Kathleen Stone Jordan
Argumentative Essay
Thesis:
Reforms in law and increased public awareness has lead to mentally ill people being treated with more respect and understanding.
~A history of treatment for mental illness~
The Washington Post 6/28/14 National Institutes of Health
~Postpartum depression: 1 mom's mission becomes a movement~
This article tells the story of a mother, Katherine Stone, with postpartum depression who uses her experiences to raise awareness and funding for research. Stone explains how she felt after her first child was born and how she went to a therapist for answers as to why she felt this way. Once she felt like herself again Stone decided to write a blog to educate other women going through the something. This blog grew into a nonprofit organization and annual event. Because of everything Stone has accomplished people can have a better understanding of women with postpartum depression and the money her event raised will help fund better treatments for women with the disease.
~Girl Scouts engage in the fight against mental illness stigma with mental health awareness patch~
The facial point of this article is the Girl Scouts spreading awareness through their Mental Health Awareness Patch. Over 500 girl scouts have earned this patch. About 1 in 4 people in the United State have been diagnosed with a mental illness so it is important to be mindful. At some point mental illness will have some sort of effect on your life wither it be,” a classmate with ADHD, or aunt with bipolar disorder or a father with depression.” This is what makes spreading awareness so very important. The girl scouts understand this and their effort will make it easier to recognize and deal with mental health.
~Arguments~
The laws are there to insure the rights of mentally ill patients are withheld. The education and awareness is what gives people another perspective on mental health.
~the mentally ill are not even treated well~
the mentally ill have the right to an attorney and trial before psychiatric admission, helpful websites like Mrs. Stone's blog, and programs like the girl scouts advocating for them. This is a large step in the right direction compaired to the 19th century where a doctor's recommendation could put you in an asylum.
~