Being an advocate for mental health resources doesn’t require a fancy title or a huge following. It starts with a choice—a choice to speak up, show up, and stand beside others in the face of silence and stigma. Whether you’re someone who lives with mental illness or you’re simply passionate about supporting the community, your voice matters. Advocacy is powerful because it creates change—not just in policies or systems, but in hearts, conversations, and culture.
As someone who is a certified mental health advocate, I’ve seen firsthand the difference it can make when someone feels heard, understood, and supported. Charissa and I both know what it’s like to grow up not understanding ourselves or having the right resources—so we’ve made it our mission to help others access what we didn’t have. Whether that’s knowledge, community, or simply permission to feel and heal, advocacy has become more than a cause—it’s a way of life.
What Does Advocacy Look Like?
Advocacy comes in many shapes and sizes. You don’t need to be standing at a podium or writing legislation to make a difference.
Here are just a few ways you can be an advocate:
- Sharing Your Story (When You’re Ready): Vulnerability can be healing—not just for you, but for others. When we speak openly about our experiences, we give others the courage to do the same.
- Educating Others: Challenge misconceptions and myths when you hear them. Share resources, explain terminology, and point people toward professional help when appropriate.
- Supporting Someone Else’s Voice: If someone is speaking up about mental health, amplify them. Repost. Engage. Encourage. Visibility matters.
- Volunteering or Donating: Support local and national mental health organizations with your time, energy, or financial contributions.
- Showing Up for Policy Change: Sign petitions, vote for mental health funding, or get involved in community meetings that address these issues.
- Creating Safe Spaces: Whether it’s your home, workplace, or social media feed, be intentional about making space where people feel safe to be themselves and talk honestly.
Advocacy Tips from Personal Experience
As someone who navigates mental illness and works to support others, I’ve learned that advocacy isn’t always easy. It can be exhausting and emotional. That’s why self-care and boundaries are also part of being an effective advocate.
Charissa and I have had to learn the balance between speaking up and protecting our own peace. We’ve seen how powerful it is to be the person you needed when you were younger—but we’ve also seen how easy it is to pour from an empty cup. Advocacy is a long game. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to say no. You’re still making a difference.
Getting Started
If you’re wondering where to begin, here’s a few simple steps:
- Learn: Read up on mental health topics, listen to others’ experiences, and stay informed about what’s happening in your community.
- Reflect: What part of mental health advocacy are you most passionate about? Where do you feel called to speak up?
- Connect: Find communities online or locally that align with your values. You’re not in this alone.
- Act: Start small—share a post, check in on a friend, attend a workshop, or write a letter to your local representatives. Every action counts.
Closing Thoughts
You don’t have to be perfect to be an advocate. You just have to be real. Your voice might be the one that helps someone feel less alone. Your presence might be the thing that helps someone hold on. The ripple effect of your advocacy can be far-reaching—and you may never even see how many people you’ve helped along the way.
So if you’ve ever felt the nudge to speak up, educate, or support—consider this your sign to start.
Let’s talk about it.
Are you an advocate, or do you want to become one? What’s one way you can use your voice or actions to support mental health in your community?