Mental Illness Advocacy
What is advocacy for mental health?
The concept of mental health advocacy has been developed to promote the human rights of persons with mental disorders and to reduce stigma and discrimination. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the major structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving positive mental health outcomes in populations.
Advocacy can arise in many situations, and there are different kinds of advocacy including: self-advocacy, group advocacy, peer advocacy, citizen advocacy, professional advocacy, non-instructed advocacy, public advocacy and policy advocacy. There are many other forms that one can choose, or a group can choose, to provide.
How do I advocate for mentally illness?
Support a friend or family member. ...
Volunteer at a local organization or hotline.
Speak to local leaders about increasing access to mental health services.
Educate yourself and spread helpful information about mental health.
So what are some basic principles and skills to be an effective advocate?
Know the issue - Have a clear and thorough understanding of the purpose for your advocacy.
Communication - Use active listening and appropriate language when advocating for a purpose, a group or an individual.
Research - Do your research on the issue or purpose. Go to a library or use the Internet. Talk with others who have had similar issues (peer advocacy). Keep your mind open to learning, as you’ll want to know about previous advocacy efforts with regard to the purpose/issue and how things may have changed since then. This could affect your strategy and approach.
Planning - Create an advocacy plan. Whether it’s advocating for an individual, a group, or whatever the cause might be, having a firm plan of action will strengthen your cause and bring others who are considered allies together. Part of the plan will be identifying opposition and any resistance you might face. You’ll also want to be open to recognizing areas of improvement that are needed, so that these areas can be strengthened.
Know the system - It’s important to know who you will be advocating to. If it’s a behavioral health care system, you’ll need to find out who the local decision makers are and focus on them, or maybe learn whether those efforts have been unsuccessful. Who at the state level makes decisions? It will be important for you to know your decision makers and their stance on the issues for which you’ll be advocating.
Be assertive - Rely on the power of your arguments. Don’t be intimidated by another’s authority. Remember that you are advocating for a cause, purpose or, in some cases, for another individual or group.
Using your story - If this is applicable, sharing your personal story of how the issues you are either advocating for or, in some cases against, is a powerful form of advocacy.
Be prepared for criticism - When new ideas for change are proposed, expect criticism. Some leaders have adopted the attitude of “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Don’t let these criticisms distract you. It’s important to listen and consider others’ opinions or perspectives, but stay focused on the change you are advocating for.