It will be important to recognize how gender and race contribute to differences in use of social media for seeking mental health information or accessing interventions, as well as differences in how social media might impact mental wellbeing. Despite these risks, it is also necessary to recognize that individuals with mental illness will continue to use social media given the ease of accessing these platforms and the immense popularity of online social networking. Studies reporting on the threats of social media for individuals with mental illness are mostly cross-sectional, making it difficult to draw conclusions about direction of causation.

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Successful campaigns often leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share powerful messages and connect with individuals. Such efforts play a pivotal role in changing societal perceptions and reducing the isolation many individuals with mental health conditions experience. In late September, we will launch a new edition of WHO’s Mental Health Atlas, which provides a clear picture of resources available for mental health, both in individual countries and globally.

These findings underscore the importance of considering gender and cultural context in understanding and addressing stigma related to mental illness. Ayalon and Areán’s (2004) study on older adults in an Arab cultural context found that men reported higher levels of perceived stigma related to mental illness than women . Women with mental illnesses may therefore face dual discrimination – first for their gender and then for their mental health condition. Research evidence indicates that the experience of stigma related to mental illness can be significantly different for men and women, and these differences can be further influenced by cultural context. Stereotyping, deeply embedded in societal attitudes, can foster a culture of fear, rejection, and discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions. The negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding mental illness often result in a lack of understanding and empathy from others, leading to social exclusion .

Promote Engagement and Retention in Services

While mental health awareness campaigns are essential, it is crucial to acknowledge potential unintended consequences. One positive outcome of mental health awareness efforts has undeniably brought about positive changes by reducing stigma, promoting help-seeking behaviours, and connecting individuals with necessary support services. What are your thoughts on the usefulness of mental health awareness campaigns, or awareness campaigns in general? Furthermore, social media campaigns are leveraging influencers to spread awareness and drive conversations about mental health issues. Despite their importance, mental health awareness campaigns encounter various challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. Mental health awareness campaigns are organized efforts designed to educate the public about mental health issues and promote mental well-being.

• Teenergizer successfully managed to reach over 2,600,000 teenagers and young people through this online campaign.
• By doing so, we can work towards improving access to mental health care and promoting the well-being of individuals and communities across the globe.
• Mental health awareness campaigns effectively reduce stigma by promoting understanding and empathy.
• What’s more, coronavirus and the resulting lockdown led to a drastic increase in mental health conditions due to isolation and the anxiety and fear-driven by the global pandemic.
• Failing to involve individuals with lived experience can also lead to inauthentic or ineffective messaging.
• Increased awareness leads to improved public health outcomes, as individuals feel empowered to seek help.

By providing real-life examples of individuals living with and managing their mental health disorders, peer-to-peer advocacy programs may debunk myths and reduce the perceived ‘otherness’ of mental illness. People with lived experiences of mental health disorders who share their stories, can normalize mental health issues and challenge stigma. The results showed that students exposed to this intervention demonstrated less fear and avoidance of people with mental health problems and were more likely to see them as individuals rather than defining them by their illness. The study by Pinfold et al., (2003) implemented educational interventions in UK secondary schools, consisting of video presentations and direct social contact with individuals who had personal experiences with mental illness .

Make sure you add your school, workplace or community group to our Children’s Mental Health Week map! Place2Be equips people with the skills and experience they need to help and transform the lives of children and young people. This https://anchor.fm/s/7cef2f50/podcast/rss year, Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week will aim to support the groups and systems surrounding our children. Take a look at our official map and if you’re a school, community group or workplace, you can add yourselves. We love seeing everyone take part in the week! Make sure you get your hands on Place2Be’s official free Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 resources!