Mental Health, the Media and Feminism

Early adolescence is when young women need to learn to deconstruct the beauty myth.(Sheridan, 2001) How are young women as well as young men supposed to do this when they are bombarded by the media telling them how to live the perfect life?

Young women and men are being influenced by the media everyday of their lives.  They see thin, beautiful people succeeding in the shows they watch, the songs they listen to, and sell the products they want to buy. These young men and women strive for this perfectness that is created specifically to sell.  In their efforts to become what they are told is perfect they may develop mental health issues such as eating disorders.

In 2005, more than 500,000 Canadians suffered from some sort of eating disorder.("Eating disorder statistics," )  This is a shocking, yet somewhat understandable statistic because of the pressure that the media creates.  Every second commercial on t.v. seems to be one about some kind of new diet out there and other commercials are accentuating how beauty equals power in life.  What the women and men affected by these disorders need help realizing is that these ideals are not the norm.

In some ways the media is oppressive and something needs to be done in order to liberate these individuals from feeling the need to conform.  The liberal feminist remedy for gender inequality is to reform (not transform) social institutions. (Mullally, 2007) Even though the media affects both women and men there is an emphasis on what is suppose to be the norm for women. 

Gender inequality in the media appears in a significant number of ads, t.v. shows, etc. and it would be beneficial to reform the way it is presented.  A radical change in the way media is made would not be a realistic goal.  Sometimes the audience wants to see amazingly unattainable beauty but incorporating all different  types of people would be a big step.  

Alexis B.

References:

Eating disorder statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hopewell.ca/content/canadian-statistics

Mullaly, B. (2007). The new structural social work. Canada: Oxford University Press.

Sheridan, N. (2001). Beyond ophelia: feminism for girls. Canadian Woman Studies, 20. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/pqdweb?did=000000646362421&Fmt=3&cli entId=43168&RQT=309&VName=PQD

Meeting My New Grandma

http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=19446

Meeting My New Grandma

© Jackie

That lady I met in the nursing home, 

she looked so much like Grandma.

I thought it was her for a while, 

but then she turned around and wasn’t wearing a smile.

Mom pulled her over

and said she was Grandma.

How could this be?

My grandma would never ignore me.

She did look a lot like her, 

and dress like her too.

But this is not the Grandma I once knew, 

This is not Grandma, what mom said can’t be true.

This Grandma was talking and making no sense; 

she had tears and her eyes seemed so sad.

This is some other girls Grandma, not mine.

My Grandma is healthy and happy and fine.

Mom was talking to the nurse, 

about a disease call Alzheimer’s.

That doesn’t have a cure, 

and Grandma has it, the doctors are sure.

She does not recognize me, 

she stumbles and she mumbles.

She’s forgot everything that she used to know.

She is a different person, a new Grandma Lo.

The new grandma looks just like the old, 

but in her mind it is different.

She may not be the Grandma I love and know, 

but she will always be my Grandma Lo.

This poem not only accentuates the difficulty one suffers when affected by alzheimer’s but also the pain suffered by their family members.

Growing old is a fact of life but growing old and developing a mental disability isn’t. Some mental disabilities unfortunately are unpredictable and unpreventable such as alzheimer’s. However, no matter the disability, the quality of life that the elderly live does not and should not have to change. It is important for family members to realize that the disability is not who their loved one is, it is only something they have. Just as in the poem the narrator says, “she may not be the Grandma I love and know but she will always be my Grandma Lo.”

It is important that elderly people with mental disabilities as well as all other elderly people are treated with the respect they deserve. Just because they have developed mental disabilities does not mean they deserve to be maltreated or as treated as little children.

Alexis B.

Mental Health and Immigrants as well as Refugees

            Throughout many years “Canada continues to be a prominent immigrant and refugee-receiving country in worldwide migration, resettlement, and search for refugee_{”. (Stewart, Anderson, Beiser, Mwakarimba, Neufeld, Simich, & Spitzer, 2008)} Both refugees and immigrants are leaving or in some cases fleeing their home counties. Which ever the case may be, both immigrants and refugees go through so many emotions. This can lead to many mental health issues. For example a refugee feeling their home may be stressed and/or anxious. An immigrant leaving their home may feel stressed and/or worried about what their new lives will be like. If anyone has ever moved houses in their life time then they know how stressful it can be, making sure you don’t forget anything, the stress of being sure you are out of the house by your deadline, setting up your new house, adjusting to your new environment and making new friends. It is hard enough to move houses within your area, never mind moving to a different country where you don’t know anyone and you don’t know all the norms of a culture, it can be very scary and intimidating.

