Advocacy through Building Relationships

“When you engage with someone new, they start as strangers. As you get to know them, understand their needs, a partnership forms, paving the way for advocacy. A crucial aspect of this relationship-building is meeting people where they are, laying the foundation of trust, from which progress can thrive,”

— Jeannee, Mental Health Benefit Advocate


The mental health field has numerous resources but can be a challenging labyrinth to navigate, leading to frustration. In such trying circumstances, effective communication becomes difficult. Jeannee finds immense satisfaction in bridging the gap, offering support, assuring individuals that they are not alone, and instilling hope.

One particular individual Jeannee continues to assist stands out. When they first met, he had not seen or communicated with his family for over three years, living on the streets. Connecting with services and support proved daunting, and what set him apart from most was his loss of hope entirely regarding mental health.

While discussing his past, he viewed everything as isolated incidents. He'd say, "I didn't do well in college and dropped out," which turned into "I'm a terrible student," then "I'm a terrible husband," or "My wife and I are troubled, and I have a drinking problem." In their initial conversations, Jeannee sensed deep-rooted trauma, but he didn't see the connections. He took responsibility for his actions but believed he was too damaged to have altered his incidents.

As their relationship developed, trust and the idea that underlying factors connected his experiences became pivotal. They worked together to show him that with the right treatment and support, he could overcome adversity. While securing housing and employment remained top priorities, Jeannee introduced him to treatment and support resources, all thanks to the foundation built through their relationship.

We worked together to show him that with the right treatment and support, he could overcome adversity. While securing housing and employment remained top priorities, I introduced him to treatment and support resources, all thanks to the foundation built through our relationship.

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Patrick, Training Operations Manager, The Institute@MHP