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What Is a Mental Health Advocate?
A mental health advocate is a person who provides support to those with mental illness.
This can come in many forms, including providing emotional support and advice on dealing with theirdiagnosis.
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Mental health advocates are not only the voice of those living with mental illness but also their hands.
They listen, speak up for them, stand up for them, and fight alongside them.
Qualities of a Mental Health Advocate
What makes someone a good mental health advocate?
Below are some of the qualities that many mental health advocates share.
However, there are many types of mental health advocates and the following list highlights some examples.
Below are different ways in which you’ve got the option to become a mental health advocate.
They often guide navigating systems such as education, healthcare, law enforcement, etc.
Mentors may focus on things like career development or social interactions.
They also work with children and youth in the foster care system and young adultstransitioning out of incarceration.
Below are some tips to help you become a better advocate for yourself and others.
It is also important to remember that you may not be able to help everyone you meet.
For that reason, self-care is critical.
Mentors are valuable resources for advocates to seek out whenever possible.
National Women’s History Museum.Dorothea Dix.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.A Full-Time Activist.
The National Committee Against Mental Illness, 1953-1963.
