Project 1
Stef Perez
Professor Beth Hammett
ENGL 1213
13 February 2023
Depressive Treatments
Why is depression becoming so common around the world? What is causing it to suffice dramatically, and is there a way to resolve depression? Anywhere one may go, one will find someone suffering from depression, perhaps even a loved one. But what is depression? Depression is a mood disorder that causes a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest and happens to be one of the nation's leading mental illnesses that affects everyone, including students and young adults. If depression doesn’t get treated, it can lead to self-harm or in many cases, suicide. Unfortunately, depression accounts for nearly 41,000 cases of suicide each year in the United States. Every twelve minutes in the United States, someone suffering from depression commits suicide (Keen 11). But what ultimately causes depression? There has not been a definite answer as to what causes depression, but scientists do, however, believe depression is caused by several different factors, it can range from personal life events, genetics, brain chemistry, medical conditions, and even medicine. With medicine, the constant need for pills eventually turns into an addiction and can lead to an overdose. So, what is a solution to treating depression? Although depression has skyrocketed in numbers, it is a social epidemic that can be curable using various solutions like psychotherapy, creating a new daily schedule, and mindfulness (MBCT).
People often confuse depression as just a temporary condition, but if the condition is not treated, it can progressively get worse and lead to fatal consequences. Drug treatment is one of the only ways to treat depression, which in turn can have major negative impacts, on doctors across the nation (Keen 71). Drug abuse leads to addiction and additional health issues. As a result, psychotherapy was founded. Psychotherapy was introduced to, “enable the depressed person to understand the reason for her or his feelings, and to find a way to deal with them less painfully” (3). Although psychotherapy may not be the most effective treatment, it allows patients to emotionally connect with their depression, while feeling validated in the process. Two hundred eighty patients with chronic depression were included in a naturalistic study. They were divided into two groups: an intensive inpatient treatment program and a wait list. The intensive inpatient treatment showed additional beneficiary outcome, and according to author Eielsen, “The results provide support for the effectiveness of an intensive inpatient psychotherapy program in treatment of chronic and severe disorders, such as CD, which could be of benefit for policymakers and the health care sector as they are allocating recourses efficiently” (1). Doctors for years have attempted to find alternatives to sole medicine. Medicine has always helped depression; it is the use concerning many. Psychotherapy allows a positive change in the brain body, improving behavior and emotions all in one.
Depression is known to cause a lack of motivation in life, but what alternatives can there be to prevent this? Psychiatrists and science reports have found that as painless as modifying one's lifestyle and their daily routine can aid depression. Author and PhD Melinda Smith states that, “lifestyle changes are simple but powerful tools in the treatment of depression. Sometimes they might be all you need” (1). Exercising regularly boosts serotonin, endorphins, and many other positive brain chemicals, and like antidepressants, it stimulates the growth of new brain cells. It ultimately has the same effectiveness as medication (Sargent 1). Exercising produces brain chemicals, also developing healthy food relationships and eating foods that are enjoyable is beneficial to the brain as well. Although many critics believe food is solely a substance people eat and cannot contribute to depression, nutritionists and psychiatrists found that a healthy nutrition style accounts for balanced mood swings and maximal energy. However, the feeling of loneliness can furthermore take a toll on those suffering from depression. “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness and it won't mean you're a burden to others. Often, the simple act of talking to someone face-to-face can be an enormous help” (Smith 1). Speaking to loved ones and creating special relationships will reduce any vulnerable feeling. Volunteering is also a prominent way to cope. It not only helps others but allows self-help as well. Surrounding oneself with positive influences challenges the brain to feel optimistic emotions while undergoing a diverse perspective on life. There is always someone who is willing to help through hardship whether it be a therapist, loved one, or even a stranger.
Depression is a medical condition which holds various challenges, and negative thoughts are especially one of them. mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was discovered to approach depression alternatively and offers mindfulness training with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Psychologists have found MBCT to be effective for those struggling with depression (Halliwell 1). Mindfulness is key to the therapy. By being aware of the issue, and how to tackle it head-on without disruption or issues, allows the brain to suppress pessimistic thinking (Halliwell 1). Author Ed Halliwell voices that "what's so beautiful and transformative about mindfulness is that it places the wisdom in the person and their own practice. They have a sense of ‘what’s happening with my mind and body at the moment?’ and how to shift from automatic pilot to more of an experiential present-moment mode. From that place they can judge what feels skillful and discerning” (1). When placed in a state of mindfulness, the person holds the power of the situation, not the illness. However, when experiencing an episode of depression, it seems demanding to engage in mindfulness, but the key is allowing oneself time to advance from the issue. There is no predicted outcome for those suffering with depression other than staying assured in the situation and maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself can later lead to mindfulness. Mindfulness cannot, however, be applicable for every case of depression. Some feel as though it does the complete opposite. But what is known about mindfulness is that it is important to take miniature steps into getting into one's own head. “Instead of actively avoiding or resisting depression and depressive thoughts, which may worsen symptoms, Eisendrath recommends trying to accept them,” (Yip 1). At the end of the day what ultimately matters are one's own thoughts on themselves, and mindfulness cognitive therapy permits a healthier approach to situations that are hidden, or even triggering to envision (Halliwell 1).
