Global Perspectives – Health & Wellbeing Reflection
Sheet
Kayleen
Name: ___________________________ October 21
Date: _____________________
The Mental Health Stigma in Germany
Topic I researched: _______________________________________________
Germany
Country I focused on: _____________________________________________
Part 1: Understanding My Research
1. What health issue did you research, and why is it important in that country?
The health issue that I've researched on is the mental health stigma in Germany. This health issue, although
can affect a person's social health, is important in that country as it builds self-discipline and even restraint by
showing negative attitude towards people that shows vulnerability.
2. What did you find to be the main causes of this issue?
The main causes of this issue are due to Germany having cultural traditions that values obedience and
dedication that creates strict standards, where showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. It is also due to Germany's
history during World War II, where people felt the feelings of grief and tend to supress it. This was soon passed down
through generations, to supress their negative emotions inside.
3. What are some consequences this issue has on individuals and communities?
This issue can impact individuals to refuse to seek out for care towards families, friends, co-workers, etc, due
to mental health stigma. This leads to emotional isolation and loneliness. Meanwhile, this issue can also affect the
communites to be less supportive as it creates barrier for individuals to share their feelings. Additionally, it can also
encourage economic issues for communities, as higher absents and less productivity would be likely due to individuals
who emotionally isolate themselves to avoid judgment regarding their struggles.
4. What solution(s) did you propose in your paper?
The solutions that I propose in my paper is to start spreading awareness, encouraging open
conversations, and to show kindness and empathy. Through performing these actions,
people who struggled with mental health stigma can instead feel valued and will begin to accept their
struggles.
Part 2: Global Connections
5. Do you think this issue exists in other countries, including our own?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
Explain your answer:
Personally, I think this issue exists in various other countries. Countries like Korea, Japan, and even the
USA have a society where stereotypes are often normalized, whether it's skin color, social status, etc. Therefore,
I'm quite confident that mental health stigma exists in other countries.
Part 3: Personal Reflection
6. How has learning about global health issues changed the way you think about
wellbeing? Learning about global health issues has changed my perspective
that wellbeing is an important aspect of our lives, and once it's
overlooked, it may bring strong consequences. I also learned
many different perspective about individual's wellbeing globally. This has
encouraged me to pay attention to my own wellbeing better.
7. What’s one small action you can take to promote health and wellbeing in your
community or school?
One small action that I could promote in my school that promotes health and wellbeing is
by spreading awareness through discussions and campaigns. This way, people will get a deeper
understanding about health and well-being. People paying more attention about their health
and wellbeing will also be more likely.
Optional Deep Reflection
• What challenges did you face during your research, and how did you overcome them?
• If you could improve your paper or research process, what would you do differently?
- A challenge that I've faced during my research is when I approach an unprofessional site that provides
unreliable resources. I wasn't aware of it and instead I've applied to my essay. At the end, I overcomed them by
removing the unrealiable information and replaced it with new information that actually comes from a verified site.
From this challenge, I learn to first make sure that the site is professional and reliable before I apply them.
- If I could do my essay differently, I would make several adjustments with my wording choice. Personally, I think that
my wording choice in the essay was lacking and requires some adjustments. In addition, I would also try to put in more
content to make my paper more understandable. This way, my paper would be more likely to be improved.