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Open Mind

Learn with Me?

As my fieldwork setting has changed, so has the feel of this blog. Previously, I was working with babies, who are cute, warm, and cuddly. They are fun to talk about and lots of people love children. Or feel no hard feelings about children. Any poor behaviors can be pointed back to the adults in a child's life. 

 But now I am working in a mental health setting. And you may no longer feel comfortable reading this blog. It may get heavy. It may be uncomfortable to read. You may not have any desire to learn from those with mental illness. I can relate to that. I would not have voluntarily put myself in this position. But I'm learning so much now that I'm here and grateful I've been forced to face this population. 

 Young adults with mental health disorders. This does not sound as warm and fuzzy. They are not as inviting as the toddlers were. And there are layers and layers of stigma surrounding mental illness. As I am being educated at various trainings, my own misbeliefs about this population are being exposed. I hope you will have the courage to go on this journey with me.

 Some things I write on may be uncomfortable to read. But read. Some things discussed may bring up strong reactions in yourself. Figure out why. Some things may sound bogus. They may be new to you. It may be the first time you've heard such a theory. I beg you not to dismiss the realities I will do my best to portray here about mental illness, as I am learning and growing from this experience. I hope you feel the freedom to learn and grow too. 

 I will try to keep entries short. Readable. Comical when possible. I will keep identifiable factors confidential, obviously. I will try to share in bite size pieces that are easier to swallow, rather than the full size meals I am swallowing each day at this placement. 

 Above all, I hope to generate compassion for a hurting population in our society who can get a bad rep. And I hope shedding light on the topic of mental illness may impact the way you interact with people in your daily life. 


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