Essay Grade

Running head: [SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
Latosha Detharidge
Capstone Project: Mental Health Disorder
Walden University
Dr. Lyons
1
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
2
Awareness Creation on Mental Health Disorder in Various Public Universities through an
Outreach Programme.
Statement of the problem
Over the last decade, the cases on mental health among students in universities have been
increasing drastically. The cases reported by the health practitioners are depressions, anxiety and
in extreme cases bipolar disorder and suicidal attempts. The students need to be educated on the
early signs of mental health disorder, the subsequent symptoms, the services offered by the
institutions, among them, counselling services. The indication of the increasing rate of mental
health disorder among students is; frequent counseling center visits.
Problem Statement
In most universities, cases of mental illness have been prevalent among students where
physicians have confirmed that most cases reported are on depression, anxiety, suicidal attempts,
and in severe scenarios bipolar disorder. Therefore, this calls for swift action such as educating
students on the early symptoms of mental illnesses. University institutions should include in their
facilities counseling services so that such cases be minimised. On the same note, the public too
should take part in assisting those with mental disorders. However, the public can be informed to
support such people when there an awareness program is provided and well established. A study
conducted by Pedrelli, revealed that “88 % of counselling centre directors reported an increase in
“severe” psychological problems over the previous five years including learning disabilities, selfinjury incidents, eating disorders, substance use, and sexual assaults.” (Pedrelli, Zulauf & Wilens
et al., 2014) Therefore, if the problem is not fixed, then the future generation will be affected.
It is apparent that universities report higher incidents of mental disorders for this reason;
the project will seek to address the influence that an outreach program would create after creating
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
3
awareness on mental health disorders among students in universities and colleges. Such mental
diseases are caused by stressful times in the university such as examinations and the distance
between family and close friends. According to Pedrelli, students first exhibit symptoms of mental
illness when they are subjected to the factors as mentioned earlier. Additionally, old students start
taking adult responsibilities since they tend not to be dependent on parents anymore (Pedrelli, Nyer
& Yeung et al., 2014). Therefore, burdening students with such responsibilities even before they
attain the mature age may subject cause them to have mental disorders. There is need for
counseling due to the psychological and social issue that faces students. On the same note students
do need lots of vocational guidance where students find themselves not knowing what career to
choose, that alone may lead to depression.
Pedrelli noted that for the past five years, there was a surge in psychological disorders after
88% of the counseling directors attested to it (Pedrelli, Nyer & Yeung et al., 2014). Notably, the
second most dreaded case of mental disorder is depression since it is reported by 9% of all
university students. The third in position is having suicidal thoughts, and it has been found to lead
to more deaths. According Assari, it is evident student’s exhibit 7% ideation, 2% suicidal Plans,
and 0.5 suicidal attempts based on the statistics of last year (Assari & Moghani, 2018). The specific
problem is that there is a tremendous demand for mental health services although only a few seek
counseling services. Students seek assistance from family members and close friends. According
to Brown, the reason they do so is for fear of stigmatization (Brown, 2018). Additionally, they take
things for granted by assuming that everything is normal.
If the disorder is not treated on time, it could lead to more severe illnesses such as severe
stress, schizophrenia, and inability to think in an upright manner. Additionally, people change their
emotions and behaviours. A study conducted in universities and colleges revealed that above 11%
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
4
of the entire population of students had been diagnosed and treated with mental illness (Cline,
2007). However, the first indicator of such illness is witnessed on emotional change.
Purpose of the project
The purpose of my project is to assess the impact that an outreach program would have in
creating awareness on mental health disorder among students in the universities. Institutions of
higher learning remain to have the highest cases of mental health disorder among the youth
(Pedrelli, Nyer, Yeung, Zulauf & Wilens 2014).
Integrative literature Review
Attending the university can be stressful at times. Apart from the pressure from academic
work that students have to undertake and examinations, there an aspect of separation from family
and close friends. This is when the students experience the first onset of mental health disorder or
an exacerbation of an already existing problem (Pedrelli, Nyer, Yeung, Zulauf & Wilens 2014).
