Hum 101- Final Project

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Jan 9, 2024

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1 Critical Investigation Suicide Ruiz, Luis Colorado State University Global Hum101- Critical Reasoning Dr. John Battaglia April 10, 2022

2 Introduction The Mental Health Crisis in the United States and, frankly, worldwide has been at the forefront of discussion. It is a massive issue in the United States, given the high rates of suicides and clinical admissions for evaluations. These admissions do not discriminate and are seen across all ages, sexes, marital statuses, financial statuses, and sexual orientations. We know this crisis impacts all walks of life, making it more detrimental to our society. Understanding the root causes of depression and anxiety will be crucial in finding solutions to help those who suffer from these issues and provide an avenue for them to get the help they need to decrease the number of suicides. As I research these topics further, I will consider the nine intellectual standards: clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness (Elder & Paul, 2012). Another consideration will be that I'm aware of my assumptions and biases toward this topic. Anxiety and Depression In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported depression among adults aged 18 years or older at 4.7%. An additional 11.2% of adults felt worried, nervous, or anxious. Forty percent of those with severe mental health disorders do not receive treatment within the first 12 months (Darcy and Mariano, 2021). Treating depression and anxiety begins with understanding the triggers. To do this, one would need to work with a therapist. Depending on the severity of the depression and anxiety, medications may be recommended to manage the symptoms. Lifestyle changes also play an important factor, including but not limited to diet and exercise. Depression and anxiety have many faces and some that you may not identify just by looking at someone.

3 Suicide Globally, suicide has been recognized as a severe public health concern associated with significant disability, psychosocial impairment, and medical illness (Lew et al., 2019). Suicide ranks consistently in the 10 th and 11 th range, the leading cause of death each year, and is double compared to homicides. As a society, we need to educate ourselves about recognizing the signs and symptoms of suicide to prevent them from ever occurring. The risk of suicide in children and teens is high and is the second leading cause of death between ten and twenty-four (Goldsmith, 2017). The percentage of suicide among service members before the Iraq and Afghanistan wars were 25 percent lower than among the civilian population. However, since then, one in five veterans has committed suicide. The factors contributing to this increase include many stressors, legal issues, unemployment, and relationships—adults over sixty-five account for 18 percent of suicides in the United States. The highest rate of suicide is among the middle-aged group of 45- 64 years of age. The contributing factors include finances, medical problems, and substance abuse. As Penrod (2019) states, "The more we can be asking questions and not be afraid to ask that kind of specific questions when we have a reason, the more we can prevent suicide." Many factors to consider when thinking of a healthy state of mind, including family history, abuse, and intense emotions. Interest This topic is interesting to me because I struggle with depression and anxiety. I'm also a military veteran, and my experience has tremendously impacted my mental health. My journey to discover and accept my diagnosis of depression and anxiety has been full of challenges. One of the biggest challenges and first step in learning how to move forward was accepting and understanding how my childhood was not as healthy as I had thought and my military service's

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4 negative impact on my mental health. During my childhood and military service, I felt guilty about accepting my experiences as being unfavorable. I felt as if I was turning my back on my country. I've also seen how depression and anxiety have affected my family differently. Each of us has our own experience, and all look very different. Intellectual Standards When researching any topic, it's essential to understand and identify our intellectual standards. As individuals, we tend to live in a world of thoughts that we accept or reject. However, accepting or rejecting them does not make them true or false. Our minds are not set up to identify the truth or see things as they are. Instead, our thoughts are influenced by our agendas, interests, and values that we cannot think beyond our own biases. The intellectual standards include clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness. Straightforward use of these standards will provide more explicit, accurate, profound, and relevant information regarding such topics. Clarity provides the audience the ability to understand the meaning of the topic. Therefore, to understand suicide, we need to have an understanding of anxiety and depression. Critical thinkers do this by elaborating, providing examples, and illustrating the meaning. Accuracy is truth, with no misleading or mistakes in the evidence that supports the topic. Critical thinkers check the validity of the information. Precision provides the exact amount of accurate information needed. However, critical thinkers are specific and have many details. Relevance identifies how the supporting information relates to the topic. Critical thinkers recognize the relationship of the problem and how it impacts and supports the issue.

