May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we’re reminded that mental health isn’t a dirty word but something we all have. Sadly, there’s still a lot of stigma around mental health and seeking treatment for mental health concerns. But with each generation, it becomes less of a taboo topic. And, with more awareness comes greater access to healing.
Many brands and marketers discuss mental health in May or as it becomes more culturally relevant, but why can’t embracing it and reducing stigma be a regular part of our daily marketing?
The Importance of Mental Health Marketing
An estimated 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, whether they talk about it or not. That’s more than 50 million people, not including children and teens, who also experience mental health concerns. The sheer number of people impacted by mental health issues and the fact that we all have mental health makes mental health marketing important.
Talking openly about mental health can:
- Provide Resources. Signposting different mental health resources can let people know there are options. Whether for themselves or their loved ones, discussing the options helps make people aware that these resources exist and gives them the confidence to reach out.
- Reduce Stigma. Many people are too concerned about mental health stigma to be open to discussing it. Men, in particular, are often afraid of speaking about their mental health for fear of losing face. Having an ongoing, open conversation about mental health can reduce the stigma and encourage more people to understand that it’s not a taboo topic.
- Raise Awareness. Discussing mental health in a non-judgmental and matter-of-fact way can help normalize the conversation. As we become comfortable talking about mental health, more people can understand what they’re experiencing and access the necessary treatments to begin healing.
- Promote Well-Being. Prevention is the best cure. Mental health marketing can focus on more than treatment. It can encourage people to pay as much attention to their mental health as their physical health and take preventative steps to feel their best.
With so many people dealing with mental health issues, mental health marketing is crucial to help them get appropriate treatment and begin feeling better.
How to Approach Mental Health in Marketing
The importance of treading carefully with mental health marketing cannot be overstated. It’s a unique form of marketing that requires extra sensitivity.
When marketing mental health services:
- Be Empathetic. Mental health is a sensitive topic, and misinformation or insensitivity can harm people. Ensure your marketing material is accurate and empathetic and does not contribute to stigmatization or stereotyping.
- Be Authentic and Genuine. Don’t approach mental health marketing from a performative standpoint. If your company says it supports raising awareness for mental health, make sure that those values apply across the board. Additionally, mental health concerns can be challenging and complex. Acknowledging that you don’t know everything is better than pretending you do, which can seem disingenuous and lead people astray.
- Ask Questions. Rather than trying to seem as if you know all the answers, try creating a place for discussion. Look at the evidence and all the options available and let people make up their own minds as to what is best for them.
- Involve Professionals. You shouldn’t give medical advice unless you’re a medical or mental health professional. If you feel strongly about providing medical advice, enlist the help of a licensed professional. Including them can give your marketing material more authority and provide the most value to readers.
Marketing mental health ethically is a crucial skill. It provides transparency, builds trust, and empathizes with those seeking help.
Marketing Tactics for Mental Health
You can use many tactics to implement mental health in your marketing campaign. Your options really are limited only by what aligns with your brand and best fits your audience.
Join the mental health conversation with:
- Intentional SEO. Targeting specific keywords can help your website rank better with search engines. An intentional SEO can help increase visibility and make it easier for people to find your resources. About 4,400 people search for “mental health treatment” each year. If you offer mental health services, strong SEO content marketing will help them find you.
- Helpful Blog Content. Creating blog content that is informative, helpful, and relevant to mental health can help attract people to your website and establish your company as a credible source of information.
- Thoughtful Social Media Posts. Sharing thoughtful social media posts that promote mental health awareness and provide resources can help engage your followers and increase your reach.
- Educational Webinars. Hosting digital training sessions on mental health topics can help engage your audience and provide them with valuable information and resources.
- Supportive Lead Magnets. Creating e-books and downloadable worksheets or fact sheets allows people to read mental health-related information when convenient.
- Emails and Newsletters. Sending regular emails is a common way to ensure that your audience is aware of your latest updates and offerings. You can include mental health resources where appropriate in these emails and newsletters.
Exactly how to market mental health depends on your business’s focus. But consider how you can join the conversation through regular features and resources.
