Blog #7: Reflection
1. Address the following questions:
a. What challenges did you overcome throughout this inquiry project? How did you go about overcoming these challenges?
The challenge I overcame was finding reliable sources. For example, I overcame this challenge by using Ms. Martin’s tip on looking at the author’s credibility. Furthermore, I had trouble finding the positive effects of anxiety on mental health because there is a negative stereotype on anxiety. Consequently, I used the Charles Best Learning Resources to find more non-biased information to create well-researched posts. I also found a lot of information on anxiety, so it was difficult for me to find which information was necessary in my blog posts. I solved this problem by rereading the information to find accurate and informative information that my classmates would find interesting.
b. How did this inquiry change the way you think?
This inquiry changed how I think because I am so much more interested in the importance of changing the negative stereotype on anxiety. I learned that everyone is anxious, so we need to raise awareness globally to help those people. I have a bigger appreciation for therapists who listen and suggest new coping mechanisms to ensure that people with severe anxiety disorders feel loved. For example, my friend’s mom created her own social media platform to discuss ways to stop the negative stigma around anxiety. She explains in her videos that running, doing a hobby, or talking with a friend can significantly reduce anxiety. Moreover, I am motivated to learn more about different mental illnesses to help my community and myself. For example, I am currently reading a wellness book called “The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You.” This helped me to realize that being sensitive may make someone an emotional leader.
c. How did this investigation impact your future decisions?
This investigation impacts hugely on future decisions because I am more involved with the fact that many people face mental struggles that we cannot see. It is important to be sensitive to the mental health struggles others may face. For example, I will now more diligently ask others how they are feeling to make sure that they are doing ok mentally. Furthermore, I am now more interested in becoming a therapist. I realized how much I love learning how to cope with mental health struggles. I hope to try to shadow a mental health therapist in the future to figure out if a therapist is the right job for me. Finally, this affects my future decisions because I now know how to cope when I am stressed about homework or upcoming tests. For example, instead of wasting time stressing about a task, now I can take a quick walk break and just get my work done.
d. What impact will this investigation have on others locally and/or globally?
This investigation will have an impact on the global level because more people will be able to share their adversities with stress and anxiety. For example, I am hoping that once they realize that 301 million people in the world experienced an anxiety disorder in 2019, they will feel more comfortable to share their trauma. Talking about trauma is beneficial because it creates a space for processing and making sense of the root cause behind their anxiety. For example, whenever I am anxious, I talk with my mom to help me de-stress. She reminds me of how I am worth so much more than my mark and this period of adversity is only temporary.
Thank you,
Sarah Kim
