Wednesday Wellness Check-in: The Power of Self-Advocacy

As a neurodivergent person, I’ve come to understand how crucial it is to make sure my voice is heard in every area of life, especially when it comes to managing my health. I’ve learned that if I don’t actively advocate for myself, important details can get overlooked, and my goals for wellness might not be met. This isn't just true for me — everyone, neurodivergent or not, needs to make sure their perspective is considered by the people they work with, whether it’s a healthcare provider, a therapist, or even a family member. Ensuring that our needs and desired outcomes are clear is vital to achieving the best results for our health.

Self-advocacy isn’t about being difficult or pushing back for the sake of it. It’s about making sure that when decisions are made — whether it's about medication, treatment plans, or daily habits, those decisions reflect what we truly want and need. It's so easy to let things slide or assume that experts or loved ones know what's best for us, but no one knows your body and mind better than you do. Even in the best partnerships, like those with skilled clinicians, it's important to ask questions, share concerns, and make sure your voice is part of the conversation.

For caregivers, self-advocacy takes on a different but equally important form: advocating for those who can't speak up for themselves. Whether you're supporting a child, a partner, or an elderly parent, your role is to ensure their needs are being met in the way they would want. This can mean asking tough questions or even challenging a professional opinion if it doesn't feel right. As caregivers, you play a critical role in advocating for the health and well-being of your loved ones.

So, how do we make sure we're advocating for ourselves and others effectively? It starts with being informed. Knowing the details of our health, understanding treatment options, and being clear on our goals makes it easier to communicate and stand up for what we need. It also means building confidence to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you're in a doctor’s office or managing a care plan at home, don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion, request more information, or simply say, "This doesn't feel right."

I encourage you to take a moment and reflect: Are you advocating for your health in the way you deserve? If you're a caregiver, are you giving your loved ones the advocacy they need? If not, what can you do differently? Self-advocacy is a skill we can all develop, and it’s one that can lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives for ourselves and those we care for.