My quote from my new Fu@k Stigma chapter I'm currently working on
✨ Recovery isn’t about choosing between lived experience or clinical expertise—it’s about weaving them together.
Lived wisdom grounds us in empathy and shared humanity. Clinical knowledge helps us understand patterns, symptoms, and strategies for moving forward. When both come together, recovery becomes more than surviving—it becomes building a life with tools, language, and compassion that last.
💬 💬 How has lived experience or professional insight shaped your own journey, and how do you—or how can you—bring both together in the way you heal, grow, and support others?
My experience has taught me that one balances the other, and that it’s okay not to know everything. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know,” and to admit when I’m scared of being vulnerable—because that honesty is where real connection and recovery begins. And that we have many conversations on seeking help but not enough conversations on what is best for us and what is the power to help us get that support
And here's a few things that I learned that help me to do play an active role in my journey.
✅ Ways to proactively advocate with your support team:
Be clear about your goals and needs. Share what you’re working toward—whether it’s stability, reducing symptoms, or building coping tools—so your team knows what success looks like for you.
Ask questions and request explanations. Don’t hesitate to ask why a treatment, strategy, or approach is being suggested. Understanding the reasoning helps you stay engaged and confident in your care.
Set boundaries and give feedback. Advocate for what feels helpful and speak up if something isn’t working. A good team will respect your voice, adjust, and work with you—not just on you.
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🔍 How to recognize good support vs. unhelpful support:
Good support looks like:
• Listening without judgment.
• Valuing your lived experience alongside professional expertise.
• Encouraging collaboration and respecting boundaries.
• Empowering you to make informed choices.
Unhelpful support looks like:
• Dismissing your concerns or minimizing your experiences.
• Making decisions for you without your input.
• Using shame, guilt, or pressure as motivators.
• Creating dependency instead of building your confidence and skills.
#ADHDInGirls #ADHD #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #SubstanceRelatedDisorders #MightyTogether