how to write an essay about mental illness

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Mental Health Essay

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Introduction

Mental health, often overshadowed by its physical counterpart, is an intricate and essential aspect of human existence. It envelops our emotions, psychological state, and social well-being, shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. With the complexities of modern life—constant connectivity, societal pressures, personal expectations, and the frenzied pace of technological advancements—mental well-being has become increasingly paramount. Historically, conversations around this topic have been hushed, shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. However, as the curtains of misconception slowly lift, we find ourselves in an era where discussions about mental health are not only welcomed but are also seen as vital. Recognizing and addressing the nuances of our mental state is not merely about managing disorders; it's about understanding the essence of who we are, how we process the world around us, and how we navigate the myriad challenges thrown our way. This essay aims to delve deep into the realm of mental health, shedding light on its importance, the potential consequences of neglect, and the spectrum of mental disorders that many face in silence.

Importance of Mental Health

Mental health plays a pivotal role in determining how individuals think, feel, and act. It influences our decision-making processes, stress management techniques, interpersonal relationships, and even our physical health. A well-tuned mental state boosts productivity, creativity, and the intrinsic sense of self-worth, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life.

Negative Impact of Mental Health

Neglecting mental health, on the other hand, can lead to severe consequences. Reduced productivity, strained relationships, substance abuse, physical health issues like heart diseases, and even reduced life expectancy are just some of the repercussions of poor mental health. It not only affects the individual in question but also has a ripple effect on their community, workplace, and family.

Mental Disorders: Types and Prevalence

Mental disorders are varied and can range from anxiety and mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia.

• Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and fatigue.
• Anxiety Disorders: Encompass conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and specific phobias.
• Schizophrenia: A complex disorder affecting a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.

The prevalence of these disorders has been on the rise, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Understanding Mental Health and Its Importance

Mental health is not merely the absence of disorders but encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Recognizing the signs of deteriorating mental health, like prolonged sadness, extreme mood fluctuations, or social withdrawal, is crucial. Understanding stems from awareness and education. Societal stigmas surrounding mental health have often deterred individuals from seeking help. Breaking these barriers, fostering open conversations, and ensuring access to mental health care are imperative steps.

Conclusion: Mental Health

Mental health, undeniably, is as significant as physical health, if not more. In an era where the stressors are myriad, from societal pressures to personal challenges, mental resilience and well-being are essential. Investing time and resources into mental health initiatives, and more importantly, nurturing a society that understands, respects, and prioritizes mental health is the need of the hour.

• World Leaders: Several influential personalities, from celebrities to sports stars, have openly discussed their mental health challenges, shedding light on the universality of these issues and the importance of addressing them.
• Workplaces: Progressive organizations are now incorporating mental health programs, recognizing the tangible benefits of a mentally healthy workforce, from increased productivity to enhanced creativity.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges, witnessing the effects of stress and other mental health issues on students, are increasingly integrating counseling services and mental health education in their curriculum.

In weaving through the intricate tapestry of mental health, it becomes evident that it's an area that requires collective attention, understanding, and action.

  Short Essay about Mental Health

Mental health, an integral facet of human well-being, shapes our emotions, decisions, and daily interactions. Just as one would care for a sprained ankle or a fever, our minds too require attention and nurture. In today's bustling world, mental well-being is often put on the back burner, overshadowed by the immediate demands of life. Yet, its impact is pervasive, influencing our productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Sadly, mental health issues have long been stigmatized, seen as a sign of weakness or dismissed as mere mood swings. However, they are as real and significant as any physical ailment. From anxiety to depression, these disorders have touched countless lives, often in silence due to societal taboos.

But change is on the horizon. As awareness grows, conversations are shifting from hushed whispers to open discussions, fostering understanding and support. Institutions, workplaces, and communities are increasingly acknowledging the importance of mental health, implementing programs, and offering resources.

In conclusion, mental health is not a peripheral concern but a central one, crucial to our holistic well-being. It's high time we prioritize it, eliminating stigma and fostering an environment where everyone feels supported in their mental health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary focus of a mental health essay?

Answer: The primary focus of a mental health essay is to delve into the intricacies of mental well-being, its significance in our daily lives, the various challenges people face, and the broader societal implications. It aims to shed light on both the psychological and emotional aspects of mental health, often emphasizing the importance of understanding, empathy, and proactive care.

• How can writing an essay on mental health help raise awareness about its importance?

Answer: Writing an essay on mental health can effectively articulate the nuances and complexities of the topic, making it more accessible to a wider audience. By presenting facts, personal anecdotes, and research, the essay can demystify misconceptions, highlight the prevalence of mental health issues, and underscore the need for destigmatizing discussions around it. An impactful essay can ignite conversations, inspire action, and contribute to a more informed and empathetic society.

• What are some common topics covered in a mental health essay?

Answer: Common topics in a mental health essay might include the definition and importance of mental health, the connection between mental and physical well-being, various mental disorders and their symptoms, societal stigmas and misconceptions, the impact of modern life on mental health, and the significance of therapy and counseling. It may also delve into personal experiences, case studies, and the broader societal implications of neglecting mental health.

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How to write about mental health

You don’t have to be a therapist to know mental health is a hot topic right now. And for good reason.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined many aspects of our well-being, including mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that the percentage of adults experiencing recent anxiety or depression increased from 36.4% to 41.5% during Aug. 2020-Feb. 2021.

At the same time, many communities are facing a shortage of mental health professionals. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2021 workforce survey, 65% of psychologists have no capacity for new patients.

When the need is high and therapists are busy and burnt out, how can you create trustworthy mental health content? What’s appropriate to say? What should you avoid? Whether you’re writing blogs , creating videos or posting to social media, read on for some do’s and don’ts to guide you when writing about mental health.

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Writing about mental health: The do’s

If your editorial calendar planning includes mental health content, you’re already on the right path to building positive mental health awareness. Here are some recommendations for writing about mental health in a trustworthy, clinically accurate and positive way.

Do start with a goal for your mental health content

Before putting pen to paper (or more likely fingertips to keyboard), start by outlining the purpose of your piece. If your goal is to have readers identify with someone’s experience and seek help, consider telling a patient story . And if you want to educate about symptoms and dispel stigmas, you could create blogs, infographics or physician interviews that focus on a specific mental health condition.  By starting with a purpose, you’ll know when the content veers away from your goal and may need editing or a new approach to stay focused.

Do use credible sources

As mental health professionals’ workloads and waitlists increase, they have less time to serve as your subject matter experts. Even if they have the time, many are burnt out as the demand for their skills grows.

You can create clinically accurate content by starting with credible sources. As you know, our favorite search engines don’t rank results based on credibility. So, you’ll have to be discerning.

Professional organizations often lead the charge in creating awareness and conducting research in their area of focus. Start with this list of national mental health organizations from the American Hospital Association or find equivalent groups for your country. You can also consider recent peer-reviewed research, which you can find through article databases such as PubMed, JSTOR or EBSCO.

Do include details on how to get in touch with professional help

Even when you use good sources, your mental health posts are never a substitute for medical advice. While mental health content provides general information, every person with mental health issues is unique and needs individualized care. Always include resources for people who want to seek out mental health help, whether that is contact information for a professional or instructions on what to do in a certain scenario.

Writing about mental health: The don’ts

As we continue to build greater mental health awareness in our communities, we want to inform not offend. The Mental Health Foundation found that people with mental health issues face discrimination, making it difficult to find work, maintain long-term relationships, live in decent housing and be socially active.

Words are powerful tools. They can help dismantle mental health stigmas that affect people’s well-being. Here are some ways you can avoid perpetuating harmful mental health stereotypes in your content.

Don’t limit people’s identities to their mental health

People are not their diseases. For example, instead of saying “she is obsessive-compulsive,” use “she has obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Likewise, instead of saying “the mentally ill,” refocus to “people with mental illness.”

Don’t turn people into victims

Mental health content should create awareness, not pity. If you use words like “suffers from,” “victim of” and “battling,” you suggest that people with mental illness are victims. Instead, keep it neutral and clinically accurate by focusing on the facts: “he has schizophrenia.”

Don’t use derogatory phrases

Words like “crazy” and “insane” may still find their way into the common vernacular, but they have no place in your mental health content. They are derogatory terms about mental health that you should avoid in all your content, not just mental health posts.

These do’s and don’ts can guide you to create thoughtful mental health content for even the trickiest of topics. By starting with the essential elements — a defined goal, solid sources and directions for help — and avoiding harmful language, you can write with confidence.

Create thoughtful mental health content

Need help writing about mental health? WriterGirl is here for you! Our team of healthcare content experts knows how to navigate tricky topics like mental health content. Let us know how we can help.

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How to Write a Mental Health in College Students Essay

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Writing is a skill that takes time to build. Essays force you to practice research, critical thinking and communication skills – college is the perfect time for you to practice these. However, there’s only so much you can learn about writing through preparation. If you’ve been assigned an essay on mental health, you may not be sure where to begin. You might also wonder if you should choose mental health as a topic for a college paper. Here’s how to write a “mental health in college students” essay. 

• What Not to Do

If you’re trying to choose a topic for a college application essay, mental health is usually not the way to go. Your personal statement should show colleges why you’re the best candidate to attend their school. Because many students write about mental health , your essay may get lost in the crowd. In addition, your mental health journey is only a part of who you are. 

It can be difficult for many students to write about personal mental struggles without seeming overdramatic. Unless mental health struggles have shaped your whole life, it’s best to discuss other topics. If you mention mental health, stay brief and matter-of-fact. Don’t let it become the whole point of your essay. 

• Review the Instructions

If you’re writing this essay for a college course, start by looking over the assignment instructions. Don’t just listen to what your teacher says – look up the assignment on the syllabus to see if you can find a rubric or other relevant information. 

Highlight the important points to make sure you know what matters to your professor. The instructions are parameters you can operate in to create an essay you enjoy. Make sure you check word count, essay structure and review corrections on past essays. If you’re confused about something, don’t hesitate to ask your professor for clarification. 

• Do the Research 

Regardless of what class you’re writing for, this is the kind of topic that requires hard numbers. You don’t want to make general claims about rates of student anxiety or mental illness – to be credible, you need specifics. Be careful with your wording to avoid all-or-nothing statements. Everyone experiences mental health differently. 

