4 Tips for Being a Mental Health Advocate

Compared to the past, mental health has now been pushed to the forefront as more people become aware of it being a significant component of overall wellness. This comes as online resources are becoming more widely available, along with new ways for individuals to access mental health interventions that cater to their needs. Apart from that is the fact that there are more opportunities for people with a passion for service to take part in discussions about mental wellness and community programs.

mental health advocate

There is no better time to be a mental health advocate than now, when more people with a passion for changing lives are joining in. If you have that same passion, then you might as well channel it through your own advocacy. There’s more you can do other than post social media content related to mental health. Taking your passion a step further requires making sure you get started on the right foot. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be an Informed and Aware

Being a mental health advocate isn’t always a matter of learning what is already common knowledge about mental health conditions. You need to develop a deep awareness not just of the nature of these conditions, but also of the approaches towards addressing them. You can’t always vouch for the information you find online since much of what is talked about is based on stigma-driven myths and pseudoscience.

Keep in mind that people who are struggling are being excluded as a result of inaccurate information. You have a major role to play in reducing the effects of misinformation and discussing the more scientific basis of mental health problems. Sure enough, this should come with being informed through the help of authoritative sources such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the World Health Organization.

2. Get Formal Training

Translating your advocacy into a career is also a good idea if you want to dedicate your life to providing mental health support. Whether you’re still choosing a college major or are currently working in a different industry and desire to shift careers, it’s important to look for possible career paths that best reflect your advocacy.

Counseling might be ideal if you want to support the mental health of teens, or you can also be an occupational therapist focusing on helping employees within certain industries overcome burnout and providing advice to companies on how to structure their mental health awareness programs. Likewise, you can opt for a career as a psychiatric nurse in a large hospital.

Social work might also be an ideal field to enter, especially if you want to focus on helping families cope with trauma that results from domestic abuse. As you do so, make sure to find work in organizations that allow for continuing education or CE for social workers and therapists.

3. Build Your Network and Be Part of a Community

Keep in mind that being an advocate involves connecting with others who are as passionate about mental wellness as you. It takes an entire community to confront mental health stigmas and initiate programs that target vulnerable communities. While you may want to rely on your knowledge and experience as an advocate, you need to contribute what you already have to a collective.

Once you’ve entered the field and obtained a license in your specialization, connect with professionals and fellow advocates. Build your network in a way that includes a diverse range of specialists across various industries. Additionally, consider signing up for a membership at a local organization or online group that’s recognized and has a wide range of projects and initiatives underway.

4. Take Part in Movements and Events

It’s not enough to tell everyone you’re a mental health advocate. You need space to apply what you’ve learned about mental health trends into action. Consider volunteering for local and national programs that allow you to be at the forefront of promoting legislation and pushing for reforms.

However, you can always start small by volunteering for community support groups as a resource person, a counselor, or a mentor. In any case, use your involvement as a stepping stone for your advocacy to grow further. It’s also through these experiences that you will open yourself up to fresh opportunities in the mental health sector.