October 10th is World Mental Health Day! World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Mental Illness is a real issue across the world. Unfortunately, there is immense stigma associated with having a mental illness or seeking help. World Mental Health Day is all about creating awareness of mental illness and breaking the stigma on getting help. So what can you do to help? Here are a few ways to embrace World Mental Health Day and be an advocate for mental health.
No one should advocate something they don't understand. In order to really support mental health, try educating yourself on the topic. Read mental health blogs (like this one), articles on mental health, listen to a mental health podcast, or read a book about mental health. It's very important to understand what mental health is. Not only because it's important for advocacy, but also because it is important for your own well-being.
Once you educate yourself about mental health, the most obvious way to be an advocate is to speak up about mental health. This can be in many different forms. If you have a social media platform, use it! Create a post about your own mental health journey or maybe share the benefits of therapy. If you don't feel you know what to say, share someone else's post about mental health! Maybe you don't have a platform, share some information about mental health by word of mouth instead, or shoot a text to your family members and ask them how they are doing. Support those in your life by sharing with them that mental illness is a real and pressing issue, and that professional help is available.
If you know someone that has mental illness or has expressed to you that they struggle with their mental health try to support them today! Take them out and partake in some self-care together! Maybe show them that you care and make them a little care package! Something as simple as a text just checking in can show them that you care. Support is extremely important for good mental health and wellbeing. Maybe you are the one that struggles with mental health. Reach out to your support system today and let them know that they have made a difference in your mental health journey.
If you have the ability, donating to projects and organizations that are doing things for the mental health community is a great way to support mental health awareness. There are some organizations out there that are not what they say they are so it is important to do some research before donating. If you don't have the financial ability to donate, that is okay! You could also donate your time. Maybe this means volunteering for a mental health fundraiser or a mental health helpline.
There are many ways you can help support mental health. Advocacy for mental health is appreciated in any form. Your voice matters! Share some support for the mental health community this month.
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