5 MENTAL HEALTH POLICY ADVOCACY (5/2) -- Mental Health Promotion

5 MENTAL HEALTH POLICY ADVOCACY Emma Wagner; Peyton Morey; and Doreen Danso In this chapter we will learn about mental health promotion advocacy, the stakeholders involved, and the importance of policies that support mental health at community, national, and international levels. 5.1 KEY THEMES AND MAIN IDEAS 5.1.1 Introduction Mental health promotion (MHP) advocacy involves initiatives that aim to raise awareness and promote policies and practices that foster mental health and well-being. Psychological well-being is a public health issue that should be addressed through policy interventions (Trudel-Fitzgerald et al., 2019; International Union for Health Promotion and Education, 2021). Advocacy efforts may involve working with policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to develop and implement effective MHP policies and programs (Jané-Llopis et al., 2011). Effective advocacy may include educating stakeholders about the benefits of MHP, promoting collaboration and partnerships, and engaging the public in discussions about mental health (Weist et al., 2003). MHP advocacy plays a critical role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and promoting mental health as an essential aspect of overall health and well-being (Min et al., 2013; Sturgeon, 2006). This section aims to determine the efficacy of the current MHP measures implemented in varies settings and populations. This includes schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities, as well as within government policies. Furthermore, the importance of nation and international policy making, and diversifying research methodology and evidence-based programming in all aspects of MHP will be covered. 5.1.2 The Importance of Health Promotion Policy Interventions in Promoting Well-Being The promotion of well-being is an essential aspect of overall public health. Traditional approaches to mental health, especially among high-risk groups, have primarily focused on treatment. Treatment-only approaches are reactive in nature, meaning they do not take early preventing steps to reduce risk or protect against mental ill health and are thus, inadequate in preventing poor mental health. Prevention efforts, especially early prevention efforts, which aim to target known-risk factors of mental illness, take proactive steps to prevent mental ill-health and require more attention in programming and policy (Min et al., 2013). Mental health policies and interventions that focus on prevention and early intervention can reduce the burden of mental illness in individuals, particularly children and adolescents (Min et al., 2013; Shatkin & Belfer, 2004). providing support and resources to these groups, the incidence of mental ill health may be reduced, and their overall well-being improved (Min et al., 2013; Shatkin & Belfer, 2004). Policies that address the social determinants of mental health can have significant impacts on public health. MHP policies can address social determinants that impact