Awhile ago I attended a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Smarts for Advocacy class. In this class you learn tips and tools for sharing your story and effective ways to write, call, or talk with your policymakers. Although my brain was definitely tired by the end of it, I was very appreciative to have the information. I also imagine a lot of people (including me) can get a lot of benefit from the workshop.
To be honest, I have not been much on the advocacy side of things since my dad passed away. I have always complained and criticized the system that he had to navigate through, but criticizing and complaining doesn’t usually get you very far. While it definitely stretches my comfort zone and my interest, lately I have been feeling the nudge to advocate more for mental health. Instead of resisting it, I am exploring what that means for me and what I can do.
Although this nudge to action is very personal, I think part of it is from an overall sense of increased civic engagement in our country. Our political climate right now is uneasy at best. People are protesting and getting involved everywhere, and although it isn’t always pretty, I am inspired by the peaceful civic action that has been spreading. There are so many issues out there, so many things that need improvement. I am glad to see people getting out there and fighting for what they believe is right, and I hope that for many mental health is at the top of the list.
Although the definition of advocacy can be pretty broad, I feel like I am just starting my advocacy journey. While I am interested in many issues, my work will start with focusing on and improving mental health for all. I sent my first email to one of my state lawmakers in February and plan to visit the state legislature. I don’t know what all will happen from here, but at least I am following the nudge to move forward and help improve what we currently have. It may not be easy for me, but I know there is meaning in trying to constructively change the mental health landscape.