            “In many cases, newcomers’ efforts to seek help are thwarted by systematic obstacles. Newcomers experienced extensive unmet support needs, which service providers cannot adequately meet due to bureaucratic and resource constraints. Policies in various sectors that affect the lives on immigrants and refugees are inadequate for bridging their support deficiencies.” _{(Stewart, Anderson, Beiser, Mwakarimba, Neufeld, Simich, & Spitzer, 2008)} Basically this means that it is very difficult for both immigrants and refugees to settle in easily to their new homes. _{(Stewart, Anderson, Beiser, Mwakarimba, Neufeld, Simich, & Spitzer, 2008)} Without the proper resources immigrants and refugees need to make a healthy and successful transition into Canada it will be very difficult for them to improve their lives.

            “The U.S. and Canada are countries that have been shaped and defined by immigration. In recent decades, however, changes in the immigration policies of both countries have resulted in more heterogeneous immigrant flows than ever before.” _{(Teixeira, & Wei, 2009)} I believe this is a really good thing because it shows that Canada is trying not to discriminate based on gender or culture. One thing that I was not happy to hear about is how it is very difficult to get an immigrant into Canada if they have a known disability. I don’t agree with this because even though Canada is being very diverse, they are still discriminating against people who did not make the decision to have a disability. Everyone deserves a chance to have a wonderful life and be viewed upon as an equal.

            Immigrants and refugees go through many processes and may wait years until they are accepted into Canada. While they are trying to improve their lives their mental health may decrease because of the worry, stress, possible depression, and anxiety they go through while enduring their move, and Canada needs to do everything in their power to provide the resources needed to help immigrants and refugees live a long, healthy, and successful life.

References:

- Stewart, Miriam, Anderson, Joan, Beiser, Morton,

Mwakarimba, Edward, Neufeld, Anne,

Simich, Laura, & Spitzer, Denise. (2008).

Multicultural meanings of social among

immigrants and refugees. 46(3).

- Teixeira, Carlos, & Wei, Li. (2009). Immigrant and

refugee experiences in north american cities. 7(3),

221-227.

- Brettany G.

Mental Health and Physical Disabilities

            When a person has to deal not only with mental health issues but physical disabilities as well, life is a lot harder. War Veterans are a very good example of people who sometimes have to deal with both of these hardships at the same time. War Veterans go to fight for our Country or to keep the peace, however while they are doing their duties they see many heartbreaking scenes. For example they may witness starving children and families, they may see people getting beaten up for different reasons, or they may even witness one of their own die. All of these situations affect the mental health of War Veterans. The War Veterans may feel responsible for not being able to save one of his/her own and they may feel depressed after witnessing so many terrible things.

“Soldiers often relay that the most stressful event of a peace keeping mission was not the inability to defend their personal safety; rather it was witnessing many extreme atrocities they were helpless to prevent, such as death of civilians, including children.” _{(P. 511 Richardson, Naifeh, & Elhai, 2007)} Soldiers are meant to help people and carry a lot of weight on their shoulders. They know that people are counting on them, and when they cannot save civilians they feel like they are letting everyone down, including themselves. To be a soldier is very stressful, which is why their mental health is not very stable when soldiers are serving their country. “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression often occur together.” “When PTSD and depression occur together, it may reflect a shared vulnerability or independent sequelae to trauma exposure.” _{(P. 511 Richardson, Naifeh, & Elhai, 2007)}

In addition to the mental health issues War Veterans face on a daily basis, they may also have physical disabilities due to the time they served their Country. Some Veterans return home to their families with no physical injuries or disabilities; however others are not so lucky. For example many veterans lose limbs, whether it is a leg or an arm it is still a major adjustment for the veteran. Some fight an on going battle to live a normal life, but have a hard time because they may not be able to do the same things they could before. By having physical disabilities Veterans will have more mental health issues if they have not accepted what had happened and cannot find a way to move forward with their lives. They could become depressed because they do not feel like they have much to live for, or worse.

War Veterans do a lot for our Country, they struggle because of what they have seen, and have to endure the physical disabilities that they may have to live with. Veterans put their lives on the line everyday knowing that they may not come out alive, and if they do make it then they will have to be able to face themselves and the health problems (mental and/or physical) that come with it.

Resources:

Richardson, D. J, Naifeh, J. A, & Elhai, J. D. (2007).

  Posttraumatic stress disorder and associated risk

  factors in canadian peacekeeping veterans with

  health-related disabilities. 52(8), 510-518.

- Brettany G.

Individualized Health Care Services

Not only are some members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) community stigmatized for not being heterosexual, some may also be stigmatized for having a mental disability such as depression. These mental health issues may be left untreated because they feel uncomfortable with the health care services available. 

