The topic of mental health and psychological awareness is not exclusive to students of psychology. It is open to all. All those who care about their mental wellbeing, who care about others mental wellbeing and those who want the world to be more psychologically sensitive and aware. These are the traits of a true Mental Health Ally. A Mental Health Ally is someone who supports and advocates for the wellbeing of others. It is very powerful to be someone who stands up for that.
Who is a Mental Health Ally?
Here are some qualities that you will find in an Ally:
Listens genuinely without any judgement
Does not support stigma
Speaks up against discriminating behavior on the grounds of mental health concerns
Stays updated and educated about mental health
Supports friends, families and colleagues through their mental health challenges
Promotes inclusion, sensitivity and accessibility in conversations and spaces
Being an ally does not mean that one has answers to all questions. However, it does signify being there and showing up, standing against what is not acceptable and standing beside those who need support. An ally amplifies the voice of those who are struggling.
Why Mental Health Allyship Matters in India?
Even thought Indians, specially the youth are becoming more aware day by day about mental health concerns many still hesitate to talk about therapy. Other topics of stigma are anxiety, depression, burnout. Therefore, here is why allyship is important:
It helps to normalize conversations around mental health
It reduces the shame and guilt around seeking help for mental health concerns
Encourages more people to seek help in their difficult times
Early help seeking can stop issues from escalating to more severe forms
Builds safe and inclusive spaces at homes, offices and schools.
In a collectivist culture like ours, community influence matters. When one person takes the first towards being an ally, they create a ripple effect of change.
How to Be a Better Mental Health Ally
Listen Actively
Sometimes, the best support comes from just listening without trying to run ahead and give solutions. Empathy and active listening walk with someone in distress a great mile.
Avoid Minimizing Feelings
Avoid using statements like "Its just a phase", "You're being too dramatic." while talking to someone who is trusting you with their mental health issues. These statements invalidate the real struggle of someone facing challenges.
Learn the basics
Read the basics about mental health related issues. Read about anxiety, depression, trauma and other related topics. Awareness also helps one recognize the signs for early interventions and respond with care.
Challenge Stigma
If someone jokes about therapy or casually uses terms like, "retarded", "mad", and others, or uses/misuses concerns of mental health issues are insult, speak up respectfully against them.
Support Access
Encourage those struggling with mental health challenges to seek help. Have conversations with them as to how seeking help is actually an act of courage and not a sign of weakness. Encourage schools, offices and other community spaces to include mental health policies, helplines, support groups and workshops.
Know Your Boundaries
Support does not mean becoming a therapist. Encourage help-seeking from professionals where needed. Do not take up the role of a therapist, by commenting on or advising in matters you are not trained to handle.
Ally Spotlight
A client of APPS, Ajay, is a 35 year old manager in Mumbai. He noticed one day that one of his team members, Shruti, had not been mixing with the team as well as she was before, she would also be unusually quiet and had lost significant weight in the past month. Instead of dismissing her state as "just a phase", he asked her one day if she wanted to talk. He also shared with her how his ongoing therapy was helping him function better and it wasn't weak to seek help.
This encouraged Shruti to open up to him as she felt it was a safe, non judgmental space. She was also motivated to seek professional help to deal with her issues better.
That is what being an ally looks like!
Being a Mental Health Ally is not a fad or a one time act. It is a mindset, a value structure and a lifelong commitment. It shows the willingness to learn, to unlearn and to support. Every conversation that starts, every stigma that is challenged and every friend you check on, becomes a part of an healthier ecosystem and society. You don’t have to be perfect to be an ally. You just have to care enough to act.
Want to become a stronger mental health ally?
Follow Aapli Psych Psychological Services for easy-to-understand mental health tips, workshops, and advocacy campaigns.