Depression is a social epidemic that has been around for many years, and only increases as the years go by. With very few effective treatments, depression can seem helpless to the eye, but psychotherapy, mindfulness cognitive therapy, and a new and improved lifestyle are various ways to guide depression. Technology has advanced tremendously throughout the generation and will progressively improve, and optimistically scientists are able to cure depression once and for all. Nothing is impossible and with the recent advances in treatments, there is a likelihood of happiness amongst everyone. Every twelve minutes someone suffering from depression ends their lives, but wouldn’t it be better if those twelve minutes became zero?
Works Cited
Halliwell, Ed. “Can Meditation Help You with Depression?” Greater Good, 5 October 2018, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_meditation_help_you_with_depression.
Keen, Ernest. Depression: Self-Consciousness, Pretending, and Guilt. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e900xww&AN=77702&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Sargent, Marilyn. "Depression." National Institute of Mental Health Pamphlets, National Institute of Mental Health, 1990, p. 1+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A9104644/AONE?u=odl_tcc&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=669411a2. Accessed 3 Mar. 2023.
Smith, Melinda. “Depression Treatment.” HelpGuide.org, 30 December 2022, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-treatment.htm.
Yip, Deborah. “Can Mindfulness Help When You're Depressed?” Greater Good, 10 Jan. 2020, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_mindfulness_help_when_youre_depressed.
Project 2
Stef Perez
ENGL 1213
Professor Beth Hammett
6 May 2023
Poverty: What Defines it?
Amartya Kumar Senar is known as an Indian economist and philosopher who experienced various hardships, including the Bengal famine of 1943 where three million people lost their lives. Senar is known for his contributions towards the ideology of poverty and claims it as, “capability deprivation,” essentially stripping people of their value based on income (Senar 3). During the Bengal famine, Senar believed there was an abundance of food supply in India, however, people had lost their jobs and sources of income and were unable to afford the rising food prices (Amartya Sen). Senar’s work was influenced by the government's handling of the food crisis and encouraged many policymakers to alleviate immediate suffering for those suffering from poverty (Senar 7). Senar recognizes poverty as a social epidemic and believes that those who suffer from poverty are not defined by the amount of money they have, but rather by the given opportunities they have joined (Amartya Sen and the Thousand...).
About 46.70% of people around the world suffer from poverty. That accounts for nearly half of the population of the entire world. But what causes poverty? The lack of basic needs and jobs are a couple of examples of poverty. But Amartya Senar believes that people's well-being depends on what they are able to be and do with limited resources given (A Philosophical...). “Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is not having the capability to realize one's full potential as a human being,” Senar states that poverty strips people of the opportunity to lead and live the lives they want and overall deserve (Senar 3). Poverty is not a choice nor is it something people seek intentionally. Many people have other factors contributing to poverty, besides low income but despite the factors, Senar argues, “development is about more than simply increasing wealth; it’s about increasing opportunity” (Senar 4). Money can only offer so much temporarily, but using opportunities can lead to permanent success. Senar advocated his ideologies but further pushed them when he asked for implications for policymaking which led to the United Nations later establishing the Human Development Index (Senar 3).
After developing and influencing policymakers to recognize poverty, Senar continued to preach the importance of poverty. Senar approaches the concept of poverty differently and argues that instead of focusing on income, people should focus on calculating how individuals can achieve things with a given income (A Philosophical...). “You cannot draw a poverty line and then apply it across the board to everyone the same way, without taking into account personal characteristics and circumstances,” claims Senar. Generalizing a situation to everyone despite recognizing the differences amongst individuals causes inequality (A Philosophical...). The rate of poverty seemingly increases as the years go by, taking on a new definition every step of the way. The term “poverty” is defined differently in every country. The World Bank defines poverty as earning $1.90 or less a day, whereas the US Census Bureau’s poverty line differs depending on the size of each family (Senar 4). Despite the different interpretations of poverty, the poor lack several elements, including education, health, justice, and vital resources. All factors are interconnected and inevitable for many people. But as Senar argues, this does not ultimately define their income nor their value as people, but rather simply means individuals do not have the same equal opportunities (A Philosophical...).
