Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Awareness

A serious issue is plaguing our society at present. It has to do with the stigmatism attached to mental health. In order to make it possible to address this issue constructively, it’s imperative to shift our focus to mental health awareness and the strategies we might employ to overcome learned bias. In fact, we desperately need to overcome negative assumptions and stigmas. But how? That’s the real question. After all, this widespread challenge involves belief systems that are reinforced by societal norms and institutions. It stands to reason then, that we begin with institutions like law enforcement, criminal justice, our workforce, and our education system. If we want to challenge outdated norms and reshape public opinion, more education and training are needed to improve sensitivity and understanding. This needs to happen institutionally in public perceptions. It’s time to break the silence – and stigma – associated with mental health.

GrantWatch is showing our support. We offer listings of grant opportunities for mental health needs and support for mental health professionals and researchers. These opportunities are located in a specific category devoted solely to mental health. What’s more, this listing currently has close to 600 grants in the Mental Health grants category. Beyond that, there are also countrywide and even international grant funding opportunities.

The Stigmas Involved

According to Pysychiatry.org over half of the individuals currently living with mental issues do not receive the help they need and deserve. The stigma of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder is multifaceted and very difficult to overcome. There are three types to be aware of. The first is self-stigma. This is the internalized shame we feel about our own condition. Public stigma has to do with discriminatory attitudes and practices that society places on mental illness. Finally, structural stigmas refer to the policies and institutions that knowingly or unknowingly present obstacles for people with mental challenges. This includes limiting access to health care and funding.

Signs of Mental Health Problems

• A switch in eating habits, whether over or undereating.
• A noticeable reduction in energy levels.
• Being more reclusive and shying away from others.
• Severe mood swings.
• Thinking of self-harm or causing harm to others.
• Being unable to perform daily tasks with ease. (verywellmind.com, “The Importance of Mental Health“)

Mental Health and Well-Being Self-Care

• Taking up regular exercise.
• Prioritizing rest and sleep on a daily basis.
• Trying meditation.
• Learning coping skills for life challenges.
• Keeping in touch with loved ones.
• Maintaining a positive outlook on life. (verywellmind.com, “The Importance of Mental Health“)

Below is a list of mental health grants, cooperative agreements and award opportunities.

Mental Health Grants and Cooperative Agreements

1. Cooperative agreements to states, nonprofits, tribes, and tribal organizations for services to help prevent youth suicides. Funding is to increase the number and capacity of service providers to help youth at high risk for suicide. Also, the goal is to improve continuity of care and follow-up.
2. There is a grant of $2,000 to a psychology researcher affiliated with a nonprofit institution or government entity. The goal is to support research related to brain function. Funding is for studies that further an understanding of the mind from a neural and behavioral point of view. The goal is to address mental function, including motivation, cognition, and affect. Research will align with McGuigan’s overall goals in contemporary behavioral or brain science (including more recent forms of cognitive psychology).
3. In addition, a grant of $15,000 to a psychologist or PhD in a related field for research in the field of psychological science. Funding supports innovative studies conducted by an early-stage psychology scientist. Subjects will include motivation, affect, cognition, or other aspects of mental function. The goal is to gain knowledge about the mind from both a behavioral and neural perspective.
4. Grants of up to $2,000 to psychologists affiliated with qualifying institutions for research to advance group psychology. Funding supports innovative studies and scholarly works focused on groups in applied settings. Preference will be for early career psychologists who have 10 years or less of post-doctoral experience.
5. There are grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). The goal is to support behavioral science dissertation research addressing issues affecting low-income and vulnerable families. Funding will build the body of research, applying a behavioral science lens to social services and support mentorship and scholarship for graduate students.

Additional Mental Health Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Award Opportunities

1. Also, cooperative agreements to nonprofit professional mental health organizations to improve mental-health care in minority populations. Funding is to educate mental health professionals about mental health and substance use disorders among racial and ethnic minority populations. The goal is also to improve the quality of care provided.
2. Grants to tribal governments, local and state governments, and courts for programs supporting veterans struggling with addiction. Funding is to provide Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) and criminal justice professionals with the necessary resources. The purpose is to plan, implement, enhance, and sustain evidence-based criminal justice/court system treatment programs for veterans. The goal is to reduce recidivism, increase access to treatment and recovery support, and (help) prevent overdoses.
3. There is an award to a psychiatric education program in recognition of innovative psychiatric-training methods for medical students, residents, mental health professionals, physicians, and community members. The program recipient will receive a certificate and a grant. A representative from the winning program will receive funds to cover travel and hotel expenses, as well as free registration for the Annual Meeting.
4. In addition, grants of up to $30,000 to nonprofits, including schools and agencies, for educational research, programs, and services to improve mental health. Funding is for innovative activities and projects that promote the science of interpersonal relationships. Education or service programs must include a scientific program evaluation to be considered for funding.
5. Lastly, a grant of up to $20,000 to a psychologist affiliated with a nonprofit institution or government entity for research activities regarding the relationship between physical and mental health. Eligible researchers will have no more than 10 years of postdoctoral experience. Funding is for research, practice, and education for the connection between mental and physical health, particularly for work contributing to public health. The preference will be for psychologists working in medical schools.

The Bottom Line

It’s clear there is still much to be done to increase mental health awareness and address ways to improve education and treatment for mental health disorders. Let’s work together to improve mental health for everyone!

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