Your professor may or may not allow you to pick the specific mental health topic you write about. However, you can ensure that your paper is well-researched and organized clearly. Before you start writing, create at least a basic outline showing the flow of ideas. This will make the writing phase much faster because you’ll always know what to say next. 

• Write It Out 

Writer’s block often stems from perfectionism. This paper won’t be perfect the first time, so don’t worry about writing it perfectly! Start with an interesting line that gets your reader’s attention and make sure you have a clear thesis statement. Taken by itself, this sentence should describe the contents of your entire paper. 

Build your paragraphs to the right word length by using specific examples. You should start each paragraph with a topic sentence that takes your reader one step in your paper’s argument. Then, describe a specific example that further explains this idea. You can find specific examples in your research or simply explain more about what you mean. 

• Edit Your Work

Editing is an important final step before you turn an essay in. It gives you an opportunity to look at your writing as a whole and ensure everything makes sense. If possible, you should set your first draft aside for a while before you reread it. This will help you see your work with fresh eyes so you can edit it. 

Editing involves strengthening your paper’s organization, rewriting specific sentences and checking for errors. You should make major edits first and then do a final read-through to catch punctuation and spelling mistakes. It can be helpful to read your paper out loud or have a friend look it over as well. 

One Key Takeaway for Writing a Mental Health in College Students Essay

Many students struggle with mental health while in school. Whatever topic you choose and however you organize your essay, make sure to write it with a sensitive tone. This topic is nuanced and shouldn’t be treated as a black-and-white issue. Write from an informed and compassionate point of view and offer your readers hope. 

Use this guide to write an essay on mental health in college students that astounds and delights your professor. Putting in the work will build research and communication skills you’ll use for years – whether you’re a psychology major, a premed student or studying the arts at school. 

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How to Start an Essay About Mental Health

Mental health is a topic that is gaining increasing attention in contemporary society. As societal awareness of mental health issues grows, so does the need for thoughtful and well-researched essays on this subject.

If you are looking to start an essay about mental health, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity, knowledge, and a clear understanding of its significance. In this article, we will explore the key steps to successfully begin your essay on mental health.

Understanding the Importance of Mental Health

Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Despite its importance, mental health has historically been stigmatized and overlooked.

However, with growing awareness, the significance of mental health in our daily lives is increasingly recognized.

When we talk about mental health, we are referring to more than just the absence of mental illness. It is a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.

Mental health encompasses various aspects such as emotional stability, psychological resilience, and the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships.

Understanding the complexities of mental health is crucial for promoting overall well-being. It is not a one-size-fits-all concept, as each person may experience mental health differently. Factors such as genetics, upbringing, life experiences, and social support systems all play a role in shaping an individual’s mental health.

Defining Mental Health

Before delving into the complexities of mental health, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what it entails. Mental health refers to a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.

It encompasses various aspects such as emotional stability, psychological resilience, and the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships.

Emotional stability is an essential component of mental health. It involves being able to recognize and manage our emotions effectively. This includes understanding our feelings, expressing them appropriately, and regulating our emotional responses to different situations.

Emotional stability allows us to navigate through life’s ups and downs with resilience and adaptability.

Psychological resilience is another crucial aspect of mental health. It refers to our ability to bounce back from adversity and cope with challenges effectively.

Resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but rather about developing the skills and mindset to navigate through them. It involves having a positive outlook, seeking support when needed, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress.

The ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships is also closely tied to mental health. Healthy relationships provide us with support, love, and a sense of belonging. They contribute to our overall well-being and help us navigate through life’s challenges. Building and nurturing relationships requires effective communication, empathy, and the ability to establish boundaries.

The Impact of Mental Health on Daily Life

It is important to highlight the profound impact mental health has on our daily lives. Untreated mental health conditions can hinder our ability to manage stress, maintain relationships, and perform well in our personal and professional endeavors.

Understanding how mental health affects individuals and society as a whole is crucial for raising awareness and fostering support for those experiencing mental health challenges.

When our mental health is compromised, it can affect our ability to cope with everyday stressors. Simple tasks may become overwhelming, and we may struggle to find joy and fulfillment in our daily lives. Mental health conditions can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

Furthermore, mental health plays a significant role in our relationships. When we are struggling with our mental well-being, it can impact our ability to connect with others, communicate effectively, and maintain healthy boundaries. This can lead to strained relationships, feelings of isolation, and a decreased sense of belonging.

In the workplace, mental health is a crucial factor in our productivity and overall job satisfaction. When we are mentally healthy, we are better able to focus, make decisions, and handle stress effectively.

On the other hand, untreated mental health conditions can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and difficulties in maintaining professional relationships.

Recognizing the impact of mental health on daily life is essential for promoting a supportive and inclusive society.

Preparing to Write Your Essay

Before you begin writing, it is essential to adequately prepare yourself. This involves choosing an appropriate topic and conducting preliminary research to establish a solid foundation for your essay.

Writing an essay on mental health can be a rewarding experience that allows you to delve into a topic that is both important and relevant in today’s society.

When selecting a topic, consider exploring areas such as the impact of mental health on different demographics, the role of stigma in mental health treatment, or the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches.

Choosing Your Topic

When selecting a topic for your essay on mental health, consider areas that interest you or resonate with your personal experiences. This will ensure your essay reflects your passion and authenticity, making it a compelling read. It is also wise to choose a topic that is relevant and addresses current issues or trends in the field of mental health.

One possible topic could be exploring the impact of social media on mental health. In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, but it also has its drawbacks. By examining the potential negative effects of excessive social media use on mental well-being, you can shed light on an important issue that affects many individuals.

Another topic worth considering is the intersection of mental health and cultural diversity. By exploring how different cultural backgrounds and beliefs influence the perception and treatment of mental health, you can contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of this complex field.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Once you have chosen your topic, conduct preliminary research to familiarize yourself with the existing literature and perspectives in the field of mental health.

This will enable you to develop a well-informed and comprehensive essay. Utilize reputable sources such as scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites to gather accurate information and insights on your chosen topic.

Start by exploring academic databases that specialize in psychology and mental health research. These databases provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles and studies conducted by experts in the field. By reviewing the latest research findings, you can stay up-to-date with the current advancements and debates in mental health.

In addition to academic sources, consider consulting books written by renowned psychologists or mental health professionals. These books often provide a deeper understanding of specific topics and offer valuable insights based on years of research and clinical experience.

Furthermore, reputable websites such as government health agencies or mental health organizations can provide reliable information and resources. These organizations often publish reports, guidelines, and statistics that can support your arguments and provide a broader context for your essay.

Remember to critically evaluate the sources you come across during your research. Look for peer-reviewed articles, check the credentials of the authors, and consider the methodology used in the studies. By ensuring the credibility of your sources, you can strengthen the validity and reliability of your essay.

Crafting Your Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of every effective essay. It serves as a concise and well-articulated summary of the main argument or point you will be addressing throughout the essay.

When crafting your thesis statement, ensure that it is specific, arguable, and supported by evidence. A well-crafted thesis statement sets the tone for your essay and provides a roadmap for the reader.

Importance of a Strong Thesis

A strong thesis statement is essential as it condenses the main focus of your essay into a single sentence. It allows your readers to understand the purpose and direction of your essay from the outset.

A well-defined thesis also helps you maintain coherence and clarity throughout your writing, ensuring you stay on track and deliver a well-structured essay.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Thesis

When formulating your thesis statement, consider the following tips:

• Be specific and concise
• Avoid vague language
• Ensure your thesis is arguable
• Use strong language and avoid hedging
• Assert the main argument or point of your essay
• Support your thesis statement with evidence and examples

Outlining Your Essay

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for your writing and helps you organize your thoughts coherently. It provides structure and clarity, making the writing process smoother and increasing the overall coherence of your essay.

The Benefits of an Essay Outline

By creating an outline, you can:

• Organize your ideas logically
• Ensure a smooth flow of information
• Maintain coherence throughout your essay
• Identify any gaps or missing information
• Stay focused on your main argument or point

How to Create an Effective Outline

When creating an essay outline, break your essay into logical sections or paragraphs. Each section should focus on a particular aspect of mental health, supporting your thesis statement. Arrange your main points and supporting evidence in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring smooth transitions between paragraphs. A well-structured outline will serve as a guide throughout your writing process.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is a crucial part of any essay as it sets the tone and captivates the reader’s attention. A compelling introduction encourages readers to engage with your essay and establishes the significance of mental health as a topic of discussion.

Grabbing the Reader’s Attention

Hook your readers from the beginning by using an attention-grabbing opening sentence or anecdote. This could be a startling statistic, a thought-provoking quote, or a short personal story. By immediately piquing your readers’ interest, you create a compelling reason for them to continue reading and delve further into your essay.

Introducing Your Thesis

After capturing the readers’ attention, smoothly transition into introducing your thesis statement. Clearly state your main argument or point and briefly outline the main components you will be discussing in your essay.

This will give the readers a sense of what to expect and ensure they understand the focus of your essay from the outset.In conclusion, starting an essay about mental health requires careful consideration and preparation.

In conclusion, starting an essay about mental health requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the importance of mental health, conducting preliminary research, crafting a strong thesis statement, outlining your essay, and writing a captivating introduction, you will set a solid foundation for a thoughtful and impactful essay on mental health.

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Writing College Essays about Mental Health in the Context of the Pandemic

Written by Vanessa Garrido on July 7th, 2022

• writing college essays ,
• mental health ,
• Weigh your pros and cons, which may look something like:
• Pro: You are providing the admission office and student services with a fuller picture of your needs and circumstances as they relate to your mental health. If a college doesn’t feel it can support you, the school is not going to be a great fit for you.
• Con: Reducing your mental health challenges down to a 650-word essay is not likely to capture the full complexity of your experience. Your essay will only reveal a sliver of this facet of your life and may be misread or misinterpreted.
• Ask yourself these questions if you’re considering writing about your mental health:
• Are you currently in the midst of your mental health challenges? The personal statement is intended to give you an opportunity to shine light on your growth. If you’re managing something as complex as depression or an eating disorder, it can be challenging to focus on the growth. Your college essay might not be the ideal place to process the relevant feelings and issues. You may want to explore a different topic and address your mental health through journaling, talk therapy, etc.
• What positive personal qualities do you want to highlight, and is this topic the best way to let these traits shine? Remember, this is the one story about you most admission officers will have access to. Is this the one story you want to share?
• What is your perspective? How might you share a story that will be a vibrant, authentic take on something that is affecting a large swath of the population?
• How have you changed? How has this experienced helped you become the person you are today? What do you want your readers to take away?
• Identify ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
• Mental Health Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults from SAHM
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Helpline and Resources
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Mental Health First Aid training for teens

When is the right time to get started? How can you keep my child on track? Get all the answers to your most pressing questions.

