INVISIBLE
VISIBLE
The Problem
- The National Institute of Mental Health found in 2013 1 in 4 adults−approximately 61.5 million Americans− experiences mental illness in a given year. (where did 1. Schizophrenia this come from and what year is this info)
2. Anxiety - In 2003,The World Health Organization has reported that 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US 3. Mood Disorder and other developed countries are mental disorders. They predicted that by 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading causeDisorders of disability in the world for 4. Eating women and children. (who said this and what year) - The National Institute of Mental Health found in 2007— the most recent year for which we have statistics—it was the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24. - In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that Facebook use may feed anxiety and increases a person’s feeling of inadequacy.
more research we began to look into areas of ability
- In 2012, Anxiety UK conducted a survey on social media use and its effects on emotions. The survey found that 53% of participants said social media sites had changed their behavior, while 51% of these said the change had been negative. There is no doubt that technology will only develop faster in the coming years, which means a predicted increase in mental illness diagnosis. Some of the most common social media and technology disorders include:
and the problems that disabled persons face on a
We began our journey researching human rights and the social stigmas that accompany it. Through
day to day basis. Delving deeper into the realm of disability we found that mental illness was an area that currently doesn’t gain enough recognition. Our product aims to change the 61.5 million American lives that currently suffer from mental health issues.
• Fear of missing out or FOMO: A form of social anxiety, whereby one is compulsively concerned that one might miss an opportunity for social interaction, a novel experience, profitable investment or other satisfying event. Through an increased reliance on the Internet, a psychological dependence to being online has developed and results in anxiety when one feels disconnected, thereby leading to a fear of missing out. • Nomophobia: The fear of being out of mobile phone contact. A 2010 study by the UK Post Office who commissioned YouGov, a UK-based research organization found that 53% of mobile phone users tend to be anxious when they “lose their mobile phone, run out of battery or credit, or have no network coverage”. The study found that about 58% of men and 47% of connected, thereby leading to a fear of missing out.
In today’s society mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Almost everyone knows someone in their life that has battled cancer or has lost their life to heart disease so the chances of you knowing someone suffering from a mental illness are extremely high. Even though the statistical chances of knowing a person with mental illness is high, you rarely see people wearing awareness apparel, holding events or banquets raising awareness, like other causes such as Pink Ribbon for breast cancer, Livestrong for testicular cancer and The Red Ribbon campaign for diabetes. Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Some external factors thought to contribute and trigger chemical imbalances have been linked to chemicals within our environments in the food we eat, higher pressure work and life expectations over exposure to technology and electrical waves produced by these devices. are linked to cause mental illness such as rapidly developing technology, stressful environments, and exposure to chemicals in our food and air are growing exponentially, our nation seems to have a lack of perfunctoriness or apathy (Both mean the same thing) for those suffering alone and in silence , and for their own risk or someone they love potentially developing a mental illness within their lifetime. USA Today captured the United State’s lack of concern well stating: “The USA routinely fails to provide the most basic services for people with mental illness -- something the country would never tolerate for patients with cancer or other physical disorders” If we continue to down this path the future of our nation’s mental health is at stake.
GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION STUDY: - Nearly 1 in 4 felt depression was a sign of personal weakness and would not employ a person with depression
Globally society as a whole is making impactful changes in human rights through social awareness with a commitment to change. In contrast, mental health doesn’t get the same recognition. People are misinformed about the issues and facts surrounding mental illness and what it really means. Just because mental Illness isn’t a visible disability doesn’t mean it lacks in importance. Making mental illness visible will quite literally change the way the public views it.
- 2 out of 5 thought with depression were unpredictable - 1 in 5 said that if they had depression they would not tell anyone - Nearly 2/3 surveyed thought people with schizophrenia were unpredictable and a 1/4 felt that they were dangerous - Around a 1/3 would not vote for a politician with depression
REACTIONS TO STIGMA Dr. J. Manderscheild Psychiatry analyses in his article The community’s Tolerance of the Mentally Ill he determined three different ways react to stigma: Fear and Exclusion: persons with severe mental illness should be feared and, therefore, be kept out of most communities Authoritarianism: persons with severe mental illness are irresponsible, so life decisions should be made by others enevolence: persons with severe mental illness are B childlike and need to be cared for
This fundamental problem stems all the way back not only to the general public who are the face of this misunderstanding, but to the politicians on capital hill who put the healthcare laws in place and decide where the funding will go. If we do not rid the misinformed of the stigmas behind mental health the progress made thus far will be for nothing. Education and understanding are all that stand in the way of equal rights for those struggling with a mental illness.,
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CHANGING THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION FROM “WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?” TO “WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?” -JBS International
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The Stigma
Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labelled by their illness they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice which leads to negative actions and discrimination.
