Thanks for writing this out.

This could be very helpful for people with problems. Pls share it if you can

Hi Caleigh ,
I really enjoyed your writing on Mental Health Stigmas. I feel very similar to how you feel being that we should all just talk about these problems instead of it being such a bad thing in society. I feel a lot more people suffer the same way but refuse to get help because society puts a huge red X over speaking freely on this topic. Thank you for writing!

Caleigh, your post is very well written. I liked how you included personal comments about your own struggles. This is exactly what the world of mental health needs- transparency and the ability to openly discuss these personal issues. I too have been offended by the “kill yourself” memes and jokes that pop up around our society. It is incredibly insensitive. It is mind boggling to me how people do not understand what a big issue suicide is and why they would throw it around like its a big joke. On the topic of the blue whale challenge, I was horrified to hear that people online were encouraging others to do these horrible things to themselves. Its sickening to think that yet another parent, friend, or family member has to struggle with losing their loved one to suicide. Keep writing and sharing your thoughts, its exactly what this world needs!
You make a great mental health activist, so here’s a link to check out: https://www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth

wow

Dear Caleigh:
I am appalled with the society we live in. Your post “Kill Yourself,” showed me that our generation is suffering from the lack of compassion and kindness, and I am outraged because if we all cared about each other, we wouldn’t be enduring pain and misery. Suicide is never okay, despite whether people treat it as a joke or discuss it as a serious matter. For someone to experience something so gruesome it compels them to take their own life away, isn’t a laughing matter. We all laugh and joke around here and there, complaining about our lives. Sometimes when a point in our life is too difficult or annoying, we want to “kill ourselves”. But how is any of it okay. We need to embrace each other and help those who are feeling down. We all experienced points in our lives – or maybe we will one day – where all hope feels lost. We can’t let that break us. We can’t give up from everything we have worked so hard for. All the great memories, love found, friendships made, families together, and just overall the happiness we once felt or will feel.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “Suicide is real.” Three words can have the most impact on a person. Usually, it’s 3 words, 8 letters to someone you are fond of. This sentence stood out to me because of fear. Suicide is seen as a joke and it’s disgusting. What’s worse than a bully, is the bystanders. In this case, life may be the bully to the someone, but fear is always the bystander. We never talk about suicide and we always avoid the subject. We need to stop hiding from the truth because Suicide is real and it’s like a plaque taking over those who have no hope. We don’t understand how people feel, or how they think. We are not telepaths or empaths. No matter how much we believe someone is okay, a part of them could be dying inside. We have to see it from their shoes, about what is real or not real. It’s this hope and drive to live that has gone out their souls, to make them believe that life is just a mask of reality. And that disappearing forever is the answer.
Another sentence that truly affected my perspective about suicide was: “‘the best ways to commit suicide’” It was atrocious! How can we move forward when all we do is keep pulling back? How can we stop an issue if we keep on encouraging it. I know for one that suicide got to a point where people use it for attention. To do such a thing, is horrid because what about those who can’t protect themselves? The people who are driven to take their life away because they are so ashamed of their own identity. How can we be a solution when all we do is add to the problem?!
Thanks for writing this post. It truly made me rethink about how I should treat people and see the world in a different perspective. I should appreciate the moments I live because, others out there are gone because of being misunderstood. But aren’t we all misunderstood? I look forward to seeing what you write next because, you’re writing has brought this emotion out of me that I never knew I had. It really changed me and I thank you for it.

Caleigh-
These statistics are so shocking, and even disapointing. It’s hard to believe that this is going on in our very own community. Like you, I think it’s important we place more of a value on mental health precautions. Here’s an interesting article about this topic https://www.sltrib.com/news/health/2017/11/30/utahs-youth-suicide-rates-growing-at-alarming-pace-new-federal-report-says/

Caleigh,
Wow, these are some extremely shocking statistics. It is so crazy how many people have been affected personally by a mental illness or indirectly affected by a loved one suffering. It is scary to think that this issue is only increasing, not only in our community, but all over the world. It is a very costly thing to go to therapy or for medications, and some insurances do not cover these things. A lot of therapists you have to pay out of pocket which is extremely difficult for some people who really need the help of a therapist. I really love that you have chosen this topic to write about because it hits so close to home for many of us. As you go further into your research, do you think you will look more into the funding and spending on this issue and how it should be adjusted? If you decide to stay on the money aspect I found a website about “paying for care”; it might be helpful http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/paying-care.

