Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship

Social Media has had both positive and negative effect on mental health and self esteem. People have been able to spread information about mental health and community awareness and gives voices to those who wouldn't have one without. It allows people to show off their talents and grow. however it also has many negative impacts like cyber bullying. Students on the internet constantly have to wary of internet trolls, people on the internet who have nothing better to do than attempt to hurt other people. there is FOMO, the fear of missing out, which can cause people to develop mental illness due to not being able to do what others can. There's unrealistic standards, where people post only the perfect lives and perfect everything which cause students to believe they are inferior by comparing themselves to the fictitious side of the internet. Finally there is addiction. Students spends an exorbitant amount of time on their phone and the internet, where they struggle to live lives outside of it and struggle to maintain In person relationships. During COVID people were forced to spend most of their time in their home which led to higher digital connections. However, studies have shown that for everyone, especially younger people, this has led to struggling with their real life interpersonal relationships. People are now more likely to flake on plans. Due to the amount of time students spends on their phone they are not developing social skills at an expected rate. These all lead to minors and students having a negative mental view on their body and mind, believing they are not qualified to be anything in life, that they do not deserve what they have and they do not belong. These can lead to many mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts. These are all very big issues that need to be addressed, but the question isn't should we, its how should we address these issues. Most experts consider one of the best ways is to put down the phone. by limiting internet time mental health issues related to the internet have been shown to improve. Another way is to cut out negative outlets. Go through your contacts and cut out those who make you feel bad about yourself. This would make social media a more positive outlet. Media websites themselves also need to make an effort to make the internet a safe place for students by not allowing the toxicity that some people exhume to be not allowed on their website.

In a world where a single post on Instagram can spark a whole movement, a single post can also damage a life. Modern day teens spend a lot of time on social media, even I am guilty of dangerous screen time. In a perfect world, we could all uplift each other on social media and create a community of support. However, this is not what happens in real life. Cyber-bullying runs rampant through my high school, people being called "ugly" and "stupid" on Snapchat, too insecure to post on Instagram, and re sharing Tiktoks about the most grim topics. They say comparison is the thief of joy, and I believe that to be true. Social media is addictive and evil. Like a drug, it is hard to quit even if the reasoning is right in front of you. Teen suicide is growing because of bullying and comparing. One thing on social media I find the most harmful and find myself falling victim to the most is unrealistic beauty standards. Unhealthy eating and exercise standards are shoved onto the algorithms on every platform made for teens. People are mass buying new inventions that help with "beauty" but also gaining destructive behaviors. Eating disorders for teens are rising rapidly within the last decade because of comparison to these influences we see who have unlimited access to materials to create a "perfect" version of themselves. Comparison is what is killing the youth, and damaging future generations. We have all heard of generational trauma, and these type of destructive behaviors are what this generation is going to pass on to their children, creating a loop of self esteem and mental health issues. Personally, as the Head of Social Media for my school's student government, online spaces are extremely important to me. I always try to post reminders and resources on mental health and resources to reach out. To combat social media issues in relation to mental health and self esteem, I believe all platforms should create stricter guidelines to protect children who are easily influenced. Recently, in Australia they have passed a law banning social media for those under the age of 16. I think something similar to this in the United States would help on these issues. While it may be hard to implement, I think a way to verify age for social media, maybe by uploading a photo of a drivers licences, permit, or other form of ID should allow access to different content. Based upon age, access to certain videos would be prohibited, as well as stricter guidelines that are monitored more frequently by these companies. The reasoning for this would be to monitor what the younger people get to consume, in order to protect children and teens in their most susceptible age range.

Social media, created by Andrew Weinreich in the late 1990s, offers ways to create, share, and exchange ideas across the internet. It includes various platforms, such as community forums, video-sharing sites, and social networking sites, that encourage communal interaction. While social media can positively influence our wellbeing, it can also negatively impact mental health and self-esteem. Social media impacts mental health and self esteem through comments, posts, and messages. First, comments on social media significantly affect mental health and self-esteem. People often leave two types of comments: positive and negative. Social media provides a space for people to express their thoughts quickly and, at times, without considering the impact on others. Negative comments can lead to anxiety, sadness, and a drop in self-esteem. A single harsh comment can influence how someone views themselves or a topic. Positive comments, on the other hand, can uplift and encourage users. Therefore, comments are one of the main key factors that can affect one’s mental health and self-esteem. Next, posts on social media also influence mental health and self-esteem. Many users share photos or updates to showcase their lives or preserve memories. However, fear of judgment can discourage some people from posting, causing stress and lowering self-esteem. Comparing one’s life to the carefully curated posts of others may lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. On the contrary, supportive interactions on posts can foster a sense of belonging within a certain group. Thus, posts also play a significant role in one’s mental health. Finally, private messages on social media impact mental health and self-esteem. Messaging allows people to stay connected, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Hurtful or critical messages can lead to feelings of rejection or distress. Conversely, kind and encouraging messages can improve mood and self-confidence. The immediacy of messaging means these impacts are often felt instantly. As a result, messages are a significant contributor to mental wellbeing. Overall, social media influences mental health and self-esteem through comments, posts, and messages. As technology continues to evolve, so does the nature of social media interaction. While it can change our connection and self-expression, it also opens the door for negative experiences. Recognizing this great impact is essential in understanding how social media shapes our mental health through our lives. Therefore, it is clear that social media can both positively and negatively affect self-esteem and mental health through comments, posts, and messages.

