Admitting to ourselves when we are struggling with our mental health is challenging. And even once we can admit to ourselves that there is a problem, it takes even more courage to go to a medical professional and disclose the struggles we have been facing. This is why self-advocacy or the ability to express our needs, ideas, and concerns in a clear and respectful way, and to ask for what we want and need, is crucial to maintaining our mental wellness.
There can be a lot of hesitation and fear over telling medical professionals how we truly feel about medications, diagnoses, or even treatment plans. This could come from the negative experiences we may have faced when discussing mental-health treatment with other healthcare providers. One of the biggest barriers to self-advocacy includes a perceived power imbalance and fear of challenging the treating practitioner. So how do you properly self-advocate for your mental health care? Here are a few tips:
1. Bring a list of questions and discuss them at the beginning of your appointment.
One of the first things doctors will note is their patient’s “chief complaint,” or the primary problem and reason for the visit. By bringing up your questions at the beginning, your doctor will place the importance on getting these answered right away.
2. Bring along a close friend or family member.
Sometimes we forget certain details, especially in relation to our health. It’s helpful to have someone with you who can provide a secondary perspective. It is also helpful to have another advocate in the room to reinforce your concerns when you feel you aren’t being heard or understood.
3. Emphasize the severity of what you’re experiencing.
Many people tend to minimize experiences, especially if they are feeling better at the time of their appointment. This makes it difficult to admit that we are struggling. But being honest and as open as possible about the severity of symptoms can impact different pieces of your treatment plan, including the level of care needed, medications, and adjustments to dosing.
4. Know your insurance.
Unless you work in insurance, it can be very confusing. But you don’t need to memorize every detail. It’s good to have a general understanding of your benefits and how to make the most of your plan. There are also resources that can walk you through coverage and benefits, including Ohio’s Mental Health Insurance Assistance.
5. You know you best.
Mental illness is known as an invisible condition, making it difficult for others around you to really know what is happening on the inside. So, when you are having changes in your mental health, it’s important to be open and honest about what is happening. Remember that you have important information they can use for treatment.
Going to the doctor is uncomfortable, but if we want to live our best lives, we must properly express our own health needs, especially when it comes to our mental health. Advocating for ourselves and our mental health can be anxiety-inducing, but it doesn’t have to be. Using these tips as well as practicing how to advocate for yourself with someone you trust can help make this process less scary and stressful and may even give you the confidence boost you need to take charge of your own mental health.
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