We are living in a time when mental health problems are not only at an all-time high but also recognized more than ever. There has been a stigma around mental health issues, often causing them to be viewed from a negative perspective. Therefore, discovering you have mental health issues can often cause fear or a desire to ignore it. What can be done to change the views of mental health problems and lead us to a fuller appreciation for those affected by mental health issues?
Social Workers and Mental Health Issues
There are many professionals, including social workers who are working to be a voice for change. Being a social worker requires extensive knowledge of human behavior and development, as well as social, cultural, and economic institutions and the ways in which they interact (GoodTherapy, 2015). Social workers are dedicated to improving the lives of others and can be a direct support for those who struggle with mental health issues. They can provide resources and also provide direct care with diagnosis and treatment for mental health.
Working Together to Spread Mental Wealth
Most of us have either dealt with a mental health issue ourselves or been indirectly affected through a family member. If we all come together to not only help those who suffer, but also increase awareness and education about mental health issues, we can spread mental wealth. Not all mental health looks the same. Therefore, it is sometimes obvious and sometimes it goes unnoticed. If we come together as a community to recognize the signs of mental health issues, we can work together to focus on the positive change that can come from recognition.
By: Allison McDonald, EKU Online Social Work Student
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References
GoodTherapy. (2015, December 14). GoodTherapy. Retrieved from The Important Role Social Workers Play in Mental Health: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/the-important-role-social-workers-play-in-mental-health-1214157