I had my first panic attack when I was in elementary school. I was already struggling with ADHD which was a side effect of brain surgery. But Anxiety was different. It had no warnings. I couldn’t control it no matter how hard I tried. I cried and felt afraid going to places that had large crowds of people, even if it was somewhere I wanted to go, including my basketball games. Because I never knew when I would be stricken with Anxiety, I had a hard time focusing. I often overthought everything which made things worse. This made it difficult to know how to ask for help. The one person who knew how to talk to me whenever I was overwhelmed was my Mom. My Mom’s genuine support and her teaching me how to advocate for myself have been pivotal in my Mental Health stability and compassion for others. She was my Mental Health Peer Advocate who taught me how to advocate for mental health awareness. My Mom is a Licensed Minister who writes and speaks about the importance of mental health awareness on social media platforms, in the community, and within the inner city Outreach Ministry. By serving alongside my Mother and dealing with Anxiety on a personal level, I grew to understand that Mental Illness does not discriminate. The Black community, just like other communities of people, suffered from mental and emotional stress, along with a lack of resources and awareness. I believe that mental health advocacy should be taught with inclusion, and compassion and made available for all people. By growing up in church and volunteering in the community, I learned the importance of trusting God while letting go of religious traditions. This meant being open to Therapy. Unfortunately within the Black community, sometimes culture and religious traditions place healing on a person’s ability to attend church, be strong, and salvation alone. These concepts often keep Black people from seeking essential help for mental health issues outside of church. However, faith without advocacy does nothing. Because my Mom believed in God and was determined to help me receive the right care that was best for my health, she normalized Therapy and Emotional Awareness. The Church and its Leaders must do a better job of supporting the Black Community and its members when dealing with mental health issues. Inclusive resources for awareness, healing, and application should be provided. Discussions on mental health advocacy and help should be within the church building. Choosing to go to therapy does not mean that a person is absent from God. This mentality has to change. Now that I am a freshman in college, I see the impact of having learned how to advocate for my Mental Health as a young black child. My Mother’s ongoing support shaped my life. Talking to school counselors when I felt stressed out about my grades and was having really bad days helped me when I could not talk to my Mom or my regular Therapist. I believe onsite Trained Licensed Counselors should be made available in Inner City Community Organizations as well as Black Churches. I also benefited from being on a school team that allowed us to have “round table discussions.” This allowed us to share our emotions in a safe space. Facilitated small groups that focus on mental health should be offered in more safe spaces along with resources from each state’s National Alliance on Mental Illness Organization information. This will teach people how to advocate for themselves and hopefully become a Peer Mental Health Advocate for someone else.

I know first hand about the struggles of mental heath problems. Personally I have struggled with extreme generalized anxiety and social anxiety. I began to struggle around the age of nine. I changed schools when I was ten and struggled so bad with the change. I didn't like change plus I struggled to make friends. I barely slept. Finally halfway through that year my parents took me back to my old school and got me counseling. The counseling helped me tremendously. Eventually I was able to make the school change and be successful. Not only have I struggled, but I have saw my mom's struggle with very debilitating anxiety. Medication and counseling has made all the difference for her. She is so happy and lives her life to the fullest now. It's amazing what treatment for a mental disorder can do in the life of a person. It can greatly improve their life as well as those around them. Black communities face many challenges with mental health. Two of those being the way it is stigmatized and the lack of accessible treatment. The stigma on mental health in the black community has caused them less likely to admit they are suffering and less likely to reach out for help. Black young adults face higher rates of mental health problems than older white and black adults. One reason there is a stigma on seeking treatment is the distrust of the medical community. African Americans have been midiagnosed at higher rates than white patients. The medical community has also exploited the black community in the name of medical advancement. Also, sadly during slavery it was thought that slaves weren't sophisticated enough to experience mental health disorders. This lead many to ignore their mental health problems or dismiss them as just being tired or stressed. Also, through the years in our country all ethnicities were taught that having a mental illness was a sign of weakness. This causes people to keep quiet about their mental pain and never seek help. Unfortunately there is also less access to medical insurance in the black community. There is also a lack of financial means for many in the black community. This leads to this community not getting the mental health treatment they so desperately need. It is my hope that the black community will seek out mental health care and be able to receive it when necessary. There are different ways that there access to mental health care can be improved. One way that our country can take away the stigma in mental health care in the black community is by talking about it in our public schools. When kids learn about something from a young age they are more likely to accept it and realize that they can get help. It makes it more normalized. Children are so understanding and accepting. Another way to promote mental health care and take away the stigma in the African American community is to bring the information to them at community events. Doctors and their staff can reach them by going to them and showing them they care. By doing this they can form relationships and build trust. This will therefore save many lives. I feel like the black community also needs more information on jobs that provide good financial stability and insurance. Good insurance is so important when seeking mental health treatment. I feel like our public schools could help our black youth in this area. Social media can also be a tool in promoting good jobs for the black community.

