Nowadays, mental health illnesses are a threat to human existence as much as every fatal diseases and accident. However, people don’t fully understand this. They underestimate the danger of depression, anxiety, and other personality disorders.
People need to share awareness to destroy the stigma associated with mental health issues. We must eradicate the fear surrounding them, so people do not get scared of being judged when asking for help. They will have more courage when dealing with depression.
10 Ways You Can Spread Mental Health Awareness As A Concerned Citizen:
- Talk to about mental health. “Why talk about your problems including mental health challenges? Just talking about your situation to someone can reduce your stress and help you feel better.” Dr. Aaron Kaplan, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist said. You can start with the people close to you. Sometimes, we are not aware that a family member or a friend is going through something he or she doesn’t want you to know. Depressed people are often secretive of their feelings, and they could show no signs of depression. Make them feel that you are interested in how they are doing without any judgment.
- If you have experienced a mental health issue such as depression, don’t hesitate to share your battle with other people. Show them courage and strength. By doing so, you can send a message that depression can be won over with the right mindset, that depression is a disease that has a cure. “Depression is different from passing sadness or temporary frustration with life’s issues. There are number of common signs for depression and they tend to be persistent,” adds Kurt Smith, Psy.D., LMFT, LPCC, AFC.
- Visit websites about mental health. They provide brief explanations about illnesses about the mind and brain, sharing useful information as to how people can manage them. Some sites even allow you to interact with experts to assist you with a topic or issue you want to tackle. Eventually, you can share useful information with your family and friends.
- Read articles about mental health issues and share them on social media. Today, millions of people are on some form of the social portal which can be an excellent way to spread awareness. People in your circle and even strangers from all across the globe can benefit from your posts, and somehow, someway, you can make a difference to a person’s perspective or idea about mental health.
- Volunteer to organizations or cause about mental health. This way you would have an efficient way to reach other people. You can use their methods and means to share vital information and give assistance to those who are in need of it.
- Make people understand that it is okay to have a mental health assessment. Encourage them to see a professional by referring them to one. If it is necessary, go with them to the doctor’s or therapist’s clinic as some people may be hesitant to go alone for the first time.
- Write a blog or a vlog about mental health. Today, a blog or a written piece and vlog or a video providing information is the newest and most efficient way to connect with people. You may never realize how some people may need to read, see, or hear what you have to say. “it’s not only the benefit of catharsis in the moment of writing that makes journaling so effective – It’s also reviewing what you’ve written.” Lindsey Pratt Psychotherapy, LMHC explains.
- Promote an activity or an event in school to reach out to other families about mental health. Parents and teachers should know about it because depression can occur even at an early age. Teens can suffer depression due to bullying which is prevalent in environments such as the school.
- Encourage or participate in physical activities such as sports. By doing so, you can diminish the risk or effects of depression. Sometimes, people with mental health issues need a diversion to help manage their condition.
- Have a list of hotlines on your phone such as the suicide prevention hotline. They are useful for situations which we seldom anticipate, but we have to be ready for horrible circumstances such as suicide.
You can do your part in spreading mental health awareness by citizen journalism or the act of serving as the media. It is as useful as the mainstream media as it gives the message that mental diseases are real, and they can affect anyone regardless of status or geographic location.