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Tips for Writing With and About Mental Illness

Managing the awkward waltz between thoughts, writing tools, and written words..

Posted September 10, 2021 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

• Mental illness can make the process of writing more challenging.
• In writing, mental health issues can be managed just as in other aspects of life.
• Although often challenging, writing with and about mental illness can bring great satisfaction.

Writing is tricky. It's difficult for anyone to maintain the awkward waltz between our thoughts, our writing implements, and the words on the page. So one can only imagine the chaos that can result when mental illness derails this delicate dance. I've recently been revising a short mystery novel for publication, and, throughout the whole process, I've been vividly aware of how continually managing my obsessive-compulsive disorder impacts my craft.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

The biggest hurdle to overcome is one of the most challenging for anyone trying to write — that toxic blend of anxiety , inertia, perfectionism , and procrastination commonly known as writer’s block. A blank page is a formidable obstacle for any writer, but mental disability can make things significantly more challenging. Depression casts the whole endeavor in a shroud of futility; anxiety second-guesses every word on the page. I suspect anyone who experiences mental illness has a story about its interference with written composition.

OCD and obsessive symptoms can aggravate writer's block, and there's one bit of advice I believe can apply to anyone struggling with creative output and mental disability: You absolutely must put words — any words — on that page. Any words at all. Even a paragraph, even a sentence, even if turns out to be godawful. Because a godawful paragraph can be reworked into something better, and may even contain a little nugget of value — a clever metaphor, an insight into a character, even just a few words that sound good in sequence.

The objective here is to establish a positive feedback loop where creative output — any creative output — is worth lavish celebration. So set the most modest goal imaginable, steel yourself for the mighty endeavor of writing exactly four complete sentences, and then treat yourself to a hot bath and a pint of ice cream. If your initial standards for productivity are that low, and the positive reinforcement so ridiculously high, you can build from that to establish a more sustainable writing routine.

Facing the Challenge of Writing About Mental Illness

Once you've built up some momentum with your writing, you may encounter another, potentially more dangerous complication: Writing about mental illness sometimes causes us to elaborate and expand on it, exacerbating the illness in the process. I know we've all had those frustrating moments when trying to talk through our negative thoughts (alone or with others) backfires and makes things worse; an obvious example is when a friend tries to convince you to cheer up and you end up arguing yourself into an even more depressed mood.

Writing about mental illness has similar dangers. In Such Stuff As Dreams : The Psychology of Fiction , Keith Oatley observes that composing and revising a piece of writing can simulate experiencing its contents: "a writer can read what she or he has written, and the writing will start up and sustain for him or her, the dream with its emotional aspects." Transcribing the symptoms of mental illness can expand a short, discouraging conversation into a lengthy discourse; it can take vague anxiety and externalize it, giving it greater form and power. Suddenly, you've stopped arguing with mental illness, and you've started collaborating with it. Writing about mental illness can sometimes become a conduit for mental illness. If writing is making your symptoms worse, then you absolutely need to put down your work for a while.

Another important point to clarify — in "A Message to Creative Young People," I wrote about the dangerous cliché that pain inspires greatness, that mental illness somehow allows artists to create work that is "deep," "profound," "raw," or "truthful." This idea is nonsense. Mental illness does not create great writers; if a writer produces some exceptional work on the subject of mental illness, well, that's because skilled writers can write well about any subject they choose. If you find something painful to write about, there's still no guarantee your efforts will produce worthwhile results. I'm sure you've been told that you're more than your mental illness, and this applies to writing as well. Don't let illness define your creativity .

Requesting and Processing Feedback

My final bit of advice applies when you're finally ready to share your work with others and get feedback. This is always a little intimidating, but mental disability can add a further complication: An attempt to illuminate the psychological landscape of mental illness is open to misinterpretation by neurotypical readers. Such misinterpretations can range from being mildly confusing to profoundly demoralizing. As a personal example, I once workshopped a story that attempted to depict a realistically depressed narrator, based on my own experiences; my instructor and classmates assumed my character was "crazy" and "hallucinating everything" and gleefully tore the whole story to shreds.

Thankfully, that kind of malice is rare, but you should be aware that readers who do not have a personal, internal perspective on mental illness may not have the context to understand your work, and the miscommunication that results can be frustrating and demoralizing — especially if you don't want to disclose your condition to your readers. Sometimes the best thing to do is to state upfront that you're attempting to write a character with a specific mental disability — whether or not you explain that you share this disability is up to you — and ask them for specific feedback on whether the character’s symptoms are effectively conveyed. You might still get some insensitive or misguided comments, but generally, if you clarify your intentions right off the bat and indicate that you sincerely want feedback to improve the work, people will be sympathetic and eager to help.

While mental illness can make writing somewhat more complicated, the challenges can be managed just as in any other area of life. It's not always easy, and the way that mental disability compounds the difficulties of the writing life can sometimes feel overwhelming. But I truly believe that, if you have something to say about living with disability, you owe it to yourself to try to get it on the page. Even if that's as far as it goes, even if you never share your writing with another living soul — that's still an accomplishment to be proud of.

Copyright, Fletcher Wortmann, 2021.

Keith Oatley, Such Stuff As Dreams: The Psychology of Fiction . Wiley-Blackwell, Malden MA. 2011. p. 14.

Fletcher Wortmann is the author of Triggered: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder .

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Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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Do you need to write an expository essay about mental health but don't know how to begin?

Essays about mental health are common for students of psychology, sociology, and health care. However, other students also get to write such essays to raise awareness about this important issue.

Writing about mental health can help raise awareness and educate others about the importance of mental health. It can also provide a platform for you to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences on the subject.

In this blog post, we will discuss what is an expository essay, provide examples, and outline the steps for writing one.   So read on to learn more about how to write an expository essay on mental health.

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• 1. What is an Expository Essay About Mental Health?
• 2. Essay About Mental Health Examples
• 3. Expository Essay Topics About Mental Illness
• 4. How To Write an Essay About Mental Health
• 5. Tips for Writing a Mental Health Essay

What is an Expository Essay About Mental Health?

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that provides an explanation, description, or argument about a certain topic. It seeks to explain and clarify the subject matter for the readers.

The goal of this type of essay is not to share your opinion or persuade the readers, but rather to inform them.

An expository essay on mental health aims to discuss and inform about different aspects of mental health.

The term mental health can refer to various aspects, such as mental health issues, psychological resilience, emotional health, etc. So, the scope of an expository essay on mental health is quite broad depending on your topic.

Here is a video that explains what mental health means in simple words:

Essay About Mental Health Examples

If you are wondering what a good essay about mental health issues looks like, here are a few example essays to help you get started:

Expository Essay About Social Media And Mental Health

Expository Essay Example About Depression

Expository Essay About Mental Health Awareness

Importance of Mental Health Essay Example

Expository Essay About Mental Health Of Students

Need more expository writing samples? Check out our expository essay examples blog!

Expository Essay Topics About Mental Illness

Here is a list of topics about mental health to help you start.

• How does mental health affect physical health in children and adolescents?
• The role of stigma in mental health problems.
• What are the basic principles of positive psychology?
• How are physical & emotional health related?
• How can mindfulness improve mental health condition?
• What is the importance of world mental health day?
• Technology's impact on modern mental health issues.
• Understanding trauma-informed care and its importance.
• The role of the media in creating stereotypes about mental health issues.
• How do different cultures view mental health disorders?
• Common misconceptions about mental health in the United States.

You can choose one of these topics, to begin with. Moreover, these topics will help you brainstorm your own topic as well.

You can check out our expository essay topics blog for a list of creative topic ideas.

How To Write an Essay About Mental Health

Now that you know what an expository essay on mental health is and have some topics to choose from, it’s time to start writing.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Choose Your Topic:

Brainstorm some ideas related to mental health. Try to pick a topic that interests you so that researching and writing about it will be easier for you. 

Choosing a topic that is narrow enough to be covered within the word limit is also important. Moreover, make sure that the topic is not too complex for you to explain.

2. Conduct Research:

Once you have chosen your topic, it’s time to conduct extensive research.

A good expository essay should include facts, evidence, and other supporting information from reliable sources like journals, books, and articles. Make sure that you cite your sources properly.

3. Outline the Essay:

An outline will help you organize your ideas and create a clear structure for your essay. It is also an important step to ensure that all the necessary information is included in the essay.

In an expository essay outline , you should include the main points you want to discuss. Additionally, it should include the supporting evidence and arguments you gathered during the research.

4. Write the Introduction:

The introduction is the first part of your essay. It should include a hook to grab the reader’s attention and introduce the topic. Additionally, you should provide a brief overview of what will be discussed in the essay.

Finally, you should end your  mental illness essay introduction with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a sentence that states the main idea of your essay.

5. Write the Body Paragraphs:

The body paragraphs are where you explain and expand on your main points. Each paragraph should include evidence to support your claims and a brief explanation of how the evidence is related to the topic.

Remember that each body paragraph should focus on one main point and be organized in a logical manner.

6. Write the Conclusion:

The conclusion is where you restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points of the essay. Additionally, you should provide a brief explanation of how these points support your thesis statement.

Finally, end your conclusion with a call to action or an insightful thought that encourages readers to learn more about mental health.

7. Edit and Proofread:

Once you are done writing the essay, it’s important to go through each sentence and look for mistakes. 

Make sure that all grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors are corrected. Additionally, make sure that the essay is well-structured and flows logically from one point to another.

Editing and proofreading can help you improve the quality of your work and ensure that all necessary information is included.

Following these steps will help you write a clear and well-researched expository essay on mental health.

Tips for Writing a Mental Health Essay

Writing about mental health requires more than a basic understanding of the subject. It is a sensitive and emerging topic, and new research is being produced every day. So, you need to be careful while proceeding with your essay.

Here are a few tips that can help you write a worthwhile essay on mental health:

• Get Involved

Mental health essays often benefit greatly when written with personal insight or experience.

