How to Become a Mental Health Writer

If you’ve ever wanted to use words to transform the lives of others, consider becoming a mental health writer. Millions of people are affected by mental illness every year, making it an important topic to write about.

In this blog post, we’ll examine what mental health writing is, look at what a mental health writer does, and then provide you with a six-step plan to help you get mental health writing jobs.

Read on to find out more!

What Is Mental Health?

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as:

“A state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”

It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It can affect how we feel, how we see ourselves and others, the way we act, and how we make decisions.

Mental health means more than just being free from mental illnesses. It exists on a spectrum, and every person falls on a different point on this spectrum. It’s completely normal for someone to move up and down this spectrum throughout their life.

What Is Mental Health Writing?

Mental health writing is a type of health writing that addresses topics related to mental illness and mental health awareness. The range of topics covered can be vast, as these issues are extensive and affect so many people. Here are just a few examples:

• Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other illnesses.
• Medications, treatments, and therapies.
• How to deal with trauma.
• Coping mechanisms and self-help strategies.
• Substance abuse.
• COVID-19 and mental health.
• Technology and the future of mental health.
• Clinical trials and research.
• Suicide prevention.

Mental Health Writing Examples

Mental health writing can take various formats:

• Books. For example, Nick Trenton’s book Stop Overthinking aims to help people overcome negative thought patterns, reduce stress, and live a worry-free life.
• Websites. One example is PsychCentral, which is full of mental health resources. It even has quizzes so you can test yourself for signs of common conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. 
• Blogs. For instance, the National Alliance on Mental Wellness has a comprehensive blog that deals with trauma, suicide prevention, and the impact of stereotypes on mental health.
• Online magazines. For instance, the international consumer magazine Better Mental Health Magazine, which aims to bring mental health conversations out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
• Print publications. An example is the Mental Health Foundation, which has a database of popular publications that can be purchased in print or downloaded for free.
• Informational materials. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health provides free brochures and fact sheets on a variety of mental health-related topics.

What Does a Mental Health Writer Do?

Mental health writers specialize in creating content about mental health and wellbeing. Their goal is to provide information and support, raise awareness, and reduce stigma around the difficulties faced by a lot of people.

A mental health writer can be employed by a mental health organization or work as a freelancer for different clients. As well as being a highly fulfilling career choice, mental health writing is one of the most profitable niches for freelance writers.

Their work often includes:

• Researching mental health issues and illnesses.
• Interviewing various mental health professionals.
• Staying up to date with the latest news, trends, and developments in the world of mental health.
• Being mindful of ethics and privacy issues when writing about specific individuals.
• Adjusting language to make content relatable to different audiences.
• Providing resources where relevant.
• Designing and writing content for a variety of platforms.

How to Become a Mental Health Writer

If you care about mental health and want to help others through your writing, then becoming a mental health writer might be a good career choice. Read on for our step-by-step guide to getting mental health writing jobs.

1. Acquire the Appropriate Knowledge

To start writing about mental health, you’ll need some knowledge about psychology, psychiatry, or any of the topics listed above. This can come from personal experience, formal education, research, or interviewing relevant people.

2. Develop Your Writing Skills

To become a content writer – regardless of the niche you choose – you need the right skills. These include being able to:

• Conduct effective research.
• Write clear, concise copy.
• Adapt to different brand voices.
• Optimize content for SEO.
• Effectively use grammar, tenses, and spelling.
• Use word processing software such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
• Proofread and edit your own work.

Many great writers are self-taught and learn through experience, but if you feel any of your skills are lacking, consider doing some training, such as taking a freelance writing course.

3. Build a Portfolio

It’s important to know how to build a writing portfolio – this is a valuable asset that allows you to showcase your best work. Write as much as you can to gain experience and develop a good portfolio. The more you write, the quicker you’ll find your unique tone and style, which is important as a freelance writer.

Try to ensure that your work is visible online. If you don’t have any current clients, you can start your own blog to showcase your writing to the world.

4. Read as Much as Possible

The world of mental health is changing all the time. To be a great writer in this field, you need to read as much as possible, especially concerning the mental health topics you want to write about. By staying current, your content will be even more beneficial to your readers.

5. Market Yourself

If you want to be a successful mental health writer, you need people to read what you have written. That requires a little self-promotion! Here are some tips:

1. Create an online writer’s profile. This is something that you can easily share with prospective clients. Consider including it as a separate page on the same website as your online portfolio.
2. Increase your social media presence. Try to have at least one social media account aimed at attracting clients and other mental health professionals. Engage in online discussions and consider joining some internet-based communities. Make sure that your online persona appears mature, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
3. Network with other people in the mental health field. Joining mental health support groups or being involved with nonprofits and charities is a great way to meet those who might need your services.
4. Make a list of possible clients. This can include companies, organizations, and brands likely to publish mental health content. Once you’ve gathered some names, consider pitching yourself to them.

6. Find Work

Once you’ve followed these steps, you should be on the right track to getting mental health writing jobs. Reach out to people in your network and on social media. If you don’t have any leads, you could send cold emails to the companies and organizations you compiled in step five.

Social media sites like LinkedIn are also a great way to find jobs and network with other professionals. You can even publish your blog there!

Becoming a Freelance Writer

As mentioned above, one of the steps to finding mental health writing jobs is developing your writing skills. This doesn’t have to be difficult! We have a course that covers everything you need to know.

Becoming a Freelance Writer will teach you how to become an expert writer. You can even gain experience and build your portfolio with our publishing guarantee.

If you’re anxious about entering the inspirational field of mental health writing, don’t be! You can try some lessons for free right now.