In the article “Mental Health Stigmas Are Shifting”, it states that the stigma mental health has had seems to be shifting in a positive direction. Results from a survey on mental health says 90% of Americans stated that they believe mental health and physical health are equally as important, and value both the same. There has been a lot of progress over the years on how people view mental health and realizing the importance it plays in people’s lives. This survey also shows that people ages 18-24 have become increasingly more comfortable when it comes to seeking medical attention and are viewing it as a sign of being strong as they are able to have the courage to do something about it.
Aside from the stigma shifting, there are also various positive things being done when it comes to mental health. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is an association that advocates from support and services in schools. NAMI focuses on implementing programs by having trained mental health professionals come into schools and provide mental health care as well as provide different resources available for the children. Their goal is to provide assistance and support which would lessen the misperception that youths face when it comes to their mental health conditions. NAMI supports the Mental Health in Schools Act which provides federal funding to train and work with school staff on mental health and to create a more positive community when it comes to the mental health system.
There are many different organizations who are implementing the importance of mental health and why others should be educated as well as feeling comfortable enough to seek treatment. The MHA, Mental Health America, is an organization in which their goal is to have recovery for everyone, regardless of the mental health conditions people face. MHA fights to improve the system for those who face mental health conditions. They fight to ensure easy access to quality treatment, as well as reducing incarceration, homelessness, and discrimination. The MHA has and continues to focus on working toward a community in which mental health is prioritized and that those who face these problems feel encouraged enough to seek help towards a road to recovery.
Many people believe that there is discrimination and a stigma when it comes to mental health. However, many don’t realize the growth that has occurred when it comes to mental health awareness. There are constant shifts in the mental health community as well as programs and organizations that solely focus on improving services and support for anyone who struggles with mental health. People have come a long way with mental health and it continues to positively increase as other’s continue to be educated on mental health and the role it plays in someone’s everyday life.