5 Depth provides the complexities and identifies the multiple relationships impacted. Critical thinkers identify the factors that make the problem complex and what complexities need to be dealt with. Breadth provides multiple views and perspectives. Critical thinkers will ask if other perspectives should be considered. Logic no contradictions and confirms all parts align. Critical thinkers ensure that the information aligns throughout the process and the evidence supports your point. Significance focuses on the importance only. Critical thinkers confirm that this is the most crucial portion of the problem. Fairness is not single-sided. Critical thinkers confirm multiple vested stakeholders and that the evidence is sympathetic to others' views (Elder & Paul, 2012). Depth and Breadth As part of this assignment, I'll be taking a deeper look at the depth and breadth of the intellectual standards. First, identify the most effective ways to address anxiety and depression and recognize the signs of being anxious and depressed. The depth of the problem is to understand the resources available for those who suffer from this. Resources include medications, therapy, and group sessions. In my opinion, this becomes difficult because anxiety and depression aren't visible to the naked eye, and often those who are suffering seem to be the happiest. The breadth of the problem is looking at the problem from a different perspective, including the person suffering and those who treat them. From my point of view, this subject is one that started with assumptions and now gained a clear understanding because I've lived through it.

6 Assumptions Considering the above intellectual standards, I realized that I had many assumptions. My assumptions were those who commit suicide are just looking for attention. Depression and anxiety are a choice, and medications and therapy do not work. These assumptions were instilled in me at a very young age. I was taught to handle any issues I had in the house; there was no need to see a doctor, and seeing a therapist was a waste of time. However, as an adult who suffers from mental health issues, my assumptions have flip-flopped. The more we can ask questions and not be afraid to ask that kind of specific question when we have a reason, the more we can prevent suicide (Penrod,2019). So now I'm asking myself, what can cause someone to commit suicide? Do anti-depressants work? How long does this last? Is it curable? What are the stigmas? How do they impact one's progress? What impact does one's culture, upbringing, and social interactions have on acceptance/education on this topic? What tools are used to help diagnose and treat? Will these be lifelong, or is there a cure? What role does genetics play? Paul-Elder-Critical Thinking Model The elements of thought involve many aspects starting with intellectual standards, elements of reasoning, and intellectual traits. The intellectual standards need to be applied to the elements of reasoning to develop intellectual traits. The elements of reasoning include purpose, questions, points of view, information, inferences, concepts, implications, and assumptions. These elements will develop intellectual traits: humility, autonomy, fair-mindedness, courage, perseverance, empathy, integrity, confidence, and reasoning. This model is intended to mold the most novice critical thinker into a more well-rounded thinker. Here are some things that more seasoned critical thinkers tend to do:

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7 - They ask as many questions that are clear and precise - They confirm relevant information is valid, interpret ideas as practical as they can - Identify well-informed solutions - Open-minded thoughts - Effective communications (Elder and Paul, 2010) Conclusion All in all, mental health issues are a huge part of society, impacting all walks of life worldwide. I felt I had the upper hand because of my personal experiences going into this topic. Still, by genuinely understanding the intellectual standards, I put aside my assumptions, biases, and experiences and break down each source fairly. To become the best critical thinker I can possibly be, removing preconceptions and assumptions must play a vital role in deciphering any source. Whether it's depression, anxiety, or suicide, mental health must be understood and cared for properly. Whether medication or therapy, our community can beat this global issue.

8 References Goldsmith, C. (2017). Understanding Suicide: A National Epidemic. Twenty-First Century Books ™ Lew, B., Huen, J., Yu, P., Yuan, L., Wang, D.-F., Ping, F., Abu Talib, M., Lester, D., & Jia, C.- X. (2019). Associations between depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness, subjective well-being, coping styles, and suicide in Chinese university students. PloS One , 14 (7), e0217372. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217372 Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2010). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Dillion Beach: Foundation for Critical Thinking Press. Penrod, E. (2019). ARE THE EMPLOYEES ALRIGHT? With depression, anxiety, and suicide rates on the rise in Utah, employers are looking for workplace solutions. Utah Business , 33 (3), 38–44. Darcy, A.M., and Mariano, T. (2021). Menta Health in America: A Growing Crisis. Psychiatric Times. Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2012). Critical thinking: Competency standards essential to the cultivation of intellectual skills, Part 4. Journal of Developmental Education, 35(3), 30-31.

Hum 101- Final Project

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