💡 Why Is Self-Advocacy So Exhausting? (& How to Push Back)


Hi Reader,

Have you ever felt like self-advocacy for chronic illness is a full-time job? You’re not alone.

Whether it’s convincing a doctor that your symptoms are real, pushing for workplace accommodations, or simply navigating a world that wasn’t built with your needs in mind, it’s exhausting. And it shouldn’t be this hard.

But since the system makes self-advocacy necessary, we need to talk about how to push back without burning out.

In this post, I’m breaking down:

✅ Why self-advocacy feels harder than it should be
✅ How recent rollbacks in accessibility & inclusion are making it worse
✅ Practical strategies to advocate for yourself while conserving energy
✅ Why maintaining a routine can be a powerful act of resistance

💡 If you’re tired of constantly having to justify your needs, this is for you.

👉 Read the full post here: The Everyday Struggle of Self-Advocacy for Chronic Illness

The truth is: You shouldn’t have to fight this hard for basic access. But since we do, it’s important to advocate smarter, not harder—and I’ve got tips to help.

Let’s navigate this together.

With you,

April Smith | Chronic Illness Adaptability Guide
Owner & Founder of The Thriving Spoonie
Email | Bluesky | Pinterest

Take control of your energy and routine—grab The Complete Guide to Daily Chronic Illness Management and start thriving today.

April Smith

I assist those with chronic illness by providing practical strategies to master resilience, embrace adaptability, and find joy on their terms.

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