Becoming You, Part 2: Managing Your Own Health Care and Finances

11/20/2025

Becoming You, Part 2: Managing Your Own Health Care and Finances

One huge part of independence is taking charge of your mental health treatment. This means:

- Making and keeping your own appointments

- Taking medication consistently if that's part of your treatment

- Communicating with your providers about what's working and what isn't

- Learning about your condition and treatment options

In Northeast Ohio, organizations like Applewood Centers offer mental health services specifically for young adults.

It's okay to bring someone with you to appointments while you're learning. That's still you being in charge.

 

Financial Independence Looks Different Too

You don't need to be completely financially independent to be a real adult. Many young adults rely on some family support, government assistance, or community resources while building stability.

If you receive SSI or disability benefits, that's not failure; that's using available resources to support yourself. If you're on a family phone plan or health insurance, that's smart planning. Benefits.gov can help you find programs you might qualify for.

Focus on building financial skills: budgeting, saving what you can, understanding your expenses. These skills matter more than having zero help from anyone.

 

Handling the Judgment

People will have opinions about your choices. Maybe they don't understand why you're not working full-time or why you're still in therapy. Here's the truth: they don't need to understand.

You're managing something real. Your brain works differently, and you're doing the work to function and thrive despite that. Anyone who judges you for taking care of your mental health doesn't deserve space in your life.

 

The Mighty has a great community of people managing mental health who share real stories about navigating judgment and staying true to their own paths.

 

Celebrating the Real Wins

Independence when you're managing mental health means celebrating different victories:

- Getting through a tough week

- Setting a boundary with someone

- Making it to all your appointments this month

- Asking for help when you needed it

- Having a hard day but using healthy coping skills

These are the wins that matter. Track them. Be proud of them.

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