Today, mental illness affects 1 in 6 adults in the United States. However, that statistic doesn’t highlight how the ripple effect of mental health issues affects families and communities. Sadly, many people suffering from mental illness are boxed out of the healthcare system and even the economy.
Few people understand this as well as mental health social workers who work with people of all backgrounds. They often work with people in communities stricken by poverty, addiction, crime, and injustice. Each of these societal afflictions can leave people feeling isolated and unseen.
It’s up to social workers to advocate for people who otherwise cannot easily get the help they need. While it’s sad that many people cannot receive help without an advocate, it’s nice that the United States has so many great social workers.
Follow along as we explore how mental health social workers support communities and individuals through advocacy and action.
It’s easy to forget how difficult it is for many people to get proper mental health treatment. Many people have the luxury of scheduling appointments with social workers, therapists, and psychiatrists at their convenience. However, navigating the mental health treatment world is difficult for those without much disposable income.
Mental illness can have a devastating trickle-down effect on one’s life if left unchecked. This can include problems at home, addiction issues, and even unemployment. Because of that, the people who suffer the most are often those who cannot necessarily justify regular mental health treatment.
That’s where mental health social workers come into play as they can improve lives by advocating for their clients. Not only can they treat their clients, but they can also help them navigate life's challenges, such as unemployment. This type of advocacy is just as important as treatment, and it can change lives for the better.
Mental health advocacy isn’t as simple as saying you believe your client should receive treatment. Advocacy starts on a personal level and extends to advocating for policy changes that sometimes affect large groups. Mental health advocacy benefits countless people and communities in many ways, such as:
1. Establish New Policies
For years, many people have been held back by policies that simply don’t benefit them. Countless people have missed out on much-needed mental health support because they lack health insurance. Mental health social workers often treat people without insurance who otherwise couldn’t afford treatment.
They can also work with organizations and politicians to change health insurance and treatment policies. This extends to systemic problems that hold people back, such as poverty and a lack of affordable housing. Advocating for people on a community level is essential to ensuring better mental health outcomes.
2. Eliminating Stigmas
Think of how many people have chosen to opt out of mental health treatment because of the stigma surrounding it. Not only is the stigma pointless, but it has prevented people from getting the help they need. Mental health social workers and advocates have the chance to fight such stigmas within communities where they’re prominent.
For example, mental health social workers can provide pamphlets and resources to students, unhoused adults, and people within the judicial system. Sure, not all of them may need mental health support, but they will at least know resources are available. Mental health treatment stigmas prevent people from getting help and are dangerous.
Today, Mental health professionals must do all they can to educate communities about the importance of treatment. An informed community is more likely to embrace mental health support. Whether it be seminars, pamphlets, or billboards, every little bit helps.
3. Fight for Social Justice
It’s no secret that many communities within the United States are plagued by racism, poverty, violence, and addiction. Such communities are often left behind and looked at through an apathetic lens. Not only does this stop them from getting help, but this mindset also worsens existing problems.
Social justice is one of the key principles of working as a social worker. You cannot do your community justice if you don’t advocate for equality. As a social worker, you must do your best to ensure the communities you work with have access to all the resources they need.
This includes education, food, housing, and healthcare. It’s also important to speak up and intervene when you recognize disparities and injustice. Inequality, racism, and rampant poverty all contribute to mental health struggles, so you must nip the problem in the bud.
4. Provide Legal Help
Social workers have the chance to treat people who are wrapped up in the legal system. Sadly, many people find themselves in legal trouble because of addiction and mental health issues. Such problems are often exacerbated by the social stigmas and traumas that come with having a criminal record.
Mental health social workers can treat people awaiting trial or within county jails and state prisons. This can work wonders to reduce the recidivism rate. Otherwise, they may feel neglected and simply return to unhealthy patterns that worsen their situation.
5. Advocate for Victims
It’s easy to feel alone as a victim of domestic violence and sexual assault. The trauma that countless victims carry can contribute to risky behaviors, addiction, and severe mental illness. Mental health social workers can help victims understand their experiences don’t define them.
They can also teach healthy coping mechanisms and simply lend a shoulder to lean on. Isolation is dangerous, especially if you are dealing with trauma. However, the resources that social workers provide can help victims see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The ability to advocate for and help those who are unfortunately left behind is a privilege. Without such support, entire communities can feel unseen and cheated out of the chance to receive treatment. Social workers make significant differences through advocacy, support, and the resources they provide. Everything they do can contribute to improving lives and even communities.
