AWARENESS
As we know, mental health is very important. This means that it is almost critical that we spread awareness on mental health. In saying this, how can awareness be spread for mental health? ​
Well, there are a number of ways in which we can spread the awareness. These include:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS (IN SCHOOL AND IN THE WORKPLACE).
To spread awareness, first you must be educated on mental health as well as mental illness. If you are not educated, then it is basically impossible to spread awareness because you do not know what it is you are spreading awareness for. Education programs, however, do spread awareness as they get people to focus in on their mental health and emphasis ways in which they can care for themselves and others.
TALKING TO THE PEOPLE THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.
Ask them if they are doing ok and really listen and try to understand their answer. If their answer is of true concern e.g. suicide or self-harm, you should encourage them to seek help and do what you can to support them.
OPENING UP TO OTHERS ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES.
By sharing your experiences with others, you are letting people know that they are not alone. Your story may impact someone’s decisions and could even make them seek the help that they need.
"What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation"
Glenn Close
SHARING MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING SITES ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS.
There are websites in which you can take mental health screening tests. These sites are a great way to recognise any mental health problems that you may be having. Once you have an idea of your problems you may wish to seek further help/support.
PARTICIPATING IN LOCAL ADVOCACY EFFORTS TO SUPPORT AND EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH LEGISLATION.
This is a great way to spread awareness of mental health. You are bringing attention to mental health in hopes that people become more aware of it. When mental health legislation is expanded, it will benefit many people.
MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS (AT WORK OR SCHOOL).
Mental health interventions at both workplaces and school are extremely important. They can help you to realise that you and/or the others around you, that may be struggling with mental health concerns. Interventions help us to recognise those important things such as mental health, that we previously may have been neglecting or forgetting.
Mariska Hargitay
"Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step"
GOVERNMENTS NEED TO PRIORITISE MENTAL HEALTH.
Governments should put mental health programs in place. If the government were to prioritise mental health, then many citizens would be prioritising their mental health as well as the others around them.
TV ADS OR RADIOS PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH.
Many people worldwide, watch the TV. If the ads on the TV were about important issues such as mental health, much awareness would be raised. Approximately 89% of people worldwide own a television. If all those people watch the ads that come onto the television, then the benefit of creating ads about mental health would be substantial.
GP’S COULD ASK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.
We all go to the GP, right? If when we went to the GP and they asked about our mental health, then much awareness would be raised. It may be as simple as: ‘How are you feeling’ or ‘How has your life been’. These easy questions may make all the difference to someone who is struggling with mental health. Once the GP receives your answer to this type of question, they can then have a conversation with you about your mental health if they are concerned. The GP might then advise you to seek specialist help, if they believe you may benefit from it.
"Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I’m not going to make it, but you laugh inside, remembering all the times you’ve felt that way"
Charles Bukowski
FUNDING RESEARCH INTO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES TO DEVELOP NEW APPROACHES TO PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY.
There is a lot of money that goes into research for mental health. In 2018-19, $10.6 billion was spent on Australian’s mental health. If you can afford to fund mental health, then many people will benefit from your donation. Just remember, this is a worthwhile cause!
FUNDING PREVENTIVE HEALTH INITIATIVES THAT FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH.
Similar to funding for research on mental health, this is funding for preventive health initiatives. With the amount of people that suffer from mental health issues each year, it is worthwhile putting into place preventive health initiatives that focus on mental health.
DO YOUR PART, SPREAD AWARNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH!
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