May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and organizations of all types are doing their part to help reduce stigma around mental health issues. Let’s take a look at a couple new campaigns.
Instagram #RealConvo
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Instagram is encouraging people to share their experiences with mental health and go beyond surface level talk with the hashtag #RealConvo. Instagram is a perfect setting for the campaign, given the documented negative effects of social media on challenges like depression and self-esteem. And with organizations and influencers taking part, it’s a small but important step to increase visibility and acceptance.
Each Mind Matters “Step Up to the Plate”
Each Mind Matters, California’s mental health movement, has a new campaign targeting men called “Step Up to the Plate.” According to their website, “research has shown that men and women experience many of the same mental health issues; however, men are less likely to talk about their feelings and seek help for depression, substance use and stressful life events.” This campaign encourages men to take notice of their friends’ and coworkers’ emotional states and to offer support to each other.
What do you think of these campaigns? Have you seen an ad or a PSA that particularly resonated with you?
If you or your loved one needs support around mental health, please reach out for help:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
SuicideIsPreventable.org
Header image from nami.org.