The service needs for lesbians and gay men are different from mainstream needs. These different needs arise because of the impacts of stigma, exclusion and invisibility which results in internal and external experiences of oppression. (Duncan, Halton, Hampson, Krieger, & MacDonnell, 2000) The role of oppression is to create a feeling of unworthiness and not accept anyone who is not “normal.”  Societies idea of normalcy is completely absurd because everyone is different in some way.  Being that everyone is their own person, should have an impact on the way social services are carried out.  There should be different protocols when it comes to dealing with different types of people because our needs will not be met otherwise. 

If an immigrant woman makes an appointment to meet with a doctor to discuss the issue of depression she will be need a different type of help compared to a member of the LGBTQ community.  Although, the issue of depression can be similarly caused in both for much the same reasons there are still many differences held by these two individuals.  They may both feel unwelcome in the eyes of the public because of this idea of normalcy.  However, even though both these individuals issues of depression can be caused for relatively shared experiences (i.e. feeling out of place) the plan of action to treat their depression will and should be very different.

It is important for society to realize that each and every one of its members will be different and may even belong to different groups within society.  All public services should be mindful of these differences.  As with every social issue however, it is up to the members of society to make the changes needed.  Like other types of prejudice, sexual prejudice is an attitude; it is directed at a social group and its members; and it involves hostility or dislike.  (Ahmed, & Hammarstedt, 2007) Let’s hope people continue to educate themselves and positively change their attitudes so that all members of society can feel welcome, safe in their environments and obtain the adequate individualized care they deserve.

Alexis B.

References 

Ahmed, A., & Hammarstedt, M. (2007). Detecting discrimination against homosexuals: evidence from a field experiment on the internet. Economica, 76(303), 588-597.   

Duncan, K., Halton, J., Hampson, E., Krieger, C., & MacDonnell, J. Ontario Public Health Association, (2000). Improving the access to and quality of public health services for lesbians and gay men (2000-01 (PP) / 2000-02 (RES)). Retrieved from http://www.opha.on.ca/our_voice/ppres/papers/exec2000-01_pp.pdf

Poverty and Mental Health

Unfortunately due to poverty people end up on the streets or striving to hang onto a beat down home. There are many reasons for people to become poor. For example in class we watched a film titled No Place Called Home, and in this film the family was born into poverty. The children were very well behaved and tried their best to help out; however they were also bullied at school because of the way they lived. This family went through many hardships and at one point had to live in a tent because they had gotten evicted from their home and couldn’t find another place to live. _{(National Film)} The parents had to do their best to support these children and it was very stressful on each of them, which affects both of their mental health. Having to live with the worry everyday of not being able to know what the next day will bring is very difficult to live with. _{(National Film)}

Mental issues not only arise in parents/adults but also in children. A longitudinal study proved that “The more frequently the child was exposed to poverty, the greater was the risk of that individual being anxious and depressed at both the 14- and 21- year follow-ups.”_{(American journal)}  In addition the study also shows that “repeated experiences of poverty over a child’s early life course are associated with increased levels of poor mental health”. _{(American journal)} Children don’t have the choice to be kids; they have limited options. The kids will not be able to participate in extra activities that interest them because extra activities cost money, which they do not have. _{(National Film)} Kids see their parent’s constant worry daily and that leads them to worry themselves. The kids may never grow up in a place they can call a ‘home’. Sadly they may be moved around quite frequently.

“Poverty experienced in early childhood has been found to affect cognitive and other health and developmental outcome.”_{(American journal)} “There may be critical periods during gestation, childhood, or adolescence when exposures to poverty may have major and irreversible consequences.”_{(American journal)}  It is a scary thought knowing that so many children that are being brought up in these environments will not only have a very difficult childhood, but it will also continue throughout their lives, possibly until they die. Social Welfare is a big help when it comes to individuals in poverty, however it is not family friendly so many families believe it is easier to try and earn a living without the help of Social Welfare.

Nobody chooses to live this life, and it is not fair for innocent children to have to be raised in such conditions and have mental issues due to the fact that their parents cannot provide for them. Social Welfare needs to find a way to help not only the individual, but the poor who are family orientated, in some ways families in poverty have a harder time due to the fact that they not only need to provide for themselves but others as well. The parents have to think not only about themselves but also about their children.

Resources:

 -Najman, J., Mohammed, R., Hayatbakhsh, Clavarino, A., Bor, W., O'Callaghan, M., Williams, G. (2010). American journal of public health. 100(9), Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/detail?vid=16&hid=12&sid=e149ba7c-fd37-4c23-aef1-9d7bd1f7dc55%40sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=53739892

 - National Film Board of Canada (Producer). 

(   2004). No Place Called Home [DVD].