Philosophers like Amartya Senar advocate their ideologies for the betterment of others. Senar’s beliefs later led him to earn a Nobel Prize for his contributions to welfare economics and interest in poverty alleviation (Amartya Sen and the Thousand...). While also demonstrates his belief that poverty does not necessarily define one's income, the income doesn't raise life expectancy (Senar 4). When receiving a portion of income, people tend to believe that it will resolve all social problems, but instead many issues are more than money based. Income doesn't increase the overall well-being of a person and, “helping the disadvantaged requires more than just subsidizing their incomes, it requires expanding their opportunities” (Senar 3). Money does not necessarily buy happiness but can only relieve someone of temporary problems. The primary hardships people deal with are unrelated to money in many cases. Mental illness can inevitably take over when dealing with such stress. Depression is known to be a common factor when dealing with poverty and low income. It affects the psychological health of individuals and sends them through a spiral that cannot be resolved through any given income (Senar 7). Since 1972, Senar has taught and worked in various countries like the United Kingdom and the United States to control poverty rates. Senar continues to advocate his belief that poverty is an issue that can be successfully solved with the application of awareness among countries. Recognizing that poverty is not defined by value but rather by opportunities given, according to Senar (Senar 6).
The idea that poverty is characterized by wealth has been around for many years, but Senar takes poverty one step further. The correlation between poverty and opportunity is much more significant according to Senar (Amartya Sen). Various factors such as lack of education, health, and jobs can affect the overall wealth of an individual and can lead to both physical and psychological issues. Depression is a common leading illness for those specifically suffering from hardships, including lack of income. Receiving income can only do so much from a psychological standpoint (Amartya Sen and the Thousand...). “Progress is more plausibly judged by the reduction of deprivation than by the further enrichment of the opulent,” people tend to focus on the negative aspects of situations and Senar idealizes the positive consequences instead.
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Works Cited
“Amartya Sen and the Thousand Faces of Poverty.” IADB, www.iadb.org/en/news/webstories/2001-07-01/amartya-sen-and-the-thousand-faces-of-poverty%2C9286.html. Accessed 11 May 2023.
“Amartya Sen.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2023, www.britannica.com/biography/Amartya-Sen.
“A Philosophical Review of Poverty.” JRF, 7 Mar. 2016, www.jrf.org.uk/report/philosophical-review-poverty.
Senar, Amartya. Development As Freedom. 1st. ed. New York, Knopf, 1999.
Reflection Essay
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Stef Perez
ENGL 1213
Professor Beth Hammett
8 May 2023
Reflection Essay
While writing this essay, I furthered my knowledge of writing rhetorical essays. I was always used to writing argumentative and informative essays throughout high school and over time I began to get a bit tired of them. I never fully understood what rhetorical essays were and their purpose based on a lack of knowledge. But taking this course and having the ability to learn a new way to write essays made this essay much more captivating. It was definitely a lot more challenging than what I am typically used to writing but I am glad I was able to learn something new. I wouldn’t consider this my best essay, but I loved the steps I took to create it! It expanded my ability to write more rhetorical essays in the future. I am attending the University of Arkansas in the Fall of 2023, so I am excited to have something new to learn.
During the writing process, I learned how to apply social epidemics to philosophers and how they correlate with each other. I also learned how to expand my knowledge and think outside of the box instead of sticking to the same information. When it comes to writing rhetorical essays, I noticed that personal knowledge plays a big role in the production of the essay. I was surprised to brainstorm as many ideas as I did but I’m glad I know I can. Learning about philosophers was also very intriguing to me. While researching Amartya Sen, I encountered various philosophers with different ideologies, yet many had similar views on the situation. What I considered a challenge while writing this essay was researching Amartya Sen. Many websites did not seem reliable, so I turned to the philosopher himself. I began researching his book and found many more pieces of information for my essay. I did not know who Sen was until I wrote this essay. I found his ideologies interesting and agreed with most of what he believed in as well. It was interesting to discover a philosopher who is not talked about in today’s society. I guess you do learn something new every day.
When it comes to English literature, it has never been my strongest subject. I am Mexican and grew up in a Spanish-speaking household with little to no English being spoken. I struggled with English all my life, even in high school. I had many teachers who didn’t understand the hardships that come with speaking two languages. I was never the type who willingly asked for help because I viewed it as me being weak despite the challenges. I had very few teachers who were encouraging and struggled with others as they viewed me as “illiterate.” I was always insecure about the fact that I couldn’t speak English properly, and I will not lie I still struggle to this day. But I recognized that my ability to speak two languages is unique and rewarding. This course made it so easy for me to learn new things without struggling.