I was intrigued when I read that although suicide; as we all know is one of the most tragic consequences of mental illness, it is actually the most easily compared across cultures. The diagnostic criteria around the world is well defined and statistics regarding suicide are kept. Another shocking statistic, that is happening in our backyard is the fact that in Canada, the suicide rate for First Nations adolescents is 5 times higher than that of mainstream adolescents. As a nursing student, I learned about mental health this year, and these statistics have me wracking my mind wondering "why?"
This past school year, I did a project on the lack of mental health services in high schools. I was shocked thinking back to how little I actually knew about mental health in high school. It is still so stigmatized, and it is important that we continue to educate ourselves on these important topics.
Wednesday 1 June 2016
Happiness
While watching the documentary "Happy :)," I was constantly feeling guilty. I felt guilty at the fact that people with much less than me, seemed to have greater happiness. One thing that really stood out to me in this documentary was the breakdown of why some are happier than others. I was actually very surprised to learn that 50% of our happiness level is affected by our genetic make-up, and that 40% if affected by the things we choose to do. This was surprising because, well that only leaves 10% to come from our circumstance. This shocked me, because basically my whole life, I have spent striving towards good grades, so I could get into the university I wanted, to ensure I was able to get the career I want, so I would make good money, and be able to have a nice house, and support a family and a marriage.
When I sat down and made a list of ten things that made me happy, my list greatly reflected my last statement. After watching the documentary, I reflected on my list, and actually wanted to change many of them. I think our culture has become so consumed by materialistic goods, and having to prove yourself through what you have to show. I was however, enlightened at the fact that things as little as changing up your daily workout routine can result in greater happiness. I think it is worth finding things, people or experiences, that truly make you happy.
When I sat down and made a list of ten things that made me happy, my list greatly reflected my last statement. After watching the documentary, I reflected on my list, and actually wanted to change many of them. I think our culture has become so consumed by materialistic goods, and having to prove yourself through what you have to show. I was however, enlightened at the fact that things as little as changing up your daily workout routine can result in greater happiness. I think it is worth finding things, people or experiences, that truly make you happy.
Fear of Fatness
As many of us are very aware of, our world seems to have become consumed by beauty and its unrealistic standards. This topic grabbed my attention when reading about the study done by Lee, Ho, and Hsu (1993) which found that the influences of anorexia nervosa and bulimia differ between cultures. In this study focused on the differences in influences between Hong Kong, and western cultures. It was found that patients in Hong Kong were more likely to report these illnesses due to a loss of appetite or being bloated. However, the main reasoning reported from patients of western cultures was found to be the fear of being fat.
My biggest assumption is that the reasoning behind the differences in influences, and the reason behind westerners having fear of being fat is because of media. The saddest part, is that I was not surprised by these facts whatsoever. If you take two minutes, and browse social media, you're already feeling guilty about the fries you had last week. There have been ridiculous fads such as the "thigh gap." People would do or try pretty much everything to achieve one, not knowing that in fact, it really depends on how you were born. There is so much pressure in our society to look perfect and strive to have the ideal body. We have to have smaller waists, bigger breasts, a big behind, but small thighs, big lips, and perfect hair... the list goes on. The standards we hold ourselves up to are so ridiculous, yet unstoppable. There isn't a day goes by where either my self, or someone close to me isn't criticizing ourselves because we aren't perfect. It is so sad to me, because in my lifetime I have known more people than I could count on both hands that have struggled with an eating disorder, and some who may not even have known it. Something has to change!
My biggest assumption is that the reasoning behind the differences in influences, and the reason behind westerners having fear of being fat is because of media. The saddest part, is that I was not surprised by these facts whatsoever. If you take two minutes, and browse social media, you're already feeling guilty about the fries you had last week. There have been ridiculous fads such as the "thigh gap." People would do or try pretty much everything to achieve one, not knowing that in fact, it really depends on how you were born. There is so much pressure in our society to look perfect and strive to have the ideal body. We have to have smaller waists, bigger breasts, a big behind, but small thighs, big lips, and perfect hair... the list goes on. The standards we hold ourselves up to are so ridiculous, yet unstoppable. There isn't a day goes by where either my self, or someone close to me isn't criticizing ourselves because we aren't perfect. It is so sad to me, because in my lifetime I have known more people than I could count on both hands that have struggled with an eating disorder, and some who may not even have known it. Something has to change!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)