    Montreal: DVD-R

  - Brettany G.

Aboriginal Mental Health and Residential Schools

Residential schools are part of Canadian history and are now in our past. However, survivors and their family members are still being haunted by memories to this day. Aboriginal people of Canada face many issues connected to their past in regards to their mental health. Some examples of mental health issues that can affect Aboriginal people today are ones such as post traumatic stress disorder and depression. These mental health issues can also cause people to commit suicide or other harmful acts to themselves.

Society may not understand and can be confused as to why the affects to residential schools would effect Aboriginal youth today. According to Barlow(2009), “Studies suggest that the effects have transcended generations and have produced negative consequences by hindering the development of Aboriginal people in Canada and, in some instances, having a regressive effect on the conditions of various aspects of health.”(p.8)

Aboriginal mental health is one aspect that has been affected. Many school survivors must face symptoms of post traumatic stress and depression but so do their families. This is because when the survivor entered the school they lost their culture and in some cases their families. This loss has then been passed on to their families and is continued through future generations. 

This loss of culture is extremely upsetting not only for the people directly effected but also for Canada as a nation. The government chose to assimilate Aboriginal people then they came to their senses and put an end to it. However, they did not take in to consideration the trauma inflicted on the survivors.

Services need to be put into place for residential school survivors and their families so that they can deal with their trauma and move past it. They need support from not only their community but all of Canadian society. Thirty percent of First Nations people have felt sad, blue or depressed. (Health Canada, 2007) Families need to be worked with so that the depression does not turn in to harming themselves. Aboriginal people are overrepresented in suicidal rates.  The suicide rate for First Nation males is 126 per 100,000 compared to 24 per 100,000 for non-Aboriginal males. (Health Canada, 2007) This statistic is extremely high as well as extremely preventable.

Aboriginal mental health can be attributed to many factors one being residential schools. However, just as Canada introduced the schools and demolished them, Canada can introduce a system to help Aboriginal people overcome obstacles they face in regards to residential schools. The key to providing this system is public education. Survivors need strong vocal advocates who are committed to re-empowering Aboriginal people. (Reclaiming connections: understanding, 2005)

-Alexis B.

Barlow, K. (2009). Residential schools, prisons, and hiv/aids among aboriginal peoples of canada. Canada: Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

Reclaiming connections: understanding residential school trauma among aboriginal people. (2005). Canada: Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

Health Canada. (2007, July 19). Mental health and wellness. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/promotion/mental/index-eng.php

Feminism and Mental Disabilities

In the 1960’s women have fought for “equal opportunities and equal civil rights” _{(P. 162 Mullaly, 2007)} When it comes to caring for people who have mental disabilities, or any disabilities for that matter, women are the main providers. There are more women in the nursing field, granted there are also men in this particular field, however the majority are women. The reason women are the leading gender throughout this career falls back onto a stereotypical explanation. Many years ago women were the stay at home mothers that nurtured, cared for their children, for their husbands and took care of the house hold responsibilities. Women still fill the role of caring for others by becoming nurses.

         “Women have the greatest responsibility for the family, including child care and elder care”. _{(P. 161 Mullaly, 2007)} This statement suggests that women are supposed to take care of their family, even though women have tried to gain an equal status to men there are still many gender roles that continue to take place in society today. This statement also helps support my theory concerning the reality that there are more female nurses compared to male nurses due to the fact that being a nurse involves caring for people with mental disabilities and other diseases/illnesses.

            Females have more rights today then they had in the past. Many women continue to pursue careers that involve the stereotypes in which they have been trying to get away from. Women continue to willingly take care of others who are not healthy and who have mental health issues. “Males are more active and aggressive than females, and are focused on their jobs or on sports or activities. Women, though also shown in the workplace, are portrayed more than men in providing care to others”. _{(P. 171 Ward, 2006)}

            Roles that hold more power are usually held by males, such as doctors and counsellors; however most females choose to continue in career roles that they are expected to. Women are expected to care for others and they themselves make the career based decision to become nurses or other caregivers.

Resources:

Ward, M. (2006). The family dynamic: a Canadian

 perspective fourth kind. Canada: Nelson, a division

of Thomsson Canada limited.

Mullaly, B. (2007). The new structural social work.

Canada: oxford university press Canada.

-Brettany G.

Poverty in Manitoba

As I read more and more about the New Democratic Party, I am realizing that society is much better off with this type of government. The reason I believe society would improve is because the New Democratic Party’s goal is to leave no one behind ( NDP Our Vision for Canada).   

