Mental Health Self Advocacy

Knowledge is power, and time, practice, and persistence are the keys to self advocacy. Putting these key elements in place can make the difference in your life - gloom and doom or rich and rewarding.



Life challenges and overcoming obstacles can make things challenging, but a desire for change can get the ball rolling. You may feel as if you've lost control over your life, your rights, and your responsibilities, or that you've lost the ability and right to effectively advocate for yourself. You may even suffer from a low self-esteem. However, regaining a sense of control by successfully advocating for yourself will give you back the hope and self-esteem you need to work toward recovery and wellness.



Here are 10 Things You Need to Know to Get Started on Your Journey of Self-Advocacy:



1. Believe in Yourself.  You are a unique and valuable person. You are worth the effort it takes to advocate for yourself. 
2. Know your Options.You are entitled to know what treatment options are available to you. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider, and research treatment options yourself so that you can make a well-informed decision about your care.
3. Decide what you Want. Clarify for yourself exactly what you need. This helps to set goals for your own wellness.
4. Get the Facts. When you advocate for yourself, you need to know what you are talking about or asking for.
5. Plan a Strategy. Using the information you have gathered, plan a strategy that you feel will work to get what you need and want for yourself. Think of several ways to address the problem.
6. Gather Support. In advocating for what you need and want for yourself, it is helpful to have support from family members, friends and other people who have similar issues.
7. Target Your Efforts. Who is the person, persons, or organization you need to deal with to get action on this matter?
8. Express Yourself Clearly. When you are asking for what you need and want for yourself, be brief. Stick to the point. Don’t allow yourself to be diverted or to ramble on with unimportant details. 
9. Assert Yourself Calmly. Don’t lose your temper and lash out at the other person, their character or the organization.
10. Be Firm, Persistent, and Consistent. Don’t give up! Keep after what you want. Always follow through on what you say. Dedicate yourself to getting whatever it is you need for yourself.



Asking or seeking the help of a professional is not a weakness. In fact, getting the help you need is a sign of STRENGTH, not weakness. It takes courage, and courage is a sign of strength. Speaking to a good licensed profession in person is the most effective way to advocate for yourself.



Make an appointment, show up, and be prepared to discuss what you are feeling and the symptoms you are experiencing. Ask what your treatment options are. Medications aren't always the only solution. Many people do not want to get started on psychiatric medications - for good reason. However, in some situations, temporary medications may be the best option. The important to know, is what treatment options are available for your condition so that you can make a well-informed decision about your own care and wellbeing.



For mental health conditions, depending on the level of severity of symptoms, other than medications, there are various types of therapy, lifestyle changes, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) - that can also be effective treatment options. It is also important to rule out any underlying medical condition that may be causing your mental health symptoms. For instance, your 'gut' health. Poor gut health and an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut can sometimes cause symptoms that mimic depression, and the symptoms associated with depression.