It’s May, officially Mental Health Awareness month! This is a time for mental health professionals and clients alike to come together, working to spread awareness on myriad mental health topics and resources. There’s so many reasons Mental Health Awareness month remains a vital, necessary strategy for the dissemination of mental health information across the United States. First debuted in 1949 in the United States by Mental Health America, this month aims to reduce stigma, build education, and increase accessibility to mental health services.
Why is this month necessary? Mental health remains critically stigmatized. So often when we talk about mental health, we do it from a lens of disconnection.
“They’re struggling with their mental health…”
“It’s because I’m mentally ill…”
“He acts so crazy”
Any of these sound familiar? When Clifford Whittingham Beers, founder of the mental health hygiene movement, found himself hospitalized in 1900 for his own mental health, he noticed cruel, abusive tactics used against those who were struggling and seeking help. His aim through the “National Committee for Mental Hygiene” (now “Mental Health America”) was to reform the way those with mental illness are treated in America.
We’ve come far in this country, but not nearly far enough. I dream of a world where the conversation around mental health emanates from the lens of connection.
“I’ve struggled with that too!”
“Here are some ways I deal with my depression.”
“I’m going to add that to my mental health routine.”
Connection kills stigma. Less stigma means more investment, more light, and more action towards normalizing taking care of our mental health.
So how are you celebrating Mental Health Awareness month? Take a look below for some ways to get individually invested in bringing awareness to mental health.
- Get out in your local community and share information! Remember - accessibility and visibility can be life-saving tools in the fight against mental illness. Consider creating some posters or infographics to be shared in local businesses, or in the windows of your friends and family!
- Outreach your elected officials. A phone call, email or letter to your representative, senator, or locally elected bodies can emphasize the need for mental health as a priority. Share statistics on mental health in your area, advocate for policies that take mental health seriously, or recommend changes to local laws.
- Advocate for mental health like it’s physical health. Emphasize the need for screening and routine check ups on our mental health. Mental Health America offers an awesome screening tool at mhascreening.org; share it with your circle and make sure people know that regular mental health tune ups are necessary throughout our lives.
- Fundraise for an organization that matters to you! There are so many awesome grassroots organizations specializing in community resources, policy change, or education. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all have super accessible functions that make setting up a fundraiser easier than it’s ever been. Choose an organization that’s close to your heart, and go from there.
- Use your authentic voice. Your story matters and has impact. Share your story in a venue that makes the most sense for you. Not only are you allowing your voice to be heard, but you're breaking down walls of stigma for the voices you will inspire.
Your action steps make a difference - even it means educating, reaching or hearing one person who wouldn’t have found it without you. Show up proud for Mental Health Awareness month and make your mark!
Alexa Cordry, LSW, LCADC
You can follow more of Alexa's insight on Instagram @yoursadtherapist
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