Have you been looking for a way to start a conversation about mental health, but haven’t been able to find a good lead into the conversation? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there is no better time to break down the stigma!
The team at Punk Rock Saves Lives (PRSL) is already on the road, raising awareness at shows and festivals around the country; so we thought it was a good idea to provide you with some ideas as to how you can promote Mental Health Awareness Month, too!
Talk to Your Employer
Does your company have required mental health days and an insurance plan that covers mental health visits? Mental health benefits in the workplace are becoming more normalized and desirable, especially when the hiring market is more competitive than ever.
Coping with mental health at work can be challenging, but having a psychologically safe environment can make all the difference. If you haven’t yet, have a chat with your supervisor or someone in HR about the company’s mental health plan; you may be surprised at how it turns out!
Share on Social Media
Social media has made it more convenient than ever to mass communicate updates with friends and family, no matter how far away they may be in distance! It may feel scary to be vulnerable on such a public platform, but you never know who else might be struggling and not realize that someone else in their circle is, too.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out what to post, following mental health resources on social media is a good opportunity to find content to share! You can dip your toes in the water of the conversation without feeling too exposed, and spotlight a cause you’re passionate about. (Btw, you can find PRSL on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!)
Volunteer
A great way to raise mental health awareness? Spend some time volunteering in your community! Whether you connect with PRSL for one of our many volunteer opportunities, connect with another nonprofit, or find a nearby event that needs a few helping hands, getting out and actively promoting mental health awareness can touch the lives of more people than you may realize!
Host an Event
No nearby events for you to get involved in? Consider organizing your own!
Hosting a fundraiser is a great way to raise awareness, and you can be as creative and large-scale as you are comfortable with! A local bake sale, car wash, or fun run are great ways to get others involved and talk about mental health, or you can have an art contest, paint and sip night, adult prom…the sky’s the limit!
Talk to Your Circle
Finally, the best way to raise mental health awareness is just to have those tough conversations. Talk to your loved ones about mental health and your own personal experiences. Create a safe space for them to come to you with their own struggles, and provide them with the confidence to chat with their circle about mental health. Before you know it, you’ll be at the heart of a ripple effect…and that’s pretty dang punk!