{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/blog/ryan-hampton-mental-health-parity","path":"/blog/ryan-hampton-mental-health-parity","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/blog/ryan-hampton-mental-health-parity","title":"Why I Advocate for Mental Health (And You Should, Too)","family":"Perspective detail","description":"Gain insight into Ryan Hampton's perspective on mental health parity and understand his commitment as a Public Oversight Committee Advisor.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/ryan-hampton-mental-health-parity","wordpressId":"3580","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/ryan-hampton#person","name":"Ryan Hampton","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/ryan-hampton"}],"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-01-12T18:41:58Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T17:13:10Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/blog\">Perspective</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Why I Advocate for Mental Health (And You Should, Too)</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page wp-imported article-standard\"><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>Why I Advocate for Mental Health (And You Should, Too)</h1><p class=\"article-inline-credits\">Written by <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/ryan-hampton\" class=\"article-credit-person\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/16999.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" loading=\"lazy\">Ryan Hampton</a> <span class=\"article-credit-divider\">–</span> Updated <time datetime=\"2026-05-11T17:13:10Z\">May 11, 2026</time></p></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-reading\"><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-18388.webp\" alt=\"Adults sit together in a circle during a counseling session.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"633\" fetchpriority=\"high\"></figure><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><p>As a young man growing up in the 80s, <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/mental-health\" class=\"article-inline-link\">mental health</a> was about as alien as Mars to me. Like many Americans, I didn’t have any concept of what “mental health” meant. Was it hypnosis? Psychotherapy on a fancy couch? Padded rooms, shock treatment, and straitjackets? The idea of seeing a medical provider about your emotions seemed, well<em>—crazy.</em></p>\n<p>However, times change, and my perspective did, too. I was raised to share my family’s firm belief in finding the silver lining in every challenging situation, but I also met many people who didn’t have an optimistic outlook. For them, it wasn’t a choice. It was just the way their minds worked. One of my closest friends shared that they <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/causes-of-depression\" class=\"article-inline-link\">struggled with depression</a>. Telling them to “look on the bright side” didn’t make any sense.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-mental-health-parity\">What is mental health parity?</h2>\n<p>Finally, someone I respect pointed out how separating the different types of healthcare doesn’t help people stay healthy. He said, “Your brain is part of your body. Why isn’t mental health care treated just like physical health care?” I knew he was right. Mental health parity—that is, <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/blog/medicaid-behavioral-health-crisis\" class=\"article-inline-link\">giving equal coverage and resources for mental health</a>—is vital for our nation’s wellness.</p>\n<p>Mental health parity is actually a federal law, but it’s rarely enforced. Insurance companies, hospitals, and other health care providers ignore this federal law. They give the minimum of care instead of actually helping people heal. This isn’t only unethical—it’s against the law. Taking action is the only way to ensure that our friends, children, and loved ones get the care they need. Short term solutions aren’t the answer. We need to champion solutions that make sense.</p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3857.webp\" alt=\"a large group of people at an event\" class=\"wp-image-3857\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em>Ryan Hampton Mental Health Advocate at the FOA Rally in Dayton, Ohio (Credit: Andrew Grimm)</em></em></figcaption></figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"staying-silent-on-mental-health-keeps-people-in-pain\">Staying silent on mental health keeps people in pain</h2>\n<p>Without mental health parity, Americans struggle to take care of their children, perform well at their jobs, and contribute to their communities. In 2019-2020, one in five adults experienced a mental health disorder. That’s equivalent to 20.78% of adults, or over 50 million Americans. If more than 50 million people had a broken leg, we’d completely overhaul the healthcare system.</p>\n<p>When it comes to substance use recovery, the numbers are even worse. Treatment of any kind, from overdose reversing medications to long-term support, simply isn’t available. Most of the 30 million people in the U.S. who have substance use disorder don’t get treatment. 