In order to increase their awareness, mental health professionals may consider mindfulness at work. It is easy to just go about your business. It can be hard to stay conscious of how people may be feeling in this situation. Becoming more mindful gives you the opportunity to see things in a different way. As previously mentioned, it’s important to keep track of issues you see. Find some way to document barriers and issues to person and family-centered practices. Make this simple and easy to do. Use your phone, or calendar, or something you always carry with you. Track things even if you don’t know what a good solution might be. Have a regular reflection time that allows to you to consider solutions and who might need to be influenced to make this change. Gather more information as needed to make a case for changes. Organization your ideas so that you are prepared to share them when the opportunity arises.

Get connected to other individuals or groups who care about these issues. Many of our local advocacy groups keep tabs on public policy and the impact on services. They publish updates and opportunities regularly. This can help you be informed and inform of others of what is happening. Use your vote and your legislative representatives to ensure law makers are informed when making decisions. Consider if you have experiences that might be meaningful for public testimony. Participate in public comment requests by policy makers. These can often be submitted online, in person, over the phone, or through a letter. Join councils and committees related to issues you are concerned about. Find ways to be knowledgeable about the impact of public policy on people with these conditions

Educating others is another way to support the cause. When you educate, remember a story will help illustrate what you mean in ways that are easier for people to remember. Begin to collect these stories. These can be your personal story or the story of someone you know. Just make sure to get their permission to share it and take steps to protect their identity. Professionals can engage in public speaking opportunities. They can participate in training others in the community or in their own organizations. Coaching, mentoring, or educating peers or up and coming professionals is a way to pass your knowledge and skill to others. In all communication make sure to speak with language that indicates hope, dignity, resilience, and respect regarding people with mental illness and their families. Encourage and support others with powerful stories or helpful strategies to share their perspectives in similar ways.