Many identify themselves as “mental health advocates” on social media. One day I started to wonder, what does it really mean to be a mental health advocate? Is there a definition? I learned that there’s not one accepted description. And enjoyed so many inspiring thoughts from readers.

What Does It Mean to be a Mental Health Advocate?

After looking into it a bit, I posed the question on Twitter. What do you think it means to be a mental health advocate?  I wanted to understand other’s perspectives. And to get ideas about what I could be doing to support the cause.

I got a lot of answers, and I’m going to share a few that I thought were particularly spot on – and inspiring.

But first, a little more from the research. 

What Does it Mean to be a Mental Health Advocate? The Research

According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Advocacy is an important means of raising awareness that mental health is on the national agenda of governments. Advocacy can lead to improvements in policy, legislation and service development.” 

This by itself didn’t help me very much.

So, I took a deeper dive into a WHO report. This part helped more:

“The concept of mental health advocacy has been developed to promote the human rights of persons with mental disorders and to reduce stigma and discrimination.  It consists of actions aimed at changing structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving positive mental health outcomes.

“Mental health advocacy began when families of people with mental disorders made their voices heard. People with mental disorders then added their own contributions. Gradually, they were joined and supported by others. These included a range of organizations, mental health workers, associations, and some governments.”

What Does it Look Like to Be a Mental Health Advocate?

A mental health advocate may present in many ways. 

A mental health advocate can participate in activities to raise awareness.  Sometimes this involves providing information or education and training. Other times it’s providing help and support, including counseling and/or mediating. Being a mental health advocate can also involve defending the needs and rights of patients or denouncing acts of discrimination.

Over the last few decades, mental health advocates have enabled tremendous improvements in care. They have also helped improve protections of the mentally ill.

Progress in Advocacy for Those with Disabilities Inspires Hope

Regrettably, progress lags well behind efforts to address challenges of those who suffer from physical disabilities.  But the progress made in both areas over the last 20-30 years certainly inspires hope.

Nevertheless:

• It is difficult to believe that a person must still hesitate to disclose information about a mental health diagnosis or concern for fear of discrimination.
• Sadly, many people continue to keep their mental health struggles private due to embarrassment, shame, and the fear of disapproval from friends, family, co-workers and even strangers.
• It’s heart-breaking that many of those who suffer in silence may ultimately harm themselves in some way, form or fashion, as either an act of desperation or as a means to silence their pain.
• Inconceivably, large portions of the world still harbor negative thoughts, and feel bias and prejudice towards an entire population, simply because they are afflicted with a certain category of illness.
• It is unforgivable that today, many of those who need our love, support and kindness remain uncomfortable asking for it.

We often blame legislation and politics or the bureaucratic aspects of insurance or work place policy for slowing progress in addressing the needs of our society. 

But policies are only required to offset our fundamentally human attitudes – attitudes that we each have the power to overcome.

What We Can Do to Support Mental Health Advocacy

Let’s agree to find extra kindness for those who may suffer from mental health afflictions – now. And let’s continue to provide that support forever.

Understand that the illnesses they suffer from are largely treatable and manageable. Yet, they need to be able to openly acknowledge their suffering to find help!

No matter how much we are each doing today, we can all do more to move the level of the world’s collective consciousness forward. 

Here are a few ways we can each stand up for mental health and do our part to end the stigma.

1.  If you know someone who suffers from a mental health condition show them that you care.  Demonstrate acceptance; show them that you recognize they are fighting an illness.
2. If you hear anyone disparaging the suffering associated with mental illness, educate them. Don’t be unkind. Do let them know you disagree with their position. Help them learn why they need to open their minds.
3. Look for mental health charities or facilities in your area and see how you can help spread the word.
4. Seek out opportunities to support organized advocacy activities for mental health patients and providers.
5. If you suffer from a mental health condition, try to be brave. To the extent you are comfortable doing so, share your experiences.  Many of us hide our weaknesses and this continues to contribute to the stigma. Hiding your weaknesses can lead you down a dark path of substance abuse. If you’re already there, there’s lots of groups that provide support in Alcohol Recovery for Men. Don’t let it take over your life!

Thank you to everyone who responded on Twitter. Here are a few of the answers: 

“To me, a mental health advocacy is when someone actively tries to influence and enact positive change regarding mental health. This can be done in a variety of ways. We can each have different objectives. It can be s supporting people who are going through a tough time. Or pushing for systemic changes. Promoting positive mental health. Speaking out on behalf of marginalized individuals. Spreading awareness. Educating, etc.  I think the avenues of advocacy within the mental health realm are as broad as the topic itself.” — Fiona

“For me, mental health advocacy means discussing my experiences in the hope of normalizing mental health issues. Bringing to light some of the research which contradicts popular claims. Raising awareness in hopes of affecting or influencing changes in federal legislation, the medical community, and scientific research.” — Dr. Ashley

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts with me and as always thank you so much for reading!

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.