15.35% of adults had a substance use disorder in 2022. 93.5% of them did not receive any form of medical support.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"speak-out-against-the-stigma\">Speak out against the stigma</h2>\n<p>Mental health is a sticky subject for many people. The stigma is so great that many folks would rather suffer—and even lose their lives—rather than ask for help. We can all play a role in speaking up about mental health. Breaking the silence helps create equitable systems for everybody. It reclaims our power in healthcare, so that big insurance companies are working for us, instead of doling out the minimum care for life-threatening conditions. Wellness means access: accessing healthcare for your whole self—not just your physical body. We all deserve that.</p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3859.webp\" alt=\"a man holding a guitar\" class=\"wp-image-3859\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ryan Hampton Leads a Demonstration in Front of the Department of Health and Human Services</em></figcaption></figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-do-i-talk-about-mental-health\">Why do I talk about mental health?</h2>\n<p>I talk about mental health because I know that just speaking up saves lives. Millions of people are affected. In turn, that affects the people around them. Stigma and silence create a ripple effect that robs us of happiness, productivity, and health. Imagine a world where access to healthcare wasn’t a struggle! Instead of trying to navigate a complicated, often hostile health care system, you could get the help you needed, when you need it, in a way that makes sense for you.</p>\n<p>With one in five Americans experiencing mental health issues, we all know and love somebody who is impacted. Talking about mental health makes it possible for the people we care about to get the help they need. If we let this silent health crisis continue, it will keep affecting all of us. Breaking the stigma saves lives. Mental health parity can help millions of people, both nationally and in our hometowns. We all deserve access to healthcare that makes sense—including mental health care.</p>\n<p>After meeting with the exceptional team at MentalHealth.com, I learned about <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/vision\" class=\"article-inline-link\">the organization's promising vision</a> and commitment to eliminating barriers to high-quality care by expanding mental health care access. Given our shared alignment, I will be volunteering as a Public Oversight Committee Advisor to the organization<em> (more on this later)</em>. Together, we can—and we will—break down the long-standing barriers to accessible mental health support for everyone.</p>\n<p>- Ryan</p></article><section class=\"article-about article-contributors-panel\" aria-label=\"Article contributors\"><section class=\"article-bio\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/16999.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Author</p><h3><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/ryan-hampton\">Ryan Hampton</a></h3><p>Ryan Hampton is a national addiction recovery advocate and person in sustained recovery after 10 years of opioid use. He’s worked with leading nonprofits and authored three bestselling books on the overdose crisis.</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/ryan-hampton\">View experience</a></div></section></section><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-mobile\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-10228.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Mental Health</h2><p>A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/mental-health\">Explore community</a></section></div></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"#what-is-mental-health-parity\" title=\"What is mental health parity?\" aria-label=\"What is mental health parity?\">What is mental health parity?</a></li><li><a href=\"#staying-silent-on-mental-health-keeps-people-in-pain\" title=\"Staying silent on mental health keeps people in pain\" aria-label=\"Staying silent on mental health keeps people in pain\">Staying silent on mental health keeps people in pain</a></li><li><a href=\"#speak-out-against-the-stigma\" title=\"Speak out against the stigma\" aria-label=\"Speak out against the stigma\">Speak out against the stigma</a></li><li><a href=\"#why-do-i-talk-about-mental-health\" title=\"Why do I talk about mental health?\" aria-label=\"Why do I talk about mental health?\">Why do I talk about mental health?</a></li></ol><button class=\"article-sections-toggle\" type=\"button\" data-sections-toggle aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"article-section-list\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-10228.