Discussion: Influencing Social Change
Individuals with psychiatric mental health disorders are frequently stigmatized not only by society as a whole, but also by their friends, family, and sometimes healthcare providers. In your role, however, you have the opportunity to become a social change agent for these individuals. For this Discussion, consider how you might make a positive impact for your clients and advocate for social change within your own community.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Apply strategies to become a social change agent for psychiatric mental health
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Reflect on how you might influence social change for psychiatric mental health.
Post an explanation of how you, as a nurse practitioner, might become a social change agent for psychiatric mental health. Include how you might advocate for change within your own community.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
References
Angermeyer, M. C., Matschinger, H., & Schomerus, G. (2013). Attitudes towards psychiatric treatment and people with mental illness: Changes over two decades. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 203(2), 146-151.
Bui, Q. (2012). Antidepressants for agitation and psychosis in patients with dementia.American Family Physician, 85(1), 20-22.
Dingfelder, S. F. (2009). Stigma: Alive and well. American Psychological Association, 40(6), 56.
Jenkins, J. H. (2012). The anthropology of psychopharmacology: Commentary on contributions to the analysis of pharmaceutical self and imaginary. Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 36(1), 78-79. doi:10.1007/s11013-012-9248-0
Price, L. H. (2010). Violence in America: Is psychopharmacology the answer? Brown University Psychopharmacology Update, 21(5), 5.
Bennett, T. (2015). Changing the way society understands mental health. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Mechanic, D. (2007). Mental health services then and now. Health Affairs, 26(6), 1548-1550.
Rothman, D. J. (1994). Shiny, happy people: The problem with "cosmetic psychopharmacology." New Republic, 210(7), 34-38.