Project Perception

I believe that the most effective solution to this problem is to bring it out into the open where understanding, resolution, and prevention can take place. Creating both a Harkness Method community setting and a social network platform online will help build connections.

The stigma of mental illness is extremely prevalent and often controls the lives of the people who suffer from it––even before it has taken root. People who suffer from it are labeled based on this one aspect of their lives and everything else is overshadowed or ignored, including their passions, talents, ambitions, and achievements. It is difficult for people to understand what they have not experienced, so those who are struggling feel as if they are alone and have no one to turn to.

Stigma and mental illness is largely a societal issue. It is possible to prevent or solve these psychological problems beginning with discussion, understanding, and problem-solving. We are both a collectivist and individualist society. Working together as a community is the most effective method to fix this problem, and each individual's aspect of compassion will be able to work together creatively and solve it.

Evidence of the project impact can range from changes in everyday conversation and communication regarding mental illness and the terms that are associated with it to saving lives. My target audience will both become aware of how mental illness and its stigma can begin and gain knowledge about the truth behind people with mental illness. I also plan on preventing the stigma from taking root in the first place through compassion, dialogue, and problem-solving.

Track online activity - More and more people access the online platform.

Track participation - More and more people participate in seminars.

Observe community outreach - Other communities reach out to engage in seminars.

Instead of using medical and scientific technology to solve this problem, I am uncovering the societal manifestation of psychological issues that truly causes and perpetuates the issue. By removing and preventing stigma, we can tackle the root of the problem and change our societal perception instead of trying to hide what is traditionally seen as abnormal.

Our social network and human communication is the definition of human-centered technology. It brings digital communication into the real world and connects people in a way that is impossible with traditional technology.

The solution with be accessible both online and in person. Because disadvantaged communities are a large part of our audience, free seminars will be conducted where people will be able to connect with others without costly obligations.

My plan for financial sustenance is through fundraising, including planned events and seminars, partnerships with corporations, and grants. I plan to approach the NIH and the Carnegie Endowment for the Humanities, and other organizations. I also plan on utilizing music, writing, and art for fundraising, specifically through concerts, performances, and exhibits.

One of the main factors that would limit my solution's success is the financial restrictions if fundraising isn't successful. An understanding of different cultures may also be a bit difficult to establish universally, and an inability to personalize the program in relation to the stigma of individuals may arise.

It is imperative that this situation be solved. As a student in high school and a close friend of several people who have suffered immensely from mental illness, I have immersed myself in a society in which the stigma of mental illness is a prevalent problem. The issue has a significant place in my heart, and I have always strived to be as understanding and supportive of those who experience mental illness as possible. I hope to change the minds of people worldwide and open their eyes to the weight that my project holds.

I do not know of any direct competitors at the moment.