Inspirational Mental Health Advocates that are changing the world!
There are great people all over the world that are doing a great work when it comes to mental health awareness and advocacy. Their tireless efforts are making a difference to what we see today.
Just think few years ago, many people felt so much shame and stigma by virtue of being diagnosed with mental illness. Granted, the issues are still ever present, but we have come a very long way. Many people are more educated about mental illness than ever before. And for those challenged with mental illness, they have better direction on what to do.
It is not without the efforts of people like those listed on this page. Some have even been affected by mental illness but they dared to step out and share their story rather than remain silent. They dared to help others. And for that, they deserve notice. They have not done what they are doing for fame or money, but because they want to make a difference.
We contacted them to tell us in their own words what they do and why they do it. So without much further ado, lets present them, in no particular order …
1 David Susman
I’m a clinical psychologist, college professor and mental health advocate. My blog (davidsusman.com) is focused on mental health, wellness and recovery from mental illness and addiction.
My goal is to provide proven, science-based resources to offer support, hope, inspiration and encouragement to persons in recovery and to those who care about them.
I also feature “Stories of Hope,” a series of interviews with people who have dealt with mental health challenges and who share the lessons they have learned through their journey.
I believe the two critical components of effective advocacy are awareness and action. Get informed and get involved!
2 Lade from NOUS
I am a mental health awareness activist!
I have heard it said that what you don’t know does not hurt you…with mental health information. I have come to realize that the lack of knowledge around mental illnesses in the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities has severely hurt us. It is on record that black people are over represented in mental health services. Higher level of stigma and negative stereotyping is higher. What can we so to stop this? Raise awareness!
That’s what we do at The Nous Organisation (www.thenousorganisation.co.uk)
…we raise awareness at the grassroot levels on mental health issues. We offer peer support, advocate and help people diagnosed or supporting people diagnosed with mental health to meander through the several mental health agencies. #letstalkaboutmentalhealth #thenous
3 Stewart Bint
I passionately believe in helping, supporting and encouraging people with mental health issues. This is because when I needed help, support and encouragement during my darkest time in 1997, it was readily forthcoming for me.
Without the help I received at the time, I could not have rebult my life to be enjoying a successful career as a novelist, magazine columnist and PR writer now.
I was rock bottom during the last part of 1997. The days were dark, by my supporters showed me the light. I want to give something back by showing others the light and helping them find the way. Check me out on my twitter account (twitter.com/AuthorSJB)
4 Aiden from End the Stigma
I am most passionate about putting a line through Stigma attached to Mental Illness.
We have a person a day taking their lives in Ireland and every couple of minutes worldwide.
Stigma prevents early intervention, access to treatment, correct diagnosis, ending maladaptive behaviours and ultimately recovery.
My website (endthestigma.ie) shares my story in raw, uncensored format. It also shares stories from advocates worldwide to show the multitude of Mental Health illnesses, but that we can also overcome stigma and shame barriers. Also we can have a life just like anybody else.
5 Matthew McKenzie
I am a mental health carer representative. I used to help govern the South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. Now, I am helping Carers Trust regarding their Triangle of Care policy, which sets a great benchmark for mental health trusts engaging with carers.
I also run several social media platforms in order to raise Mental Health and carer awareness. The main platform is caringmindblog.com. I am very proactive in South London regarding carers where I help run a Mental Health Carers forum.
Above all that, I am still a carer and have been a carer 15 years and continuing.
6 Michelle from Schizophrenic.NYC
What I am most passionate about Schizophrenic.NYC is the change I am making in New York City. People speak to me about becoming more open about their own battles with mental illness and how they admire my bravery for being so open about my challenges with schizophrenia.
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