John's Story: How Being My Own Advocate Helped My Depression

This article is for people who have depression, their care partners, and others who want to learn more about how to become involved in treatment decisions and care. The goal is to help you feel more confident in your ability to be your own advocate for treating major depressive disorder (MDD).

You'll watch a video about John and his journey with depression, how he found ways to advocate for himself, and how that made a difference in his treatment planning.

You'll explore

• What it means to be a self-advocate

• The benefits of becoming an advocate for yourself

• Taking responsibility for your own wellness

• Partnering with your healthcare provider

• Ways to communicate your preferences, goals, and expectations for your treatment

When it comes to depression, there is no single test -- like taking your blood pressure -- that can show your healthcare provider how you're responding to treatment. He or she can't assess if you're doing well with treatment or know how much you may be suffering unless you're open about how you feel both emotionally and physically. That's one way you can advocate for yourself -- by making your voice heard.

Becoming a self-advocate is also possible by regaining your sense of control when you

• Partner with your care team to achieve the successful outcomes you both want

• Share your preferences and goals for treatment

• Get the facts -- learn all you can about your treatment options, whether selecting a provider, type of therapy, or medicine

• Assert yourself if you feel your rights are not being addressed

• Take responsibility for your health

Talk with your counselor about ways to become your own best advocate.

Sometimes hearing someone else's story gives you the courage to take your own first step, or help someone you care for find their way.

John lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) and with MDD. He understood that his MS had triggered his depression, and recognized that he had to have a voice in in his care plan. As he points out, to advocate is to give voice to something -- in this case, for yourself.

Watch the video with John to find out how he learned to advocate for himself and achieve his goals for treating his MDD episodes.

Becoming a self-advocate doesn't happen overnight. It can take a while to find the voice you need to share your goals and preferences with your care team.

Sometimes it helps to learn what others living with MDD say about their choices and feelings. You can visit the PatientsLikeMe website, an online patient network where people can find support, track their conditions, and share information.

A PatientsLikeMe member said this on the topic:

"Be your own advocate and don't be afraid to speak up if you need to express your opinion. Don't let a doctor dictate to you. Ask questions. Do what is right for you!"

"Make sure that you disclose everything you can remember about what you think triggered your depression and what exactly it does for you. Ask questions and take notes. Also getting to know everything you can about MDD will help with your treatment."

Congratulations!

You have successfully completed the program: John's Story: How Being My Own Advocate Helped My Depression

View all the programs in this series and make sure you have the vital information you need for detail health benefit. Caitlin's Story: Finding the Right Treatment for Depression Takes Time Rosie's Story: Day-to-Day Activities I Do to Deal With Depression