For the traditional students, they are normally younger and dependent on the parents and they have
not been working, therefore, they start to take up adult responsibilities and yet they are not mature
enough to do so and be independent (Pedrelli et.al 2014). For the non-traditional students, they
face the challenge of juggling between their academics, working and providing for their families.
This might be stressful and unbearable. “In a survey of 274 institutions, 88 % of counseling center
directors reported an increase in “severe” psychological problems over the previous 5 years
including learning disabilities, self-injury incidents, eating disorders, substance use, and sexual
assaults” (Pedrelli et.al 2014).
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
5
Depression is ranked as the second most prevalent cases of mental health disorder among
the university students at about 9% (Assari& Moghani 2018). Suicidal cases have also been
reported which is said to be the third most leading cause of death among the adults (Assari&
Moghani 2018). Among the students the statistics indicate 7% ideation, suicidal plans at 2% and
0.5% attempts last year (Assari& Moghani 2018).
Despite the increasing demand for mental health services, a third with the distress seeks
counselling services. Therefore, they prefer seeking help from friends and family. The reason for
this is the fear for stigmatization (Brown 2018). They also assume that stress is normal in school
and they can handle it.
Mental health disorder is like any other medical problem that consists of several problems
and different signs and symptoms. It is associated with several changes in a person’s emotions,
how one thinks and behavior of a person or conjunction of all these changes. Example of this
illness includes; thinking disabilities, schizophrenia, and stress. This type of illness mostly comes
as a result of stress or issues in society, workplace and family actions. The illness is treatable if
someone seeks medical attention and they can carry on with their daily activities as usual without
any problem.
Mental illness has become a major concern since there is an increasing trend in this illness.
It is widely spreading into universities and colleges where it has led to many lives of young people
who are the backbones of the future generation. In universities, mental illness comes as a result of
students having to leave their homes where they have an attachment with their parents and go to
study in a different state or country hence they are affected emotionally because of the gap due to
the distance. Also by students having to take adult responsibility that they were never used to and
pressure from assignments in universities can cause this problem.
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
6
In a research that has been done in universities and colleges, it has shown that more than
11 percent of the total population of the students have been diagnosed or treated with the problem
of mental illness due to emotional change and 10 percent have reported on being treated on the
issue of depression or stress (Cline, 2007). Several students are reported of not seeking medical
attention due to stigma and shame that they feel. Cases of students who commit suicide in
universities have been on the increase due to mental illness problems.
Critical Resource Review
In recent years, there has been a tremendous rise in the case reported to health facilities on
mental health disorder. This trend has been explicated especially amongst the university students.
Apparently, around the globe, most people believe that mental disorder only occurs to a given
group of individual, which makes them not be prepared for any uncertainty on their health
prospects. Mental health disorder manifests in different ways including depression, anxiety,
bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts. In a research conducted in the University of Nairobi, a
35.7% prevalence of depression amongst students was noted. The research points out that these
depressive characteristics were however common amongst the first year students, economically
disadvantaged, the married and those living off campus (Othieno, 2014). Takim 2013, conducted
a study which yielded the result that there is a vast number of students who drop out of their studies
before completion, His research also indicated that the rise in drop out level was as a result of the
development of mental disorder that comes in after enrolment to college (Tamin, 2013).
The prevalence of mental disorders in the world account for 15% of the majority of
maladies known to the world. According to Abera and Tekle,2018 student stage of human life
makes them more prone to be mentally disordered. They point out that during the transition from
high school to university education makes the students more prone to mental illness. Their research
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
7
findings also point out that the female students in the university tend to be more affected by these
changes compared to the male opponents (Tekle, 2018). In a research conducted on anxiety,
behaviors explicate that a proportion of 45.7% population with a major depressive disorder had
one or more lifetime anxiety disorders (Kessler, 2015). On the other hand, Scott. et.al. 2018, a
mental disorder can be present in one’s life especially if there are past traumatizing events in the
individual. These traumatizing events cause post-traumatic stress disorder amongst the victims
(Scott, 2018). McLaughlin, et .al 2018 in her journal, explicates that adverse occurrences amongst
the children tend to yield the post-traumatic stress disorders that amongst children. These adverse
occurrences include the parent psychopathology, neglect, sexual abuse and physical abuse
(McLaughlin, 2017).
