Running head: SOCI 201-3 PERSONAL REFLECTION
SOCI 201-3 Personal Reflection
Courtney Humphrey
Stenberg College
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SOCI 201-3 Personal Reflection
Sociology 201-3 has been not only an informative class but one that has taught many
valuable lessons along the way. Although I have taken sociology classes beforehand, I enjoyed
how SOCI 201-3 focused on mental health issues and found this beneficial. In turn, I can
incorporate this learned knowledge into my psychiatric nursing practice. I found that discussing
subjects such as mind/body dualism within the sociological context was quite interesting and was
surprised of the discrepancy between sociology and psychiatry regarding mental illness and its
cause. Although I was aware of certain stigmatization regard mental illness I found it beneficial
to increase my knowledge regarding this subject. As a future psychiatric nurse I feel that it is
important to understand how to decrease stigmatization in mental health. As we previously
learned, The Mental Health Commission of Canada points out several options to reduce stigma
such as: acceptance, equitable treatment, respect and change in behavior and attitude (2014,
para. 3). As a result, this knowledge will strengthen my practice and it turn allows me to
positively affect the lives of my patients by reducing stigmatization associated with mental
health and illness. I found that learning about labels and how they can affect the lives of those
living with mental illness has opened my eyes to both the positive and negative aspects which
may result. In addition, I have learned that by labeling an individual with a mental illness this
may consequently increase stigmatization and stop them from seeking out care. On the other
hand, I have learned that mental illness labels may provide individuals with relief if they remain
undiagnosed and are seeking out answers. Thus, by putting a label on one’s illness this may be a
positive step towards treatment and recovery. As a result, this has change the way I view mental
health as it has made me more aware of the stigma associated with mental illness and being
diagnosed.
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Further, I feel that this class was beneficial for psychiatric nursing students as the
foundation of psychiatric nursing is based on various bodies of knowledge including:
psychology, biology, philosophy and sociology. Therefore, by incorporating sociology into the
curriculum this broadens student’s knowledge; and this has subsequently provided students with
the opportunity to draw on various theories and ideologies during their practice. I feel that one of
the highlights of Sociology 201-3 was completing the group photo journal. Having the
opportunity to be creative with my classmates was exciting as it was something different than the
regular curriculum. I found that my group members and I had to think outside the box to be able
to successfully communicate our topic (which was depression) with viewers. During week four I
found it interesting to learning that men have been overlooked in sociological studies of mental
health. In addition, it was enlightening to see how mental health has changed over the years and
why deinstitutionalization took place. In turn, I was able to understand how this was a step in the
right direction for those suffering from mental illness. As a future psychiatric nurse I’m
interested to see how mental health care will transform and if society’s misconceptions regarding
mental health will change.
Since technology is now taking over every aspect of our lives I thought it was interesting
to learn how technology is being incorporated into mental health care. Although technology may
be helpful for individuals living in remote locations (Rogers & Pilgrim, 2006, p. 186) I believe
that by increasing the use of technology this will take away the personable aspects of mental
health care. I feel that seeing a client face-to-face will give mental health professionals more
information and a better understanding of their client than would a telephone conversation.
Overall, I feel that sociology 201-3 has broadened my understanding of mental health and how it
SOCI 201-3 PERSONAL REFLECTION
is viewed in a sociological context. Furthermore, I look forward to utilizing my newfound
knowledge and incorporating it to my psychiatric nursing practice.
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References
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2014). Stigma. Retrieved from
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/issues/stigma
Rogers, A., & Pilgrim, D. (2006). A sociology of mental health and illness (4th ed.). Berkshire,
England: Open University Press.