Personal Reflection Of Mental Health And World Cultures

I have thoroughly enjoyed World Cultures (HSC 4M). As a whole, this course has enabled me to think critically about the numerous barriers to equality affecting various groups, like the LGBTQ community, Aboriginals and those diagnosed with mental health disorders, among others. It has made me much more aware about my own pre-conceptions of and attitudes towards others, and how they are largely influenced by the media, ‘single stories’ and to be completely honest, fear. This is something that I did not realize before, but this realization has been imperial to my growth, development and change throughout this course. This course has also encouraged me to challenge my own pre-conceptions and beliefs and to modify my overall attitude towards others

Mental health awareness has always been something very important to me. This is because each of the members of my maternal family suffer from a mental health disorder and because Major Depression and Anxiety have been very damaging to all aspects of my life, including my interpersonal relationships. When others suddenly find out that you suffer from a mental health disorder, they automatically back off due to the negative stigma. This is something that needs to change. My personal experiences are a contributing factor as to why I am pursuing an education and eventually a career in Psychology. Before I was introduced to the Ladybug Foundation, I always thought that I had to be a mental health clinician in order to truly make an impact. However, I now realize that this is not the case; that one can make a difference regardless of his or her age. If a six year old can be an agent of change, so can I. And, I am ready to dismantle the

While pursuing my studies in Psychology at Brescia University College, I plan to get involved in many ways, by joining the Social Justice Club and Active Minds organization at Main Campus Western, and by running for the First Year Representative for Brescia’s Psychology Association. In addition, this course has inspired me to register for a Leadership course at Brescia. These plans will allow me to continue to be an agent of change in areas that interest me most, and will assist in my growth and development as a leader and advocate for change. And, while Psychology and mental health are extremely important to me, I will not be limited to this topic, as an agent of change, as throughout this course, other social issues, like the equal treatment of the LGBTQ community and barriers to equality for aboriginal individuals have become important to me, as well. I hope to be able to actively partake in activities that will raise awareness and promote change for these and other social