What is mental health awareness?

Mental health awareness is about understanding mental health, recognising the challenges faced by people living with mental illness, and being able to discuss mental health openly.

It involves acknowledging the stigma and discrimination that can exist and learning how to support colleagues, friends, or family members who may be experiencing mental health issues.

Understanding mental health awareness

Mental health awareness is more than just knowing about mental health conditions. It’s about spotting the signs and symptoms, understanding the impact on people and communities, and being able to have open and honest conversations.

Increasing awareness means we can reduce stigma and discrimination and create a more supportive environment for people severely affected by mental illness.

Challenging stigma and stereotypes

One of the key aspects of mental health awareness is challenging the negative portrayals that often surround mental illness. This includes questioning inaccurate stereotypes like people living with schizophrenia are violent or that depression and anxiety are not real.

By doing so, we can help to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help and support and promote a more accurate and compassionate understanding of mental health issues.

How to improve awareness of mental health

Challenge negative media portrayals and stereotypes about mental illness.
Actively work to break the stigma by discussing mental health openly and compassionately.
Get involved in mental health awareness events and campaigns to raise awareness.

Supporting others

Supporting someone with a mental health issue can make a significant difference in their recovery and wellbeing. Being a non-judgmental listener, offering practical help, and encouraging them to seek professional support are simple ways to help.

Get involved

There are many ways to get involved in mental health awareness. You can participate in events and campaigns, volunteer with mental health organisations, or simply start conversations about mental health with people in your life.

Every action, no matter how small, can help. So, join us in raising mental health awareness and supporting people severely affected by mental illness.