#8:Summary of Research

My extensive period of research has come to an end and I am extremely happy with all of the information I have been able to find. Mental illness in my opinion was a perfect topic to blog about because it is controversial and it is becoming the center of attention in the media, the criminal justice system and the government in general. I can come to the conclusion that mental illnesses can occur in individuals genetically, by the parents that have the same problems or by the genes, or by the society that surrounds these people. The mentally ill can easily be influenced by their own groups of people whether it be a primary or a secondary group. Mental illnesses can be mild or extremely dangerous to the point where society has to deal with a serious threat. The health care in the US is not the best in the world and as a result the mentally ill are struggling. These are no beds in hospitals or psychiatric care is too expensive so in some cases children are taken away from their own parents. Mental health issues can affect ANYONE, whether it be your best friend or the biggest celebrity on this planet because it is unpredictable. There are guidelines to help the mentally ill which include investigating the signs for a developed disease and getting help when possible. 

I believe that my topic is a main reason why today's society has so many flaws. The fact that the government funding isn't enough still continues to shock me because these individuals have full knowledge that it's a serious issue. Many important senators have already taken their own initiatives to pass bills in their own states but unfortunately it is not enough! The population that is mentally strong is lucky to possess the capabilities to not be a victim of the problems that are increasing in numbers every single day. Everyone needs to take a stand to help mental illness, to do more research for cures and to fund for any aid that is currently available. Let's HELP EVERYONE to MAKE SOCIETY BETTER. 

#7: How ordinary people can help the mentally ill

While searching the latest news on mental health, I came across this video of a speech given at a Ted convention in 2012. In the video, a very prominent psychiatrist by the name Vikram Patel, informs the audience along with the rest of the world about the dangers of mental health illnesses. He believed that the amount of help available for these individuals in the third world countries is the same as in the richer countries. As a consequence of stunning the crowd by stating that 400 to 500 million people on Earth have some sort of mental health problem, he proposed a very important way to change society as a whole. Doctor Patel completed a whole lot of research in his home country India, in Zimbabwe and in the UK. His theory is that because a lot of professional help is not available to all, the people in the community that have a connection with the mentally ill or that are just trying to aid them, should be trained in a simpler way to do so. Dr. Patel decided to coin and explain the term 'Sundar' which in Hindi means attractive. Every letter stands for a way to make the mental health treatment affordable and basically make it close to home. According to him it is important to appeal to the person in need with elements specific to them whether they have a mild or severe illness in order to cure them.

Vikram Patel: Mental Health for all by involving all

After watching the video, I was completely astonished by the amount of change that Dr. Patel brought to specific communities he experimented in. His approach to helping the mentally ill can be life changing and by the percentages he showed, it really was. The word he used stuck with me because as he stated, Sundar is a word that is extremely empowering to all because the people in the communities are inspired to help one another. He is a firm believer that the simple books and techniques are much more effective than the over payed professionals which I think is the case in many other aspects of life. If any styles, steps and simple techniques to curing the mentally ill or just helping them take the first steps to recovery are published, they can heave a significant impact on the entire world.

#6: Celebrities and mental health

As my newest portion of research for my topic, I came across mental health and many celebrities that are fighting to deal with their disorders. Even though we look up to many famous individuals, we think they're role models and we follow their every day lives, they are ALL battling their own internal problems. Fame causes many to get caught up in the fast paced lifestyle that they can't ever escape. Chris Brown is a prime example of this. He started his musical career and was successful thanks to his melodic voice and dance moves. After the whole incident with his girlfriend at the time Rihanna occurred, his life was headed in a downward spiral. Now news reports, along with this article, are stating that Brown is still trying to cope with the problems he has developed and is struggling to recover in the rehabilitation center he enrolled in. The many doctors have diagnosed Chris Brown with anger issues, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a serious mental health disorder. Additional reports are saying that Brown is trying his best to deal with his impulsive behavior after repeated run ins with the law.


As I was reading this piece I grew increasingly upset about all the celebrities and their troubles. I felt sorry for many of them because they become so immersed and influenced by all the money and attention, that it completely ruins their lives and changes them forever. I think it's great that Chris Brown has made an effort to stay in a mental rehabilitation center and that he has willingly taken steps to get better. Many other famous people are a little less fortunate, stubborn and oblivious to the fact that they have a problem. Unfortunately a good amount of them figure it out when it's already too late, greats such as Corey Monteith, Amy Winehouse and Philip Seymour Hoffman were all valiantly fighting addictions caused most likely from their fame and the opportunities they were given throughout their careers. I hope that celebrities take some time once in a while to evaluate themselves and get help when they need it.

Article