Group goals/objectives to be covered: By the end of sessions, the group will identify 3 coping mechanisms to address mental health/trauma.
- The group will brainstorm and discuss various coping strategies
- The group will discuss the feasibility of utilizing coping mechanisms in their daily routines
Brief agenda:
Icebreaker- 5 minutes
Discussion/Education pt. 1- 20 minutes
Break- 10 minutes
Discussion/Education pt. 2- 25 minutes
Conclusion
Lesson plan:
Icebreaker (5 minutes): Ask group participants to go around in a circle and name one thing that makes them happy when they are upset.
Discussion/Education pt. 1 (20 minutes):
Emphasize to the group that although they have practiced assertiveness, it is recognized that there are sometimes challenges in achieving personal empowerment. Note that without empowerment, one may feel mentally or emotionally weak, and in the worst cases, one may be increasingly at-risk of being taken advantage of in personal relationships.
Provide a brief review of learning to group participants: As we know violence is a characteristic of unhealthy relationships. “IPV may lead to physical injury; however, there is also the consequence of emotional distress and trauma. Following the violence, victims may experience difficulties with intimacy and intrusive flashbacks of assaults (Apatinga et al., 2021). IPV victims may express symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, shame, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, eating problems, and sleeping problems. It is also commonly reported that these victims frequently have thoughts of self-harm and suicide (Aryee, 2013; Issahaku, 2018).”
- Do you believe that there is a stigma surrounding mental health? If so, what are some examples? What are the negative effects of having a stigma surrounding mental health?
Response to discussion question #1:
Common stigmas surrounding mental health include (Mfoafo-M’Carthy & Sossou, 2017):
- Religious/spiritual misconceptions; mental health issues seen as a “curse” or result of sin
- Mental illness may be seen as contagious
- Individuals are often labeled as “mad,” “crazy,” “dangerous,” or “incompetent”
Impacts of mental health stigma/discrimination (Tawiah et al., 2015):
- Loss of credibility; seen as irresponsible
- Denied employment; loss of financial resources
- Denied school admission
- Loss of respect and/or feared by others
- Tension within familial relationships, romantic relationships, and friendships
- Forced isolation
- Do you experience any personal mental health challenges? If yes, what feelings do you experience?
Break (10 minutes)
Discussion/Education pt. 2 (25 minutes):
- What is your comfort level when discussing mental health with others?
- If your comfort level is low, what holds you back from sharing your experiences with mental health challenges?
- Do you use any existing coping mechanisms to independently manage your mental health?
- If yes, what are they?
- If no, do you know of any coping mechanisms you could begin using?
Given the stigmas surrounding mental health, and the potential for not knowing available mental health care resources, it is important to recognize appropriate coping techniques that you can implement independently. Coping techniques are not only useful for victims of abuse; they may be practiced by anyone in response to varying stressful situations.
Conclusion: Thank group members for participating in the session. Ask if any group members have any questions or concerns.
Resources/handouts/activities/materials needed:
N/A
Reference list for resources:
Apatinga, G. A., Tenkorang, E. Y., & Issahaku, P. (2020). Silent and Lethal: Consequences of Sexual Violence Against Married Women in Ghana. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(23–24), NP13206–NP13228. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520905552
Aryee, E. (2013). I Was Raped: The Psychological Effects of Rape Among Liberian & Ghanaian Women in Ghana. University of Toronto.
Issahaku, P. A. (2018). What Women Think Should Be Done to Stop Intimate Partner Violence in Ghana. Violence and Victims, 33(4), 627–644. https://doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-15-00053\
Mfoafo-M’Carthy, M., & Sossou, M. A. (2017). Stigma, Discrimination, and Social Exclusion of the Mentally Ill: the Case of Ghana. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 2(4), 128–133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-017-0043-2
Tawiah, P., Adongo, P. B., & Aikins, M. (2015). Mental Health-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Ghana: Experience of Patients and Their Caregivers. Ghana Medical Journal, 49(1), 30. https://doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v49i1.6