For someone who has experienced mental health issues, not myself but my mom, which affected me indirectly. Because at my early age I had to look for options to help my mom without her getting mad at me but until today, it's been impossible to make her seek for help or follow a treatment. So, I know how difficult could become a situation like that not only because is hard itself but because there's no resources to treat it. And I'm so glad that I am applying for this scholarship because this list of caucuses can help me a lot to get some help for my mom and make her see live from a different perspective and not like living is a "hell". I would say that improving prevention and early intervention should be the first caucus on the list. By focusing on strategies that stop mental health problems from developing or worsening, we can potentially save many lives from long-term negative consequences and reduce the overall burden on the mental health system. The second caucus on the list should be increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment and common-sense solutions. This way, we can ensure that people have access to effective treatments and be aware of how different their lives can turn once they complete treatments successfully. The third caucus that should be enhancing the nation's crisis response services. Again, providing immediate support and intervention can save many lives during mental health emergencies. Many people don't know who to rely on when they are having a mental health emergency. So, it is crucial to improve the capacity, coordination, and accessibility of crisis response services to ensure timely and appropriate care for individuals suffering mental health issues. Lastly, expanding the country's mental health professional workforce is in this place because it is based on the understanding that without adequate prevention efforts, access to treatment, and crisis response services, simply increasing the workforce may not address the larger systemic challenges. However, it should be acknowledged that a well-trained and sufficient mental health workforce is vital to support the delivery of quality mental health services. In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that different perspectives and experiences may lead yo different prioritization orders. Some might argue that expanding the mental health professional workforce should be higher on the list, recognizing the need for more providers to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Others might argue for placing crisis response services higher due to the immediate and lifr-saving nature of THEIR interventions. Ultimately, the prioritization order should be determined through robust discussions and considering various stakeholders' opinions.

1. Prevention and Early Intervention Efforts: At the forefront of priorities stands prevention and early intervention efforts. This is not just a chronological necessity but a strategic imperative. By investing in awareness programs, community education, and early intervention initiatives, we can address mental health challenges proactively. For students like me, who face the stresses of academia, these initiatives can create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being from the outset. 2. Mental Health Professional Workforce Expansion: Expanding the mental health professional workforce takes second place, not due to diminished importance but as a complementary step. With an increased understanding and recognition of mental health issues, the demand for mental health professionals surges. By bolstering the workforce, we ensure that individuals across Alabama, including students, have access to the guidance and support necessary to navigate their mental health journeys. 3. Crisis Response Services Enhancement: Crisis response services come next in priority. In moments of acute need, having an effective crisis response system is critical. This prioritization ensures that those in immediate distress receive timely and appropriate assistance. For students balancing the challenges of academics and potential mental health struggles, a reliable crisis response mechanism can be a lifeline. 4. Access to Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment: The fourth priority is increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment. Once prevention, workforce, and crisis response mechanisms are in place, ensuring that individuals can readily access proven and effective treatment modalities becomes paramount. This prioritization is a logical progression that completes the comprehensive mental health support system. While these priorities form a robust foundation continuous assessment and adaptation based on the evolving needs of the community ensure that the mental health support framework remains dynamic and responsive. As we advocate for these priorities, let us be mindful of the individual stories and challenges, recognizing that each student in Alabama is a unique thread in the rich tapestry of our collective well-being. Personally I come from Gadsden Alabama where i was raised by a single mother with an older brother. The stress on my mother was too much to handle and with laws restricting assess to the Prozac medication she had to take my mother was pushed towards an addiction to meth. My girlfriend has also had many struggles with mental health some leading her to be hospitalized and admitted to a mental ward to help her recover. though i dont have many problems with mental health myself I have been surrounded by loved ones who struggle with it everyday, and i do everything i can to help ease their burdens.