Best Practices for Discussing Mental Health
Joining the mental health conversation may mean creating a forum for discussions that make some people uncomfortable. As experts in mental health marketing we follow guiding principles and suggest these best practices to aim for when discussing mental health, which also apply to mental health marketing.
When discussing mental health in your marketing, consider:
- Use Person-First Language. People aren’t a diagnosis, and you should avoid labeling them as such. For example, instead of saying a “schizophrenic person,” say a “person with schizophrenia.” The former option reduces a person to their condition, whereas the second places the person firmly at the heart of the situation.
- Avoid Stigmatizing Language. Using neutral language can help promote empathy and understanding, whereas stigmatizing language can further marginalize people with mental health issues. For example, saying someone is an “addict” versus saying they “have an addiction.”
- Provide Resources and Support. While you want to raise awareness to normalize talking about mental health, you also want to help the people experiencing the issues you’re discussing. This informational support can include details about counseling services, support groups, and hotlines. These resources can help people access the care they need to manage their mental health effectively.
- Give Factual Information. By demonstrating how widespread mental health issues are, you can help to reduce stigma. But be sure the information you share is from a legitimate, up-to-date resource.
Following these tips can provide your audience with valuable content that positively impacts the conversation.
Missteps to Avoid
Not everyone will get it right the first time, and you shouldn’t let fear of getting it wrong stop you from starting or engaging in this critical conversation. Just try to remember and avoid these missteps when talking about mental health.
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When discussing mental health, avoid:
- Exploitation. Come from a place of authenticity. Jumping on the bandwagon because you think discussing mental health can make you money or because it’s May is obvious to your customers.
- Stereotyping. Be mindful of the language you use when talking about people with mental health conditions. People who experience mental health conditions are diverse and complex. They deserve to be portrayed respectfully, like everyone else.
- Unqualified Advice. Don’t tell people what they should do. Instead, seek input from mental health professionals and provide your readers with options.
- Oversimplifying. Mental health is a complicated issue. To that end, suggesting things like “getting outside more” or “yoga” as a cure for mental health issues can be harmful. It can make people wonder why these things aren’t working for them.
The stakes are higher with mental health marketing because it involves people’s well-being. If the tone is accusatory or shaming, it can lead people further away from seeking help. If it’s too flippant, it can set up unrealistic healing expectations.
Conversations about mental health are critical. The more of us who participate, the better. Make sure you join the conversation in a way that’s authentic and on brand, and you’ll be able to make a positive impact.
[TAG5]The post Cultivating Well-Being Through Mental Health Marketing appeared first on DigitalMarketer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivates entrepreneurs?
Passion drives us. We also have a natural desire to make a difference and create something meaningful. To make a difference for our loved ones as well as ourselves.
To give back. To help others. To leave a lasting legacy.
We love it. We are driven to live a full life and enjoy success in the ways that matter.
We are driven by a sense and purpose that cannot be satisfied with money alone.
The key here is to find a way to combine business with pleasure. Entrepreneurship can be more than a career; it's a lifestyle.
This is why I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs become successful. My goal, as an entrepreneur, is to enable them to reach financial freedom and leave a lasting legacy on the world.
I'm living proof of the fact that creating value is the best. You can share your knowledge and experience with the rest.
It's not enough to build a great product or service. First, you must understand your customers. They want what they need.
If you do, you'll always know how to improve your offering. And therefore, you'll always provide more value.
Offering more value will result in more customers. Customers will buy more of your products and services, so you'll have more customers. Selling more products and services will result in more revenue. And if you generate more revenue, you will eventually become financially independent.
You see, money does not always equal everything. It's a means to an ends. It's not an end in itself.
If you want to live a rich and fulfilling life, don't just focus on the money. Making a positive contribution is what you must do. Contributing. Leave a lasting legacy. Create something unique. It's something that is unique. A unique thing that gives meaning to your and others lives.
Entrepreneurship requires risk-taking. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to follow certain rules. It's about being flexible. Adapting. Adjusting. Improving.
You can succeed as long as you remain true to yourself, uphold your values, and keep your integrity.
Entrepreneurship is a calling. A vocation. A chance to make a difference. To create wealth. To shape history.
These are the things that will make you the best version you can be.
