Mental Health Notes - News, Education and Advocacy

Rewards I’ve Reaped As A Mental Health Blogger

by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes on October 14th, 2008

October’s theme day has arrived, and throughout b5media’s Health & Wellness Channel we’re talking about harvesting.

Harvesting? How could harvesting apply to mental health?

In lots of ways, actually, but the harvesting I’m discussing today relates to everything I’ve sowed, and reaped, as a mental health blogger. Everything I’ve harvested thus far during my year and a half as an online mental health advocate and gal behind the Mental Health Notes curtain.

I thought I’d share them with you so you could see just what keeps me going as a mental health blogger, and maybe even inspire you to start blogging about your passion.

Read on!

As a mental health blogger…

I’ve made so many invaluable connections. From other mental health bloggers to representatives of mental health advocacy organizations, I’ve met people who share my goals and help keep me moving forward. These people inspire me and remind me of the importance of what I’m doing.

I get to read tons (well…numerous pounds!) of interesting books – for free! Not to mention all the great products. I love receiving emails from publicists, publishers, and authors asking if I’d like to review books for Mental Health Notes. Without such opportunities, I may have never met Bruce and Ozzy, I may have never gained a better understanding of schizophrenia, and I may never have gotten a glimpse into what motivates celebrities and everyday folks to change the world. And I’m still enjoying pzizz.

I get to interview interesting people. From book authors to mental health consumers, I’ve been able to get the inside scoop about what’s really going on in the mental health community.

I’ve enjoyed meeting readers who are just as passionate about mental health and supportive of others as I. Mental health advocacy is like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re gonna get. (Sorry - caught Forrest Gump on television last weekend.) But really, you never do know what you’re gonna get. Supporters, stimatizers, hypocrites - they’re all out there. Fortunately, my readership consists of mental health advocacy supporters who are constantly teaching and learning from one another.

I’m constantly learning. My readers aren’t the only ones! Thanks to the books, the interviews, my readers, and the drive to stay on top of mental health news, I’m constantly learning about people, mental health, and new perspectives.

I know I’ll get to write about at least one thing I’m passionate about each day. As a freelance writer, I write about a wide variety of topics. Some hold my interest, and others make me consider re-entering the nine-to-five world. As a mental health blogger, it’s my job to write about - and share my opinion about - the world of mental health each day.

Are you a mental health advocate? A consumer, support group leader, advocacy group member, or perhaps a fellow mental health blogger? Tell me what you’ve reaped during your mission to spread awareness about mental health!

This post is part of the b5media Health & Wellness Channel October Theme Day. To read more, visit Karen Lynch’s Theme Day: Harvest-Related Posts on the Health & Wellness Channel. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out all the Breast Cancer Awareness Month events Karen has going on!

Images: SXC and b5media, Inc.

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POSTED IN: Mental Health Notes