Mental illness affects millions of people each year. According to a recent survey, 20 percent of Americans are suffering from a mental illness in any given year in the United States; and this is increasingly becoming a problem for American youth.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
While there are effective treatment options, many people with known mental health problems are never or afraid to seek help due to stigma, discrimination, lack of resources, or a combination of the three.
Even if you are not battling mental illness, there are opportunities to inspire others to raise awareness and engage in sharing information, and support with mental health issues.
By doing so, you can make a legitimate difference and help change the narrative from a negative statement to a positive one.
Mental health affects almost everyone, whether they live with a mental illness or not, there are many ways you can help. Keep reading on how you can make a difference.
Talk about mental health more openly
Open discussion about mental health in society helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness while reminding us that we are not struggling alone and help is available. Talking about mental health can encourage people with suicidal thoughts or serious mental illness to seek help from mental health professionals.
The state of your mental health affects how you feel, think, and act. People must express these emotions with others daily. By talking openly about mental health, more people can be encouraged to seek professional help.
Talking about your mental illness helps express how you feel and allows others to help guide you through difficult times.
For example, if you suffer from any form of eating disorder or specifically anorexia, it will be extremely beneficial to your well-being to seek help from mental health professionals, so they can provide you with an anorexia treatment plan.
A weekly visit to a therapist will also help with this process and you will immediately feel the positive effects of openness. It is also a good suggestion that you trust your loved ones in times of need and trust someone while struggling.
You can talk to a trusted family member, mentor, friend, or therapist about your issues.
Take on a career path where you can make a positive impact
As mental illness increases, mental health careers are also in demand in which you can make a positive and sustainable contribution. You may start taking mental health career path if you wish to be a shining light for someone struggling with the darkness of mental illness.
If you are interested in a career in mental health, several fields offer an opportunity to provide care for those afflicted. Consider a future in psychology, psychiatry, counselling, social work, or nursing. These career paths provide valuable care to those suffering from mental disorders.
Share mental health screening sites in social media
Getting a mental health test is one of the easiest and quickest ways to determine if you have symptoms of a mental illness. It is a reliable as medical tests but mental health assessment tests can be very expensive.
However, most people do not know that they exist. Since screening tests are useful tools for everyone, both those who think they have a mental illness and those who do not, make a list of screening sites and share it on social networks.
It promotes mental health awareness and provides followers with a concrete first action that might improve someone’s life.
Please keep in mind that online screening tools are intended to provide you with a short overview of your mental health. Consider discussing your results with someone if your results indicate you may be suffering signs of a mental illness.
A mental health professional such as a therapist may conduct a thorough evaluation and discuss treatment options with you.
Become aware of the signs and symptoms of various mental health illnesses
Mental disease can manifest in various ways, making it difficult to diagnose. As a result, many people who may benefit from professional help don’t seek it as soon as they should.
Understanding the warning signs and how to assist your loved one manage once they’ve been diagnosed will help reduce the number of people who suffer in silence without advocates.
Take part in local advocacy activities to promote and extend mental health laws
Policy change is a significant and lasting approach to improve the lives of people living with mental illnesses and those who assist them. Consider voting for politicians that make mental health a priority in their platforms.
You may also contact your local government representatives to urge them to recognize national mental health awareness events or propose legislation that would promote healthcare access.
