Self-Reflection Essay (Essay Sample)

Final Self-Reflection Essay Student's Name University Course Professor Before taking this course on abnormal psychology, I had a very limited understanding of mental illness. I believed that mental illness was something that only affected a small group of people and that it was something that could easily be fixed with medication or therapy. I also had a number of biases and misconceptions about mental illness, including the belief that people with mental illness were dangerous and unpredictable. As I began to learn more about mental illness and the various forms it can take, I was surprised by the complexity and diversity of the different disorders. I was also surprised by the range of treatments available, including a variety of therapies and medications. This challenged my previous thinking and made me realize that mental illness is much more common and varied than I had previously believed. One of the most important takeaways from this course for me was the realization that mental illness is not a personal failing or weakness, but rather a complex and often misunderstood condition. This challenged my previous beliefs and made me more compassionate and understanding of people who live with mental illness. In terms of advice for someone new to the concept of abnormal psychology, I would recommend starting with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It's important to approach the subject without judgment or preconceived notions, and to be open to the possibility that your previous beliefs may be challenged. I have definitely changed as a result of my participation in this course. I am now more knowledgeable and understanding of mental illness, and I am more aware of the biases and misconceptions that I previously held. I am also more empathetic and compassionate towards people who live with mental illness. In the future, my learning from this course will be useful in my career, parenting, and citizenship. As a future healthcare provider, I will be able to provide better care and support to patients with mental illness. As a parent, I will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness in my children and seek appropriate treatment. And as a citizen, I will be able to advocate for better support and understanding for people living with mental illness. In terms of my attitude and approach to the learning materials, I found that I was initially skeptical and hesitant. I had never studied abnormal psychology before, and I was not sure what to expect. However, as I began to engage with the material, I found myself becoming more and more interested. I was especially intrigued by the case studies and real-life examples that were used to illustrate different disorders. One area that challenged my previous thinking and made me uncomfortable was the concept of stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. I was not aware of the extent to which people with mental illness are often marginalized and mistreated by society. This made me realize the need for greater awareness and understanding of mental illness, and the importance of combating stigma. In terms of what surprised me, I was surprised by the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and treatment of mental illness. I had previously believed that mental illness was primarily a biological or psychological phenomenon, but this course taught me the importance of considering the broader context in which mental illness occurs. Overall, my participation in this course has been a valuable and enriching experience. It has expanded my knowledge and understanding of mental illness, and it has challenged me to think critically about my own beliefs and attitudes. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this important and complex subject. One thing I might have done differently to make the experience richer would be to seek out more opportunities to engage with the material outside of the classroom. For example, I could have attended lectures or workshops on the topic, or read additional books or articles on mental illness. This would have allowed me to gain a deeper underst...