Progressions

Changing the Mental Health Conversation One PR Campaign At A Time

Written for BIPOC Mental Health Month

The rise of mental health importance over recent years brings forth significant conversations about how individuals understand it, live with it, and support others in their communities. Even with a significant rise in popularity, however, the topic of mental health remains filled with misconceptions, resistance and cultural taboos- most prevalent in communities of color. Individuals are often left alone to fight a silent struggle with little to no resources available. 

Growing up in South Africa, my community did not know what mental health was and how it impacted those around us. The only time we ever spoke about someone’s mental state was to say they were “crazy” and how we should stay away from them for our safety. College was my introduction to a new interpretation of mental health and how it impacted who I was. Open conversations among friends led to a new dawn of understanding that helped me take the first step toward breaking the stigma for myself.

I am grateful for the access to therapy facilities my university provided. I recall being very hesitant in my first therapy session. As time continued to pass, I found myself becoming more comfortable with my therapist and learned so much about myself and what shaped me to be who I am today. It was not easy facing the sides of myself I did not want to see, but I embraced the challenge and am on a continuous journey to understand myself more every day. 

My passion for public relations led me to join the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). I later became president of our Loyola University, New Orleans Chapter. Throughout my time as President, I made a conscious effort to create a welcoming environment for students to learn more about PR and topics that play an influential role in our lives and future careers. Our Chapter hosted events with industry experts who shed light on topics such as mental health. 

We were honored to host the Director of PR from a prominent health institution in New Orleans who spoke on mental health in media. Attendees received key insights about mental health and the appropriate means to shed light on it through various mediums in the profession. Many of us came to understand that mental health is multifaceted. As future PR professionals, we have the power to use our words to create change that can shape how future generations perceive mental health. Through unique narratives that highlight the diverse aspects of mental health, PR can set a new standard for empathy and awareness worldwide

During my final year at Loyola, I had the opportunity to discuss mental health in the media for a class presentation. I decided to speak on Kanye West in a presentation titled “The Man vs The Media.” I examined how the media’s treatment of Kanye continues to shape narratives that hinder our understanding of mental health, leading to increased resistance in many communities. Kanye represents a larger population of people who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. The language the media uses about Kanye such as calling him the “madman” silently impacts the thousands of others who have a similar diagnosis.

After the presentation, many of my classmates spoke about how my presentation opened their eyes to the stigmas and biases that persist in our culture. I am proud that my presentation prompted a deeper conversation about society’s impact and the attitudes we have become so accustomed to in today’s media. 

The importance of mental health advocacy in communities of color is necessary. These communities face several unique challenges that increase the stigma and neglect of mental health. Limited awareness and resources play a role in the lack of help available to these communities which continues to increase the size of the issue. I believe that change does not need to begin on a large scale for it to be impactful. Advocacy, conversation and community can be the starting point for a new day. 

I am proud of the work my PRSSA Chapter has done in educating our members on the importance of mental health. We created a small but effective community that supports each other. As we move forward, I am excited to see the ripple effect of the changes we started and how our work will make a difference in many communities.