By this point, everyone knows mental health exists. Millions of Americans are affected by these health problems every year, and almost 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a given year. The rates of mental illness amongst teens and the younger population is also rapidly increasing. Stigma is still ever-present, but slowly decreasing in some communities, while others struggle on. Sometimes it feels like there is nothing we can do to make large changes, and we feel as if the things we do not matter in the grand scheme of everyday life.
Especially as a young person, it can be difficult to feel heard or feel like you can make a difference in society. As a teen, however, one of our most impactful characteristics is our voice, and we can create more of a change than we think we can. Here are some ways that you can be an advocate for mental health and make a difference, no matter how big or small.
1. Have Difficult Conversations: Having conversations with your parents, family, or friends about mental health issues can be one way to decrease the stigma. Encourage the people around you to pay more attention to their emotions and behaviors, and treat any problems that may arise with the same attention that physical impairments would be given.
2. Utilize Social Media: Although some Instagram posts and reposting your story is sometimes seen as performative activism, using social media to spread resources and post screenings and other useful materials can still be of help. People spend a large amount of their time on social media, and using these sites to spread the information that needs to be distributed can be a good way to get the word out and inspire dialogue.
3. Do your own research: Take some time to do some research of your own on warning signs and symptoms of mental illness. It can be hard to identify symptoms and harmful behaviors if we do not even know what these look like, but understanding this can help you or your loved ones seek treatment or diagnosis if the need arises.
4. Try to get involved with policy: Changing some policy around mental health is one of the ways that a difference can be made that impacts large populations. Make informed voting choices and advocate for candidates whose platforms include mental health policy and awareness. Contacting local government officials and calling members of the national and state governments can also be a way to make your voice heard and push for important legislation.
5. Take a mental health screening: Taking a screening for specific disorders is not the substitute for an official diagnosis, but it may be a way to learn some signs and symptoms of several mental illnesses and also check in on your own mental health. MHscreening.org is an excellent place to take screenings. After doing so, be sure to tell others around you to take a screening as well.
Although doing all of these suggestions may not be viable for each and every person, but even having a quick conversation with a friend or sending them a check-in can lead to a sort of domino effect. Most importantly, in all of these efforts, do not forget to take care of yourself, and nurture your own mind.