One out of five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness every year, and 20% of youth (13-18 years old) live with a mental health condition. 50% of lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75% begin by age 24...but whether or not treatment is available, it can take years - sometimes decades - for someone to seek help. Some people never seek help because of harmful stigma, economic and cultural barriers, or lack of education and awareness - but no matter the reason, the consequences of never getting help for mental illness are huge. Without the right treatment, individuals with serious mental health conditions face increased risks of hospitalization, other chronic medical conditions, dropping out of school, and in some cases, suicide.
But despite these statistics, mental health is still a highly stigmatized and taboo subject for both youth and adults all over the world. Public awareness of mental health conditions and treatment options is scarily low - even when someone knows about the treatment available to them, they might be too ashamed to seek it out or might not be able to afford it.
So what can we do? One of the most helpful things someone can do is to start advocating online and in our schools, communities, and governments by spreading awareness, education, and support for mental health issues. It seems daunting at first, but don't be scared away - there are so many simple, easy ways to become an advocate and make life better for people struggling with mental health in your community.
Educate others.
One of the most important (and easiest) things anyone can do is to educate others about the reality of mental health conditions, including symptoms, warning signs, risk factors, different treatment options, and false stigmas. Many people, especially children and teens, simply aren't aware of mental illness and how to healthily deal with it or have only seen blatantly false and hurtful representations of mental illness on television and in movies. There are a ton of brochures, fact sheets, and infographics that can be downloaded from reputable sources online that you can share with friends and family or hand out in public places like college campuses, coffee shops, and libraries.
Share your story.
If you have your own personal experience with mental health issues/mental illness, share it (if you're comfortable doing so, of course)! It normalizes the act of discussing mental health in an open, honest way and lets others who might be struggling know that they are not alone. It might even inspire someone to speak up about their own experience! Your story is valuable and important, so don't be afraid to share it when talking with friends or family, in groups at school or other organizations, or online through blogs and platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Talk with officials in your community.
Set up a meeting or phone call with your mayor or governor (or any other local official) and encourage them to officially recognize mental health awareness events/holidays, like Mental Health Month in May, Mental Illness Awareness Week in October, or National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July. You could ask them to collaborate with you or other recognized organizations to host training sessions, screenings, or simple awareness events...you could even ask them to make a public proclamation on the importance of mental health issues (the National Alliance on Mental Illness has a helpful sample proclamation here).
Contact your state legislator about policy issues.
Changing public policy is one of the most effective ways to improve the lives of both those living with mental health conditions and their families and to make sure treatment is available and affordable for all. Write to your state legislator about the need for mental health policies that are protective and beneficial and that provide education and training in schools, jails, and law enforcement. If you're not totally sure what to advocate for, head to NAMI or another recognized organization for a helpful guide on public policy issues and current legislation. If you're not sure who your state representatives are, you can look them up here and find contact info on their websites.
Host an awareness event or support group.
Hosting public events or groups is another extremely effective way to advocate for mental health in your very own community. You could contact local businesses or organizations to collaborate on an event, or you could host one yourself at a library, a coffee shop, or another public venue. An event can be as simple as handing out flyers, brochures, fact sheets, or other informational materials; decoding false representations of mental illness in movies and television; or doing anything else to creatively spread awareness and education about mental health. Hosting a support group or public comment session would be equally as helpful, as it creates a safe space and normalizes conversations about mental illness or other mental health issues.
Connect with local mental health organizations.
National organizations like NAMI and Mental Health America, plus smaller, statewide advocacy groups, are constantly seeking new members. Many of these groups provide screening tools, training sessions, and their own programs to present in schools, universities, senior homes, etc. so that you are even better equipped as an advocate. You don't have to join an already established organization to be an advocate, but they can be extremely helpful and rewarding in organizing awareness events, lobbying local officials or state legislators, and fundraising for a good cause. (The same goes for clubs in school and universities!)
I only listed six, but there are literally hundreds of more ways to be an advocate for mental health, whether it be joining a large organization to lobby at Capitol Hill or simply supporting a friend through a crisis. By advocating for mental health, you are doing your part in making sure people understand the importance of mental health and know that help IS out there, no matter what someone is struggling with.
