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Be Your Advocate

Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. Whether you are navigating your first therapy session, managing a chronic condition, or seeking clarity about a diagnosis, advocating for your mental health is essential. This guide empowers you to take charge of your health journey with confidence and compassion.


What Is Patient Advocacy in Mental Health?

Patient advocacy in mental health means taking an active role in your care to ensure your needs, preferences, and rights are respected. Advocacy is about:

  • Understanding Your Rights: You have the right to dignified care, confidentiality, and informed consent.

  • Voicing Your Needs: Your voice matters when choosing a clinician, a therapist or discussing treatment plans.

  • Navigating the System: Mental health services can be complex, and advocacy helps you access resources effectively.



Why Advocacy Matters in Mental Health

  1. Reduces Stigma: Advocacy empowers you to confront and dismantle societal stigmas about mental health, especially prevalent in Nigeria.

  2. Improves Treatment Outcomes: Patients actively participating in proper treatment often experience better outcomes.

  3. Ensures Ethical Care: Advocacy protects you from unethical practices, such as misdiagnosis or inappropriate medication.

  4. Promotes Awareness: Advocacy helps others understand the importance of mental health and can inspire systemic change in Nigeria.


How to Advocate for Yourself in Mental Health Treatment

1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is your most powerful tool. Learn about mental health conditions, understand the symptoms, treatment options, and recovery processes associated with your diagnosis, and know that you have the right to confidentiality, informed consent, and freedom from discrimination. 

2. Build a Support System: Advocacy doesn’t mean you must do it alone. Engage trusted allies like your friends, family, or support groups that can provide emotional backing and practical assistance. You may consider consulting with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for guidance.

3. Communicate Effectively: Clear and assertive communication is key. Before each session, prepare for appointments by writing down your symptoms, questions, and goals. Don’t hesitate to ask your therapist or psychiatrist questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, or side effects. Ask them about your prognosis and why they recommend that particular treatment. Communicate your preferences and limits during therapy.

4. Leverage Available Resources: Stay organised and informed using local resources. Many government hospitals and NGOs, such as the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) and the PsycheBabble Foundation, provide affordable services and support for mental health.

5. Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel uncertain about your diagnosis or treatment plan, seeking another opinion is your right. A fresh perspective may confirm your current treatment or suggest alternatives. However, ensure the second opinion comes from a qualified professional with experience in your condition.

6. Know When to Escalate Issues: Advocacy includes standing up against unethical practices. If you experience discrimination or inadequate care, report it to relevant bodies like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) or the NPA. In severe cases, consult legal professionals to ensure your rights are upheld.



Overcoming Barriers to Advocacy

Challenge mental health myths, educate yourself and others about the realities of mental health, and connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Many therapists offer reduced rates based on income, so do not hesitate to ask. Nonprofits, or NGOs, often provide affordable or free services. Additionally, seek clinicians who understand and respect your cultural background.


Practical Tips for Nigerians

  • For Adolescents and Young Adults: Talk to trusted adults. Share your concerns with parents, teachers, or mentors, and utilise your school or university counselling centres.

  • For Working Professionals: Check if your workplace offers mental health support, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), and set boundaries to protect your mental health by managing stress and workloads.

  • For older adults: Join local community groups or organisations to combat loneliness and seek out professionals experienced in geriatric mental health.

  • For Marginalised Communities: Use community organisations to amplify your voice. Know your rights and the legal protections against healthcare discrimination.


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