Ideally, post-traumatic stress disorder as one of the common mental health disorder has
been considered to be more prevalent among the younger age group, females, late marriage, low
level of education, economic disadvantage and unemployment. Of these population with such
mental disorder, only a half of them had taken the step seeking help and treatment options (Koenen,
2017). Pedrelli explains the college attendance is a stressful transition for most students since most
of them have to deal with the separation, cope to the academic pressure and some of them have to
respond to the family needs. With such exposure, a vast number of these students end up having
meant health issues or substance use or even exacerbation of their symptoms (Pedrelli, 2015).
The transition to the university is not easy and calls for proper guidance of the student in
the right mental health services. He explains that despite the high number of overwhelming
feelings of joining college, some of the students experience the transition period a trying session.
In his article, he explicates that an 87% proportion of first-year students have difficulty in adapting
social aspects in college and the academic life. (Upfront, 2013). Most students who have been in
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
8
the university speak of the depressive and anxious feelings that they have after transiting to the
university. These feelings make them slip in their academic performance and lose the sense of
having a future which yield in higher rate of human resource in the corporate world (Zivin, 2009).
Synthesis and Integration
Mental disorders
Mental problems are among the main health problems that face most students in schools.
This is a medical condition that affects the central nervous system all the way to the brain. Different
students in universities tend to be vulnerable in this issue from the kind of stress that they acquire
from their studies and things that they do regularly. This problem has seen many institutions such
as education centers come up with counseling activities and education of the students. Classes have
been used to educate students on early signs of depression; this makes them to be in the best
position of avoiding such disorder. However, the process requires mutual agreement by the
members of the public to participate in preventing this problem. This will help in avoiding issues
that come out of mental illness such as sexual assault (Scott p. 160), learning disabilities among
others (Assari et. al) This paper will be effective in proving the effect that will be derived from the
awareness initiative among university students.
Students in universities are always prone to stress that is derived from exams and normal
learning lessons. Technical classes require students to be so serious in class with high levels of
concentration; this makes some of them to feel that it is stressful to be in such classes. This has
been the main cause of students shifting to the kind of life that includes substance use. It is the role
of university planning teams to consider ways to deal with this issue; exams should be moderated
in a way and friendly so as to avoid cases of anxiety derived from exams in such universities
(Brown & June S).
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
9
When students move out of high school and into universities, they are exposed to the world,
this makes them to face problems of fighting for their own survival, this poses a stressful kind of
life to them. Some students may feel neglected by their parents, thus they engage in activities such
as prostitution in a mission of making money, it is in this that more stressful life is achieved by
them, most of them acquire infections that are transmitted sexually; which discourages life. This
calls for the universities to put down many measures which can be effective in preventing mental
illnesses.
Health disorders can be derived from a thought in someone that makes him or her to think
that life is not of favor to him or her. The universities and parents should work towards preventing
students from thinking negatively about their lives, positive thoughts can be effective in preventing
issues of bipolar disorders and suicide. Many students kill themselves because of thinking
negatively about life, parents are also required to constantly advice their children about life
(Kessler, p. 212). Many students in universities face problems of economic disabilities, but it is
the matter that should be solved by the parents talking to their children so as to make them
understand their condition.
In conclusion, the issue of neglect, the issue of vulnerability and economic inabilities are
among the common causes of stress among the youths. However, school regulations are important
but should be considerate in the way that they are made and implemented. It is the role of everyone
around a student to work towards clearing the issue of mental illness which has been increasing in
most universities, problems are always bound to take place, but it is the role of everyone to identify
them and prevent them. This may require all professionals such as psychotherapists and councilors
to work together in improving public awareness and a solution will accomplished.
