How To Advocate For Mental Health
Some people may never struggle with their mental health, and that’s great. But In 2019, 970 million people globally were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression the most common (World Health Organization). So that means even if you’ve never struggled with your mental health, you have a relative, friend, colleague, or neighbor who will or already does.
As a person who has experienced mental health struggles and has loved ones who have as well, I know how important it is to have people who understand you or want to understand what you’re going through and help where they can. Today, I want to share some ways to advocate for mental health.
You don’t have to be a professional or someone who struggles with their mental health to advocate for others who do. Advocating for mental health doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy, either. There are simple ways you can do it from day to day, and I’ll share those here as well.
Important: The information and content provided in this article are not intended to be considered advice or to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone else is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, dial 911 immediately.
Educate Yourself On Mental Illness and Disorders
The first thing you can do to advocate for mental health is to learn more about mental illnesses and disorders. If a loved one or friend has a particular mental illness or disorder, take some time out to learn more about it so you can have some idea of what they are going through and empathize with them. You don’t have to become an expert or professional, but even knowing the signs and common symptoms can help you be more aware of when someone is struggling and encourage them to get professional help when needed.
Be Supportive and Patient With People Who Are Struggling
When someone is struggling with their mental health even mildly, the last thing they want to or need to hear is, “Just get over it,” “Just don’t think about it,” or “You should try this.” Trust me, they’ve probably tried those things already. What they do need is someone to listen to them and be patient with them when they are having a hard time. Use supportive language and tone when responding to someone who expresses their struggles and let them know you hear them.
If you are not in a place to listen or help, offer to help them find professional resources that can. It’s important to set boundaries and know when your ability to support has expired because you want to make sure they have the proper support, and you have to think about your mental health as well. If they are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, dial 911 immediately.
Participate In Mental Health Awareness Events
Mental health organizations organize events such as awareness walks, panels, conferences, and more each year. If you can participate, volunteer, or donate to one of these events, you can advocate for and raise awareness of these agencies’ mental health efforts. If you can’t do any of those things, even sharing the cause on social media can help raise awareness and may reach someone else who is available to help.
I hope you found this information useful. This article provides a list of mental health resources and agencies you can get involved with.
Disclaimer
On this website, my podcast, and social media pages, I share my story and personal experiences, some from my mental health and wellness journey, to help and encourage others facing the same things. However, I am not a medical or mental health professional. The information and content provided on my website, social media pages, or any linked materials are not intended to be considered advice or to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone else is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, dial 911 immediately.