If you have any personal life experiences related to mental health, incorporate them into your essay to add more depth. Make your essay relatable to people’s daily life. 

• Focus on Solutions 

When discussing a sensitive topic like mental health it’s important to focus on the solutions.

Consider suggesting ways people can manage their own mental wellness or outlining how families can support each other during difficult times.

• Be Empathetic

While writing your essay try to put yourself in the reader’s shoes so that you present the information in a kind and sympathetic manner. 

For many people, mental problems are a part of life. So avoid any language that could potentially be offensive or insensitive towards those who struggle with mental illness.

If you or someone you know is going through a rough time, feeling depressed, or thinking about self-harm, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit its website here. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.

Wrapping it up,

Mental health is a complex and important issue, and writing an essay on it requires proper research, understanding, empathy, and focus. By following these steps and tips, you can write an effective essay on mental health that will be well-received by your readers.

Do you want a professional to write it for you instead? Don't worry, we've got your back.

MyPerfectWords.com provides pro essay writing service and can help you write the perfect mental health essay. Our team of expository essay writers has in-depth knowledge of the subject.

Our expository essay writing service will provide you with a well-written, high-quality essay that is sure to get you top grades.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, can i write about mental health in my college essay.

Hi all! I'm considering writing about my experiences with mental health in my college essay, but I'm not sure if it's an appropriate topic. Do you think discussing mental health issues could be seen as too personal or negative?

Hello! Writing about your experiences with mental health can be a powerful and meaningful topic for a college essay, as long as you approach it carefully. Colleges appreciate when students are open and honest about their personal experiences, as it shows resilience and personal growth.

It's important to focus on how you've overcome the challenges related to mental health and what you've learned from the experience. However, you should avoid going into excessive detail about the specific mental health issues or sharing anything too dark or distressing.

For example, my child wrote about their journey with anxiety and how it led them to participate in mindfulness and meditation practices. This allowed them to showcase their growth and newfound coping mechanisms. Be sure to emphasize the positive aspects of your journey, and how it has shaped you into who you are today. Good luck with your essay!

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• Mental Health Essay

Essay on Mental Health

According to WHO, there is no single 'official' definition of mental health. Mental health refers to a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being; it influences what they feel and how they think, and behave. The state of cognitive and behavioural well-being is referred to as mental health. The term 'mental health' is also used to refer to the absence of mental disease. 

Mental health means keeping our minds healthy. Mankind generally is more focused on keeping their physical body healthy. People tend to ignore the state of their minds. Human superiority over other animals lies in his superior mind. Man has been able to control life due to his highly developed brain. So, it becomes very important for a man to keep both his body and mind fit and healthy. Both physical and mental health are equally important for better performance and results.

Importance of Mental Health 

An emotionally fit and stable person always feels vibrant and truly alive and can easily manage emotionally difficult situations. To be emotionally strong, one has to be physically fit too. Although mental health is a personal issue, what affects one person may or may not affect another; yet, several key elements lead to mental health issues.

Many emotional factors have a significant effect on our fitness level like depression, aggression, negative thinking, frustration, and fear, etc. A physically fit person is always in a good mood and can easily cope up with situations of distress and depression resulting in regular training contributing to a good physical fitness standard. 

Mental fitness implies a state of psychological well-being. It denotes having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves one’s ability to enjoy life. It contributes to one’s inner ability to be self-determined. It is a proactive, positive term and forsakes negative thoughts that may come to mind. The term mental fitness is increasingly being used by psychologists, mental health practitioners, schools, organisations, and the general population to denote logical thinking, clear comprehension, and reasoning ability.

 Negative Impact of Mental Health

The way we physically fall sick, we can also fall sick mentally. Mental illness is the instability of one’s health, which includes changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviour. Mental illness can be caused due to stress or reaction to a certain incident. It could also arise due to genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, child abuse or trauma, social disadvantage, poor physical health condition, etc. Mental illness is curable. One can seek help from the experts in this particular area or can overcome this illness by positive thinking and changing their lifestyle.

Regular fitness exercises like morning walks, yoga, and meditation have proved to be great medicine for curing mental health. Besides this, it is imperative to have a good diet and enough sleep. A person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night on average. When someone is tired yet still can't sleep, it's a symptom that their mental health is unstable. Overworking oneself can sometimes result in not just physical tiredness but also significant mental exhaustion. As a result, people get insomnia (the inability to fall asleep). Anxiety is another indicator. 

There are many symptoms of mental health issues that differ from person to person and among the different kinds of issues as well. For instance, panic attacks and racing thoughts are common side effects. As a result of this mental strain, a person may experience chest aches and breathing difficulties. Another sign of poor mental health is a lack of focus. It occurs when you have too much going on in your life at once, and you begin to make thoughtless mistakes, resulting in a loss of capacity to focus effectively. Another element is being on edge all of the time.

It's noticeable when you're quickly irritated by minor events or statements, become offended, and argue with your family, friends, or co-workers. It occurs as a result of a build-up of internal irritation. A sense of alienation from your loved ones might have a negative influence on your mental health. It makes you feel lonely and might even put you in a state of despair. You can prevent mental illness by taking care of yourself like calming your mind by listening to soft music, being more social, setting realistic goals for yourself, and taking care of your body. 

Surround yourself with individuals who understand your circumstances and respect you as the unique individual that you are. This practice will assist you in dealing with the sickness successfully.  Improve your mental health knowledge to receive the help you need to deal with the problem. To gain emotional support, connect with other people, family, and friends.  Always remember to be grateful in life.  Pursue a hobby or any other creative activity that you enjoy.

What does Experts say

Many health experts have stated that mental, social, and emotional health is an important part of overall fitness. Physical fitness is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Emotional fitness has been recognized as the state in which the mind is capable of staying away from negative thoughts and can focus on creative and constructive tasks. 

He should not overreact to situations. He should not get upset or disturbed by setbacks, which are parts of life. Those who do so are not emotionally fit though they may be physically strong and healthy. There are no gyms to set this right but yoga, meditation, and reading books, which tell us how to be emotionally strong, help to acquire emotional fitness. 

Stress and depression can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including suicide in extreme situations. Being mentally healthy extends your life by allowing you to experience more joy and happiness. Mental health also improves our ability to think clearly and boosts our self-esteem. We may also connect spiritually with ourselves and serve as role models for others. We'd also be able to serve people without being a mental drain on them. 

Mental sickness is becoming a growing issue in the 21st century. Not everyone receives the help that they need. Even though mental illness is common these days and can affect anyone, there is still a stigma attached to it. People are still reluctant to accept the illness of mind because of this stigma. They feel shame to acknowledge it and seek help from the doctors. It's important to remember that "mental health" and "mental sickness" are not interchangeable.

Mental health and mental illness are inextricably linked. Individuals with good mental health can develop mental illness, while those with no mental disease can have poor mental health. Mental illness does not imply that someone is insane, and it is not anything to be embarrassed by. Our society's perception of mental disease or disorder must shift. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health. They both are equally important for a person. 

Our society needs to change its perception of mental illness or disorder. People have to remove the stigma attached to this illness and educate themselves about it. Only about 20% of adolescents and children with diagnosable mental health issues receive the therapy they need. 

According to research conducted on adults, mental illness affects 19% of the adult population. Nearly one in every five children and adolescents on the globe has a mental illness. Depression, which affects 246 million people worldwide, is one of the leading causes of disability. If  mental illness is not treated at the correct time then the consequences can be grave.

One of the essential roles of school and education is to protect boys’ and girls' mental health as teenagers are at a high risk of mental health issues. It can also impair the proper growth and development of various emotional and social skills in teenagers. Many factors can cause such problems in children. Feelings of inferiority and insecurity are the two key factors that have the greatest impact. As a result, they lose their independence and confidence, which can be avoided by encouraging the children to believe in themselves at all times. 

To make people more aware of mental health, 10th October is observed as World Mental Health. The object of this day is to spread awareness about mental health issues around the world and make all efforts in the support of mental health.

The mind is one of the most powerful organs in the body, regulating the functioning of all other organs. When our minds are unstable, they affect the whole functioning of our bodies. Being both physically and emotionally fit is the key to success in all aspects of life. People should be aware of the consequences of mental illness and must give utmost importance to keeping the mind healthy like the way the physical body is kept healthy. Mental and physical health cannot be separated from each other. And only when both are balanced can we call a person perfectly healthy and well. So, it is crucial for everyone to work towards achieving a balance between mental and physical wellbeing and get the necessary help when either of them falters.

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How to Address A Mental Health Issue or Disability On Your College Application

Applying to college can be a confusing and intimidating process for anyone. If you’re a student with a disability or history of mental health challenges, you might find the process even more so.

As a student who has a mental health issue or disability, your high school experience may have been inherently more difficult in some ways, and it has most likely been different from that of your peers. You might be unsure of how to speak about your unique challenges or struggles without sounding negative. At the same time, you may feel that your application is incomplete without addressing them. Your disability or mental health may be an integral part of your identity.

If you’re getting ready to apply to college and you’re wondering if or how to present a mental health issue or disability on your college application, this is the post for you. Here, we will discuss the factors to consider when choosing to disclose your challenges on your college application, and we will outline the various ways in which you can present these in the framework of a college application.

Should I discuss my mental health or disability on my college application?

Your mental health history or disability may be an integral part of who you are, but that does not necessarily make it relevant to a college application. For starters, it is important to know that it is actually illegal for a college to specifically ask for these types of details about your life, since doing so can be considered discrimination. Based on this reason alone, you are never required to disclose mental or physical health concerns on your application. Doing so is strictly a matter of personal choice and you should not feel that you are lying by omission if you choose to leave this information out.

Before you choose whether or not you’ll disclose your history of mental health or disability, you should think about the overall function of a college application.

Everything on a college application should contribute to an overall positive image of who you are as a student and as a member of a greater community. While you don’t need to hide integral parts of who you are, you also don’t want to share challenges that will not in any way support your application positively. This is true not only for mental health and disabilities but also for academics, extracurriculars, and other experiences. You always want to put your best foot forward and keep the focus on your strengths and most positive attributes.

That being said, mental health issues and disabilities are not inherently negative, and there is nothing to be ashamed of when discussing them. You should not feel like you need to hide these parts of your identity, but rather that you need to spin them in a positive way much the same as you would any other aspect of your application. Simply put, you want to ensure that you are presenting your true self in the best light. 