The Solution
I’Mpaired is a line of undergarments and accessories designed to dispense pharmaceuticals transdermal, made possible through iLoad technology. iLoad disperses medicine through skin contact for persons whom need medication on a regular basis. The iLoad technology is a high tech fabric developed by Schoeller Textil AG in Switzerland. The I’Mpaired collection includes a variety of women’s bra’s, underwear, and spandex; men’s tops; boxers, and briefs; and a unisex line of socks and wristbands. I’Mpaired aids people whom frequently forget to take medication based on their physicians prescription, as well as people who don’t want to be reminded of their mental illness on a daily basis. The idea of taking a pill to make you feel “better” will ultimately be rendered unnecessary with I’Mpaired
iLOAD TEXTILE CAPABILITIES - The iLoad technology will dispense the prescription based on the pharmaceutical requirements set the by the physician - In addition the iLoad technology uses bio-sensors to detect elevated levels of anxiety and stress, which procures most anxiety attacks. Once sensed the iLoad material dispenses the required amount of medication. - Unlike single use syringes, patches, or pills, iLoad can be washed and reloaded with new medication. - Bluesign, one of the world’s most stringent textile standards for environmental protection health and safety, found that the iLoad system can hold more than one medication at a time without irritating the skin.
The Most Absorbent Areas of the Human Body
THE PROCESS 1
User receives physician’s prescription
2
User purchases I’Mpaired undergarments at any super market retailer
FOREHEAD
3
ser has the garment loaded with the U prescribed medication at pharmacy
EAR CANAL
4
User wears the undergarments until the prescribed medication depletes
5
Once depleted the garment can be washed to removing any left over medication, rendering it ready for reuse.
6
I’Mpaired undergarments are ready to be taken back to the pharmacy to refill it’s prescription
** Cold cycle should be used when washing the garment when user does NOT wish to deplete medication
SCALP
JAW
ARMPIT
ABDOMEN
Sanitize cycle (hot water) must be used when user wishes to rid the garment of all medication
SCROTUM Our goal is to focus I’Mpaired to be sold in super-center stores that sell clothing, food, and pharmaceutical products. In this type of retail environment consumers can purchase the clothing and reload the medication all in one place. I’Mpaired is not only helpful to the mentally ill, but is an overall sustainable solution for the consumption of medication. This textile is not only useful in aiding the effectiveness of the medication distribution but will become organic in the lives of those who use it, taking a pill not only effects you physically but mentally makes you feel as if you have something that needs to be fixed. The campaigning that accompanies I’Mpaired is geared towards de-stigmatizing the issues surrounding mental health. The in-store signage and marketing materials will cater towards educating the general public on mental health. The idea that this one day could happen to you will be front and center. Our culture is completely diverse there is no “normal” anymore.
TOP OF HAND
PALM OF HAND
BALL OF FOOT
The Collection
I’Mpaired T_ the T-shirt will be tight fitting to the body with banding to support and keep the textile from shifting on the body, allowing for the maximum distribution accuracy of the iLoad fabric. Available Styles; Crew-neck, V-neck and Tank Top.
I’Mpaired Bra_ the bra will be supportive enough to still feel comfortable, banding in the bra’s base will make it so as not to shift while wearing it, this allowing for maximum distribution accuracy of the iLoad fabric. Available Styles; Sports, Push-up, and T-shirt bra’s.
I’Mpaired BIT_ the band will be equip with a layer of detachable, washable iLoad fabric allowing for the medication dispensation. Accompanying this will be the actual band made of durable flexible plastic, that will be adjustable and made to be one size fits all. The plastic band will be embedded with biosensor tech that will monitor the overall well being of the wearer. I’Mpaired Socks_ the socks will be equip with banding around the top and through the ball of the foot allowing for maximum distribution accuracy of the iLoad fabric. Different lengths will allow for more or less of the textile to be used throughout the sock. Available Styles; ankle, mid-calf and knee socks.
I’Mpaired Bottom_ other than the boxers the bottoms will all be made to fit tight to the skin allowing for optimal contact to the textile. The lower torso is the warmest part of a mans body it is essential that the most area gets covered allowing for maximum distribution accuracy of the iLoad fabric. Available Styles; legging, knee-length, boxers, and briefs.
* The underlayer of the iload fabric will be enriched with the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs for general health and well being. Thus rendering any pills completely unnecessary and things of the past.