Mental Health Disorder
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
10
Mental health disorder is generally characterized by experiences or thoughts in individuals
which appear rather odd with the reality. These experiences and thoughts include decreased
participation, altered speech or behaviors, memory lapses, and concentration difficulties. The
problem statement emphasizes immediate actions against mental disorders among university
students. The basic factors presented were the inclusion of counseling services in universities and
involving the public in helping individuals with mental disorders.
Contributors of Mental Health Disorder
There exists a wide range of mental illnesses contributors which have either a direct or
indirect influence to the progression and development of these disorders. This medical condition
is directly linked to the overuse of drugs that promote extreme anxiety such as caffeine, alcohol,
and cannabis. Usage of cannabis, amphetamines, and cocaine has been linked with the
development of schizophrenia and psychosis disorders (Pedrelli, 2015). The use of drugs is the
major contributing factor to mental health disorder particularly to the youth and young adults since
the drugs alter the nerve system and interfere with brain coordination. According to Pedrelli
(2015), Individual traits such as anxiety, emotional instability as well as a propensity for increased
neuroticism often trigger brain nerve cells resulting in mental illness. In the case of anxiety,
attitudes, and temperament, such as pessimism, further increases the risks of the disorder. Social
influences including traumatic events, abuse, social stress, neglect or other overwhelming life
situations are likely to contribute to mental illness. Societal aspects including employment
problems, migration problems, socioeconomic inequalities and unavailability of social cohesion
have also implicated to the issue. These contributors often expose the brain to extreme stress which
becomes quite difficult for it to process the stress.
Causes of Mental Health Disorder
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
11
Currently, the exact cause of some of the mental disorders remains unknown but recent
research clarifies the fact that a combination of environmental, biological and psychological
factors is the major causes of the conditions. The cause of mental illnesses is connected to the
abnormal operation of nerve cell circuits which links specific regions of the brains. Malfunctioning
of the nerve cell circuits inhibits communication of the brain through neurotransmitters which
results to mental disorder. This could also be triggered by brain injury or defects to specific parts
of the brain.
Genetic or heredity is also associated with mental disorders. In this case, individuals are
likely to develop mental illnesses if a family member has the disorder. Genetic susceptibility is as
a result of interaction between multiple genes that are passed through the family (Cline, 2015).
Evidence proves that interference, such as loss of oxygen or trauma in the early development of
fetal brain especially during birth could developmental disorder. Certain infections are also
associated with the cause and development of mental illness. For instance, Streptococcus bacteria
is connected with the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder particularly in children. Exposure to
dangerous toxins like lead also causes and develops common mental illnesses.
Effects of Mental Health Disorder
Without treatment mental disorders will definitely result in very unfortunate consequences
due to the severity of the type of disorder in question. The effects range from emotional, behavioral
as well as physical in every area of the affected individual. The major effects of this disorder are
suicidal attempts, social isolation, interfamilial conflicts, the inability of the individual to work
effectively or manage finances, drug use which could result in addiction and homelessness. To
avoid these effects, early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are fundamental to treat
victims with a mental disorder.
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
12
Critical Analysis II
Causes and Effects of PTSD
Major Causes
The four major causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) include environmental causes,
sociocultural causes, occupational causes, as well as personal variables.
Major Effects
According to American Psychological Association (APA), the effects of PSTD include depression,
additional mental health problems, poor work performance, as well as suicidal attempts and
ideation.
Integrated Critical Analysis
As for the environmental factors, frequent or repeated exposure to traumatizing events can
lead to the development of PTSD. Solders that experience repeated wars and violence often tend
to eventually develop or experience posttraumatic symptoms. In addition, the severity and duration
of these traumas may also be a major cause of PTSD. However, lack of health support system for
most of these solders who understands the situation and trauma could also play a significant role
in PTSD development. Without proper treatment, these symptoms will worsen, leading to a
number of short and long-term effects, including loss additional health disorders. According to
Lange, Lange, and Cabaltica (2000), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) predisposes people
into developing other psychological problems, and estimate that about 80 percent of the victims
suffer from certain kind of comorbid illness. They also argue that depression is recognized as being
comorbid with PTSD.
