New here and recently struggling

I'm lovin the unity here.

Let me shafe a few more tips, because I'm learning more and more in TAFE stuff and my own interractions that every sector is trained in advocacy language. For that reason, it helps a bit to use the language to get them to put their human rights hats on.

The more you talk about "systemic issues", "complex needs", "equal access", "strength-based approaches", "people-based approaches" it triggers the training and makes it easier (whether or not they're already on board, really (or at the very least it'll let you know if they are on board).

Thank you @wellwellwellnez . You're a qealth of knowledge. It makes sense because in the field I work in (when I'm working) there are phrases like that too which would trigger us to really take notice and do certain things. It's just tricky when you don't know what to say, so having tips like yours are really beneficial! Please know how much your support is appreciated.

Hey there @Gem17 and welcome to the SANE community

You've gotten a lot of good advice and warm welcomes, which is lovely to see, I just thought I'd jump in and speak to my experience in developing skills to advocate for myself in my mental health journey. Some may be a good fit and some not so great, please feel free to take whatever you think might be helpful...

It took me a while to be able to confidently advocate for my mental health. Here are a few key things that helped:

1. Building a good relationship with a great GP – this for me is crucial. A good GP will connect you with the right professional services and walk the path with you in terms of medication, therapy, general health etc. Building your confidence to speak with a GP is also a great first step in branching out to advocate with other health professionals.
   
   
2. Talking to friends/family – sharing your struggles with those closest to you is hugely beneficial because in doing so you're building a network of people who are available to support you when you most need it. Caviet here, I only share with friends and family who've shown empathy and I trust will reciprocate with respect and kindness.
   
   
3. Being open with a therapist – this was probably the hardest one for me, but super important. Being up front from the get go about your boundaries in therapy, what you are comfortable exploring and what you're not, goes a long way to establishing trust, both with your therapist but also in yourself.
   
   
4. Listening to and trusting your gut – this should be number 1. because without it, it makes the rest nigh on impossible. You know what is best for you. Sure, when we're not well sometimes we don't know our up from our down, but you are your own compass. If you're able to build that sense of knowing in yourself and follow it like you would a guiding star, you'll be well on your way to finding your voice.

You matter, @Gem17 , and your voice deserves to be heard 💙

Hi @Former-Member

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I have definitely found some great support on here already which has been really comforting.

Thank you for sharing your self advocacy insights.

In regards to the GP, it is very tricky finding one that good at what they do with knowledge and experience with mental health (made even more difficult geographically due to lack of options). I think I may have found a good one but it's still early days.

Sharing with friends and family is one I find interesting. I definitely hear what you're saying about being selective with who you share with. I worry about burdening the few people I have been open with, especially at the moment when I feel like I'm needing their support more than ever. I don't want to burn them out by constantly seeking support. I can already see the strain I have put on the relationships in my life.

Being open with a therapist is good advice. I have found that this is one of the few spaces that I feel comfortable being completely honest without fear of judgement or burdening them.

Your final point is interesting because, for me at least, it sometimes feels a little contradictory. There have been a few occasions recently where my gut has been telling me one thing however I find myself agreeing to something different or just not saying anything because I don't have the confidence to or don't want the health professionals to think I'm questioning them. I guess I still have room to grow in this area!

Thank you again for your kind words. Sometimes it's not about finding solutions or making things better, sometimes it's just about being told you matter.

@Gem17 yes to all of the above, and so well said!

There is a big SANE community here walking that path with you 💜