Mental health awareness is about promoting wellbeing and self-care practices for those with mental health issues or concerns. It’s also about educating others about the nature of mental illness, its causes and how it impacts daily life. It’s about removing the stigma that is so pervasive around mental health and allowing those who are experiencing mental illness to speak out for themselves without fear of being judged.
There are many ways to support mental health awareness, and it’s important that everyone does their part. Individuals can support their local charities which offer a range of services and events for people with mental health concerns, as well as participating in national events or fundraisers like NAMI Walks or MHA’s Tools 2 Thrive campaign. They can encourage open communication within their workplaces and – if they’re leaders – can lead by example, encouraging colleagues to discuss their own experiences with wellbeing.
Stigma is a big barrier for people seeking help for mental health issues, and recent studies have shown that it is affecting political enthusiasm, charitable fundraising, availability of services and the ability to find jobs for those with mental illnesses (Corrigan, et al 2023). The media’s misrepresentation of persons with mental illness contributes to these fears and misconceptions. It’s time for these perceptions to change. A great way to do this is by promoting personal narratives and letting the public know that mental health problems are just as valid as any other illness.