Mwamba Chisashi’s Post

As we mark World Mental Health Day, it’s important to reflect on how we can collectively reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental health conditions face every day. Mental health stigma makes it harder for people to seek and continue treatment, sustain employment, and build relationships. I like the look of WHO’s new Mosaic toolkit to end stigma and discrimination in mental health. Launching first in Europe, it was developed by global experts and mental health advocates and offers evidence-based strategies to help organizations and individuals tackle stigma head-on. It’s an important resource we can leverage to build more inclusive environments and support mental health advocacy in meaningful ways. We can put an end to mental health stigma and create supportive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eJtWkQND #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #Inclusion #Wellbeing

I'm actually super disappointed in this post. Boiling people down this way into a 'meme' is not very enlightened for a mental health advocacy group. People develop a mixture of mechanisms and lenses through which they see and show up in the world, largely through their childhood experiences. This is why trauma informed care is crucial. Context is important. Behaviors are symptoms of unaddressed root issues. This is why understanding modalities like polyvagal theory, IFS, etc. is crucial for professionals taking care of clients. We must meet people with compassion and help them understand why they do what they do. #traumainformedcare #polyvagaltheory #childhoodtrauma

Title: Let Us Talk About It: Raising Mental Health Awareness Among Teens By: Affinity Patient Advocacy In today's fast-paced and increasingly complex world, teenagers face a myriad of challenges that can impact their mental health and well-being. From academic pressure and social media scrutiny to family dynamics and personal identity struggles, the adolescent years can be overwhelming and stressful. However, despite the prevalence of mental health issues among teens, there remains a significant stigma surrounding the topic, making it difficult for young people to seek help and support when they need it most. Read the full article at: https://lnkd.in/ewZ3-6tZ #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #teens #patientadvocate #support #mentalhhealthmatters #life #endthestigma #socialmedia #stress #affinitypatientadvocacy

As we step into September, We encourage you all to take a moment to step outside of yourself and into someone else’s shoes for at least 30 minutes. Truly check on them—ask how they're doing and see what you can do today to make their mental load a little lighter. Did you know that approximately 1 in 100 Americans attempt suicide in a given year? This statistic underscores the significant impact of suicide attempts on our community, highlighting the critical importance of mental health awareness and support. SocialWorx Advocacy Group is here to provide the assistance and support you need. If you or someone you know could use help with mental health, make an appointment during our office hours on Wednesdays from 3 PM to 7 PM here: https://lnkd.in/gGK3_5bt #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #SupportEachOther #CheckInOnYourFriends #MentalHealthMatters #CommunitySupport #WellnessWednesday #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAdvocacy #YouAreNotAlone

Frequently, I have this difficulty in coming with hashtags and captions- maybe I spent my time academically. Sometimes, What really makes me anxious is the fact of how mental health is seen as a service. No it is professional work, two, quantity matters less than quality. Three, fellow psychologists narrowing their focus or hyperbolizing mental health to sound it like an advocacy. (For this, couple session and family therapy helps and other programs involving society at large. These foster rehabilitative, reintergrative and educative sessions at large). four, discipline- it may sound conventional but I disagree- this is about being informed in what you promote. No offense to mental health advocates out here. I respect you. What I'm saying is, everyone have collective responsibility and mental health profession, unlike other professions is not alienated from society. Apologies if post hurts someone. #communitymentalhealth #familytherapist #advocacy #earlyinterventionforchildren

May is #MentalHealthAwareness month and this week’s focus is on the unique challenges, strengths, and contexts that affect mental health in people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Everyone deserves access to respectful and culturally appropriate care yet members of racial and ethnic minority groups experience challenges that may require unique mental health support. Cultural differences should be respected and celebrated when providing mental health support. Mental health care providers are encouraged to consider the cultural nuances and needs of the diverse communities they serve. Addressing and reducing barriers to treatment are the first steps to building more equitable health systems. Together, we can improve access to mental health care for people from racial and ethnic minority groups! #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters Find resources here: https://loom.ly/qGhH28s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE During the covid 19 pandemic, I witnessed the suffering of many people, as they struggled with mental health challenges. I don’t know about you; for me this was a wakeup call, causing me to rethink health in general. Indeed, there is no health without mental health. Today as a mental health advocate, one of the ways I consider important in reaching out to people is through advocacy. Knowing that people with substance abuse disorder (SUD) are also considered to have mental health disorder, I continue to learn that advocacy is also necessary when it comes to recovery from SUD! True to the word, through advocacy, policy formulation, legislation and implementation can be influenced positively, families may start to embrace mental health care and communities can become more aware and educated about mental health. I want to encourage you to take some time and share information, raise awareness, provide mutual help, denounce stigma strongly, and help someone who is struggling to get treatment and care needed. #mentalhealthadvicacy #mentalhealthadvicate #iamanadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #ombisamentalhealthadvocate

Last night I was part of an amazing panel for the Keiser University Graduate School. We had great conversations around destigmatization, integrative health, the mind-body connection, and the training of first responders within the justice system to deal with mental health crises. There are systemic and cultural barriers that have created a stigma around mental health care and wellness. In addition to having these important discussions to educate and create awareness, it's also important that we take it a step further and teach individuals within the systems the steps to practice wellness practically. #destigmatizementalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #holisticwellness #mindbodyspirit #integrativehealth #crisisintervention #advocacy #culturalcompetence #awareness #employeewellness

➡️ M is for Mental Health Advocacy As a nurse and preventative health advocate, I can’t emphasize enough how vital it is to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities. For far too long, mental health issues have been swept under the rug, often misunderstood or ignored, leading to unnecessary suffering. But things are changing, and it’s time to embrace that shift. We need to create spaces where conversations about mental health are not just accepted, but encouraged. Too many of us carry the weight of trauma, stress, and systemic barriers that impact our mental well-being. It’s time we address that openly. Mental health isn’t a weakness—taking care of it is an act of strength. There are organizations out there doing incredible work, but it’s also up to us to advocate for culturally relevant, accessible resources for ourselves and our loved ones. Every voice that speaks up helps dismantle the stigma and brings us one step closer to healing as a community. Mental health is health, and advocacy starts with us. Let’s keep pushing for those conversations, for access, and for care that meets our unique experiences. #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma #BlackMentalHealth #healthempowerment #womenshealth

Today is World Mental Health Day - a day focused on global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. But what about tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that? Every opportunity to engage in mental health awareness, education and action is important and days such as World Mental Health Day provide a valuable platform for millions across the globe to consider their own actions. While this is valuable, mental health issues impact individuals, families, workplaces and communities every single day of the year. One of the most effective things we can do is ensure mental health is part of our conversation every single day of the year - in workplaces, in boardrooms, and importantly with family and friends. #WorldMentalHealthDay #WorkplaceWellbeing #EAP #EnablingBetterLives