What is mental health advocacy?
Advocacy can include signing petitions, writing blog posts, creating programs, and asking government representatives to make mental health services more accessible.
Additionally, mental health advocacy means participating in open conversations about mental health and helping to end the stigma.
In other words, advocates engage in difficult or controversial situations on behalf of marginalized groups in order to make social and political change.
The importance of mental health advocacy
Since many people suffer alone or in silence due to the stigma surrounding mental health, one of the most important aspects of a mental health advocate is to help end this stigma and discrimination.
Mental health advocates help raise awareness and increase access to mental health resources.
How to become a mental health advocate
Sometimes, the word “advocate” can be intimidating. But it shouldn’t.
You don’t need to attend a certain amount of rallies or have a specific University degree. What is important is having the passion to make a difference and the drive to be a mental health champion.
You may already be an advocate without evening giving it a second thought. Have you ever volunteered for a an organization involved in mental health, participated in a walk or run to raise funds for a mental health organization, asked someone to stop using language that perpetuates mental health stigma, or supported a friend who has a mental health illness? This is not a full list. But if you’ve answered yes to any of these, you’re most likely a mental health advocate.
If you didn’t answer yes to any of them, here’s a few tips to get you started:
- Support a friend or family member. As an example, you can accompany them to an appointment, or listen to their story about mental health without judgment.
- Volunteer at a local organization or hotline.
- Speak to local leaders about increasing access and funding to mental health services.
- Educate yourself and spread helpful information about mental health. For example, read articles about mental health and share them on social media.
- There are several ways individuals can become a mental health advocate. No action is too small. No matter how you decide to contribute, you are making a difference — and possibly saving a life.
Act now to support mental health
One way you can make a positive impact is by supporting Shalom House.
Shalom House drives the collective work of many organizations all addressing the same cause, creating an easy way to broaden your impact and contribute to change.
By donating to Shalom House you can help raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and increase access to care. Your donation will support life-changing services like basic needs, housing, counselling, peer-to-peer support, advocacy efforts, and mental health education. Become a mental health champion today. Help ensure no one ever struggles alone or in silence.