It’s Us Against the Problem: Why Better Mental Health Requires a Collective Effort
Research highlights that improved mental health outcomes are best achieved through collective efforts and collaboration at an organizational, community or societal level. Yet, 95% of mental health programs only focus on individual interventions. This highlights a historically individualized approach to mental well-being, and an expectation that mental health should be self-managed and dealt with as a personal matter. Failing to acknowledge external factors, and the wider macro environment, as both enablers and obstacles to mental health, can limit the effectiveness and sustainability of even the most well-intentioned program.
Here's what we all can do to achieve better mental health together:
Offer community and organizational support that assists and uplifts individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues. This could involve creating a stigma-free and empathetic environment where people feel comfortable to speak up and seek help.
If you have experienced a mental health challenge, lend your voice and encourage others to support and connect with one another. Peer support can be a powerful tool in recovery and resilience.
Be there for your loved ones. Friends and family play a crucial role in supporting our mental health by offering us safety and security. As a family member or friend, offer a listening ear, and a place for open conversation free of judgment or advice.
Advocate for improved access to mental health services and resources in your organization or community. This might include forming groups to work together to address barriers to care and identify risks to mental health.
Foster an environment where mental health is promoted and valued in workplaces, schools, and other community settings. This might mean creating new policies and practices that prioritize mental well-being.
Continue to raise awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma so that individuals are more likely to seek help and support when needed. This might include developing awareness campaigns to spotlight mental health risks and prevention.
Participate in mental health training to better address challenges and provide support to those facing acute mental health crises. Be proactive in sharing your knowledge with others.
All of these activities underscore the importance of unity and shared responsibility in promoting better mental health.
A mental health crisis can be incredibly lonely and debilitating. If we continue to treat mental well-being as an individual’s problem, we perpetuate a cycle of inadequate care and add to the social isolation and stigma that individuals already experience during times of poor mental health. Instead, let’s work together to provide more supportive, collaborative and understanding environments, acknowledging that we all can be part of the solution in our own unique way.
