Many people who experience symptoms of mental health or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness have stated that they felt as though their symptoms are dismissed, or lessened (Itkowitz, 2016). As much as there has been progress with many shows changing the narratives of mental illness and online supports, there is still a definite stigma attached to being diagnosed with mental illness (Itkowitz, 2016). I decided to read Megan Rotatori’s survival story. I chose to read her story because I saw her picture and thought that she appears to be someone who many people would not believe to have a mental health diagnosis (Rotatori, 2014). The 20-year-old college student who is currently studying nursing at University of Vermont stated that she
…show more content…
After surviving the suicide attempt, Ms. Rotatori indicated that she had the access to resources such as the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy program she attended after being released from the ER. Even though the agency’s policy specified that it was a program for individuals over 18, Ms. Rotatori was still allowed to attend the program. Having access to this program was life altering for her, as she was able to gain new and helpful skills in dealing with her diagnosis (Rotatori, 2014). Moreover, she was able to attend therapy sessions and her medication was monitored. As mentioned during our first lecture in class, Ms. Rotatori had access to the three things that people who …show more content…
As a Korean international student at UPenn, Mr. Park stated that he had achieved his only objective in life, attending an ivy league school. He made many sacrifices throughout his journey to make his first objective come to fruition. He stated that he was surrounded by a supportive family while at home, but when he came to America he no longer had that attention. Even though he participated in activities such as being a member in a band, going to parties and joining club he felt alone. Despite having a group of friends, he felt as though he was alone. He told a story of isolation, hopelessness, and feeling as though he was being judged and hated. Depression seemed evident as Mr. Park was unable to sleep, or eat, and attempted suicide twice while in school. Mr. Parks supportive family was able to travel to come and get him, Mr. Park was also able to take leave from school in order to adequately deal with his symptoms (Park, 2014).
During his time back in Korea he had access to a clinician. Although there is stigma in Korea in regards to depression and mental health, his parents ensured that Mr. Park was able to visit the clinician once a week, even though the visits were secretly done. Through these visits he was able to receive therapy and medication. During the time that he was receiving treatment for depression, Mr. Park attempted to commit suicide several more times. He attempted regardless
After surviving the suicide attempt, Ms. Rotatori indicated that she had the access to resources such as the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy program she attended after being released from the ER. Even though the agency’s policy specified that it was a program for individuals over 18, Ms. Rotatori was still allowed to attend the program. Having access to this program was life altering for her, as she was able to gain new and helpful skills in dealing with her diagnosis (Rotatori, 2014). Moreover, she was able to attend therapy sessions and her medication was monitored. As mentioned during our first lecture in class, Ms. Rotatori had access to the three things that people who …show more content…
As a Korean international student at UPenn, Mr. Park stated that he had achieved his only objective in life, attending an ivy league school. He made many sacrifices throughout his journey to make his first objective come to fruition. He stated that he was surrounded by a supportive family while at home, but when he came to America he no longer had that attention. Even though he participated in activities such as being a member in a band, going to parties and joining club he felt alone. Despite having a group of friends, he felt as though he was alone. He told a story of isolation, hopelessness, and feeling as though he was being judged and hated. Depression seemed evident as Mr. Park was unable to sleep, or eat, and attempted suicide twice while in school. Mr. Parks supportive family was able to travel to come and get him, Mr. Park was also able to take leave from school in order to adequately deal with his symptoms (Park, 2014).
During his time back in Korea he had access to a clinician. Although there is stigma in Korea in regards to depression and mental health, his parents ensured that Mr. Park was able to visit the clinician once a week, even though the visits were secretly done. Through these visits he was able to receive therapy and medication. During the time that he was receiving treatment for depression, Mr. Park attempted to commit suicide several more times. He attempted regardless