How I Maintain My Mental Health While Advocating Online

Advocating for chronic illness awareness online can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that demands a lot from us emotionally and mentally. Over the years, I’ve learned some crucial ways to care for my mental health while engaging in online advocacy. Here are my strategies.

Venting is essential

First and foremost, therapy is a lifesaver. Everyone needs someone to vent to, and for me, that person is my therapist. Therapy provides a safe space to express my frustrations, fears, and hopes without judgment. It’s a place where I can process my emotions and gain insights into how to cope better.

If you’re advocating online, having someone to talk to can help you navigate the emotional ups and downs.

There have been many times when the weight of other people's stories and my own experiences felt overwhelming. During those times, my therapist helped me find clarity and regain my sense of purpose. Sometimes, just talking about a tough interaction or a particularly emotional comment can lighten the load.

Set boundaries and limit social media time

Setting boundaries for how long I spend on social media is crucial. It’s easy to get lost in endless scrolling and engagement, but this can quickly become overwhelming. I set specific times during the day for checking and responding to messages and comments.

This helps me stay focused and prevents burnout. Remember, it’s okay to step away from your screen and take a break.

In addition to setting time limits, I also prioritize what I respond to. Not every comment needs a response, and it's okay to let some conversations happen without my input. This selective engagement helps me manage my time and energy better.

Allow myself to feel and work through emotions

I make it a point to allow myself to feel and work through my emotions. Advocating for chronic illness can be heavy. There are days when the stories and comments hit close to home, and that’s okay. I give myself permission to cry, to be angry, and to feel whatever comes up.

Processing these feelings helps me stay grounded and prevents them from building up.

Journaling has been a helpful tool for me in this process. Writing down my thoughts and feelings allows me to release them and reflect on them later. Sometimes, rereading my journal entries gives me new insights and helps me see how far I've come.

Respond with compassion

One crucial lesson I’ve learned is that the person responding negatively is often in pain. Pain can cause us to react emotionally instead of rationally. When someone lashes out or disagrees harshly, I remind myself that it’s their illness and situation they’re angry with, not necessarily me.

This understanding helps me not take emotional responses personally. It’s their pain talking, not them.

To further illustrate this, I once received a particularly harsh comment from someone who was clearly struggling. Instead of reacting defensively, I responded with empathy, acknowledging their pain and offering support. This approach not only defused the situation but also opened up a more constructive dialogue.

It’s okay to have different opinions

It’s important to understand that not everyone is going to agree with me, and that’s okay. Advocacy is about sharing experiences and perspectives, not about everyone thinking the same way. Healthy discussions can lead to growth and understanding. Accepting differing opinions without feeling attacked is vital for maintaining my mental health.

I've found that viewing disagreements as opportunities to learn and educate helps me stay positive.

For example, a respectful exchange of differing views on a treatment option can provide valuable insights for everyone involved.

Practice self-care and make time for yourself

Self-care is more than just a buzzword; it's essential. Whether it's taking a long bath, going for a walk, or indulging in a favorite hobby, making time for activities that bring joy and relaxation is crucial. I make it a point to schedule regular self-care activities into my week.

Build a support network and lean on others

Having a support network of friends, family, and fellow advocates can make a world of difference. These people can offer a listening ear, provide encouragement, and remind you that you're not alone in your journey.

Knowledge is power

Staying informed about the latest research and developments in chronic illness treatment and advocacy can empower you and reduce feelings of helplessness. It also equips you to provide accurate information to others.

Celebrate small wins and recognize your impact

Advocacy can be slow and frustrating work, but celebrating small wins can keep you motivated. Whether it's a positive comment, a thank-you message, or a small policy change, acknowledging these victories can boost your spirits and reaffirm your purpose.

Maintaining mental health while advocating online is an ongoing journey. These strategies help me stay balanced and effective in my advocacy work. How do you tend to your mental health while advocating on social media? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.