Caliigh, I like you post very much and I find your post to very compelling. I also feel too that you can touch on college, like the U.S. and China are such dominant nations that pressure society to be successful in economic and educational education that many teens feel as if they are falling short. I think what you have is impacful and holds true to society and is worth writing about. I think as a society we should learn to accept one another and their should not pass judgement that is based on little matters, like we have bigger issues to look at like Global Warming! lol

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/11684535/Pressure-on-children-to-get-into-top-schools-has-reached-a-crisis-point.html

Dear Caleigh,
I am happy to read your post “Stigmas with Menstruation” because I think it is a very good idea that you are bringing awareness to this issue. Menstrual products such as tampons and pads are becoming less and less affordable which is very unfair for women. Women should not have to worry about the price of their period. Instead, they should have to worry about taking care of themselves.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “We were born this way, and without us women in the world there would be no natural way of creating more people in our world.” I think this is very interesting because it is exactly what people need to see. It is the truth and it shouldn’t be dismissed as it is.

Another sentence that I liked was: “This stigma needs to end about menstrual health, and I think we need to start taking a stand when it comes to proper hygiene and care for women internationally.” This stood out for me because it draws attention to the idea that menstrual health is very important and it needs to be acknowledged.

I agree with you that we must raise awareness for menstrual hygiene. One reason I say this is because it would good for the well-being of women. Another reason I agree with you is that you clearly show that you want to make a change and to help raise awareness about female hygiene.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because I definitely support what you are fighting for. I believe that menstrual hygiene is very important and we must continue fighting to help menstrual products become more affordable.

In addition, my friends and I have a blog called “Luxury Tax Ain’t It.” On this website, we are trying to remove the sales tax from menstrual products. We hope you visit our website!
Here is the link: https://luxurytaxaintit.wordpress.com

Dear Caleigh,

I am interested in, your post because stigma on periods is something that I also believe is a serious issue in society.

One thing you said that stands out for me is: “many girls are embarrassed of the sounds made from hygiene products, so they avoid using them at school or in public, and many citizens and international women said they didn’t know what menstruation was until their first period came, and when they got it they felt scared that they were sick or that something was wrong with them. ” I think this is interesting, because it discusses the real life stigma that women in everyday life feel as a result of something that is a natural part of their body.

Your post reminds me of my own blog posts on word press where I also discuss the stigma on periods and the tampon tax. I feel that that this is not a topic that is discussed enough in society and as a result, women have to suffer.

Thanks for your project. I look forward to seeing what you write next because you seem very invested in your writing. Your voice speaks to people and informs them of important issues in society. It is not just filled with factual informations, but also connects with the reader on a personal level. I really like the topic you chose and how you executed your presentation of it. If you or anyone else would like to hear more about this topic and try to make a difference visit my blog post at:

https://wordpress.com/posts/my/luxurytaxaintit.wordpress.com

Dear Caleigh:

I am extremely intrigued by your article, “Stigmas with Menstruation,” because… it was so interesting for me to find out today how women in other countries in the world have to deal with periods. I live in America as well, so to see how women have it so hard in foreign countries is so shocking to me. The fact that women can’t afford products or don’t even know about them sometimes is so cruel for them.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: women “living in Bolivia can be found with many used pads in their backpacks, because they are told menstrual blood is so dangerous it can cause diseases like cancer if mixed with other trashes.” I think this particular sentence was interesting for me because from when they’re young to about adults, women learn that periods are wrong, disgusting and a sin. So, when I found out women in Bolivia have to hide their pads, used too, just because it can be “harmful” as a spread of diseases, that’s what actually disgusting.
Another sentence that I thought was cool was: “they are told it leads to infertility, and charge up to $4 for a singular pad.” This stood out for me because women are told incorrect information for the longest time just because their families don’t want them to know what a period actually is, also to make sure they don’t disclose anything to the public.
I completely agree with you that women have it so hard in many countries, and people need to fight to get equal right for women, because they deserve so much better. One reason I say this is is because women are the ones who reproduce, so periods and the knowledge of periods are necessary for everyone.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because this topic interested me so much. The way you talk about women’s periods and why they deserve equal rights is so inspiring. Thanks for writing this!

Furthermore, I have a blog that talks about everything period related. From the horrible luxury tax on them, to period poverty, etc. I would love it if you would check it out and support our campaign!
-> https://luxurytaxaintit.wordpress.com/

Caleigh,
I think that this is a very revenant topic in the world today. I am also a senior in High School and going through the application process and seeing what college is the right one for me, cost is a very large part of deciding where to go. I think that you have a very strong topic and agree with what you have said above.

Caleigh,
As a senior, this is on the forefront of my family’s mind. No matter what school you go to, at the end of the day you’re paying for a degree, and it’s insane that it can cost up to $60,000 a year to attend college. This is such an interesting topic, and if you’d like to find out even more, I found a great article about just how much the price of college (private public, and in-state) has gone up in the last twenty year: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2017-09-20/see-20-years-of-tuition-growth-at-national-universities. I agree with you that going to college is really important, and you pretty much need to go in todays world. Thanks for your post!

