In recent years, there has been a nationwide movement to increase awareness about mental health issues. The main goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders so that those in need are more likely to seek help. Public mental health advocates are a driving force behind these campaigns. Providing the public with access to resources and advocacy for mental health serves the greater good.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), untreated mental illness costs our nation hundreds of billions of dollars annually in lost earnings, reduced productivity, unemployment, healthcare expenditures, disability benefits, and more.
For 30 years, Rose Hill Center in Holly, Michigan, has provided comprehensive mental health treatment to help adults overcome various mental health disorders to live healthy, fulfilling lives. If you have questions about mental health treatment or consider becoming a mental health advocate, we encourage you to reach out to us for information. Call 866.367.0220 today to learn more.
What Is Mental Health Advocacy?
Mental health advocacy can be traced back to Dorthea Dix, a 19th-century activist who devoted herself to challenging the norms of mental health treatment. She advocated for better conditions in mental institutions and overall more humane treatment of those with mental illness. Dix also advocated for women’s rights, which led to significantly fewer diagnosed cases of hysteria.
Today, a mental health advocate is anyone who lends their voice to supporting those suffering from mental health disorders, themselves included. Examples of mental health advocates include:
- A family member advocating for a loved one with a mental health disorder
- Volunteers at a local mental health organization
- A politician who helps pass pro-mental health legislation
- A person who shares their mental health story to encourage others
- Someone who provides mentorship and guidance for those seeking treatment
- Organizers of events promoting mental health awareness
- Healthcare workers who provide access to proper care
Overall, mental health advocates work to educate the public about the challenges of mental health disorders, fight for changes in the mental health treatment system, and provide support to those in need.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Advocacy
Mental health advocates help give a voice to people who might not otherwise have one. Through mental health advocacy, we provide education to the general public to help reduce the myths and stigmas around mental illness and break down barriers to treatment. The following are other positive impacts that result from mental health advocacy:
- People suffering from mental health disorders realize that they are not alone
- Advocates become role models by being examples of being able to manage mental health symptoms successfully
- Advocates can highlight the availability of resources, so people know where to turn for help
- People who would otherwise not seek help are more likely to when someone they admire acknowledges their struggles
- Advocates encourage politicians to prioritize mental health initiatives
- An advocate’s perspective can help people be more objective about the severity of their symptoms
- Advocates foster the development of healthy relationships
There are no set credentials needed to become a mental health advocate except for the desire to help. The best starting point is to advocate for yourself.
Discover Advocacy at Rose Hill Center
Of the millions of adults in the United States battling mental health disorders, less than half receive the treatment they need and deserve. Mental health advocacy is an essential tool for reaching those in need and encouraging them to seek treatment. If you are interested in becoming a mental health advocate but are struggling with a mental health disorder, reach out to Rose Hill Center in Holly, Michigan, to get the treatment you need. We provide holistic, evidence-based treatment for conditions including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Personality disorder
- Co-occurring disorder
- Schizophrenia
Mental health advocacy begins with yourself. Rose Hill Center is here to help. Contact us online or by calling 866.367.0220.
