The mental health flag represents support for mental health awareness and ending the stigma around mental illness. It features a green, white, and black stripe pattern and was created in 2020 by mental health advocates and artists.
History
The mental health flag was designed in 2020 by artist Daniel Quasar. Quasar created the flag as “a symbol that could unify all those who support mental health, mental illness, and mental wellness.” The flag was meant to represent:
- Green – Hope
- White – Life
- Black – Ending stigma
The black stripe specifically represents “the end of stigma regarding mental health.” The flag quickly gained popularity online among mental health advocates and has been shared widely on social media.
Meaning
The mental health flag aims to:
- Promote mental health awareness
- Fight stigma surrounding mental illness
- Show support for mental health education and resources
- Celebrate neurodiversity
- Advocate for equality regarding mental health
The colors each have a symbolic meaning:
- Green represents hope, growth, and change
- White represents light, life, and acceptance
- Black represents the end of stigma and shadows around mental illness
Together, the colors communicate hope, light, life, and ending stigma. The flag promotes the idea that mental illnesses should be discussed openly just like physical illnesses.
Usage
The mental health flag is commonly used to:
- Promote mental health awareness campaigns and events
- Share on social media to show support for mental health
- Display on apparel, pins, stickers, posters, etc.
- Decorate public places for mental health month in May
- Advocate for mental health policy reform
It is frequently used during Mental Health Awareness Month in May but can be displayed year-round. Many people share the flag on social media on World Mental Health Day, October 10th.
Mental Health Diagnoses
The mental health flag aims to represent all mental health conditions, including:
| Anxiety Disorders | Mood Disorders |
|---|---|
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Major Depressive Disorder |
| Social Anxiety Disorder | Bipolar Disorder |
| Panic Disorder | Cyclothymia |
| Phobia Disorders | Seasonal Affective Disorder |
| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder |
| Psychotic Disorders | Trauma/Stressor Disorders |
|---|---|
| Schizophrenia | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |
| Schizoaffective Disorder | Acute Stress Disorder |
| Delusional Disorder | Adjustment Disorders |
| Brief Psychotic Disorder | |
This list is not exhaustive but captures some of the most common mental health conditions. The flag aims to represent anyone struggling with mental illness, mental health, mental wellness, or neurodiversity issues.
Controversy
While many have embraced the mental health flag and its message, there has been some controversy surrounding it. Critics have argued:
- The flag was designed by one person without input from the mental health community
- The meanings attached to the colors are not universally agreed upon
- The flag risks oversimplifying complex mental health issues
- Not all parts of the mental health community feel represented by it
Supporters counter that the flag is meant as a starting point for further conversation and advocacy. While not perfect, they believe the flag brings much needed awareness to mental health issues and promotes inclusivity. There have been some efforts to design alternate mental health flags, but none have gained as much popularity yet.
Conclusion
The mental health flag featuring green, white, and black stripes has rapidly become a widely recognized symbol of mental health advocacy. While originating in 2020, it has already been embraced by individuals, organizations, and public health agencies seeking to fight stigma and promote mental wellness. Despite some controversy over its origins and ability to represent all people, the flag has succeeded in sparking greater conversation around mental health awareness. With 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, the need for advocacy through symbols like the mental health flag is clear. Though it is still new, the mental health flag promises to grow as an impactful representation of mental health acceptance, support, and hope.