There are a few questions to consider when deciding whether you’ll include this information on your application at all. Ask yourself if your application will be confusing or incomplete if you don’t address these issues. For example, if you had to take a semester off to recover, you will obviously need to explain the gap in your transcript. Similarly, if you battled depression and failed one semester despite achieving a 4.0 GPA your senior year, you’ll need to explain the discrepancy. Never leave an admissions committee wondering what happened, since they will likely assume the worst if you don’t mention it at all.

If, after some introspection, you do find that these issues are ones that need to be addressed on your application, there are several places to do so. The specifics about why you choose to include these details in the first place will often dictate where the most appropriate place to discuss these issues is. 

When and how should I discuss my mental health or disability in my college essay?

The essay is one obvious place to include details about your mental health or disability, but you should only do so if you feel that your struggles with these issues truly define you as a person and can be included as part of a bigger picture that shows your strengths in a positive light.

Remember, the function of a college essay is not to be an autobiography. You should not be writing your life story simply to inform others of your experiences. Instead, the function of a college essay is to be part of an overall marketing package. And what are you marketing? Yourself!

Whatever you choose as an essay topic should shed light on the attributes that make you a beneficial and unique member of any community. If your struggles with mental health or disabilities are defining features of this nature, then your essay is a great place to frame them positively. If you choose to do so, focus extensively on your recovery or management of these issues, and stress your ability to overcome the challenges you have faced.

Never leave an admissions committee to wonder if you will be a liability in their community. While it is of course illegal to discriminate against applicants based on their mental health or disability, it would be nearly impossible to prove that your disclosure of these issues was a direct factor in your not being accepted. Make it a nonissue by always keeping the focus on how these issues have shaped you into a better, stronger person and emphasizing that you have fully recovered or managed your condition.

When and how should I discuss my mental health or disability in the additional information section of my college application?

If you realize that your disability or mental health is not a truly defining feature of you as a person, you will probably not include it in your essay. But if there are red flags or question marks on your application that cannot be fully understood without this information, the Additional Information section of your application is the place to discuss it.

In instances where this issue has impacted your grades, involvement in class, attendance, or ability to participate in school activities, you should provide a brief explanatory background, usually no longer than a paragraph or two.

If you are sharing information about your mental health or disability in this section, you should do so only in a factual manner. You should not offer overly detailed or emotional descriptions, but instead keep it short and to the point. Since you have already decided that this information is not worthy of including in your essay, you should feel no obligation to provide extensive details or specifics. 

For example, you might describe that you took a semester off to address a health concern that is now under control. Always emphasize your recovery or management of this condition and your readiness for college, so that the admissions committee is never left to wonder what your current status is.  

When and how should I discuss my mental health or disability in a college admissions interview?

The decision process to discuss these details in an admissions interview should be similar to the decision process to include them in your essay or the Additional Information section of your application.

If you feel that these experiences are the most defining feature of your personality and can spin them in a positive way that presents your best self, you should definitely do so during an admissions interview. On the other hand, if you feel that these issues are irrelevant to how beneficial you will be to the college community, you are under no obligation to divulge them. The only remaining reason to do so would be if part of your transcript is incomplete or confusing without this additional insight.

If you do end up discussing these challenges in your college admissions interview, frame them as you would in your essay or your Additional Information section. Make sure to discuss them in a brief, factual manner, and always emphasize your recovery or management of the issue, and your college readiness above all else.

One Final Consideration For College Applicants With Mental Health Challenges or Disabilities

Keep in mind that in addition to making your own decision about whether your personal challenges will be included on your application, you should also discuss your decision with your college counselor or any teachers who are writing recommendations for you. You need to be sure that the details you plan to include on your application are consistent with any details that your teachers might include in your recommendations.

Also keep in mind that you can always request that your teachers do not disclose any details at all about your mental health or disability. If you find no reason to mention it on your application, it’s unlikely that they would have any reason to mention it in a recommendation, either, but you should always communicate with them ahead of time to ensure that you’re on the same page.

If you’re a high school student who has struggled with mental health or disabilities, you may feel uncertain about how or even if you should disclose this information on your college application. You should know that you are not required to do so in any way, and that the final decision is always yours to make.

For more about disabilities, mental health, and the college admissions process, see these valuable CollegeVine posts:

• A Guide to Disability Accommodations for Standardized Testing    
• Getting Back On Track After a Disciplinary Setback
• Dealing with Test Anxiety
• How to Get Into a Competitive School if You Struggled in High School
• What Makes a Good Recommendation Letter?
• How Often Should I Meet with My Guidance Counselor?
• Doubt, Discouragement, and Setting Appropriate Goals in High School

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Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

Writing an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health: Get Examples and Topics

By: Betty P.

10 min read

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Mar 8, 2023

Crafting a persuasive argumentative essay on mental health topics can seem intimidating.

Perfecting an argument that is both persuasive and backed by evidence can be a difficult balance to strike. 

However, by using the right tips and strategies, crafting an argumentative essay on mental health can be made easier.

Our guide will help you create a winning argument by providing instructions and examples. With our guidance, you'll have all the tools you need to craft a compelling piece of writing. This will make your point clear and leave your reader convinced!

Without further ado, let us begin!

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What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay presents arguments on a particular topic, backed by solid evidence and logical reasoning. 

But why should you write one about mental health?

Firstly, argumentative essays provide a platform for expressing your opinions and beliefs while supporting them with credible facts. By writing about mental health, you can shed light on this important topic and contribute to a larger conversation.

Secondly, argumentative essays encourage critical thinking . They require you to analyze different perspectives, evaluate evidence, and form well-reasoned arguments. Writing about mental health allows you to explore complex issues and challenge misconceptions.

Moreover, they have the power to influence and inspire change . By presenting compelling arguments and persuasive evidence, you can raise awareness about mental health, combat stigma, and advocate for better support and resources.

Learn how to perfect your arguments with our comprehensive argumentative essay guide. 

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health

Writing an essay on mental health is great to explore the different dynamics of the topic.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you go about writing this essay:   Step 1: Select a Compelling Topic

Choose a topic related to mental health that interests you and is relevant to society. 

Consider issues like the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of mental health education in schools. Do your research to come up with a topic that hasn’t been explored in-depth before. This way you can create a unique case in your essay.

Step 2: Conduct In-Depth Research

Gather credible information from reputable sources such as academic journals, government reports, and expert opinions. Collect statistics, case studies, and examples that support your arguments.

Step 3: Structure Your Essay Effectively

Organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. In the introduction, provide background information on the topic and present a clear thesis statement that states your main argument. 

In the body paragraphs, present your arguments, supporting evidence, and counterarguments. 

Finally, to end your essay , summarize your key points and restate your thesis while leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Step 4: Use Persuasive Techniques

Use persuasive writing techniques to make your arguments more compelling. Appeal to logic by presenting facts and logical reasoning. 

Appeal to emotions by sharing personal stories of people with mental disorders. Use strong and concise language to convey your message effectively.

Gain all the insight you need to construct a convincing argumentative essay by watching this video!

Examples of Argumentative Essay about Mental Health

Example essays can help you a great deal when getting started with writing an essay about mental health problems. Here are a few examples of argumentative essays on mental health:

Here are some example essays that can help you get started

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Awareness

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health In Schools

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Situation In The Philippines

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Of Students

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Care

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Issues

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Introduction

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health And Physical Health

Struggling to find the inspiration you need to craft your essay? Explore our argumentative essay examples blog!

Argumentative Essay Topics About Mental Health

When it comes to writing an argumentative essay about mental health, choosing a thought-provoking topic is crucial. Here are some compelling topics that provide opportunities for strong arguments:

• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions of Mental Health
• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health in Adulthood
• Exploring the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness in Society
• The Importance of Mental Health Education in Schools
• The Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Mental Well-being
• Analyzing the Link Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
• Addressing the Mental Health Needs of LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Examining the Overprescription of Psychotropic Medications for Mental Health
• The Role of Cultural Factors in Understanding and Treating Mental Health Issues
• Promoting Mental Health Support and Resources in Underserved Communities

Don’t see a topic you like? Check out our extensive list of argumentative essay topics and choose one that interests you!

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Mental Health — Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health: Awareness and Acceptance

Breaking The Stigma of Mental Health: Awareness and Acceptance

• Categories: Mental Health

About this sample

Words: 761 |

Published: Sep 12, 2023

Words: 761 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The complex nature of mental health stigma, the role of awareness in dismantling stigma, the transformative power of acceptance, impact on prevention, treatment, and recovery.

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Mental Health Counseling Admission Essay

A college essay on mental health is a type of writing that requires your preparation. For this purpose, you can check out some examples. Below, we’ve prepared “Why I Want to Be a Mental Health Counselor Essay,” which will help you get inspired and write a successful application to your preferred educational institution.

Mental health counseling is a diverse profession with national standards for education, preparation, and clinical practice. The profession offers help to the ever-increasing number of Americans requiring mental therapy.

Clinical mental health practitioners are highly skilled professionals who provide flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. Mental health counselors offer a variety of services, such as evaluation and diagnosis, psychotherapy, solution-focused therapy, crisis management, substance abuse treatment, and prevention programs.

After carefully researching and critically evaluating my career options, I have decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling focusing on mental health counseling. This path will propel me toward becoming a mental health counselor. Not only am I an excellent listener with a desire to help the marginalized, but it is also evident that there is a growing need for clinical counselors in the country to safeguard against unemployment.

Furthermore, recent surveys indicate that clinical counselors receive competitive salary packages. Beyond the financial aspect, the mental health field is diverse and rapidly evolving. Much remains to be explored regarding brain function, and consequently, therapeutic methods in this field are not as advanced as in other medical fields. I plan to delve into this study area and uncover as much knowledge and information as possible throughout my career.

The decision to apply for the clinical counseling program in mental health was significantly influenced by an internship I completed at the Carter Center for Mental Health. Founded by Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the center aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders in society. Despite increasing media coverage and information dissemination about mental health, myths and misconceptions still prevail in society.

At the Carter Center, I undertook a three-month volunteer internship to gain insight into working as a psychologist. However, after visiting numerous hospitals, outpatient mental health facilities, and hospices, I realized that my true calling might be in mental health counseling.