You will be unstoppable.
What are the three motivations for an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs' three most important motivations are freedom, money, and knowledge.
- Freedom means having the ability to do whatever you want whenever you want. This is why we are entrepreneurs even if our current job or situation restricts us.
- Because we cannot start a business without money, it is equally important that we have enough money. Money is essential for survival.
- However, knowledge is the third motivation. Entrepreneurship requires us to constantly learn more and more, which is why we often find ourselves reading books, attending seminars, taking online courses, and learning how to create products and services.
This is what drives us to succeed and achieve goals. It gives us purpose, meaning.
These three factors are what made us entrepreneurs. They are the main drivers that keep us going day after day.
We might consider packing up and moving home if these three essentials are not available. Without these three items, we will never truly be happy.
What is the importance of motivation for entrepreneurs?
When we feel lost or stuck in life, motivation is the fuel that propels us forward. It helps us face our fears and make difficult decisions.
Motivation is also the driving force behind success. If we lack motivation, it can lead to being unmotivated, lazy, unproductive, and eventually, unsuccessful.
Finding ways to motivate yourself is key to unlocking your potential. This means that you need to find ways to keep motivated throughout the day.
Think of it as a muscle. The harder you exercise it the stronger it gets. It starts to weaken and atrophy if it isn’t exercised.
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs are self-motivated. They set goals and plan how they will be achieved. Then, they follow through.
You may find yourself struggling to stay motivated at times. These are three simple steps that will help you stay motivated.
Step 1) Get inspired. Find someone whose example inspires you. Someone who is already achieving your goals.
Step 2: Set small goals. Make sure that each goal is reachable. Keep your eyes on the next step, not the final outcome. You'll be able reach your goals faster if you break down large goals into smaller ones.
Step 3. Reward yourself. When you achieve your goals, reward yourself. It doesn't have be something tangible, it could just be time spent doing something you enjoy.
Remember that motivation is a choice. Choose to be happy, choose to be successful, choose to live life abundantly.
So if you want to change your life, start today. Start by deciding to change. Next, you must take action. You can start living the life of your dreams now.
What are the rewards of being an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship offers many benefits. You become more independent. You can no longer depend on others.
You will be able to work for yourself and follow your dreams. It helps you make connections with other entrepreneurs who share similar interests and challenges.
You gain confidence. You're constantly learning new things as an entrepreneur. This will allow you to be flexible and adapt quickly. Think outside the box to avoid getting stuck in a routine.
Everybody can start their business without being bound by any rules or regulations. We're free and able to decide what we do and how much we live.
You can choose to either follow the crowd or be against it. You can choose to succeed or fail. You can choose to win or fail.
It is thrilling to be free. But it comes with its fair share of responsibility. This is because you are accountable for everything happening within your company once you have taken on this role.
Learning to manage risk is key to success. Do not be afraid to try out new things. If you are willing and able to learn from your failures, you will eventually reach your goals.
These lessons will help you to stay on the right track when you embark on your journey.
Remember:
- Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle choice.
- You're the boss when your business is owned and operated by you.
- Be aware of the following trends
- You don't measure success in money. It is in freedom.
- Your personal and professional lives must be balanced.
- Set clear expectations.
- Always be open with your team.
- It is important to remember that if something is to happen, it must be done.
How can entrepreneurs motivate employees?
Motivation can come from any source. Motivation doesn't have to come from a specific place. All that matters is that it motivates them. Motivation is important for every business, regardless of whether it's a stick or carrot approach.
The more motivated employees feel, the better they will perform. If you want a team that performs better, give them the tools to feel empowered and engaged.
They must feel valued. They should feel encouraged to grow and learn. A place where they can freely share their ideas without fear of punishment.
You create a culture that allows employees to thrive and achieve their goals. That's how you keep your most talented employees happy, satisfied, and productive.
You need to recognize the behaviors that make you successful in order to maintain a culture. This means bonuses when goals are met, offering training opportunities, increasing pay raises, and providing perks such as health insurance.
Also, you must communicate clearly with everyone. Make sure everyone is clear about what they are expected to do and why.
Make sure you have written policies and procedures. Make sure there's someone responsible for making sure they're followed.
