score the assignment rubric (see the video below for instructions on how to show the rubric)write a 200+ word submission comment that summarizes your peer review. What elements of the draft are workin

A 6

Anthony Regules

Professor Pang

22 April 2024

ELA 102

Spark Grant Project Research

In today's complex and fast-paced world, the issue of mental health has really emerged as a major social concern, touching the lives of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. The reason that I chose this social issue over any other is because I relate to it the most. I am someone who does tend to suffer from depression, and I know that it can be an extremely hard and tough process to find or know what to do. This is an extremely pressing issue because mental health has seen to be only on the decline. My working thesis question is what resources are out there, and available to help people who are struggling with mental health?

Connection Support Group by NAMI Pierce County is a community non-profit group that is trying and suggesting new ways to help mental health. “NAMI Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition” (NAMI 1). This is important, this means that the community is actively trying to do something to improve the mental health issue that is going on. They have also made it accessible to the public by making it free so anyone who is an adult can sign-up. They go further on to list the requirements to join the support group, you need to be 18, its free of all charges, lead and for for people with mental health issues/conditions, safe space, and the meetings are weekly or monthly (NAMI 1). NAMI Pierce County is a non-profit community organization with the goal to help adults work on their mental health issues.

Discover your greatness by ANASAZI Foundation is a non-profit organization who believes in helping people with the help of the outdoors. “ANASAZI’s therapeutic wilderness program for teens provides an opportunity, through a primitive living experience and a philosophy that invites healing at the hands of nature, to effect a change of heart” (ANASAZI 1). The reason that this holds significance is because they are a group with the intent to help all ages, but mainly teens with mental health through the usage of outdoors and philosophy. They do all of this, so they can provide opportunities to improve your mental health and your overall well-being. They go on to mention that the ANASAZI method involves positive approach, so you also have to be willing to put in the effort (ANASAZI 1). The ANASAZI Foundation ultimately has the goal to improve on the mental health issue that is happening with philosophy and the outdoors. They believe that they are able to help others successfully as long as you are ready to put in the effort to learn and understand the ANASAZI way.

Behavioral Health by Tacoma Peirce County Health Department (TPCHD) is a government website with the mission to make the overall public health better. “In 2017: 26% of people over 18 had 1-13 poor mental health days per month. In 2018: People averaged 4 poor mental health days per month. The state average is 3.8.” (TPCHD 1). Behavioral health is directly related to your mental health, and this means that they are aware of the increasing problem with mental health. This statistic shows that in a year people have started to average more consistent mental health days due do people’s mental health declining. They further say to seek treatment if you need help, connect with others, look into support groups, and look into mental resources (TPCHD 1). The TPCHD seems like they have acknowledged that there is an issue, and are spreading awareness also information about it; however, it seems like they don’t really know how to solve this issue. They might have the good intention, but they aren’t actually doing anything to help the social problem.

TACOMA OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM by Discover Mood and Anxiety Program (DMAP) is a group with the main mission to make a safe space and grow the skills of people. “Here, patients benefit from one-on-one therapeutic support as well as group sessions in an encouraging environment of peers where they can safely practice new skills that are transferable to home” (“TACOMA OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM”). This is important because this group allows and give people the chance to grow and build a safe space where they can connect with their peers and build relationships. They also say, “97% feel hopeful about their future 95% believe they can handle life after treatment 99% know what helps them get better” (“TACOMA OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM”). This means that pretty much everyone who has gone to their program are able to successfully build a safe space and build a bond with the people that are around them. Conclusively, the program offered by DMAP plays a huge role in providing people with the support and skills that they need to manage the mental health challenges the they are facing. The positive review from the people who tried the program, underscores the program's effectiveness in making hope for the future.

In conclusion, the social issue of mental health is one of major importance, affecting individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Throughout all of my research, we have explored many different sources with the main goal at helping people who are struggling with mental health challenges. From non-profit support groups like NAMI Pierce County to even innovative and interesting wilderness therapy programs that are offered by the ANASAZI Foundation, and the data-driven insights provided by Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, it's evident that efforts are being made to address this pressing issue; however, as we've gone through and read each of these resources, it’s become clear to me that there is still much work to be done. While some organizations do offer basic support, others fall short in providing solutions that involve action. Nevertheless, by seriously looking at existing recommendations for improvement, we can actively work towards a more understanding and effective approach to mental health support.

Works Cited

“Connection Support Group” NAMI Pierce County, 2024 https://namipierce.org/about-nami-pierce-county/who-we-are/

“Discover your greatness” ANASAZI Foundation, 2024 https://anasazi.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745BYg419ijwMhseWsOjnw6TW8zJaRto1llv4mk01TMG-3RtLcplSX_EaAo9PEALw_wcB

“Behavioral Health” Tacoma Peirce County Health Department, 2024 https://tpchd.org/healthy-people/behavioral health/#:~:text=Suicide%20%26%20Crisis%20Lifeline%E2%80%94Connect%20with,from%20anywhere%20in%20the%20USA.

“TACOMA OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM” Discover Mood and Anxiety Program, 2024 https://discoverymood.com/locations/tacoma/