I’Mpaired Panties_ the panties will all be made to fit tight to the skin allowing for optimal contact to the textile. Banding around the waist and top of legs will allow for the least shifting and make for the maximum distribution accuracy of the iLoad fabric. Available Styles; boy-shorts, basic pantie, thong, and bikini.
Bibliography
“Anxiety Disorders.” American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiatric Association, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2014. <http://www.psychiatry.org/anxietydisorders>.
“Social Media: How Does It Really Affect Our Mental Health and Well-being?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 07 Dec. 2014. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275361.php>.
Folsom, David P., Barry D. Lebowitz, Laurie A. Lindamer, Barton W. Palmer, Thomas L. Patterson, and Dilip V. Jeste. “Schizophrenia in Late Life: Emerging Issues.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 25 Aug. 0005. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC3181756/>.
Szabo, Liz. “Stigma of Mental Illness.” USA TODAY. Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc., 2014. Web. 22 Nov. 2014.
GROLLMAN, ERIC A., Dr. “What Is “Sexual Identity”? Is It The Same As Sexual Orientation?” Kinsey Confidential RSS. N.p., 8 Jan. 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2014. Hacker, Karen. “Mental Health and Illness in Boston’s Children and Adolescents: One City’s Experience and Its Implications for Mental Health Policy Makers.” Public Health Reports (1974-) 116.4 (2001): 317-26. National Alliance of Mental Illness. National Alliance of Mental Illness. Web. 25 Oct. 2014. <http://www. nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-and-adolescents/ depression-in-children-and-adolescents_140864.pdf>. Horwitz, Allan V. “The Epidemic in Mental Illness: Clinical Fact or Survey Artifact?” Mental Illness Facts and Numbers 5.1 (2006): 19-23. National Alliance of Mental Illness. National Alliance of Mental Illness. Web. 23 Oct. 2014. <http:// www.nami.org/factsheets/mentalillness_factsheet.pdf>. Link, Bruce G., Lawrence H. Yang, Jo C. Phelan, and Pamela Y. Collins. “Schizophrenia Bulletin.” Measuring Mental Illness Stigma. Schizophrenia Bulletin, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. <http://schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals. org/content/30/3/511.short>. “Newsletter 4 | 2012.” Groz-Beckert KG. Groz-Beckert KG, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. <http://www.groz-beckert.com/cms/en/news/newsletter/last_issue/ getPrm/letter/chargeable_textiles/>.
“Self-Help: Sexual Identity and Orientation.” Sexual Identity and Orientation. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UDHR, Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights Declaration, Human Rights Charter, The Un and Human Rights.” UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2014. “What Are Human Rights.” What Are Human Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
Statements
OUR STATEMENT
ZACHARY’S STATEMENT
As a team we collaborated on the overall direction we wanted our project to go in, ultimately agreeing on going through the avenue of mental health, using tools and systems we could not only, de-stigmatize the issue of mental health but actually create a product that dealt with the strict medication ritual that most people with a mental illness face everyday.
Working on the I’Mpaired RSA project with Patricia has been awesome, gaining insight into the mind of a graphic designer has been extremely rewarding. Throughout the semester we both knew that human rights was something we wanted central in our projects and that bound us together.
As a team we set off on finding how we could go about merging our passions together into a product and or a system. We both worked together on researching innovations, trends, issues, and systems prevalent to the area of mental health and everything that is involved with it. Culminating all of the research we gathered together I’Mpaired was born and has been developed into the product and system that is showcased in this PDF.
PATRICIA’S STATEMENT Working on the I’MPaired project has been an extremely educational and fulfilling journey. From the beginning both Zachary and I both knew that we wanted to do something that made an impact on humanity. I was very unaware that we would be led down the path of mental health but I’m extremely grateful that we did. I personally have close family members who suffer from mental illness. Seeing I’Mpaired come to life brings me hope that one day my family suffering from poor mental health will be able to live their lives as if they had no mental aliment. As the product moves forward, I see a bright future where the social stigma of mental illness is no more and people are able to live freely. I primarily worked on the graphics and layout of the presentation, also working on the video editing was one of my main responsibilities in the group.
I have personal experience with people close to me whom suffer from mental heath issues. It is exciting to get to work on a project that could potentially help the stigmas that my loved ones feel on a day-to-day basis. Watching I’Mpaired grow into a product has been a moving experience. I can not wait to see where this product will grow and how it will give a future to those whom are paired with a mental illness. I primarily worked with the iLoad textile technology, and how it will be implemented into the product. Drawing rederings of the product and technical flats.