The NDP realize many of the issues that affect todays minorities and want a change. Many people with a mental illness end up in poverty. In fact, 52% of homeless people were diagnosed with a mental health problem ( Lighstone, 2010). I believe that they become homeless because they have difficulty finding a job due to their mental illness and being stigmatized. Many of the vulnerable groups, such as the First Nations need the assistance to attain a better a job ( Layton, 2010). The NDP of Manitoba recognizes that poverty is an issue and there is evidence that they have made improvements such as; increasing minimum wage to 50% more since 1999, mothers living in poverty has declined from 67% since 2000, which means that Manitoba now has the lowest poverty rate for single parents, Manitoba has the second lowest college tuition fees, and overall Manitoba now has the second lowest poverty rate in Canada( New Democratic Party of Manitoba, 2009).

 How does this affect people with mental illness? Often people living in poverty suffer from a mental illness and cannot afford proper education but with reduced tuition fees, more bursaries, more scholarships and 4000 more apprenticeships spots available ( New Democratic Party of Manitoba, 2009) it makes it much easier for the disadvantaged to receive education. 

The NDP have made much progress in addressing the needs of the disabled by issuing  “ Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Provincial strategy on Disability” in 2001. This has several factors in addressing the disabled but the main components are; The improvement of income programs, enhancing disability supports, improving employment opportunities, addressing issues concerning Aboriginal people with disabilities and increasing access to government policy development processes, facilities and programs ( The New Democratic Party of Manitoba, 2009). The fact that the NDP wants to improve the lives and provide services for the disabled is a very positive change, compared to the view of neo- conservatives who believe that people should provide for themselves ( Mullaly, 2007).

Overall, a social democratic government would most likely meet everyone’s needs by providing different types of resources. Social democracy believes in equality of condition, which is to narrow the gap between rich and poor, so that everyone can have a good life ( Mullaly, 2007). I believe that social democracy has the overall best intentions and would have the most positive effect on society. In my opinion, no one should have to live in poverty and should have the chance at being able to live a good life!

Melanie. F

Bullying needs to stop!

I was very impressed this morning as I was driving to school and heard Hot 103 taking a stand for the LGBTIQ youth and saying that the bullying needs to stop! The reason why I was impressed is because peoples attitudes have changed and in the past no one would have ever spoke up for the LGBTIQ. Homosexuality has been seen as a sin, a crime and even a mental illness over the past years ( Ward, 2006). It was in the late nineteenth century that it was classified as a mental illness. The APA classified it as a disorder until 1973 and the World Health Organization until 1991 ( O’ Neil, 2003). It wasn’t until the decriminalization that homosexuality was no longer classified as a mental disorder, and it was because of this change that gay and lesbian people would have the opportunity of having the support needed by the health and social services ( O’ Neil, 2003). Even though Canada has eliminated many legal barriers concerning the LGBTIQ, the LGBTIQ youth still face exclusion, fear and isolation ( Dysart- Gale, 2010).

The LGBTIQ youth are at a much higher risk for mental health disorders and suicide then heterosexuals youth, as they are more likely to be bullied ( Dysart- Gale, 2010). Last month several American teenagers committed suicide because of their sexual orientation. This bullying and suicide can be avoided if health care workers are given the best practices to support the youth ( Dysart- Gale, 2010). We need nurses and doctors to have a positive attitude and show support towards the LGBTIQ youth because many of them are scared of reaching out for help, in the fear that they will experience homophobia and misunderstanding ( Dysart- Gale, 2010). 

With the fear of coming out to friends and family, LGBTIQ youth also have to accept and come to terms with their own sexuality. The vicious circle that LGBTIQ youth encounter often leads to loneliness and isolation which may be the reason the suicide rates are two to 3 times higher than of heterosexual youth ( Grace & Wells, 2009). During this vicious cycle they may have a low self- esteem, suffer from depression, abuse alcohol and drugs, and suffer academically ( Grace & Wells, 2009). I believe that family members play a very important role in the child’s health and need’s to be accepting of their sexual orientation, otherwise they will feel unloved. In fact, 60% of the violence that LGBTIQ encounter is brought upon by family members ( Dysart- Gale, 2010). Obviously kids will feel even more left out and isolated if their family members cannot even accept their sexual orientation.  

Canada has made much progress in eliminating many social barriers that have affected the LGBTIQ and may hopefully influence many other countries to be more accepting of peoples sexual orientation. There are still nine countries in which homosexuality can result in a death penalty and it is still an offense in over forty countries, United States included (O’Neil, 2003). Although there has been changes in the law in Canada there has been a slow change in attitudes and acceptance among conservative social groups ( Dysart- Gale, 2010). I believe it is up to us to make life easier for the LGBTIQ by eliminating the bullying that they face everyday, because even though Canada has accepted homosexuality much more than many other countries, kids are still suffering physical and verbal abuse everyday. No one should suffer and be bullied because of their sexual orientation!

