Discussion - Week 11 Advocating For Positive Social Change

Question

Discussion - Week 11 Advocating for Positive Social Change Advocacy is an important consideration for future mental health professionals. This week, you and your colleagues will explore ways to increase public awareness related to mental health issues to enact positive social change. To prepare for the Discussion: Review this week’s Learning Resources. Review the videos of your faculty sharing their experiences with advocacy on behalf of the profession of mental health counseling. Select one of the following advocacy methods: 1. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper focusing on a topic related to mental health advocacy. 2. Write a social media post focused on a topic related to mental health advocacy. 3. Write a letter to an elected official (e.g., senator, congressional representative) focused on a topic related to mental health advocacy. For week 11, students may write a letter to the editor, write a letter to a public official, or write a social media post. For ALL of the options, students need to include the following: Identify the group for whom you are advocating. Identify the diagnosis related to the group for whom you are advocating. Identify and discuss the need for the advocacy for the group. Identify and discuss a potential solution to the problem that you identified and for which you are advocating. Each of these components needs to be fully addressed. Each section needs to be fully developed. By Day 3 post a picture of your completed advocacy (i.e., a photo of the letter you have written or a screenshot of your social media post). Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

Advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of mental health care, facilitating essential changes that enhance public understanding and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues. In this discussion, I will focus on advocating for individuals suffering from depression, a pervasive mental health issue that significantly affects millions across diverse demographics. Identifying the Advocacy Group The target group for this advocacy effort is women experiencing depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects over 300 million people globally, with women being disproportionately impacted due to various societal and biological factors (World Health Organization, 2020). The implications of this mental health challenge extend beyond individual suffering, affecting families, workplaces, and communities. Relevant Diagnosis The diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) encompasses a range of symptoms, including persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). MDD can lead to reduced quality of life, increased morbidity, and even mortality if left untreated. The risk factors associated with depression in women can include hormonal changes, social roles, and responsibilities that disproportionately create stress and anxiety. Need for Advocacy The need for advocacy concerning women and depression is critical. Many women are reluctant to disclose their mental health struggles due to stigma, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair (Hanisch et al., 2016). Lack of awareness and understanding about mental health issues often results in inadequate support systems and resources. Community education and outreach can play vital roles in reducing stigma and promoting proactive dialogue around mental health (American Counseling Association, n.d.). By advocating for women experiencing depression, we can highlight

Discussion - Week 11 Advocating For Positive Social Change ✓ Solved

Discussion - Week 11 Advocating for Positive Social Change

Paper For Above Instructions

Identifying the Advocacy Group

Relevant Diagnosis

Need for Advocacy

Proposed Solutions

Conclusion

References