The public
health topic I chose was the mental health of mothers, fathers, and families in
general. This topic is so meaningful to me because this is an issue that is
very prevalent, and depending on the person and the SES of the individuals and
families, they may not seek the proper help needed for the mental health issues
they have. This can have a long-term affect on the outcome of the children’s
development. This is also meaningful to me because I have seen this first hand
within my extended family. My mother was such a brave women with a big and warm
heart. My mother took in my cousin, who is not my sister because she adopted
her when she was a baby. My mother took my sister in as her own because her
sister suffered from mental health issues, and was unfit to take care of a
child. I commend her for not allowing my sister to go into foster care or
worse.
This may impact my future work by making sure I pay more attention to how parents and family members act towards their children and one another. I will also try to see how the child is developing, and if I notice any signs that may show they are suffering educationally, or otherwise, not to turn a blind eye to the situation and to be proactive.
