Burned Out from Caregiving or Chronic Illness?
- Rashida Gray
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
Therapy can be helpful for caregivers and patients. Learning self-advocacy can help.
Living with a chronic illness or caregiving for someone can leave you physically and emotionally drained.
Self-advocacy isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
What Is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy means confidently expressing your needs, especially in medical or work settings. For people living with chronic conditions or caregiver stress, this can include:
Asking questions in appointments
Saying “no” to treatments that don’t feel right
Setting boundaries with work, family, or friends
Requesting referrals, accommodations, or second opinions
Working with a therapist at Gray MD Psychiatry, we can help you learn self-advocacy and new coping skills.
Self-advocacy is a radical act of self-care.
A chronic condition can create uncertainty, shake your sense of identity, and confidence.
We help patients in many states, from Virginia to Pennsylvania to Maryland and Georgia and despite the geographic location, patients and caregivers have similar struggles coping and adjusting to managing a chronic illness.
How Therapy And Self-Advocacy Helps You Cope With Illness
Working with a therapist who understands chronic illness and caregiver burnout can help you:
1. Heal from Medical Trauma
Working with a therapist helps you to name your experience, rebuild trust in yourself, and feel seen.
2. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Learn to stop over-functioning, communicate about capacity limits, and how to say “no” with confidence.
3. Practice Hard Conversations
Rehearse and role-play how to speak up with doctors, bosses, or loved ones. Imagine feeling confident when speaking with others about your condition or other aspects of life.
4. Shift from Helplessness to Empowerment
Adopt a new mindset, learn assertiveness, and how to fully live again
5. Redefine Your Identity
Rebuild your self-worth in alignment with your values and life goals. You are more than your diagnosis or role as a caregiver.
Dr. Melody Mickens is an expert and published researcher in trauma, caregiver stress and therapy for patients with chronic illness. She is accepting new clients for virtual care in most states, including Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, etc.
Reach out today to take the first step toward healing.