Mental health incorporates our relationships, cognitive health, and emotional health. It encompasses safeguarding and taking care of ourselves so we can get success in daily life, overcoming challenges, and taking care of others when they require us. In short, mental health is important and should be advocated. In case you want to be a mental health advocate for people who are struggling with their mental health problems, you need to first learn advocacy for yourselves. And being an advocate of mental health means loving yourself, being true to yourself, and respecting yourself, irrespective of what your struggles are.
What Is A Mental Health Advocate?
Mental health advocates are people who work with dedication daily to share their stories and help individuals who are struggling. They display their vulnerability and take risks by speaking the truth to motivate somebody else.
Be it through a speaking engagement, a book, social media, or a blog, these advocates stand up for individuals who don’t have their voice. They remind us that they are with us in our struggles. They show us hope throughout this journey and heal our emotional wounds. They reduce worry and myths related to mental ailments.
Importance of Mental Health Advocacy
Being an advocate of mental health is the single way to reduce discrimination, judgment, and worry regarding mental ailments. People having mental problems must be treated with compassion and respect like anybody else. Hence, it is okay to take medicines and attend therapies. Becoming an advocate for people who suffer from anxiety and depression will give you a reason to help others relieve their pain.
Tips To Become an Advocate of Mental Health
To become a mental health advocate, follow the points mentioned below:
1. Share Your Story
Begin with your friends and family. This will unveil whether you are prepared for a wider audience. Ponder sharing your story on social platforms if you are comfortable. The starting of ending worry is being capable of putting it out there and discussing it.
2. Advocate for Yourself
If you don’t advocate for yourself first, you cannot be an advocate for others. Advocating for yourself means understanding your triggers, getting educated, stating your requirements, and growing coping skills.
3. Find a Mentor
Finding the right mentor is regarding creating relationships like maximum things. So, you can set realistic expectations if you get a mentor.
4. Educate Your Instant Circle
There is a huge strength in reflecting on your thinking process and discussing mental health, and how to help others to take a more accepting and positive stance on mental ailments and mental wellbeing.
5. Choose Your Niche
Find the niche you are better at and that inspires you. This might be anything like handling volunteers, public speaking, fundraising, writing, etc.
6. Volunteer
Several advocates recommend joining mental health agencies and supporting their events and programs.
This is what it means to be a mental health advocate and heal people’s emotional pain that they are unable to heal themselves.