is also the new one which is cyber-bullying, this is what is causing the biggest problems of our day. Do not be a bystander. You can be the solution. 
Don't be a Bystander

END ON A HAPPY NOTE:
This has been a heavy post. Hopefully, I can cheer you up. Please enjoy!



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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Don't Delay...Start Now!

We all get to that point in our lives where we are crazy busy. Currently I'm on Christmas Break at my college and have had a lot of free time. I've recently had to start getting my stuff in a heap to prepare for next semester. One of the items on my list is being more on top of delays. The last month of school is that my club was trying to sell our latest fundraiser, winter car safety kits.

The issue is that I asked for a volunteer to make posters and email our school about the event. The person that volunteered, didn't do the things I asked. It doesn't sound like this is a big deal, and in the grand scheme of things it isn't, but it does hurt the club. Why?
1. It shows that our club can't handle the simple things. If we can't do small items then we certainly can't handle big events. 
2. It shows that we are lazy or careless. This gives the club a bad reputation which means no new members.
3. The word didn't go out about our fundraiser. No one knew about this event going on which hurts our fund for CPR classes. That in itself has it's own consequences. 

What am I supposed to do?
The job as president, or even as a member, is to make sure that no one delays. I did not tell the member that I was disappointed that the posters didn't happen. I gave the assignment to someone else. The email occurrence should have been brought up sooner as well. The member told me that they had said something to me in person about the subject and it was my job to remember. I agreed with this sentiment but frankly, I have such a bad memory. 
That's when I decided to make sure I wouldn't forget. I sent that member an email that said that if they can't handle these assignments, they need to email me, print off a paper for me, or write on my hand that they need someone else to do the job. I also told this person it is their job to find a replacement. They are an adult and can handle that much. 

Being a leader means that you make sure jobs get done but it does not mean you are a babysitter. Organizations like these look good on resumes because they train people to be adults. Giving out responsibilities is one thing, but making sure that the person acts responsible is another. Again, a person doesn't need to be dictator to get the job done. Being assertive is enough. 

Don't delay when it comes to projects. If you have a job, do the job. If you gave the job and aren't satisfied, let them know and don't beat around the bush. 

END ON A HAPPY NOTE:
Not going to lie...I wish I knew someone like this. They would certainly brighten anyone's day! http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/05/24/57/05245709c7b23c81de2ead33eb3e8315.jpg
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