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Mental Health</h2><p>A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/mental-health\">Explore community</a></section></aside></div></div>","text":"HomePerspectiveWhy I Advocate for Mental Health (And You Should, Too)Why I Advocate for Mental Health (And You Should, Too)Written by Ryan Hampton – Updated 2026-05-11As a young man growing up in the 80s, mental health was about as alien as Mars to me. Like many Americans, I didn’t have any concept of what “mental health” meant. Was it hypnosis? Psychotherapy on a fancy couch? Padded rooms, shock treatment, and straitjackets? The idea of seeing a medical provider about your emotions seemed, well—crazy. However, times change, and my perspective did, too. I was raised to share my family’s firm belief in finding the silver lining in every challenging situation, but I also met many people who didn’t have an optimistic outlook. For them, it wasn’t a choice. It was just the way their minds worked. One of my closest friends shared that they struggled with depression. Telling them to “look on the bright side” didn’t make any sense. What is mental health parity? Finally, someone I respect pointed out how separating the different types of healthcare doesn’t help people stay healthy. He said, “Your brain is part of your body. Why isn’t mental health care treated just like physical health care?” I knew he was right. Mental health parity—that is, giving equal coverage and resources for mental health—is vital for our nation’s wellness. Mental health parity is actually a federal law, but it’s rarely enforced. Insurance companies, hospitals, and other health care providers ignore this federal law. They give the minimum of care instead of actually helping people heal. This isn’t only unethical—it’s against the law. Taking action is the only way to ensure that our friends, children, and loved ones get the care they need. Short term solutions aren’t the answer. We need to champion solutions that make sense. Ryan Hampton Mental Health Advocate at the FOA Rally in Dayton, Ohio (Credit: Andrew Grimm) Staying silent on mental health keeps people in pain Without mental health parity, Americans struggle to take care of their children, perform well at their jobs, and contribute to their communities. In 2019-2020, one in five adults experienced a mental health disorder. That’s equivalent to 20.78% of adults, or over 50 million Americans. If more than 50 million people had a broken leg, we’d completely overhaul the healthcare system. When it comes to substance use recovery, the numbers are even worse. Treatment of any kind, from overdose reversing medications to long-term support, simply isn’t available. Most of the 30 million people in the U.S. who have substance use disorder don’t get treatment. 15.35% of adults had a substance use disorder in 2022. 93.5% of them did not receive any form of medical support. Speak out against the stigma Mental health is a sticky subject for many people. The stigma is so great that many folks would rather suffer—and even lose their lives—rather than ask for help. We can all play a role in speaking up about mental health. Breaking the silence helps create equitable systems for everybody. It reclaims our power in healthcare, so that big insurance companies are working for us, instead of doling out the minimum care for life-threatening conditions. Wellness means access: accessing healthcare for your whole self—not just your physical body. We all deserve that. Ryan Hampton Leads a Demonstration in Front of the Department of Health and Human Services Why do I talk about mental health? I talk about mental health because I know that just speaking up saves lives. Millions of people are affected. In turn, that affects the people around them. Stigma and silence create a ripple effect that robs us of happiness, productivity, and health. Imagine a world where access to healthcare wasn’t a struggle! Instead of trying to navigate a complicated, often hostile health care system, you could get the help you needed, when you need it, in a way that makes sense for you. With one in five Americans experiencing mental health issues, we all know and love somebody who is impacted. Talking about mental health makes it possible for the people we care about to get the help they need. If we let this silent health crisis continue, it will keep affecting all of us. Breaking the stigma saves lives. Mental health parity can help millions of people, both nationally and in our hometowns. We all deserve access to healthcare that makes sense—including mental health care. After meeting with the exceptional team at MentalHealth.com, I learned about the organization's promising vision and commitment to eliminating barriers to high-quality care by expanding mental health care access. Given our shared alignment, I will be volunteering as a Public Oversight Committee Advisor to the organization (more on this later). Together, we can—and we will—break down the long-standing barriers to accessible mental health support for everyone. - RyanAuthorRyan HamptonRyan Hampton is a national addiction recovery advocate and person in sustained recovery after 10 years of opioid use. He’s worked with leading nonprofits and authored three bestselling books on the overdose crisis.View experienceRelated communitiesMental HealthA shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionWhat is mental health parity?Staying silent on mental health keeps people in painSpeak out against the stigmaWhy do I talk about mental health?View 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