Many people don’t realize how important it is to advocate for their mental health. Unfortunately, doing so can be challenging. People often don’t know what steps to take or what exactly they should be advocating for. The following blog is a quick guide that you can use to become a better mental health advocate for yourself.
Mental Health Advocacy
There are several things to keep in mind when you’re preparing to advocate for your mental health and speak up for what you need. Keep in mind that you know your own mental health better than anyone else does. Using this knowledge can help you feel empowered. Don’t let anyone talk down or negate the symptoms you know you’ve been having. Report those to the necessary professionals. Sometimes you need to ask directly what next steps can be taken and then go through those steps individually.
Be Transparent
One of the best ways to advocate for your mental health is by being transparent about your experiences. Sharing your symptoms and your current mental health state is the only way that professionals can provide you with the right treatment options. Don’t hesitate to share what you’ve been going through and be heard.
Know Your Insurance
If you have health insurance, it’s incredibly important to understand what it does and doesn’t cover. This can give you a better idea of what treatments you can make use of and what treatment centers could be a possibility. If you don’t have a clear understanding of your insurance, you may end up paying out-of-pocket for some services.
Keep a Journal
It can be hard to advocate for yourself if you don’t have a clear picture of what you’re advocating for. Keeping a journal of your mental health symptoms can be a great way to keep track of how you’ve been doing. This gives you something concrete to discuss when you meet with your doctor.
It’s no secret that advocating for your own mental health can be challenging. One of the things that can make this process easier is working with a dedicated and experienced team. Our staff at Avalon Malibu understand how to come alongside our clients and make sure that they’re receiving the care they need. We help clients advocate for their own needs. If you’re ready to learn more about the services we provide and why so many people choose us, you can reach a member of our staff by calling (844) 857-5992.
