Hello everyone I'm Aaradhya Dhingra, a fifth-grade student at Pathways School Gurgaon. I'm here today to tell you how and why we should take action on mental health.

How can we take action towards mental health? 

• Talk about it

It may be as simple as discussing current events to start a conversation about mental illness. If a news story is making headlines, it's easy to imagine how much emotional or mental support the main characters might require. If health care is in the news, there is an obvious link to mental health care. 

People frequently open up to friends after having their appendix removed or discovering they have diabetes. If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, you can discuss past or current mental health concerns in the same manner: matter-of-factly and without shame. Provide the facts and your successes. When it becomes part of everyday conversation, the stigma begins to fade.

Cancer was not a topic that was openly discussed many years ago, but as more information about cancer became available, pamphlets and health warnings became more visible. Even AIDS, which was once considered taboo, has lost its stigma.

“If people would realize that with mental illness there is often something wrong with the structure or function of the brain, just like a pancreas or a kidney sometimes doesn’t form or function properly, there would be fewer stigmas attached to it.”
- James Fox, Professor

• Advocate 

Speak up on behalf of someone who is mentally ill. Advocating for the empowerment of people who are mentally ill will assist them in overcoming barriers such as discrimination, powerlessness, and isolation. 

People usually become involved in advocacy because they have witnessed an injustice and want to make things better. We can change attitudes, raise awareness, and make contact through advocacy. 

It takes time to implement social policy changes, and understanding the roles of decision-makers such as legislatures and administrative agencies can help. It also aids in the development of skills such as organisation, media relations, meeting facilitation, and letter writing.

Fight Stigma

Speak up if you hear derogatory remarks or phrases. Stop using words like "crazy," "schizo," "nuts," or "psycho." This is a simple way to combat stigma. These phrases are commonly heard in everyday conversation and in the media. This language adds to the burden for people suffering from mental illnesses, leaving them vulnerable to isolation and fear of seeking help. Remove them from your vocabulary and encourage others to do the same. Also, speak up if you see derogatory media messages. When you see offensive advertising campaigns, write or phone your local mental health organisation as well as the company behind the campaign. This allows you to inform the company about the troubling nature of their lack of knowledge.By doing so, you can inform the company about the disturbing nature of their ignorance and the problems it can cause. This type of misunderstanding is usually caused by ignorance rather than malice.

• Volunteer 

Volunteering is a great way to expand your social support network while also keeping your mind active by learning new things. It is a simple way to connect with your local community and provides an opportunity to: 

Give back to your community; Make a positive difference; Feel good about yourself; Discover a new hobby; Meet new people; Help others in need 
Volunteers are essential to the success of most non-profit organisations. Mental health charities are no exception. For example, the Canadian Mental Health Association relies on volunteers to help deliver programmes to the thousands of people who rely on our services each year. 

Volunteering not only has numerous advantages for you, but it is also an excellent way to strengthen the mental health sector.

why should we do all of this/ why is it important?

Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being all contribute to our mental health. It has an impact on how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.

If we can get this petition to 100 signs this issue will go up with the government, and more action will be taken.

Thank you!!