World Mental Health Day: What Can You Do to Advocate?
Published on 10th October, 2024

Every year on October 10th, the world observes World Mental Health Day, an initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about mental health issues globally and mobilise efforts to support mental well-being. Mental health has gained more recognition in recent years, yet millions still suffer silently due to stigma, lack of resources, and misinformation. Advocacy for mental health has never been more important. Whether through therapy for depression in Singapore or community support initiatives, individuals, organisations, and communities can contribute to breaking the stigma and promote better mental health care.
The importance of advocacy for mental health
Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing every facet of our lives from personal relationships to professional performance. Despite its significance, mental health has historically been underfunded and overlooked in many countries. According to the WHO (2021), nearly one billion people globally live with a mental health disorder, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this, with a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. However, less than 2% of national health budgets are allocated to mental health, which is grossly insufficient to meet the growing need.
This gap in care presents a unique challenge that can only be addressed by collective action and advocacy. Advocacy involves not only educating oneself and others, but also pushing for systemic changes that lead to better mental health services, reduced stigma, and enhanced support systems for those in need. By raising awareness and promoting mental health resources, individuals and communities can help bridge the gap between those who need help and the support that is available.
Steps you can take to advocate for mental health
1. Educate yourself and others
The first step toward advocacy is knowledge. Take the time to educate yourself about mental health disorders, their symptoms, and the various ways to manage them. Understand the differences between mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Mental health advocacy begins with dispelling myths and misconceptions, many of which perpetuate stigma and hinder individuals from seeking help. For example, one common misconception is that mental illness is a sign of personal weakness or failure. In reality, mental health disorders are medical conditions that require professional care, just like physical illnesses.
Once you have gained a solid understanding of mental health, share this knowledge with others. Host informational sessions at work or school, or post educational content on social media platforms. Simple, factual information can have a powerful impact on those who are unfamiliar with mental health issues or unsure about how to approach someone who may be struggling.
2. Support mental health campaigns and events
One of the easiest ways to advocate for mental health is by participating in and supporting mental health campaigns. Social support plays a crucial role in this advocacy, as it helps foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. World Mental Health Day itself is an excellent opportunity to get involved. In Singapore, organisations like the Singapore Mental Health Association (SMHA) and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) host events such as mental health walks, seminars, and online campaigns. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote community engagement in mental well-being.
Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness. By sharing posts, articles, and stories related to mental health, you can help raise awareness within your network. Use hashtags such as #WorldMentalHealthDay and #MentalHealthMatters to engage with global campaigns and encourage conversations about mental well-being.
If possible, consider donating to organisations that are dedicated to mental health research, advocacy, and services. Every contribution helps to expand access to care, fund research, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
3. Promote mental health in your workplace or community
Workplaces and community organisations can play a pivotal role in promoting mental health. As an advocate, you can encourage your workplace or local community to adopt mental health-friendly policies. This might include introducing mental health days, providing access to counselling services, or organising mental health workshops and seminars.
Studies show that workplace stress is a leading cause of mental health problems, including burnout, anxiety, and depression (World Health Organization, 2021). By advocating for mental health resources in professional environments, employees can create a more supportive, balanced work culture that prioritises well-being. For instance, encouraging open dialogues about mental health can foster an environment where employees feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of retribution or judgement.
4. Be an active listener and provide support
Sometimes, advocacy is as simple as being there for someone who is struggling with their mental health. Listening actively, without judgement, and offering support can make a world of difference. Often, people dealing with mental health challenges feel isolated and misunderstood. By offering empathy and understanding, you can help break down those feelings of isolation.
Additionally, encourage those struggling to seek professional help if necessary. Reassure them that mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that seeking help from a therapist or counsellor is a positive step toward recovery.
5. Promote responsible language use
One way to support mental health is by using language that accurately reflects the challenges people face without trivialising or misusing mental health terms. For example, avoid using clinical terms like “depression” to describe temporary feelings of sadness, or “OCD” to refer to being meticulous or organised. Using these terms casually can diminish the seriousness of genuine mental health conditions and contribute to misunderstandings about the experiences of those who are affected.
Promoting responsible language use helps create a more supportive environment, fosters empathy, and ensures that mental health conversations remain respectful and accurate. Encouraging others to use appropriate language and providing gentle corrections when necessary can make a significant difference in raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
Conclusion
World Mental Health Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health and the ongoing need for advocacy. Whether through educating others, supporting mental health campaigns, promoting mental health-friendly workplaces, or pushing for policy changes, everyone has a role to play. Mental health advocacy is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating a world where mental health care is accessible, affordable, and free from stigma. Together, we can build a more compassionate and understanding society where mental well-being is a priority for all.
References
World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health and COVID-19: Early evidence of the pandemic’s impact. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Sci_Brief-Mental_health-2022.1