I was diagnosed with ADHD last week. Last week. The journey hasn't been easy to get here, and now that I'm at the top of this proverbial mountain, medicated and experiencing what it's like to feel... okay, I think, okay, maybe, it makes me contemplative. While I'm relieved that I've reached this peak, I feel grief for the younger me that suffered in the not-knowing, because I was a hyperactive little girl who couldn't focus, and that was just.... normal. But now I know it wasn't normal-- my undiagnosed mental illness gave me depression when I couldn't function right, and severe, crippling anxiety that my future was over before it even began. Now, I can say that my mental illness did that to me, and I have a little folder of $900 papers to prove it. But... America IS facing a mental health crisis. We're experiencing a new age in many different ways; mental health, of course, being a very notable example. There are stigmas around mental health that debilitate those already suffering, and there is no support out there that can give back the safety, comfort, and optimism for the future that the world has taken from them. Yes, we are in a crisis. But that is not the end. Semicolons exist in lieu of periods for a reason; and so too does the phrase, "this is not over," to follow a grim story. At a national level, change is already happening. One can look at the way the conversation has shifted around mental illness over the last few years. It's not perfect, but people seem to care more than they used to. But, caring is not the only important aspect-- national funding of mental health services to specifically help those in need would be so crucial to help those who are struggling with mental health, and could lessen the social stigma that needing help is something to be ashamed of. At a state level, Alabama would need to implement or support affordable mental health services in areas with higher minority populations, as they are certainly underserved and, considering the nature of racism in not just America, but the South, they certainly deserve to have access to such a vital component of healthy living. School is tricky. It seems these days that anything too "woke" is shot down, and certainly, they might feel the same about any suggested mental health curriculums-- it would be hard to get it to practical stages. But.. Perhaps, just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's not worth doing. Maybe I wouldn't have needed to wait 21 years to feel okay with myself if I had known more about what I was struggling with. I am certain it would help other children with that, too. For community, family, even, we need only follow through on the promise of the name. Community. Having compassion for those around you. Building and fostering support networks for those who feel lost. We're so isolated these days-- I don't know my neighbor's names. And, perhaps similar could be said of our families; sometimes I'm afraid to tell them when I struggle. But what is family for if not to catch us when we stumble? I apologize to myself a lot. For things I say to myself now, and for things I say about my younger self, who didn't know any better. The world can be cruel, but we need not help it in this grim duty. Mental illness is not your fault. Try to treat yourself with the grace you would show your favorite person in the world.

Education is vital and it can help enhance my knowledge to be able to teach other people about mental health. Education is important to me because it reminds me of the story of Malala and how she was unable to get access to education as a girl in her country and she fought for education until she got the approval of doing so. My parents believe in getting an education as it enhances us as individuals and makes us a greater part of society. Some challenges I faced were teachers not believing in me and I thought because they didn’t believe in me, I couldn’t believe in myself. I plan to debunk their beliefs and do everything I can to the best of my ability. Working with adults who have mental illnesses has allowed me to be more aware of others around me and to be grateful. I know of many people who have and still currently are facing mental health crises. On a national and state level, I believe politicians can speak on the importance of mental health and provide resources for people to access health providers so people can access them. My high school monthly spoke about the importance of mental health and the resources but didn’t make the resources available in front of our eyes. I think the schools should have posters to talk about who to call or message when they are going through certain things. I believe that they should also have people who are certified for others to access in the schools so students can speak to them. Students need things right in front of their faces to know they can get help and access it. On a community level, people can be kind to their neighbours. The Bible speaks about being kind to one another and treating others with respect. I believe also having someone readily available to speak to is important. With the community and recreation centres, there should be posters and mental health advisors. After working in my local community center, I realized that a lot of students after school come and cause trouble. After speaking with some of them, they avoid wanting to go home. Knowing that there is someone to talk to and cares about them, is important. On a family level, I believe it is important that our family members listen to us and care about our feelings. Coming from a Caribbean household, it can be difficult to express oneself about mental difficulties but it would be great if parents are educated about mental illnesses and how to cope with them. Just being a listening ear to your child, can make a major impact on their life. I am currently in Business Healthcare Administration and I plan to pursue a master’s in healthcare administration. I then plan to start working in a hospital as a hospital administrator, and CEO, and then go for a Ph.D. in Business. I then want to open my own business to help those who are less fortunate so they can have access to healthcare. I find that this will benefit people as some people in America may not have full access to adequate healthcare. It can start with having a few pop-up clinics and information sessions about mental health and start change from there. I know that God has great things in store for me and it will only be possible once I put God first in everything I do.

