Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often overlooked or stigmatized. Community health workers (CHWs) can play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and education in their communities.
What is mental health?
Mental health is the state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave. Everyone experiences mental health challenges from time to time, but some people experience more serious mental health problems that can interfere with their daily lives.
What are the signs and symptoms of mental health problems?
Common signs and symptoms of mental health problems include:
- Feeling sad, depressed, or anxious for most of the day
- Having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Feeling tired all the time
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling irritable or angry
- Having difficulty coping with stress
- Having changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Thinking about suicide
What can CHWs do to promote mental health awareness and education?
CHWs can promote mental health awareness and education in their communities by:
- Talking about mental health openly and honestly
- Educating people about the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
- Encouraging people to seek help if they are struggling with a mental health problem
- Providing information about mental health resources and services in the community
- Challenging stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems
One way that CHWs can promote mental health awareness and education is by leading educational sessions on mental health topics. These sessions could be held in a variety of settings, such as community centers, schools, or places of worship. CHWs can use educational materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, or websites, to teach people about mental health and mental health resources. CHWs can also partner with local mental health organizations to provide these educational sessions.