References:

O’Neil, B. (2003). Heterosexism: Shaping social policy in relation to gay men and lesbians. In A. Westhues (Ed.), Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 128- 138). Waterloo, On: Wilfrid Laurier University Press. Retrieved from 

Ward, M. (2006). The family beleaguered- when problems come. The family dynamic: a Canadian perspective (pp. 295). Nelson Education Ltd. 

Dysart- Gale, D. (2010). Social justice and social determinants of health: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersexed, and queer youth in Canada. Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23 (1), 23-28. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier database.

Dysart- Gale,D. (2010, October 12). Nurses critical in assuring health needs of LGBTIG youth. Retrieved from http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-nurses-critical-health-lgbtiq-youth.html

Grace, A., & Wells, K. (2009). Gay and bisexual male youth as educator activists and cultural workers: the queer critical praxis of three Canadian high-school students. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 13(1), 23-44. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier database.

Melanie. F

Aboriginal and Mental Health

Living in a community where there are several reserves around, I see many people stereotype Aboriginal people for being lazy, dirty, and alcoholic. In high school my mom encountered a lot of stigma for being Metis. This was also experienced with the Metis in residential schools because they were not accepted in white schools and were not recognized as Indians by the Department of Indian Affairs ("Where are the," 2009) . Although I’m Metis, I haven’t had to experience negative comments, but I still hear people use the term “ half breed” and many other offensive words towards the Aboriginal people. I think people see Aboriginals this way because they don’t know the cultures background and the colonization that they had to live through.

The one thing that Aboriginals are known for are having many mental illnesses, such as depression and suffering from alcohol addictions. According to an Ontario survey Aboriginal women use a significant least amount of alcohol, but have a much higher rate of depression (18% vs 9%)  compared to the National Population Health Survey. The survey showed that 55% of First Nations women reported drinking in the last year compared to 74% of NPHS, although 43% of First Nations women reported having 5+ drinks on one occasion compared to 24% of the NPHS (MacMillan et al., 2008). Before we judge Aboriginals health we must consider all of the factors that have affected their lives such as poverty, colonization, and life as a minority in a dominant culture (Shepard, O'Neill, & Guenette, 2006).

Colonization is one of the factors that has had a severe affect on the Aboriginal communities. Aboriginals had a community where all members were equal, until the Europeans came in and tried to assimilate them into their own beliefs. They believed that if they could convert Aboriginal people into practicing Christianity, then they might integrate into a European civilized society ( Mawhiney & Hardy, 2009). With the assimilation of the First Nation people, came the lost of their culture, spirituality, values, traditions and families ( Mawhiney & Hardey, 2009).

Of course, this disruption is what caused many of the health issues within the Aboriginal peoples. Many live in poverty because they have not acquired adequate education. Therefore, in order to survive they depend on welfare. The lost of their children only made matters worst and since the white traders introduced them to alcohol they turned to this depressant to relieve their pain and grievance. In fact, this did not solve the problem ( Ward, 2006). 

I think we need to realize that many of the mental health problems that Aboriginals suffer was created by their colonization. They suffered from abuse and poverty which then lead them to alcoholism, depression, violence and suicide which keeps passing on from generation to the next. In order to stop this vicious cycle and demeaning stereotypes we need to educate ourselves and others about their history and implement new programs provided by our government.

References:

Where are the children? healing the legacy of the residential schools. (2009, June 26). Retrieved from http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/en/blackboard/page-11.html

MacMillan, H., Jamieson, E., Walsh, C., Wong, M., Faries, E., McCue, H., et al.(2008). First nations women’s mental health: results from an ontario survey. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 11(2), 109-115.

Shepard, B., O'Neill, L., & Guenette, F. (2006). Counselling with first nations women: considerations of oppression and renewal. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 28(3), 227-240.

Mawhiney, A., Hardy, S. (2009). Aboriginal peoples in Canada. In J. C. Turner and F.J. Turner (Eds). Canadian social welfare (pp. 95-109). Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada  

Ward, M. (2006). Bringing up baby. The family dynamic: a Canadian perspective (pp. 159). Nelson Education Ltd


Melanie.F

Hoarders

I was watching the show Hoarders last night and I thought it would be an interesting topic for my blog post. I actually only watched about fifteen minutes of the show because I was really grossed out!  Today I was thinking about my reaction to the lady featured on the show last night and I was disappointed in myself. It took a short fifteen minutes for me to be so repulsed by this lady’s house and I hadn’t even heard why she started hoarding. I judged the book by its cover and never bothered to learn about her personal story. For everyone who is unaware of what hoarding is, it is the collecting of miscellaneous items that people believe have personal value and cannot part with. Hoarding is also believed to be related to obsessive compulsive disorder.

