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<\/a><\/p>\nBut remember, depression is neurological disorder. \u00a0You need to heal even if you can\u2019t see that you need to heal. Give yourself time.<\/p>\n
Align yourself with people who understand and can help with small things. It\u2019s what friends and family are for. And when people love you they often feel it’s their job to step up when you need them. Sometimes, taking care of you will fulfill their need to feel wanted and needed.<\/p>\n
While you might appoint a few people in your life to take on basic daily tasks that help lighten your load you will need to decide who you can give the role of health advocate. \u00a0This is a person who is considerate of what you are going through and willing to be responsible for your health. They will take you to appointments, go to appointments with you, be there for support when you need it.<\/p>\n
It’s important that you need formally ask them to do this for you. \u00a0And they need to formally accept. \u00a0You don\u2019t want them to feel burdened by your needs.<\/p>\n
Why you need a health advocate<\/h2>\n
Once you\u2019ve been labeled with a mental illness you can seen as \u201cunreliable\u201d and \u201cunstable\u201d in the eyes of the world. \u00a0Mood irregularity is a symptom and so, sometimes people think you can\u2019t be trusted, and you may not be seeing things for what they really are. \u00a0Whether it\u2019s true or not, this is what many people think and believe. Including professionals.<\/p>\n
So, you need someone who knew you before you were sick and can tell if you are being authentic about things and can monitor much of your daily activity so they can back up your story.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the crucial roles a health advocate will play:<\/strong><\/p>\n Aliby<\/b>: They can vouch for your character and help explain your actions. This will help professionals understand what is “normal” behavior for you because everyone is different.<\/p>\n Safety monitor: <\/b>Your health advocate can keep an eye on you. They will call you and check in on your frequently. They’ll make sure you are safe. They’ll ensure your environment is safe. They’ll prevent you from taking your life if you feel the urge to.<\/p>\n Someone to talk to who will listen and be supportive: <\/b>\u00a0Sometimes you need to vent or share your pain with someone. It helps you get it out. And being listened to and understood can make you feel less alone.<\/p>\n A second in command: <\/b>They can take over and perform specific tasks when you aren\u2019t able to. They may pick your kids up and drive them to school. \u00a0Deliver a meal for you. Or, take your dogs for walk.<\/p>\n Finance manager: <\/b>When you\u2019re sick unfortunately the bills you have to pay don\u2019t go away. An advocate can help you reduce your costs, communicate with credit collectors and banks, or, pay bills and make trips to the back. They might also help you financially (but never expect this, your finances are still your responsibility).<\/p>\n Spokesperson: <\/b>When you can\u2019t talk they talk for you.<\/p>\n You may have multiple people handling multiple aspects of your life. But it is best to have one of these people be on top of everything. This could mean managing other people to do things.<\/p>\n Need help right away? \u00a0Take the 7 Days to Feel Better Now course. It’s anonymous and will help you get back on your feet. CLICK HERE<\/a>.