Mental health is a topic that has been surrounded by stigma for far too long. Despite the truth that anyone can be affected – regardless of age, race, gender or background – there is still a lack of understanding that can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Thankfully, mental health advocacy has become a driving force in the battle to remove those stigmas and ensure people have access to the help they need. In this article, we’ll take a look at those advocating for mental health, how they’re helping to end stigmas, and ways you can get involved.
1. Unpacking Mental Health Stigmas
Mental health stigmas are rooted in discrimination. They can have a huge impact on someone’s ability to seek help and reach out to health professionals when they need it most. is an important step in creating a more supportive and understanding society.
- Acknowledge the ripple effects of negative views on mental health
- Reconize the unequal access to mental health resources
- Develop positive messages about seeking help
The first step in is to acknowledge the ugly truth of how they manifest in society. Negative attitudes to mental health support open the doors to discriminatory and judgmental views of individuals with mental health problems. This can cause fear and embarrassment, both of which can lead to a reluctance to seek help.
It’s also important to be aware of the unequal access to mental health resources and the extra burden that this can place on certain communities. This results in lower rates of diagnosis, support, and treatment in those who need it most – and that’s something that we need to work to address.
Finally, if we want to challenge mental health stigmas, we need to develop positive messages about seeking help and how it can make a difference. We need to encourage open conversations that promote understanding and acceptance. This helps to move away from the view of mental health as something scary and taboo, giving everyone the opportunity to access the help they need without fear.
By acknowledging the realities of mental health stigmas, recognizing inequality, and spreading positive messages, we can help to create an environment in which individuals feel comfortable speaking out and accessing the support they deserve.
2. The Role of Mental Health Advocates
Mental health advocates have an important role to play in the lives of those struggling with mental illness. They can provide invaluable guidance and support to those who are often lost in the darkness of their own mental torment.
Education is perhaps the most important of roles for a mental health advocate. They are a source of information for those who may be unfamiliar with mental health issues or lack the knowledge to seek professional help. Mental health advocates can help dispel myths surrounding mental illness, ensure accurate information is distributed, and challenge stigma.
Navigation of System Those dealing with mental illness have often found the maze of seeking treatment or support overly complex and convoluted. Mental health advocates can help those in need understand where to seek assistance, or even guide them through the process. Knowing which mental health services are available in the local area and understanding how to access them can be crucial steps in finding treatment.
Support During Treatment Treatment for mental illness requires ongoing work. Mental health advocates can stand alongside those receiving treatment, offer encouragement during difficult times, provide a listening ear, and check in regularly to ensure the individual is remaining on track.
Creating Change
- Mental health advocates are often immersed in the process of creating systemic change. This process can include creating new policies, challenging existing practices, demanding more resources, and fighting for improved access to services.
- Mental health advocates also have a place at the table in discussions related to potentially harmful initiatives such as drug laws or involuntary commitment.
- These advocates can provide valuable input on mental health initiatives, and ensure the voices of those most affected by such plans are heard.
Accountability Mental health advocates strive to ensure those fleets of authority remain accountable for their actions and do not abuse their position. This vital role can include seeking redress for those harmed in the process of care, being a champion of consumer rights, or ensuring services are delivered in a compassionate manner.
3. Dismantling Mental Health Discrimination
Mental health issues are often surrounded by taboos, discrimination, and wrong assumptions. However, there is still progress to be made in the dismantling of this type of discrimination. Whether it is in the workplace, the school system, or the general public, there are ways to fight mental health discrimination.
1. Prioritize Inclusion in Family and Friendships
Be a part of the shift to further acceptance and inclusivity. Listen without judgement and be supportive. In conversations, emphasize that mental health issues are not something to be ashamed of and educate yourself as needed.
2. Educate Yourself and Others
Start to increase competency and understanding of mental health diagnoses and the lived experiences of those affected. Gather resources with accurate information to share with those around you.
3. Advocate for Changes in Policy
If there are policies in place in the workplace or school systems that still perpetuate discrimination and stigma, speak up and advocate for change. Make sure reasonable accommodations are available and encouraged for those with mental health diagnoses.
4. Examine Your Own Biases
Mental health discrimination often appears from the ingrained biases each person has, and it’s important to examine your own. Seek out a professional counselor if necessary, and uncover any negative or false ideas that could be clouding your view.
5. Use Kindness and Patience
It is often difficult to understand the inconceivable complexities of mental health issues, but it is important to be patient and thoughtful with those around us. This also means speaking up against ableism and reducing the hateful language and behaviors.
6. Seek Support
Finally, don’t forget to seek the much needed support for yourself if you are struggling to abolish mental health discrimination. Find accessible and reliable mental health services to reach out to and build a positive and supportive environment.
4. Taking Action for Mental Health Awareness
Mental health is an issue that we should all be aware of and actively work to improve. is one way to start that process, and here are some ideas to get you started:
- Share Good Mental Health Information. When you come across valuable mental health resources, spread the word! There are many different portals, from blogs to social media, which can allow you to reach a diverse audience.
- Start a Conversation. Mental health is an uncomfortable subject to discuss, but it’s important to start the conversation. Pick your time and place—maybe a coffee shop or a friend’s dinner table—and just start talking.
- Volunteer at Mental Health Organizations. If you want to get more involved, consider volunteering at a local mental health organization in your area. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, it can make a huge difference.
- Encourage Help-Seeking Behavior. If you know someone who suffers from mental health issues, encourage them to seek out help. Let them know that mental health therapy is available and there are people who can help them in their time of need.
- Show Support. Showing support is a great way to create awareness for mental health. Whether it’s “liking” mental health posts on social media or attending a mental health awareness event in your community, your support could be crucial in keeping the conversation going.
Awareness and action are the two most important things when it comes to tackling mental health issues. So take that first step and see what difference you can make!
Mental health can be a difficult and overwhelming topic to navigate and it is important to remember that you are not alone. By taking steps to reduce stigmatization and raise awareness, we can all work together to create a more supportive and understanding environment for those who are affected by mental illness. By advocating for mental health, we can make a lasting impact in our communities and create a future that is brighter for everyone.
