Over the last few years, awareness surrounding mental health conditions has grown and this has helped reduce the stigma around these conditions. One of the major reasons why mental health awareness is more commonplace is because of mental health advocates. These individuals continuously increase mental health awareness by sharing their struggles and reminding others that they are not alone. In doing so, they debunk myths surrounding mental health conditions, shatter stereotypes, and provide hope and healing for those around them.
If you’re considering becoming a mental health advocate, it’s critical to know what a mental health advocate does and how to become one. If you have questions about holistic mental health treatment in MI or how you can assist your loved ones with mental health conditions, contact Rose Hill Center today at 866.367.0220.
What is a Mental Health Advocate?
The good news is anyone can be a mental health advocate. A mental health advocate is any person who is willing to be a voice for individuals who suffer from mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. As a mental health advocate, your goal is to share a message of support and hope as you learn to take care of your mental health and share your story. A mental health advocate tries to educate their community about the challenges of mental health conditions and fights for change in the behavioral health treatment system. As they increase mental health awareness, they’re able to reduce the stigma of these conditions.
A mental health advocate can be an ally, an activist, or both! Allies understand the challenges, prejudice, and discrimination that mental health conditions incur, but they don’t act on these feelings. Conversely, an activist will engage in intentional actions to change the mental health care system. They may attend or organize events about changing policies and legislation.
How To Be a Mental Health Advocate
Being a mental health advocate can include actions that are both big and small. One of the most important things you can do is to advocate for yourself. Talk to your mental health treatment providers about creating a plan to address your mental health conditions. Get educated about your condition, learn about your triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Once you’ve begun advocating for change in your own life, it’s time to share your story, educate others about mental health conditions, and spread awareness. Talk to your friends and families about your mental health condition, and, if you’re willing, share it on social media. This gives you an opportunity to correct any misinformation about your mental health condition. Sharing articles, videos, and other information about mental health conditions can help people better understand mental health conditions. You can also volunteer your time at local mental health organizations and assist in spreading awareness at their events.
You may also consider seeking a mentor who is also an advocate. This person should be someone you want to emulate and who is already a mental health advocate. If you have a person in mind, ask them about being a mentor. Doing so can set realistic expectations.
After you find your mentor, consider finding a mental health awareness niche that inspires you. This niche can be a variety of roles, including:
- Public speaking
- Legislative advocacy
- Fundraising
- Writing
- Managing volunteers
Learn How To Be A Mental Health Advocate at Rose Hill Center
Millions of adults in the United States are battling mental health conditions, but many don’t get the treatment they need. One of the first things you need to do if you’re considering becoming a mental health advocate and are struggling with a mental health condition is getting the treatment you need at a residential mental health facility. At Rose Hill Center, we’re proud to provide the care and mental health treatment you deserve. We offer mental health treatment services for a range of conditions, including:
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- Schizophrenia treatment
- Bipolar disorder treatment service
- PTSD treatment
To learn more about mental health treatment in MI or how to become a mental health advocate, contact Rose Hill Center today at 866.367.0220.