Communication is essential. Keep your team updated about what's happening in the organization. Let them know what's happening and what's next.
Communication is crucial, and it is important to look after your team. They will take care you.
A bad relationship with employees could lead to big problems. Studies show that companies with high levels of employee engagement enjoy higher productivity and profitability than those who struggle to retain their top performers.
It's important to understand that not every employee wants to work at the same pace as others. Some prefer working independently, while others like to collaborate. There are many ways to motivate individuals, and you can choose your own.
Some may be more inclined to accept recognition than others. Whatever works for you, ensure it aligns with the company's goals.
The leader is ultimately responsible for setting the tone. Open-minded. Listen to your team. Remember, you have to do it yourself if you want it done correctly.
What is it that makes an entrepreneur successful?
There are two types: those who make money and those that make time.
What makes them different is their approach to business. The difference between them is how they approach their business. Those who make more money are focused on making more money, while those who make more time are more focused on making more.
Those who make money are driven by the desire for financial freedom. Their goal: to be wealthy and stay rich.
They are motivated by greed and fear. They do not care about the future because they know that once they achieve their goals, they will be well-equipped for life.
These people are often called hustlers. They put the bottom line first and look for ways to increase revenues without sacrificing quality.
On the flip side some make time. These entrepreneurs are driven by passion. They want to create something meaningful that will last forever.
Their motivation is altruistic. They want to accomplish great things. They care about creating products and services that matter.
These people are often called dreamers. They are motivated by vision and inspiration. They know success requires perseverance, hard work and dedication.
However, the most important quality of these entrepreneurs? They are creative. They are always on the lookout for opportunities that aren't available before.
They are attracted to the unknown. They are open to spending hours researching new topics. They are always open to learning new things because they love learning.
This is why they are so adaptable to change. They're not afraid of getting dirty and will do anything necessary to win. They don't like mediocrity.
Which type of entrepreneur is it? Are you driven by making money or seeking meaning?
Congratulations if you answered yes both questions. You are a successful entrepreneur.
I've had the pleasure of meeting many successful entrepreneurs over my career and one thing struck me was their passion.
The only thing that defines successful entrepreneurs is their financial wealth. Their impact is what defines their success.
Steve Jobs, who was not rich but well-known for his philanthropic efforts, is an example. He was only in his mid-40s when he bought his first house.
His ability and creativity to create products that transformed the world made him wealthy. And this is what makes him unique.
Your job isn't to accumulate wealth. It is not to create empires or amass wealth.
Your job is building relationships with customers or partners. To build trust. To assist others in achieving their goals.
To make a positive impact. This is your legacy. Not your bank account.
And if you're ready to start building a legacy that matters, let's talk.
Social Media University will teach you how to generate passive income online. How to market your business and make it grow automatically.
Statistics
- I shifted my motivational point from something huge (and undefined) to improve by just 1% each day. (carolroth.com)
- According to analysts, Johnson has high appeal in all four quadrants tracked at the multiplex: male, female, over-25 and under-25. (forbes.com)
- "If you improve by just 1% every single day, in several months, you will have improved by 100%. (carolroth.com)
- “Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know. (americanexpress.com)
- “If you look to lead, invest at least 40% of your time managing yourself – your ethics, character, principles, purpose, motivation, and conduct. (americanexpress.com)
External Links
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How To
What are three things that keep entrepreneurs motivated and successful?
Entrepreneurs should be motivated. There is no motivation without it. What motivates you?
We are motivated by three things:
- We love our business
- Our vision/mission is greater than our own.
- We have a passion for helping others
To stay motivated, you must find ways to tap into your motivations. For example, when we love our business, we feel great pride and satisfaction when we do well. We feel happier knowing we are making an impact in the world when we have a clear vision. We feel fulfilled when we feel a strong desire for helping others.
In fact, according to a study conducted by Dr. John Cacioppo, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, the most effective way to motivate yourself is to focus on what you care about. In his book, "Loneliness", Cacioppo states that "the greatest source of motivation" is "caring about something". This helps us become more engaged in our lives and more energized. It makes sense that when we care about something, we will be more passionate about doing it!
