“Speak Your Mind”
In our first lesson of the course, Social Issues, Social Innovation, and Corporate Responsibility, we discussed various social issues and how they affect us. We applied the 5 Why’s technique to find out the root cause of each problem. It was a fascinating process. Every time a fellow student-partner asked us why we care about a specific issue, we gradually explored the cause-and-effect relationships underlying it.
For this project, we had to ask ourselves why we care about a particular subject five times and then interview another person, ask them the same questions, and see their answers. Finally, we had to find an organization or an NGO trying to make a difference on the subject we chose, perceive their five Why’s, and examine if they are explicitly aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The issue I chose is associated with mental health
“Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This means it impacts how we feel, think, and behave each day. Our mental health contributes to our decision-making process, how we cope with stress and how we relate to others in our lives.”
I care about reducing the stigma of mental illnesses
Why do I care about reducing the stigma of mental illnesses?
- Emotional and mental health are vital parts of our lives and impact our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
- Stigma tarnishes people’s lives with a mental illness, causes stress, unhappiness, and deters people from seeking treatment.
- Many people with the early symptoms of mental illness are reluctant to seek help because they associate mental illness with negative and inaccurate stereotypes.
- People with mental illnesses can erode their self-confidence and avoid engaging with others because they fear misunderstanding and ridicule.
- People who have a mental illness are worried that other people may view them unfavorably because of their condition. Surveys have evinced that many people have seen scathing reports about mental illness in the media.
What is Depression?
“Depression refers to a mental disorder that manifests itself in a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, trouble sleeping or eating, and poor concentration. In the most severe forms, thoughts of death or suicide appear.”
Why the World Health Organization (WHO)?
- The WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
- Supports people’s participation in national health policies.
- Focuses on primary health care to improve access to quality essential services.
- The WHO has played a leading role in several public health achievements.
- Works towards sustainable financing and financial protection.
WHO is explicitly aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Vasiliki for Project W Team: Elena Alid, Crystal, Ioulia Ntoka, Eleni Perperidou, Χριστίνα Βασιλάκη
Professor: Betty Tsakarestou
