FAQs- WHY TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH?

WHY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IMPORTANT?

1 in 4 US adults experience mental disorders every year. The percentage is often higher in marginalized groups due to the oppression and discrimination they already face. Yet there is still a strong social stigma around mental health conditions, meaning that people facing mental health struggles experience discrimination in all areas of their daily lives.

HOW IS IT RELEVANT TO ALTERNATIVE FASHION?

The Alternative Fashion Community has a huge presence on social media, which can be draining on our mental health. We often compare ourselves to others and feel like we aren’t valid enough. The growing popularity of social activism on these online platforms is powerful, but certain imagery and themes can be traumatizing to affected groups.

HOW CAN I BE A MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE IN THE ALTERNATIVE FASHION COMMUNITY?

Validate people’s mental health experiences and their presence in the community. Practice actively listening to them, but also do your own research on how mental illnesses affect people and what you can do to fight the stigma. Realize that people have their boundaries on how much they want to share. Remember that social media should always remain secondary to professional help.