I Do Declare!

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In my Humanities class, "A Nations Argument", we recently finished our first unit called Thesis. In this class, we focused on the Declaration of Independence and the way argument constructed our nation. In our class, we watched a lecture from Yale Professor Freeman about the American revolution. We also met with Principal Ben Blair of Rodgers Park Montessori School. For this action project, we had to declare an independent study. I choose to declare an independent study about mental health awareness. 



Topic:  Mental Health

Introduction: I am writing this declaration to fight for a class based on the wellness and awareness of mental health. It is necessary to learn about mental health so that we can all be more compassionate and understanding of each other.

Personal and Logical Evidence: School and learning are meant to prepare students for the world and the independent choices they will have to make. Learning about mental health will help students get through the hard times in life and will help them to continue on. As someone who struggles with mental illness, the things that I have learned so far about mental health have helped on more than one occasion. I have an unalienable right to an education. I have an unalienable right to the highest attainable standards of mental well-being. By allowing the study of mental health and awareness, we are not only educating ourselves on this topic but bettering our mental well-being.

Syllogisms:

  • Premise One: The earlier a young person can access mental health care, the more effective it can be
  • Premise Two: Over 70% of individuals with mental illness saw improvement in their symptoms and quality of life after some form of treatment
  • Conclusion: Mental health awareness is effective and treatment works

  • Premise One: Children spend more awake hours in school than they do at home
  • Premise Two: Most students stress and anxiety come from school
  • Conclusion: Mental health awareness classes should be taught in school


Guiding Question: Does mental health awareness improve your mental well-being?


Resources:


Course Overview:
  • Desired Outcomes:
    • An understanding of resources available for those struggling with their mental health
    • An understanding of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, bipolar, etc.
    • Building compassion for those that struggle differently or in ways some students and teachers might not understand
    • An understanding of common stressors and triggers
    • Understanding signs of “High Risk” behavior that should be alerted to the designated person i.e. teacher or guidance counselor
  • Field Experiences:
    • NAMI Chicago
      • Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection, and expertise with people on their mental health journey.


Works Cited:
Bruce, Kalen, et al. “47 Things You Weren't Taught in School (That Our Kids Need to Know).” Freedom
Sprout, 30 June 2020, freedomsprout.com/things-schools-dont-teach/.

Brain Forest Centers. “Why Mental Health Should Be Taught in Schools.” Brain Forest, 4 Sept. 2019,
www.brainforestcenters.com/resources/mental-health-taught-schools.
 
Hippe, Hannah. “Why Mental Health Should Be Taught in School.” Nystrom & Associates, 7 Dec.
2020, www.nystromcounseling.com/mental-health/why-mental-health-should-be-taught-in-school/. “Mental 

Health By the Numbers.” NAMI, www.nami.org/mhstats.

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