Liberalism is based on equal opportunity for all no matter their life situations. It also focuses on help for those who are underprivileged such as people with mental disabilities. Based on liberal views I decided to see what specific resources there are for hoarders in Winnipeg. I was completely disappointed with my findings or should I say finding. Now you have to remember I didn’t do an extensive amount of research but I searched stuff that I thought the average person would. I was googling phrases like “hoarders Winnipeg,” “help hoarding Winnipeg,” and “OCD Winnipeg.”  With each different phrase I typed, I did find a resource but it happened to always be the same one, which was OCD Centre Manitoba. It had a specific support group for hoarders and those affected by hoarding and also had counselling services. It was great to find this website but disappointing at the same time. If someone was to Google “depression Winnipeg,” they would find themselves with at least five different resources.

 What happened to equal opportunity for all especially those who are underprivileged?

Alexis B. 

Dementia and Alzheimer's

I have the great opportunity of working in a personal care home. I have met many lovely people there. They always put a smile on my face with their cheerful and welcoming personalities, even though some of them suffer from dementia. I never realized until this time on how serious this illness can affect their lives and how many people are affected with it.  Everyone who has a loved one that is or has been affected knows that it is a really stressful and emotional time. 

In many countries there is rapid growth in the aging population which means there is going to be an increase of number of older persons with mental disorders. Improvements of the quality and quantity of mental health resources will be necessary to provide adequate care for current and future needs. It is up to researchers, policy makers and the population to find better living conditions for older people with mental disabilities (De Mendonca, Leibing, & Buschfort, 2007). 

According to Mullaly (2007) Liberals believe that, “ society should use the welfare state to guarantee a minimum income to purchase the basic necessities of life and to ensure that everyone has access to basic (minimum) levels or standards of health care, housing and education”(p.103). I believe that Liberals are changing this view due to the fact that they hosted a forum on Parliament Hill. They hosted this forum because they realize the need to improve the quality of life for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families. They realize the burden it puts on the family and they are implementing strategies to help ease this burden (2010). Which makes me believe that they no longer want these people to live with the basic standards of health care. 

 “If being a liberal means a willingness to pay a few dollars more in taxes to help the mentally disabled, those without job skills and the medically uninsured, then I'm proud to be a liberal” says, John Terranova (“Accept the ‘liberal’,” 2002). I believe that this statement shows that liberals accept the fact that the mentally disabled, such as people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s need help and they will do whatever they can to make life easier for them. 

In conclusion, there are many older people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia which means that we need to realize the care and resources that these people will need. We also have to notice the effect it has on the family, financially and emotionally. I believe that liberals are taking a very positive approach not only to people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, but all the mentally disabled people by trying to improve their quality of life.

References:

De Mendonca, C., Leibing, A., & Bushfort, R. (2007). Mental health resources for older persons in the western pacific region of the world health organization. Psychogeriatrics, 7(2), 81-86

Mullaly, R.P. (2007). The new structural social work. Canada: Oxford University Press.

Health & Home Care. (2010). Liberals are working for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia The Federal Liberal Agency of Canada. Retrieved from http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberals-are-working-for-people-living-with-alzheimers-and-dementia/

N.A. Accept the 'liberal' definition with pride. (2002). USA Today, 14a. Retrieved from the Academic Search Premier Database


Melanie. F

The Neo-Conservatism Analysis

"Neo- Conservatism holds that people should provide themselves by exercising their individual freedoms and choices in the competitive marketplace; Even if people become ill and cannot look after themselves, the  judgement is often that they should have made arrangements to cover such contingencies". (Mullaly pg. 83)

The world around us is critically analyized be many different means of people. Ideologies have shaped different societies in the world. However, can these ideologies permit certain problems and implications?
As a Canadian government under a neoconservatism holt, do problems exist for a person who suffers with Mental Health Issues?

Fact:
           "Twenty years ago it was generally accepted that one in six Canadians would suffer from a significant mental illness in their lifetimes; 10 years ago it was one in five; today we're creeping up on one in four and wondering how long until it's one in three."

A neoconservatism world in Canada is causing implications for ones who suffer with Mental Health Illnesses.

On May 5, 2009 NDP critiques Nova Scotia Conservative Party's performance on Mental health issues.

The piece of literary work significantly points out some of the implications that the Canadian Conservative Government has lacked in order to full-fill the Nova Scotia-ins.                                      (Which was to provide mental health services to the public and school systems to help reduce mental illnesses).