The internship was an eye-opening experience regarding the challenges faced by mental health patients, including those with depression, substance abuse issues, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. Witnessing the struggles of thousands of Americans with mental health disorders, I instinctively knew I had to contribute to the social welfare of this great country.

Cultural diversity and cultural prejudice are prevalent in our lives, and we must acknowledge and responsibly embrace them. Professionals have recently recognized the importance of addressing the challenges in serving culturally diverse populations. Cultural values, beliefs, and assumptions significantly influence mental health workers and other professionals’ service delivery.

These cultural experiences, traditions, beliefs, and assumptions shape our worldview. Thus, professionals should be conscious of their thoughts and strive to separate them from their work. Counselors and clients bring a range of values, attitudes, culturally influenced behaviors, biases, ideas, and assumptions to the therapeutic process. Some mental health professionals and counselors underestimate the significance of these factors in treatment.

I consider myself culturally enlightened, having grown up in a culturally diverse community in New York. This environment has taught me to embrace and appreciate cultural pluralism and diversity. Cultural diversity is an integral element that enriches society.

I have interacted with people from various cultures in school, stores, and my neighborhood, learning that humans are not as different as we sometimes think. We need to treat each other with respect and embrace each other’s beliefs, traditions, and cultural customs.

In addition to the internship, my drive for mental health counseling was subconsciously motivated by a teenage experience. Following the tragic death of my younger sister in a surfing accident, my mother fell into a state of depression. She frequently spoke of seeing my sister in her dreams. This placed a significant burden on my father to maintain family stability. Our relief came after my mother sought help from a post-trauma counselor.

She attended sessions with the counselor and, to our relief and joy, recovered within six months. She coped better with the loss of her daughter and realized that nothing could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

Reflecting on the counselor’s impact on my family, I appreciate this noble profession. I aspire to bring joy to families and individuals by helping them understand and cope with their mental health challenges.

Upon completing my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, I plan to practice for five to eight years in outpatient mental health facilities and other relevant settings to gain extensive experience in mental health counseling.

Additionally, I aim to join professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association, which require a Master’s degree in a related field and adherence to a strict code of ethics. Eventually, I plan to establish a private practice in New York, New Jersey, or California.

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IvyPanda. (2024, January 12). Mental Health Counseling Admission Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/mental-health-counseling-essay/

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100+ argumentative essay topics on mental health | example & outline, bob cardens.

• September 2, 2022
• Essay Topics and Ideas

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health. Mental health is an important and often overlooked topic. In this article, we’ll explore some argumentative essay topics related to mental health .

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is  place an order  with us.

What You'll Learn

Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health

1. Is there a connection between mental health and physical health? 2. How does mental illness affect a person’s ability to function in society? 3. What are the most effective treatments for mental illness? 4. Are there any effective prevention strategies for mental illness? 5. What is the relationship between mental health and substance abuse? 6. How does poverty affect mental health? 7. What are the most common mental disorders? 8. What are the consequences of untreated mental illness? 9. What are the risk factors for developing mental illness? 10. How can mental illness be effectively diagnosed?

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Argumentative essay topics about depression

1. Depression is a real mental health condition.

2. Depression is more than just feeling sad.

3. Depression can lead to serious physical health problems.

4. Depression is treatable with medication and therapy.

5. People with depression can lead happy, fulfilling lives.

6. Untreated depression can be deadly.

7. Depression is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

8. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

9. Anyone can develop depression, even people who seem to have it all together.

10. There is no single cause of depression, but there are risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop the condition.

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health. Mental health is an important and often overlooked topic. In this article, we’ll explore some argumentative essay topics related to mental health.

Argumentative essay about mental health in schools

1. Mental health should be taught in schools. 2. There should be more support for mental health in schools. 3. Mental health should be taken more seriously in schools. 4. Schools should do more to prevent mental health problems. 5. Schools should do more to help students with mental health problems. 6. Mental health problems are increasing in schools. 7. school counselors are not trained to deal with mental health issues 8. most school don’t have a mental health policy 9. lack of awareness about mental health among school staff 10. stigma and discrimination against mental health patients

Argumentative essay on mental health stigma

Argumentative essay topics about mental health can be very controversial and sensitive. However, there are many people who are open to discussing these topics and raising awareness about mental health. Here are twenty argumentative essay topics about mental health that you can use for your next essay.

1. How does society view mental health? 2. Do we need to break the stigma around mental health? 3. How can we better support those with mental health conditions? 4. What is the link between mental health and addiction? 5. How does trauma affect mental health? 6. What are the most effective treatments for mental health conditions? 7. Are there any natural remedies for mental health conditions? 8. How does diet affect mental health? 9. How does exercise affect mental health? 10. What is the link between sleep and mental health? 11. What are the warning signs of a mental health condition? 12. When should someone seek professional help for a mental health condition? 13. How can family and friends support someone with a mental health condition? 14. What are the most common myths about mental health? 15. How does stigma impact those with mental health conditions?

16. How can we destigmatize mental health? 17. What is the link between mental health and violence? 18. How does mental health affect overall health? 19. What are the most common mental health disorders? 20. What are the most effective treatments for mental health disorders?

Mental health debate topics for students

1. The definition of mental health 2. The different types of mental illness 3. The causes of mental illness 4. The treatments for mental illness 5. The side effects of mental illness 6. The impact of mental illness on society 7. The cost of mental health care 8. Mental health in the workplace 9. Mental health in the media 10. Stigma and discrimination against those with mental illness 11. The impact of trauma on mental health 12. Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum 13. Children’s mental health 14. Geriatric mental health 15. Global perspectives on mental health 16. Religion and mental health 17. Cultural competence in mental health care 18. Social media and mental health 19.Nutrition and mental health

20. Exercise and mental health

Expository essay topics about mental illness

1. How does mental illness affect one’s ability to work? 2. What are the most common types of mental illness? 3. How can mental illness be prevented? 4. What are the most effective treatments for mental illness? 5. How does mental illness impact relationships? 6. What are the financial costs of mental illness? 7. How does stigma affect those with mental illness? 8. What are the most common myths about mental illness? 9. How does mental illness differ from addiction? 10. What are the early warning signs of mental illness?

Debates about mental health

1. The definition of mental health is contested and argued by professionals in the field. 2. Some people argue that mental health is a social construction, while others believe that it is a real and valid medical condition. 3. Mental health is often stigmatized in society, and those who suffer from mental illness are often seen as weak or crazy. 4. Mental health is often viewed as something that can be cured, when in reality it is a lifelong battle for many people. 5. Mental illness is often seen as an individual responsibility to deal with, when in reality it affects not just the individual but also their families and loved ones. 6. It is often said that people with mental illness are not able to function in society, when in fact many people with mental illness are high-functioning individuals. 7. Mental health is often viewed as an all-or-nothing proposition, when in reality there is a spectrum of mental health conditions that range from mild to severe. 8. People with mental illness are often treated differently than other people, and they are often discriminated against. 9. There is a lot of misinformation about mental health, and this leads tomisunderstanding and fear. 10. Mental health is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing it.

Persuasive topics related to mental health

1. The link between mental health and physical health. 2. The benefits of therapy and counseling. 3. The importance of early intervention for mental health issues. 4. The impact of trauma on mental health. 5. The correlation between mental health and substance abuse. 6. The connection between mental health and chronic illness. 7. The relationship between mental health and chronic pain. 8. Mental health in the workplace. 9. Mental health in the military. 10. Mental health in schools. 11. Children’s mental health issues. 12. Teens and mental health issues. 13. Elderly mental health issues. 14. Cultural issues and mental health. 15. Religion and mental health. 16. The stigma of mental illness. 17. Mental health awareness and education. 18. Mental health advocacy. 19. Funding for mental health services. 20. Access to mental health care.

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Mental Health Essay Topics with Outline & Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at April 5th, 2022 , Revised On January 3, 2024

Mental health studies are a discipline that looks into various mental illnesses to see how they affect people, their causes, and what we can do about them. On the other hand, selecting the right topic for an argumentative essay is crucial to addressing a specific mental health issue. In other words, mental health essay topics have equal importance as the idea of mental health itself. 

Students who have a real passion for any particular area of mental health should spend considerable time searching and finding the right topic for their essays. 

This article presents many good mental health essay topics for your argumentative essay that you can use right away. These unique ideas will make it easier for students to address unique mental health issues through their arguments. 

Mental Health Essay Topics to Write About

Everyone is affected by a mental illness at some stage in their lives. So how do you explain what other people in the world are going through without feeling their pain, emotions and anxiety? The success of your argumentative essay largely depends on the quality and uniqueness of the topic. Here are some exciting and intriguing mental health essay topics you can consider:

• The relationship between obesity and mental health
• The relationship between teenagers and self-harm
• How does a returning soldier deal with his mental health problems?
• The causes of post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers and its treatment
• What does anorexia nervosa mean?
• It is recognising and addressing indicators of a loved one’s mental health.
• What do you think about people who have “dark” thoughts?
• What does ADHD mean, and what factors may play a role in its development?
• An analysis of gender with most of the mental health problems
• The possible treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder
• The most common mental disorders in geriatric people
• The treatments that are used most frequently in depressed patients
• Identifying the main influences on brain screening
• The impact of depression on overall mental wellbeing
• Differences between anxiety disorders and key protective factors for mental health
• Do video games have an impact on a person’s mental health?
• How does music affect mental health?
• How do graphic images affect mental health?
• The effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder on human activity
• How to identify mental illness
• What makes you feel anxious?
• How can stress cause depression?
• What are anxieties, and why do people fear everyday objects?
• Examine the mental health of Holocaust survivors.
• Postpartum depression is a real problem. 
• What are the benefits of a cognitive health crisis? 
• How does poverty affect mental health? 
• The importance of improving psychological and emotional health 
• Common mental health problems of women and men
• What role do school programs play in addressing mental health?

Grave Mental Health Essay Topics

You may also write about some more serious mental health topics. However, acing a mental health essay on a grave mental health issue will require you to relate your content to people’s real-life experiences and start accumulating arguments to support your claims. Here are some interesting but super specific mental health essay topics. 