HI! I enjoyed reading this post because this is a topic that I feel strongly about as well. For the past two summers, I have gone to Haiti on mission trips and seen the poverty there. It is similar to the kind that you describe that you saw in Thailand. After seeing the poverty in Haiti, coming back to America redefined the meaning of poverty to me. We are lucky to be able to live in the United States where we do have government programs that can help people in poverty in America.
-Shenika

Caleigh,
I loved your post. It really spoke to me. I think it is incredible that you got the opportunity to experience going to another country and getting to see and live in Thailand’s culture and environnment. It was very interesting to read somewhat of what it is like their. When you said that they somehow seem happier despite having to do everything manually, I believe that they are happier because they have to do everything manually because they work hard for what they earn or have or even wear.

We in America are very lucky but it also is sad because so many people are selfish with their money and spend it when they are rich wen we could all as a country try to help other countries that are in poverty to help them get out of it or have it be a little better. I think it is inspiring that they do everything manually.

Hello Caleigh, I’d like to mention that I am really satisfied in how you compare the differences between poverty in America to poverty in third world countries because of the fact that many people in America’s society may not have knowledge in subjects that deal with the difference between problems in economies. One thing in the context that stood out to me was when you quoted “This summer I had the amazing opportunity to go to Thailand for a humanitarian service trip for two weeks to serve in a community, where they were living in poverty….” this line intrests me in the way that its so crazy and just mind blowing on how your perspective and vision of something changes to not be one sided to having multiple views of one religion, culture, and etc. This mainly makes me remember of when people use to categorize me as just an Asian kid with all of the stereotypes you could imagine to think of but they got surprised to know real facts and history of my culture and the traditions we celebrate. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience in this subject I really look forward to your next post!!

Dear Caleigh :
I am amazed by your story and experiences discussed in, “Poverty in America vs the World,” because I am also working to fight against and raise awareness for poverty. I admire that you traveled to Thailand and lived among the less privileged people of the world. This must have been a humbling experience, as you other people are born into better situations than others.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “The people who live in an undeveloped countries definitely take poverty to a whole other level, and yet the people there somehow are happier.” I think this is a great difference that America has when compared to other places. It’s important for people to be content with what they have, but also strive and work hard to reach bigger goals.
Your story reminds me of something that happened to me. I am part of my school’s committee focusing on poverty in New York City. We donate money and food to the people in poverty in our own city. Over 1 million people face these struggles in New York, but I never realized how much worse it was in other countries.
Thanks for your writing. This gave a me huge insight into the larger picture, how big of a problem poverty really is in our world, not just my home city. I hope that with the effort people like you are dedicating, we can reduce the amount of poverty in the world.
-Camille

Dear Caleigh:

I am moved by your post and am also trying to bring attention to the many negative effects of poverty on young minds. The difference between poverty in America to poverty in third world countries because of the fact that many people in America’s society may not have knowledge in subjects that deal with the difference between problems in economies is mind blowing. People take things for advantage and don’t know the hardships many people face every morning when they wake up.

Dear Caleigh
I am intrigued by the fact so many people are not that happy in Utah. One thing that stands out to me is the fact that “the youth ages 10-13 make up 13.0%. Of those 13.0% people 5.01% are suicides.” How did you find out this information to know. I would like to know more because I think it would interesting to see what the total percent of suicides are in the whole U.S.A
Regards,
Jaliaya

Caleigh, I found this post very intriguing. It also astounds, yet doesn’t surprise me that Utah has such a high suicide rate. I have looked into the linkage of Mormon religion and teen suicide very thoroughly in my own studies. This article here
( http://religionnews.com/2016/03/12/study-shows-link-teen-suicide-mormon-populations/ ) was very interesting to me and it showed how the high mormon population can have an effect on mental illness and suicide. I myself have had some very close personal experience with observing an individual who was raised in a strict LDS family who eventually committed suicide and I’ve seen how a lot of outsiders have blamed it on the religion itself. I see how this could come across as offensive towards the LDS religion however, I do believe there is a direct effect, especially with the views held in the religion itself towards LGBTQ individuals. This topic really interests me and I hope to find out more about how this linkage is represented.

This was a very eye-opening post Caleigh. I think you discussed a topic that most of society is too scared to address, and I am very impressed with the manner in which you did this. I think you gave a lot of accurate information that was backed up by statistics and resources. However, I wish you would elaborate or explain more on the statistics. While numbers give you proof of what your arguing they can sometimes be hard to comprehend and your article would be stronger if your reader completely understood the message you were trying to convey. I think the quote “they say In 2014 (the year the most recent data is available), the % Mormon in a U.S. state is associated with a higher level of youth suicides in that state” is very interesting. While I think it’s a good point I think you should maybe restate it in a way that would not come across as offensive to those in the LDS community. While it is a good point that backs up your argument, just remember the different people making up your audience.

I think if you wrote about how we can address this as a society and the solutions to this increasing problem your reader would feel more compelled to share your article and its solutions. I am very intrigued to see what you write next on this topic, and if you address how you personally think we will address this. I suggest looking at this article. It might give you some ideas to elaborate on!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wicked-deeds/201403/the-reality-suicide-growing-epidemic

Can’t wait to read more- Tess