You may have heard this word buzzing around. Whether it’s from friends, family, your therapist or another health provider – Self Advocacy has caused a stir.
At Empower your Mind Therapy – Our goal is to help clients feel empowered. For each of us at the practice that means something a little different.
Remember to check out our “Meet Our Therapist Mondays” Social Media series to find out what Empower means to each one of us, and get to know our therapists a little bit more in-depth!
Self-Advocacy is a key part of feeling empowered and being empowered.
So what is Self-Advocacy?
The dictionary defines self-advocacy as “the action of representing oneself or one’s views or interests.”
Essentially it’s the ability to speak up for yourself, and have your needs considered and met by those around you.
Self advocacy helps us to feel more autonomous and have more agency in our lives. It means that we are able to feel more in control and independent in our care and life.
It increases self-esteem, self-confidence and allows us to feel more competent and able to cope with life transitions and sudden changes.
What does that mean in the context of Self Empowerment and Mental Health?
It means that treatment is being done WITH you and not TO you.
Unfortunately, the mental health field is not perfect. There is much work to be done. Sometimes, that can take the form of health professionals treatment being done TO a client and not WITH them.
When treatment is being done TO a client, it means that we aren’t taking their experience, values, needs, wants, and goals into consideration. We are instead, making executive decisions about their life without considering the bigger picture – Our Clients are humans too.
When we conduct treatment WITH a client, or ALONGSIDE a client – we are working collaboratively with a client in what they want and need. We are taking into consideration their values, hopes, dreams, and not just concluding these things based off clinical considerations.
Your mental health recovery and journey is just that… YOURS!
You’re not alone on it though – You have a team of family, friends, and treatment providers who want to support and help you along your journey. Make sure that they are taking into account YOUR goals, YOUR needs, YOUR values. This means effectively communicating with DEAR MAN our wants and needs and advocating for these things.
How to Advocate for Yourself
Now that we’ve talked a little bit about what self-advocacy is, and why it’s so important – let’s talk about how we can self-advocate.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
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- If you’re unsure of something ask.
- If you’re uncomfortable with a decision, ask for more details. Research more before making a decision or agreeing with one. If a doctor, counselor, etc. is pushing you to do something that is outside of your comfort zone – sleep on it. Meditate. Ask yourself: What am I feeling in regards to this? Is this feeling justified? Where is my resistance coming from?
- Get as much information as you can!
Know what you want and what you need
If you don’t, discuss it with someone close and trusted.
Check the Facts
Practice Makes Permanent
Practice asking for what you need and want. It’s so important to feel prepared when self-advocating because it is a difficult task.
Knowledge is power.
Remember to educate yourself. The more knowledge you have in your tool belt, the better you can feel empowered and competent in negotiating and advocating on your behalf.
Building Mastery
Do at least one thing a day that helps you feel more empowered, competent and confident.
Self-Advocacy is a revolutionary and difficult skill that can help you achieve self empowerment, respected and ready to live your life worth loving.
This quote by Aya Chebbi describes the essence of self-advocacy and empowerment –
“Your Power is your radical self. Find it.”
