In the broadest definition, self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself. It's the ability to identify your needs, communicate them clearly, and help others understand how they can support you. Self-advocacy is beneficial in all areas of life.
It can be difficult to even think about advocating for yourself when you are in a depressive episode and/or facing a time of heightened anxiety, but it is important to try to muster some energy for it. The list of things to do in order to advocate for yourself - in the chart above - can assist in preparing yourself for writing an email, making a phone call, or communicating in some form or fashion with someone about your health, finances, job, etc.
For this human, the quote below sums it all up:
It seems like companies, medical practices, hospitals, etc. are not interested in providing basic customer service in the current environment. This makes it even more difficult for the average human to navigate the world. We all want to be able to get, at the very least, the basic product and/or service we are paying for.
Sounds simple, right? Maybe. I think sometimes we experience getting the thing(s) we're paying for/needing/requesting without too much trouble. We may even have a pleasant exchange with the person on the other side of the counter or phone line. True.
However, it seems that more and more, a "fight" must ensue. Fighting for the item ordered, requested, needed, or whatever the case may be. If I'm in a depressive episode and/or feeling very anxious, these types of exchanges are highly challenging. I hardly have energy to put my socks on, and along comes a problem I wasn't expecting.
I have to choose my battles carefully, especially when I'm running on low energy and motivation. It is important to protect your health and well-being. That is very true. However, sometimes, asking for what you need and deserve are important to your health and well-being.
So, if you find that you must insist on the service you deserve, try to muster the strength and energy to advocate for yourself. You are worth it!
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