Occupational factors are also important factors of PSTD. In particular, individuals,
including solders, whose work exposes them into traumatic situations or events, may develop
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
13
PTSD. Equally, those who are engaged in treating trauma survivors stand a high chance of
developing PTSD. Moreover, the extent of risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is usually
associated with three fundamental factors, including the level and intensity of exposure to
traumatizing events, the employee or solder’s degree of empathy and sensitivity, as well as
unsettled issues from the solder’s personal history. When evaluating the effect of stress as well as
trauma on any individual within the context of the workplace, occupational factors must be
particularly considered. Some of the occupational factors that might influence the level of stress
include the occupation itself, degree of responsibility, interpersonal relationships, as well as the
availability of support programs. A factor like lack of support system, especially when solders are
involved in traumatizing events, could work to bring about suicidal attempts as well as ideation.
Apart from the operational related traumatic stresses, there are also many other work-associated
stressors that considerably affect most of the lives of service personnel. Pflanz and Sonnek (2002)
studied the different sources of stress as well as their prevalence with the United States military.
They found out that substantial work stress was indicated by 26 percent of the solders, while
another 15 percent of the troops reported significant emotional agony connected to work stressors.
This particular study also revealed that in combats, the exposure into heavy causalities as well as
unexpected deployments worked to increase the levels of solders’ mental suffering, leading to poor
work performances.
The sociocultural factors are also important causes of PTSD. A number of studies of
specific populations of PTSD victims, including combat veterans and war survivors, shed light on
the cultural as well as social causes of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In particular, those
societies that are often highly authoritarian, engage in conflicts, or glorify wars have significant
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
14
rates of PTSD even among their civilians. Thus, an unsupportive system could be a hindrance,
especially when one’s close society or community fails to offer the required support.
Regarding personal variables, and even though the most important cause of PTSD is the
traumatizing experience itself, people differ in terms of the intensity of their cognitive as well as
emotional responses into such traumas. Some individuals might appear to be more susceptible
compared to others. In other instance, this greater susceptibility is associated to the temperament
or the natural disposition, with introverted or nervous individuals standing at increased risks. In
other cases, the individual’s vulnerability could also result from chronic conditions, physical
disabilities, or even previous traumatic experiences, especially direct war combat. These factors
lead to distress, which in turn, contributes to the development of PTSD.
Personal Reactions to Critical Analysis
There is no doubt that is a real risk among most of the service men and women. Sometimes,
stigma and sociocultural factors could prevent individuals from speaking up or getting the
assistance they require. In particular, stigma can fundamentally prevent service members from
speaking and seeking treatment due to the fear of being seen as violent, dangerous, or crazy. In
addition, sometimes solders suffering from PTSD in the military could also fear being perceived
as feeble or weak if they speak up or seek for assistance. However, PTSD can occur to any one
after a traumatic experience or event, which makes them to feel shocked, helpless, stressful, or
even fearful. PTSD can equally pose long-term effects, including depression.
It is fundamentally clear that these causes can be prevented from happening. For instance,
individuals who work in professions in which traumatic events are most likely to happen, including
the military can be given training as well as counseling in efforts to assist them cope or even reduce
the risk of developing PTSD. For military physicians and emergency medical services teams, a
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
15
form of debriefing identified as critical incident stress management, CISM, is important and should
be offered in attempts to decrease the risk of stress and PTSD development. Moreover, these causes
could also be prevented if the society or community could offer positive and supportive
environments for most of the returning solders and veterans. I found occupational causes to be the
most important factors in leading to PTSD, since most of these factors relate to solders workplace
and working environments.
Cause and Effect
There are different factors that have been identified to cause mental disorders. Firstly, it is
genetics. In this case, instances of occurrence of mental illness might run in the family tree. With
that being the case, the susceptibility to mental illness will be passed on through the genes. Many
experts hold the belief that some cases of mental illness are linked to a change in the structure of
the genes. Secondly, mental illnesses might be caused by damage to the brain. In this case, if there
is damage to certain parts of the brain, then it increases the probability of contracting a mental
disorder. Thirdly, it is the abuse of drugs. In this case, it changes the composition of the chemicals
in the brain which might result in the person developing mental illnesses. Fourthly, it is if the
person has experienced psychological trauma. For instance, the loss of a loved one or if a person
had undergone an instance of abuse when they were children. This might lead to instances of
mental illness.