" The Conservative government has had almost 10 years to fix the problems in mental health for children, teens and adults, and they have failed". - NDP critics

The following quote mentioned above explains the Neo-conservatisms view of social change, which states in "Mullaly" that it should be a gradual process rather than a revolutionary process. Perhaps a Conservatism government is causing these social difficulties in Nova Scotia's Mental Health Societies.

However, the Conservatism government states that many people did not reach for the necessary programs when giving the chance.

Referring to "Mullaly" once again:

"Individuals have responsibility to look after themselves" - Mullaly pg.79


Do Canadian's need to start reversing these thoughts by paying closer attention to the issues and impacts of a society? Is a Conservative government really that bad? Is Neo-conservatism to: what some would call old school?

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association:
                 "Canadians need to start trying to reverse these trends by paying closer attention to the issues and impacts."




However, what may we take from this piece of literary work?

Mullaly:

Neo-conservatism's human nature is isolated & selfish
Neo-conservatism's society is known for "no society, only individuals"
Neo-conservatism's social justice "individuals have responsibility to look after themselves"
Neo-conservatism's social change is gradual and not revolutionary


Statement:
                        "Individuals are either morally superior or inferior"-Mullaly


Kayla Leonardo.

Mental Health and Social Policy

            Neo-conservatisms believe that “Individuals have a responsibility to look after themselves”; however when it comes to individuals who have disabilities they may not have the ability to take care of themselves on their own. The government views “government intervention as government interference”. This means that the government doesn’t feel like they should be getting involved in the ways that they are. “The limitations of human reason, and the consequent need for traditions, Institutions, symbols, and prejudices.” For example they provide care homes and institutions for people with disabilities, but they feel it is not their place to do so.

            The Neo-Conservatism government also “views poverty as an economic problem but as culturally determined through values, behaviours, attitudes, and a lack of ambition transmitted across generations.” In addition to that Neo-Conservatism believes “Poverty is a good thing as it teaches discipline and provides incentive.” These two statements are not fair because they assume that every individual has the power to provide for themselves. Individuals who have some form of a disability may not be able to work depending on how their disability affects them, while others may have a difficult finding someone to hire them, do to their disability.

           Equality is a main goal in society, however even the government doesn't view people as equal. There is "a natural heirachy of persons, characterized the morally superior as the wiser, the more expert, and the more opulent, and the morally inferior as the weaker, the less knowing, and the less provided with the goods of fortune." Individuals are suppose to be viewed as 'equal' yet there are still so many differences in each person that causes others to view them as unequal. It is not fair to categorize individuals as being equal and then create different situations where people are treated unequally.

          The Neo-Conservatism government feels like they should not be getting involved with individuals because they should be caring for themselves, but it is very difficult to do when there are so many obsticles that disabled individuals have to over come. Since they are viewed as "equal" they have the same responisbilites as other individuals do, however they may have a hard time being treated as equal by others.

- Brettany G.

Mental Illness and Workplace Stigma

According to Mullaly (2007) “Neo- conservatism holds that people should provide for themselves by exercising their individual freedoms and choices in the competitive marketplace. In other words, everyone should provide for his or her needs through work, savings, and the acquisition of property” (p.83).  Stigma in the workplace has made it rather difficult for people with mental disabilities to provide for themselves.

It is rather difficult for people with mental illness to get a job because many employers in the workplace see them as dangerous, unfit or incapable of being productive. In fact, “unemployment among people with serious mental illness is 80 to 90 percent , yet most people with psychiatric disabilities want to work and can work if programs are put in place. People experiencing mental health problems need access to employee assistance programs and programs like Mental Health Works that help workplaces accommodate workers who are living with mental illness” (Steve Lurie, Globe and Mail 2008).

“Depression carries a cruel stigma in the workplace”,says Bill Wilkerson, CEO of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health. A way to help reduce this stigma is through the help of the government. We need the government to become a model and to change employers views in respect to mental health” (Globe and Mail, June 24, 2008). 

Since every mental illness and every person with a mental illness is not the same, I wonder what the perspective of a neo- conservatism is on mental illness. Do they see a mental illness, such as depression as a disabled person ( deserving poor) or do they see it as their own fault for being depressed? If they do see certain mental illnesses, such as depression is of something that they created of their own in a neo- conservatism government, I believe that stigma would stay within the workplace. The reason i believe so is because according to Mullaly (2007) a neo- conservative says that it is that persons fault that they became ill and they should of had a plan and that the family should take care of them. This sort of government would than enable other employers and all of society to keep this stigma within society.

The truth is we all need to throw away this stigma that people with a mental illness are dangerous by changing our attitudes and by doing so I believe it will be a much easier for people with mental illness to live and work in our society.

*Melanie. F*