• Identify and discuss the role of physiotherapy in maintaining mental health.
• Sigmund Freud’s contributions to mental health
• What role does parenting stress play in depression?
• The influence of nightmares on depression
• The contribution of insomnia to depression
• Is it possible to keep the brain healthy to protect its health?
• Is it possible to forget painful memories?
• What educational credentials are required to practice psychiatry?
• What role do horror films play in anxiety?
• Why do people watch scary films?
• Discuss the relationship between mental health and therapy
• What measures are taken to treat mental health problems in the UK?
• Why are so many artists mentally ill?
• Do you think that living in the limelight causes mental illness?
• Discuss COVID-19 and mental health.
• How can you tell if someone is suffering from anxiety?
• An unintended consequence of online learning
• The impact of divorce on children’s mental health
• Why dropping out can harm a student’s mental health
• There is a link between physical violence and mental illness. Discuss

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Topics on Mental Illness Argumentative Essay

• Writing about a mental illness in your essay will require you to have an in-depth understanding of the illness you will investigate. If you pursue one of those in-depth mental health topics, you can surely impress your professor. TV shows that can benefit people with mental illnesses
• In the LGBTQ community, mental illness is common.
• Why are the people of the black community facing more mental illness?
• How can child abuse lead to mental illness?
• How is substance abuse related to mental illness?
• What are coping mechanisms most prevalent in mental illness?
• What is the impact of trauma on mental health?
• School-based programs to support students with mental health problems will be considered.
• What is the most common mental illness faced by raped victims? Discuss each of them.
• How lack of confidence can affect mental health
• Discuss the most recent developments in the field of clinical depression
• Anxiety caused by sexual assault in the metaverse
• How does anxiety affect the ability to cope with your daily life activities?
• Does women’s mental health matter in the nation?
• What are the most common mental illnesses faced by children?
• How can mental health be promoted at colleges and universities?
• How did music come to be associated with mental health?
• Mental health and its connection with peer groups
• How images of homeless people can affect a person’s mental health
• How can people on low incomes receive mental health care?
• The value of forgiveness for mental health
• Name and explain why one of the countries in the world has the highest rate of mental illness.
• The role of society in mental health problems
• Can a change of environment improve mental wellbeing?
• How can love help people who have a mental illness, and how can it not?

Good Essay Topics on Mental Health

• The role of extremists in the deterioration of mental health care in their holy places
• What happens when parents ignore their children, and how does it affect their mental health?
• The difference between religious counselling and professional counselling
• What does it mean to be anti-social, and how can you change or support someone who is?
• Recognise and explain the role of chronic stress and anxiety disorders in long-term loneliness. Discuss the impact of remote working on mental health and how to manage it.
• Talk about ways to deal with unhappy feelings to avoid slipping into chronic mental health problems.
• How can you tell if a person’s mental health is okay?
• How can you empower a handicapped person to pursue their goals without becoming depressed because of physical limitations?
• How can the general public best respond to someone suffering from a mental illness?

Cause-Effect Essay Topics on Mental Health

• What role does physical health play in maintaining mental health?
• The effects of post-traumatic stress disorder are severe. Explain why?
• Does emotional stress affect the immune system?
• How can break-ups help or hurt your mental health?
• How does early retirement affect or worsen mental health?
• What can a child do if they are diagnosed with schizophrenia, and how can they be helped?
• What are some of the potentially harmful behaviours that can exacerbate mental illness?

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health

• People who are mentally ill are not religious. Argue on this perception
• Religion has both negative and positive influences on an individual’s mental health
• Anxiety is influenced by discrimination
• Depression can also be caused by self-awareness
• There are five reasons why mental illness is so prevalent
• Depression is a common problem among young people and is never taken seriously
• Suicide is a result of ignoring mental illness at its early stages. Argue

So now, when you have an opportunity to dazzle your teachers by working on these unique mental health essay topics, you must also know about the basic structure of a mental health essay. We have created a brief outline for you guys to understand the structure before delving into the topics. 

Outline of the Essay

It would be best to write down what you want to cover in your essay after conducting your research on a topic. Do not forget to find and review different academic sources when writing a mental health essay. 

Mental Health Essay Introduction

Your essay must have a hook that attracts the reader. Next, you need to establish a thesis statement to show you understand the significance of the topic you are exploring. You can also use your introduction to tell a story or share an experience.

Use proverbs, statistics, or anything that you feel is relevant to your topic in an introduction. Before concluding your introduction, give background information about your essay so that the reader knows what it is about.

The body is divided into paragraphs that support your thesis with evidence and arguments. In general, the body should consist of five paragraphs . However, each sentence must contain a topic sentence linked to independent thought on the topic of mental health. You can also write each sentence with a definite purpose, convincing arguments, supporting details, and examples.

The conclusion sums up the content that you have presented in your essay. You can include a statement of your thesis at the end of your conclusion, and you can even ask a rhetorical question about the future of mental health. However, it would help if you did not make any new arguments in conclusion.

Important Tips when Writing Mental Health Essay

• Present sufficient knowledge of the actual topic
• Know the difference between mental health/illness and emotions
• A generalisation of the term “Mentally Ill” should be avoided
• Use neutral terms, be precise in your arguments/claims
• Emphasis on the treatment and positive vibes through your content
• Get professional assistance if you struggle with your medical or nursing essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write an excellent essay on mental health.

To write an excellent essay on mental health, research the topic thoroughly, provide personal insights, use a clear structure, support your arguments with evidence, and offer practical solutions. Prioritize empathy and awareness throughout.

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Journaling For Mental Health: How To Do It Effectively To Improve Mood And Well-Being

Here's what the science says.

“Journaling can be a powerful way to organize your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, leading to increased self-awareness, self-discovery, and growth,” says Jaci Witmer Lopez, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City. “In my practice, I've seen firsthand how regular journaling can transform lives.”

Maybe you've kept a fitness journal in the past to help you stay on track toward your wellness goals, or you currently have a gratitude journal to stay grounded. There are travel journals to help you document your adventures, and if you’re less artistically inclined, there are even journaling apps to help you stay mindful on the go. Below, experts share the benefits of journaling for mental health, how to start one yourself, and specific writing prompts for inspiration.

Meet the experts: Jaci Witmer Lopez, PsyD , is a clinical psychologist based in New York City. Marc Campbell, LMHC , is a licensed therapist based in Orlando, Florida, and the author of I Love My Queer Kid .

Common Benefits Of Journaling

Apart from having a dedicated place for juicy diary entries, there are several general benefits of journaling. The practice has been shown to help people process stressful events, according to a study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine . In another study about college students, researchers found that journaling may improve self-efficacy —in other words, it can help you believe in yourself. Writing has even been studied as a behavioral intervention for children—so if you have kiddos at home, encouraging them to write may not be such a bad idea.

Common benefits of journaling include:

• Finding inspiration
• Creative expression
• Tracking your goals
• Fun freewriting
• General reflection
• Brainstorming ideas

5 Mental Health Benefits Of Journaling

Apart from its general benefits, here's how journaling can impact your mental health, specifically, according to experts.

1. It can help you process (and learn from) your emotions.

“Remembering the events from your day—both the ups and the downs—can help your brain practice processing and regulating your emotions,” says Marc Campbell, LMHC, a licensed therapist based in Orlando, Florida. For instance, if you’re feeling rejected from a recent breakup or you're burned out at work, writing about how you feel and reading it back to yourself can help you process the difficult emotions. Journaling can also help you recognize certain patterns, practice more acceptance, and have more empathy for yourself, Campbell says.

2. It can help you heal from traumatic events.

Journaling can significantly impact your ability to process and heal from trauma, Lopez says. “ Research has shown that writing can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” she says. “When you write things down as opposed to just thinking about them, you hold yourself accountable to reframing or changing your narrative.” Although the mental health effects of trauma won’t disappear by simply writing down how you feel, journaling can be a helpful practice in addition to seeking therapy and trauma treatment .

3. It may help you manage anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and depression are among the most commonly cited mental health struggles in America, per the American Psychological Association (APA). And although having a writing practice won't cure these conditions overnight, journaling may have the potential to decrease depression and anxiety and improve resilience over time, according to a recent study . Plus, if you’re struggling to find meaning in everyday life or you feel generally disengaged—both of which are common experiences when facing mental health challenges— some studies suggest that journaling may help.

4. It can help you track your therapy progress.

If you're seeing a therapist right now, journaling can help you check in with yourself daily or weekly about how it’s going—or even help you hold yourself accountable for certain behaviors you’d like to change, Campbell says. “Through the process of journaling, you can reflect on past entries and potentially learn about any patterns you have,” he says.

You can also use a journal to reflect on what, exactly you speak about during your therapy sessions and begin to process how you’re feeling about it, Lopez adds. An added benefit? One day, you can look back at your journal and celebrate how far you've come.

5. It can help you practice self-compassion.

Whether you're dealing with a specific mental health issue or you're simply feeling overwhelmed, negative self-talk, shame, and embarrassment are common. It can be difficult to be kind to yourself, however, practicing self-compassion can go a long way, experts say. A recent study in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that daily journaling as a mindfulness practice led to increased levels of self-compassion, and another study on registered nurses found that journaling can boost compassion and help manage burnout.

How To Start Journaling For Mental Health

If you aren't someone who spilled your heart out in a childhood diary, don't worry—journaling can be as simple as jotting things down on your phone, in a notebook, or responding to a specific prompt to get inspiration (more on that soon).

There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to journal, but it should be a personal process, Campbell says. “I recommend starting journaling in the way that feels most authentic to you. If you prefer pen and paper, start with that. If you prefer typing things out in your notes app, that works, too. If you aren’t sure, try both and more—a laptop or even typewriter if you’re feeling adventurous,” he says. Also, writing for mental health is personal, but you shouldn't feel pressured to document your whole life story all at once (unless you want to).

Whether you incorporate journaling into your morning routine or you attempt five minutes before bedtime to free-write, experts recommend starting slow. “If you're new to journaling, my advice is to start small and be patient with yourself. Set aside just a few minutes a day to begin with, and gradually increase the time as you build the habit. It’s important to find a method that you'll stick with consistently," Lopez says. Try to pace yourself and make the practice as manageable as possible so that it becomes a habit formed over time, she adds.

10 Journal Prompts For Mental Health

• What was the highlight of my day?
• What was a lot moment of my day?
• What's a challenge I'm facing right now?
• What people, places, or things am I grateful for and why?
• Who is someone that's inspired me lately and why?
• What are three things I'm proud of myself for, and why?
• What is a small act of kindness I can do for myself this week?
• What is one limiting belief I have about myself? (And is there a way I can begin to reframe it)?
• Describe something you are struggling with. Then, read it from the perspective of someone you care about. What would they have to say about it?
• If I could change an aspect of my mental health and well-being right now, what would it be and why?

