The demand of advocacy for mental health awareness

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of advocacy in the increasingly divisive political environment of today. Human rights abuses, environmental disasters, and structural inequalities are just a few of the serious issues that societies face, whether they are in the US or another country. Through advocacy, people and organisations can bring about change, provide voice to under-represented groups, and hold those in positions of authority responsible. Advocacy ensures that the values of democracy and justice are actively pursued rather than passively accepted, gives voice to individuals who might not otherwise be heard, and encourages citizens to participate with issues that impact their communities. Advocacy is more important than ever when political divisions deepen and global issues worsen. Advocacy may inspire in a society where policies are frequently influenced by vested interests.

Mental health, a crucial subject that is still disregarded, stigmatised, and underfunded, is one of the most urgent areas where advocacy is needed today. Promoting mental health is crucial, particularly in a political environment when people's mental health is negatively impacted by continual trauma from global crises, social unrest, and increasing economic uncertainty. Despite being a vital component of a person's overall health, mental health is frequently neglected and receives subpar care since it is seen as secondary to physical health. Promoting mental health guarantees that those who suffer from mental illness get the help they require, that laws are made to address mental health issues, and that mental health is acknowledged as a crucial aspect of public policy.

Because mental health has historically been disregarded in the US, those who suffer from illnesses like schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, and anxiety frequently face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to care. However, mental health has become an even more pressing concern as the world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath, economic instability, and escalating racial and political tensions. The need for structural reform is highlighted by the rise in mental health crises, especially among marginalised communities. Without advocacy, many people would still have difficulty accessing quality treatment, especially in rural and low-income communities. Destigmatizing mental illness, educating the public, and advocating for improved treatment are the goals of advocacy campaigns like #HereForYou, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and other mental health organisations. These efforts show how critical it is to advocate for mental health, as it directly impacts people's ability to thrive, both individually and within their communities.

Additionally, advocacy is essential to keeping political leaders answerable to their voters, especially when it comes to mental health. The need for mental health improvements in the US has grown in recent years, but legislative changes have not happened quickly enough. The dearth of mental health resources, particularly in underprivileged areas, is indicative of the political system's inability to effectively meet the demands of its constituents. This authority is restrained by advocacy, which compels politicians to consider the practical effects of their choices. More financing for mental health services, better insurance coverage for mental health care, and laws that remove the stigma associated with getting help are all demands being made by mental health organisations, lobbying groups, and activists.These initiatives guarantee that individuals who suffer are not left behind and that mental health gets the attention it merits. For millions of individuals in need of assistance, advocacy guarantees that mental health reform is a lived reality rather than merely a talking point.

Globally, there is an equally pressing need for mental health advocacy. Mental health problems are widespread and not specific to any one nation or area. Even as individuals deal with the trauma of war, displacement, and poverty, mental health is frequently disregarded in conflict areas and economically disadvantaged areas. In low-resource environments where mental health treatments are limited or nonexistent, advocacy groups like Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organisation play a crucial role in bringing attention to the global mental health issue. International advocates are also working to prioritise mental health care in international human rights frameworks and to include mental health in global development objectives. Global policy improvements are being pushed for by these initiatives, guaranteeing that mental health is addressed as global health care.

Ideological differences may also be reconciled through mental health advocacy. Mental health advocacy offers a forum for solidarity in a political environment characterised by growing polarisation. Regardless of nationality, social background, or political party, mental illness does not discriminate. Everyone needs mental health care, regardless matter whether they are dealing with anxiety, despair, or the trauma of experiencing a disaster. Through advocacy, individuals from a variety of backgrounds may unite not just to increase awareness but also to guarantee that mental health is given due consideration in all political and social arenas. Reminding us that mental health is a universal human experience and that everyone has a stake in expanding access to care and eradicating stigma, it promotes communication and understanding.

In the current political environment, advocacy is not an option; it is a requirement. Mental health has to be given the attention it needs while we tackle the issues of the twenty-first century, such as social justice and climate change. The means by which mental health is given priority in both policy and practice is advocacy. It guarantees that institutions and governments operate in the public interest, holds those in positions of authority accountable, and gives voice to those who are marginalised. Advocacy continues to be our most effective means of bringing about a more equitable and just world in a world where political politics are becoming more and more divided and the problems we face are global in scope. Without advocacy, we run the risk of sustaining injustice and inequality by letting the current quo continue.

However, through advocacy, we can change society, hold governments responsible, and guarantee that everyone has the chance to live in equality, freedom, and dignity. As a vital component of wellbeing, mental health need advocacy in order to remove obstacles to care, lessen stigma, and establish a community in which everyone is encouraged to pursue their mental health goals.