Mental Health Advocacy

I don’t want to die young, but I don’t want to live dead.

- @tylerhateslife, TikTok, retrieved December 30, 2022

Seeking help means you're not alone and that you matter.

Source: Danie Franco / Unsplash

Sometimes, art provides keen insights into life. The person above performs a song in a self-produced TikTok video that addresses how the quality of his life with mental health challenges is so low that he might as well be dead. Many providers and patients struggle with a healthcare system that seems to fail many who need help immediately.

Let's explore three ways mental healthcare is becoming more available to the general population: psychoeducation in social media, mental health professionals on community task forces, and diversity-equality-inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation concerns informing citizens about available knowledge, resources, treatment options, and services, so they can make educated decisions about their mental health. It is not a one-time episode but involves a continuous effort during clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance care (Clark, 2020). Many organizations and government agencies have ramped up efforts to get the word out in order to amplify mental health awareness throughout local communities.

For example, the U.S. Veterans Administration illustrates the potential of organizational prioritization of psychoeducation. While there are inevitable criticisms of the consistency of access for veterans to quality mental healthcare (Culkin, 2023; McIngvale et al., 2019), the Veterans Administration has allocated a tremendous number of resources to mitigate the problem in recent decades and to deliver more effective healthcare services at points of need (Asch et al., 2005). It is not a perfect system but there are positive indicators. Many services are readily available online.

Contemporary military leaders have long believed that they serve those who serve under them (Culkin & Culkin, 2021). The U.S. military has increased preventive education efforts in recent years to counter elevated rates of suicidal behaviors, often linked to pre-existing mental health conditions (Culkin, 2023; McIngvale et al., 2019; Nichter et al., 2021).

Health Care Providers in the Community

Access to mental healthcare is becoming more of a priority for local towns and municipalities. Cities and dioceses, like Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas, have stood up mental health advisory committees to directly link citizens and parishioners with professionals who can assist them. Local town committees often collaborate with police departments and other first responders in anticipation of more serious challenges.

DEI Initiatives

Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have taken the lead in setting the example for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) services. Starting with a clear purpose and vision that incorporates DEI principles, it has helped promote more inclusive advocacy efforts for communities that have historically not had ready access to mental health care. Efforts such as these have enabled members to organize and advocate for changes in federal policy, state laws, and voting rights that amplify their voices.

Conclusion

We examined three ways mental healthcare is becoming more available to the general population through psychoeducation in social media, mental health professionals in communities, and DEI initiatives. There are new resources and outlets made available in local communities every day. Which ones will help you and your family?