When it comes to journaling for mental health, consistency is key. Whatever method, prompt, or format you choose, your mental health will thank you.

Best Journals For Mental Health

The Five Minute Journal

Looking for a simple, sleek journal that will help you practice more mindfulness and gratitude? This popular option might be a good fit for you. It encourages you to cultivate a sense of calm for just five minutes a day, but there are plenty of helpful tools packed into the journal itself—like prompts, daily highlights, weekly challenges, affirmations, and more. If you're brand new to journaling for mental health, this one provides clear cues and outlines to help you self-reflect and feel more confident. Plus, it's aesthetically pleasing. What could be better?

The Big Feelings Survival Guide

This colorful, activity-filled workbook by licensed art therapist Alyse Ruriani, LPC, is a great option if you're ready to dive into mental health in a fun, accessible, yet meaningful way. The workbook includes practical and creative activities that are all rooted in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which, ICYMI, is a revolutionary treatment that helps people move through emotions. Not only will you gain major insight about your mental health journey, but the workbook itself is super bright and engaging—the helpful illustrations and eye-opening exercises are sure to help you reflect and gain inspiration.

Self-Love Workbook for Women

This self-love workbook by therapist Megan Logan, LCSW, is uniquely designed to help you release self-doubt and have more self-compassion. The journal includes quizzes, writing prompts, and fun activities to help you cultivate more self-love, like writing a message to your younger self and making a "happy playlist." You'll also find empowering affirmations for those days when your mental health isn't so good—plus, the journal provides helpful resources for goal-tracking, identifying emotions, and embracing who you are.

90-Day Mental Health Journal

This easy-to-follow journal encourages you to care for your mental health in a holistic way. If you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or uncertainty about the future, the journal claims to help you self-reflect and gain self-awareness while focusing on the power of the present moment. This journal is ideal for anyone who wants to breathe, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate more mindfulness. It comes with grounding activities and daily check-ins to help you keep track of your emotions—and understand their roots.

Lexi Inks (she/her) is a lifestyle journalist based in Jacksonville, Florida. She has reported on countless topics, including sexual wellness, astrology, relationship issues, non-monogamy, mental health, pop culture, and more. In addition to Women’s Health, her work has been published on Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Well + Good, Byrdie, Popsugar, and others. As a queer and plus-size woman with living with mental illness, Lexi strives for intersectionality and representation in all of her writing. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Jacksonville University, which she has chosen to make everyone’s problem.

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Decoding the Mind: Basic Science Revolutionizes Treatment of Mental Illnesses

By Linda Brady, Margaret Grabb, Susan Koester, Yael Mandelblat-Cerf, David Panchision, Jonathan Pevsner, Ashlee Van’t-Veer, and Aleksandra Vicentic on behalf of the NIMH Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science

March 21, 2024 • 75th Anniversary

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For 75 years, NIMH has transformed the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research—bringing hope to millions of people. This Director’s Message, guest written by NIMH’s Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science , is part of an anniversary series celebrating this momentous milestone.

The Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science (DNBBS) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports research on basic neuroscience, genetics, and basic behavioral science. These are foundational pillars in the quest to decode the human mind and unravel the complexities of mental illnesses.

At NIMH, we are committed to supporting and conducting genomics research as a priority research area . As the institute celebrates its 75th Anniversary , we are spotlighting DNBBS-supported efforts connecting genes to cells to circuits to behavior that have led to a wealth of discoveries and knowledge that can improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.

Making gene discoveries

Medical conditions often run in families. For instance, if someone in your immediate family has high blood pressure, you are more likely to have it too. It is the same with mental disorders—often they run in families. NIMH is supporting research into human genetics to better understand why this occurs. This research has already led to the discovery of hundreds of gene variants that make us more or less likely to develop a mental disorder.

There are two types of genetic variation: common and rare. Common variation refers to DNA changes often seen in the general population, whereas rare variation is DNA changes found in only a small proportion of the population. Individually, most common gene variants have only a minor impact on the risk for a mental disorder. Instead, most disorders result from many common gene variants that, together, contribute to the risk for and severity of that disorder.

NIMH is committed to uncovering the role of genes in mental disorders with the aim of improving the lives of people who experience them. One of the many ways NIMH contributes to the discovery of common gene variants is by supporting the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC)   . The consortium of almost 1,000 scientists across the globe, including ones in the NIMH Intramural Research Program and others conducting NIMH-supported research, is one of the largest and most innovative biological investigations in psychiatry.

Global collaborations such as the PGC are critical to amassing the immense sample sizes needed to identify common gene variants. Data from the consortium’s almost one million participants have already led to transformative insights about genetic contributors to mental illnesses and the genetic relationships of these illnesses to each other. To date, studies conducted as part of the consortium have uncovered common variation in over a dozen mental illnesses.

In contrast to common gene variants, rare gene variants are very uncommon in the general population. When they do occur, they often have a major impact on the occurrence of an illness, particularly when they disrupt gene function or regulation. Rare variants involving mutations in a single gene have been linked to several mental disorders, often through NIMH-supported research. For instance, a recent NIMH-funded study found that rare variation in 10 genes substantially increased the risk for schizophrenia. However, it is important to note that genetics is not destiny; even rare variants only raise the risk for mental disorders, but many other factors, including your environment and experiences, play important roles as well.

Because of the strong interest among researchers and the public in understanding how genes translate to changes in the brain and behavior, NIMH has developed a list of human genes associated with mental illnesses. These genes were identified through rare variation studies and are meant to serve as a resource for the research community. The list currently focuses on rare variants, but NIMH plans to continue expanding it as evidence accumulates for additional gene variants (rare or common).

Moreover, mental illnesses are a significant public health burden worldwide . For this reason, NIMH investments in genomics research extend across the globe. NIMH has established the Ancestral Populations Network (APN) to make genomics studies more diverse and shed light on how genetic variation contributes to mental disorders across populations. APN currently includes seven projects with more than 100 researchers across 25 sites worldwide.

Connecting biology to behavior

While hundreds of individual genes have been linked to mental illnesses, the function of most of these genes in the brain remains poorly understood. But high-tech advances and the increased availability of computational tools are enabling researchers to begin unraveling the intricate roles played by genes.

In addition to identifying genetic variation that raises the risk for mental illnesses, NIMH supports research that will help us understand how genes contribute to human behavior. This information is critical to discovering approaches to diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent or cure mental illnesses.

An NIMH-funded project called the PsychENCODE consortium   focuses on understanding how genes impact brain function. PsychENCODE is furthering knowledge of how gene risk maps onto brain function and dysfunction by cataloging genomic elements in the human brain and studying the actions of different cell types. The PsychENCODE dataset currently includes multidimensional genetic data from the postmortem brains of thousands of people with and without mental disorders.

Findings from the first phase of PsychENCODE were published as a series of 11 papers   examining functional genomics in the developing and adult brains and in mental disorders. A second batch of PsychENCODE papers will be published later this year. These findings help clarify the complex relationships between gene variants and the biological processes they influence.

PsychENCODE and other NIMH-supported projects are committed to sharing biospecimens quickly and openly to help speed research and discovery.

Facilitating these efforts is the NIMH Repository and Genomics Resource (NRGR)   , where samples are stored and shared. NRGR includes hundreds of thousands of samples, such as DNA, RNA, and cell lines, from people with and without mental disorders, along with demographic and diagnostic information.

Another NIMH initiative to connect risk genes to brain function is Scalable and Systematic Neurobiology of Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Risk Genes (SSPsyGene) . This initiative uses cutting-edge techniques to characterize the biological functions of 250 mental health risk genes—within the cells where they are expressed—to better understand how those genes contribute to mental illnesses. By systematically characterizing the biological functions of risk genes in cells, SSPsyGene will empower researchers to learn about biological pathways that may serve as new targets for treatment.

Genes also affect behavior by providing the blueprint for neurons, the basic units of the nervous system. Neurons communicate with each other via circuits in the brain, which enables us to process, integrate, and convey information. NIMH supports many initiatives to study the foundational role of neural networks and brain circuits in shaping diverse mental health-related behaviors like mood, learning, memory, and motivation.

For instance, studies supported through a basic-to-translational science initiative at NIMH focus on modifying neural activity to improve cognitive, emotional, and social processing  . Similarly, another new funding opportunity encourages studies in humans and animals examining how emotional and social cues are represented across brain circuits  to help address a core deficit in many mental disorders. These studies will increase understanding of the biological mechanisms that support behavior throughout life and offer interventions to improve these functions in healthy and clinical populations.

Developing treatments and therapeutics

The gene discovery and biology-to-behavior programs described here will lay the foundation for delivering novel therapeutics. To be prepared to rapidly implement findings from this research, NIMH supports several initiatives to identify behavioral and biological markers for use in clinical studies and increase our ability to translate research into practice.

Through its therapeutics discovery research programs , NIMH advances early stage discovery and development studies in humans and early efficacy trials for mental disorders. Taking these efforts a step further, NIMH supports the National Cooperative Drug Discovery/Development Groups for the Treatment of Mental Disorders , which encourage public–private partnerships to accelerate the discovery and development of novel therapeutics and new biomarkers for use in human trials. Moreover, NIMH is one of several institutes and centers in the NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network  , launched to enable neuroscientists in academia and biotechnology companies to develop new drugs for nervous system disorders.

For the treatments of tomorrow, NIMH is building a new research program called Pre-Clinical Research on Gene Therapies for Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders  , which encourages early stage research to optimize gene therapies to treat disorders with prominent cognitive, social, or affective impairment. In parallel, NIMH’s Planning Grants for Natural History Studies of Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders  encourage the analysis of pre-existing data from people with rare disorders to learn about disease progression and enable future clinical trials with these populations.

NIMH's Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science supports many different research projects that help us learn about genes and gene functions, how the brain develops and works, and impacts on behavior. By investing in basic neuroscience, genetics, and behavioral research, we're trying to find new targets for treatment and develop better therapies for mental disorders. We're hopeful these efforts will lead to new ways to treat and prevent mental illnesses in the near future and, ultimately, improve the lives of people in this country and across the globe.