Mental health awareness is the movement toward a greater recognition of mental wellness as a crucial component of overall wellbeing. This can be seen in a wide variety of ways – from the growing popularity of personal narratives and social media campaigns to increased research funding for mental health.
The goal is to reduce stigma and increase support, knowledge and help-seeking behaviors. It’s an important movement that can help people realize that they’re not alone – many times, the only thing keeping them from seeking treatment is a lack of awareness or understanding of what is available to them.
However, there is a danger that mental health awareness can lead to overpathologising. This is the belief that mental health problems are always the result of individual choices – rather than, for example, exceptionally difficult external circumstances or societal issues. This is dangerous because it may discourage people from seeking treatment, which could have serious consequences for their wellbeing and the well-being of those around them.
It’s important for everyone to become active participants in the mental health awareness movement, including organisations. This can start with improving the workplace culture, ensuring that all employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health, even if it’s not in an open forum. It can also be done by promoting the inclusion of mental health and wellbeing in all learning and development activities, and encouraging wellbeing-focused policies that recognise the needs of all. This will help to ensure that people receive the care they need, when they need it.