News > Preventing burnout and nurturing well-being in breast cancer patient advocacy

Preventing burnout and nurturing well-being in breast cancer patient advocacy

Beyond self-care: Fueling your drive and rekindling your spark

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Fueled by a personal connection to the cause, patient advocates in breast cancer advocacy tirelessly pour their hearts and souls into their work.

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Sometimes, that dedication leads them to take on more than they planned. Yet, advocacy is not easy—it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. The longer you work in this field, the more likely you are to experience burnout. By recognizing the signs and implementing proactive strategies, you can prevent burnout and continue thriving as a breast cancer patient advocate.

Here’s your guide to navigating patient advocacy without losing sight of your well-being:

1. Expect burnout

  • Acknowledge that advocacy can be emotionally draining.

2. Watch for signs

3. Make necessary changes

  • Be willing to adapt your approach.
  • Take breaks to recharge.
  • Ask for help when needed.

4. Connect with purpose

  • Identify and stay connected to your reason for advocacy.

5. Prioritize self-care

  • Increase self-care practices.
  • Make self-care routine.

6. Diversify your self-care toolkit

7. Understand self-care necessity

  • Recognize self-care as necessary, not optional.

8. Remember the basics

9. Master breathing exercises

  • Learn and practice at least two breathing exercises.

10. Reevaluate grief

  • Understand grief as a natural part of life.
  • See grief as a result of love and compassion.
  • Honor and witness grief rather than avoiding or fixing.

11. Seek help

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Pamela J. Ginsberg, PhD

Pamela Ginsberg

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.