Fill Your Cup and Watch it Flow Over: Mental Health Advocacy for You and Those You Serve
Mental health advocacy is simpler than you might think, but its importance cannot be overstated. Advocating can look like educating the public and stakeholders on important PMH nursing topics and issues, educating yourself on recommended solutions and pathways forward for addressing key PMH nursing issues, or joining councils and support groups synergizing to meet the same goal. It is something you do every time you step into your field, and your impactful service does not go unnoticed.
“When we unite our efforts, we don’t just support mental health — we transform lives.”
− Paula M. Bird, DNP, RN-C, NEA-BC
May is Nurses and Mental Health Awareness Month, so what better time to honor your role as collaborative psychiatric-mental health nurse advocates who care deeply for your mental health and the mental health of those you serve?
Paula M. Bird, DNP, RN-C, NEA-BC, Chair of the APNA Council for Mental Health Advocacy, shares how psychiatric-mental health nurses can and do implement advocacy to improve their mental health and the mental health of those they serve.
APNA: How can PMH nurses advocate for their own mental health?
Bird: “Caring for others in a demanding system can take a toll. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally exhausted, know that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid. Connecting with peers or supervisors who understand your experiences can be a powerful way to process and feel supported. And when possible, finding space for daily practices like movement, mindfulness, hobbies, or rest can help sustain your effort over time. Caring for yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The well-being of PMH nurses is deeply impacted by systemic challenges. Advocacy for safe staffing levels, supportive environments, and a culture that prioritizes both patients and providers isn’t just about workplace reform, but about survival, healing, and caring for your mental health and the mental health of the communities you serve. Every effort you make to speak up, support your colleagues, or push for change is meaningful. Your voice matters, and your work is vital.”
APNA: How can PMH nurses advocate for the mental health of those they care for?
Bird: “Through empathy and trust. Creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for patients shows you respect their experiences. You can play a key role in reducing stigma by advocating for better public understanding and more compassionate treatment for individuals with mental health challenges. Remaining patient-centered while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams ensures integrated and comprehensive care models where all aspects of a patient’s mental health are addressed.”
APNA: Why is this important to me?
Bird: “Mental health advocacy is central to PMH nursing, and vital to your longevity and passion in the field. It improves well-being by ensuring each of you has access to the resources and support needed to maintain mental health. It reduces stigma when we normalize conversations about mental health and creates a more accepting, supportive, and compassionate environment for you and those you serve. Advocating strengthens the role of PMH nurses in the health care system. It allows you to take on leadership roles in advancing mental health policy, improving care standards, and influencing mental health laws and practices. It can lead to changes in workplace culture, reducing burnout, improving job satisfaction, and increasing retention rates for PMH nurses. A healthier work environment ultimately results in better care for patients.”
“By advocating for both our own mental health and the mental health of those we care for, PMH nurses ensure that we remain effective, compassionate caregivers while promoting positive mental health outcomes in the communities we serve.”
APNA: How can we collaborate with our colleagues to support mental health advocacy?
Bird: “You have a powerful role in mental health advocacy, and it all starts with collaboration. By working closely with psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, and other health care professionals, you help ensure that every person receives compassionate, well-rounded care. Go beyond the bedside — reach into communities to educate, reduce stigma, and speak up for those who may not have a voice. Whether it’s through policy advocacy, sharing resources, or training others in trauma-informed care, PMH nurses like you and I come together to create real change.”
