For Mental Health Awareness Week (11th-17th May 2026), our Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) Lead Tajinder Lyal shares her thoughts on the importance of self-advocacy for mental health advocates. She also discusses looking after ourselves and how we can take action for the people we support.

Working in mental health advocacy means standing up for others, supporting them through difficult experiences, and helping their voices be heard.

This work is important — and it can also be emotionally demanding. Self‑advocacy starts with recognising that our own wellbeing matters too. Looking after ourselves is an act of self‑advocacy. It means listening to our own needs, recognising our limits, and giving ourselves permission to pause when we need to.

Listening to Our Own Signs

As advocates, we are skilled at noticing when others need support. Self‑advocacy asks us to turn that same attention inward. Feeling constantly tired, emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or losing focus can be signs that we need to slow down or seek support.

Recognising these signs early is empowering. It allows us to take action before stress and burnout begin to affect our wellbeing.

Choosing to Recharge

Self‑advocacy includes actively choosing to recharge. This might mean taking annual leave, setting clearer boundaries around work, switching off at the end of the day, or taking time away from emotionally demanding situations.

It also means identifying what you enjoy and what helps you feel energised. Spending time outdoors, moving your body, being creative, resting, or connecting with others can all help restore energy. Planning and blocking time for the things you enjoy is a way of prioritising yourself and supporting your wellbeing.

Making Space to Reflect

Reflection is a powerful self‑advocacy tool. Taking time to reflect helps us understand how our work is affecting us, what we’re carrying, and what we might need to feel supported. This reflection builds self‑awareness, balance, and resilience.

Self‑Advocacy Strengthens Our Work

Looking after ourselves is not selfish — it’s essential. By advocating for our own needs, setting boundaries, and making time to recharge, we protect our mental health and strengthen our ability to support others.

Self‑advocacy doesn’t have to be dramatic. Small, consistent actions — listening to yourself, asking for support, and making space for what you enjoy — make a real difference. When we advocate for ourselves, we model the same compassion, respect, and empowerment that sit at the heart of our work.