When I was 13, I learned what mental health really was. I had heard about mental health and mental illness because it was "trendy" but I didn't realize that I was also vulnerable. I was uneducated on what mental health was and the importance of maintaining a healthy mind. Peering back into my childhood, I realize I missed several signs of developing mental illnesses that could have probably been avoided, however, my experience with mental illness wasn't the only one to drive me to where I am today. When I was in elementary school I was a very open and friendly person, often engaging in conversations with ease and participating in group activities, however, I was often bullied and avoided as being the "weird" kid because I was considered different. I was diagnosed as Autistic during this time and socialization was not my strong suit. When I entered middle school, I began developing an anxiety disorder, most likely due to bullying or purely just genetics. I became enclosed and sheltered from people that I was not extremely close with. In my later middle school and early high school years, I developed a depressive disorder often triggered by my lack of socialization. I would go to school and then go home, repeating the same process every day. In 10th grade I stepped out of my comfort zone, joining clubs, reconnecting with old friends, attending local football games with them, and putting myself out there. Unfortunately soon after was when the pandemic occurred, resulting in a worldwide lockdown. This took my anxiety and depressive disorder to a level beyond anything I had experienced previously. I developed common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, specifically intrusive thoughts which caused me to isolate and have suicidal tendencies. This disorder has unfortunately followed me throughout my entire educational career. Once I entered college I began to experience trouble with my eating habits. I had always struggled with my weight as I was overweight growing up and eventually reached a normal weight, although with unhealthy methods. I was told by multiple people that I "weighed too little" or "don't eat enough". I would often go as far as to make myself sick after eating to avoid gaining weight. I have reached a point where I am on the verge of being underweight, though I have started doing better in terms of eating, thanks to the constant support of those close to me. While my personal experience in mental health is playing a crucial role in my personal and career goals, so did the mental health of those around me. Before I left for college, my grandmother developed symptoms of dementia and became very aggressive, causing me to have to abandon her against my best wishes because she rejected to seek help. It was a terrifying experience and has ultimately affected what I want to pursue. This set in stone my decision to first seek a bachelor's, later master's, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to become educated in Psychopathology, the study of mental illness and disorders. I want to help others who have suffered as well as have the opportunity to study people suffering from mental illness. I want to be able to study the development of illness and be able to develop a more effective treatment to give them a fulfilling and successful life. Thanks to my experience with mental health, I determined what I wanted to do with my life. It helped me develop an education and career goal. It also has given me several opportunities to help others who have struggled as I have.

As someone who struggles with Bipolar disorder, managing my depression and mania is an everyday, uphill battle. Recently, due to financial constraints, I was no longer able to afford my medication and was forced to go without them for the majority of this year. As a result, my mental health plummeted and I discovered new lows I had never experienced before. It is a strange phenomenon to be at war with oneself day in and day out, to constantly be at the battle against your brain. It has without a doubt been the hardest year of my life, and as much as I have wanted to give up, it has been a significant learning experience and has influenced and changed all of my current goals in life. I realized I was unhappy with the path I was currently on and (albeit it was largely due to mania) I was energized to pursue other paths and found a true passion for creating art through graphic design. This realization led to me changing majors, adding a new minor, and revamping my career aspirations to something that I was more passionate about and was excited to pursue. This period also led me to value my friendships and relationships more and realize that it is okay to be honest with the people who love me, and allow them to help me when I need it. In the past, I often struggled to allow people to help me, preferring to suffer alone if it meant the ones who cared did not have to worry, but it only made things harder and drove wedges in relationships I cared about. However, during what has been arguably my toughest battle with my mental health yet, I came to realize that all of these people want me to be honest and want to know how I am doing and that it is okay to tell them. In turn, my relationships have become stronger and I was able to curate healthy and much-needed support systems. Strengthening my relationships also directly impacted my overall beliefs, as I started to form healthier beliefs about my friendships, relationships, and myself as well. While it is still an everyday battle, and I am still without the medication that I need, I have learned to cope and manage by simply telling myself that things will get better and adopting better habits to manage stress. For example, being consistent with journaling and creating art and being open about my struggles. I started to tell myself more positive things and chose to believe these positive things until they became regular, everyday thoughts. It is not easy and I still struggle a lot, it is still hard to function without medication and some days are still just as dark as others, but it is a constant effort. Though I would not go back and do it twice, I would not trade all that I have learned about myself and the growth I have made for anything in the world.