In the case that mental illness occurs and there is no proper treatment, then it can result in
various effects. Firstly, it may lead to worsening issues. In this case, since mental illness is
associated with a lot of stigmas then people might not seek treatment. This might lead to worsening
of the condition where the person experiences the full extent of the symptoms (Henderson, EvansLacko, & Thornicroft, 2013). Secondly, if the person remains untreated there is a huge possibility
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
16
that he or she will in end develop physical issues. In that case, a person with bouts of anxiety might
be prone to develop gastrointestinal ulcers. Also, those with stress-related disorders might be prone
to develop cardiovascular problems. Thirdly, there is a decreased quality of the relationship that
one forms with other people. In this case, if a person is suffering from a mental illness like
depression then he or she might not want to interact with other people. This can even result in
divorce. Lastly, mental illnesses might lead to substance abuse whereby the individual will turn to
drugs in the efforts to cope with the mental illness.
Critical Analysis Narrative
Mental illness is an expanding area of interest for scholars and doctors alike. While there
has been a huge focus on demystifying mental illness, it remains largely stigmatized with many
people shying away from discussing their stories in the public spectrum. For that reason, there is
a need for discussion on the effect and the causes of mental disorders so that those who are affected
can seek help. An example of the case of mental illness was a person suffering from generalized
anxiety disorder. There are many causes of this mental disorder, for instance, genetics, damage to
the brain, undergoing psychological trauma, and abuse of drugs. In the case of this individual, the
most probable cause was genetics. Suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, the individual
exhibited certain effects, for instance, worsening of the problem which was exhibited by psychosis,
physical issues such as ulcers, and withdrawing from social life. So, for the individual, his case
was acute. In this instance, the person cannot just push through the illness but should need help
from a psychiatrist.
The Reaction.
In this case, the generalized anxiety disorder is affecting the ability of the individual to
proceed with normal life activities and hence the need for medical attention. In this instance, the
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
17
cause of the anxiety could not have prevented. Additionally, genetics played a huge role in the
occurrence of generalized anxiety disorder and hence it is the most vital causal factor.
The hurricane Katrina is mostly remembered in the history of the United States due to its
devastating impacts on the economy and lives of people (Vijayalakshmi et.al, 2013). Its impacts
were felt across the thousands of square miles causing a huge economic loss to the United States.
Many people were killed while others were rendered homeless leading to the displacement of
thousands of people. As a result, the United States government sought possible ways to curb this
problem in the future. Reliable sources claimed the devastating impacts witnessed were as a result
of poor evacuation plans for the hurricane (Vijayalakshmi et.al, 2013). Hence, the capstone is a
project that is aimed at identifying and analyzing a potential resolution critically to the problem.
This study will focus on the challenges and barriers to implementing the resolution to the problem
identified. Furthermore, the study will focus examine whether the resolution is realistic as well as
the consequences of the resolution and the possible people to be impacted by the resolution
Barriers and Challenges In Implementing The Resolution
The use of evacuation drills for the city has been proved non-realistic due to the large size
of the city. This resolution means all population to be drilled on evacuation plans and practices
which is an expensive practice to carry out (Vijayalakshmi et.al, 2013). Furthermore, the
compensation packages to be offered to National Guard troops and emergency staff would raise
the national wage bill. Moreover, this practice requires attention from residents who may force
them to leave their jobs thus making it cause traffic commotion (Vijayalakshmi et.al, 2013). Also,
some people may not cooperate during the evacuation plan drills.
Secondly, having emergency staff trained in various evacuation plans is realistic since it
increases the competence of emergency of officials (Vijayalakshmi et.al, 2013). This practice is
[SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS]
18
manageable since it does not increase the operational costs of the governm