What is Radical Self-Care?

Radical self-care is more than a trendy buzzword; it is a transformative practice rooted in activism, resilience, and the fight for social justice. While the concept has gained widespread popularity in recent years, its origins lie in Black feminism and the civil rights movement. Radical self-care challenges individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities, to prioritize their well-being as a form of resistance against systemic oppression. For patient advocates, this practice offers invaluable lessons on sustaining oneself while fighting for others in often exhausting and emotionally draining systems.

The Origins of Radical Self-Care

The concept of radical self-care was first articulated by Black feminist writer and activist Audre Lorde in her 1988 essay collection, A Burst of Light. Lorde, a poet and civil rights advocate, famously wrote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” For Lorde, self-care was not about luxury or escapism but a necessary practice for survival in a world that devalued the lives of racialized Black women, queer people, and other marginalized groups.

Lorde’s framing of self-care as a radical act emerged from her experiences as a racialized Black lesbian woman battling cancer while continuing her activism. She understood that systemic oppression—racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism—takes a toll on both the body and the spirit. In this context, self-care became a way to reclaim agency and resist the dehumanizing forces of oppression that foster inequities.

Radical Self-Care and Black American Activism

While modern Western healthcare often focuses on individual well-being, many cultures have long practiced collective healing and care—whether through African communal practices, Indigenous healing circles, or mutual aid networks in Europe before colonial expansion. These wise traditions teach us that self-care doesn’t have to be solitary; it can be strengthened through connection and community, ensuring advocates do not carry the weight of care alone.

Radical self-care is deeply intertwined with Black American activism. During the civil rights movement, activists like Angela Davis, Fannie Lou Hamer, and the Black Panther Party emphasized the importance of community care and personal well-being as part of their revolutionary work. Facing constant surveillance, violence, and threats, Black activists understood that radical self-care—encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual practices—was essential for long-term resistance. It became a tool for sustaining not only individuals but also entire movements.

The Black Panthers, for example, established free breakfast programs, health clinics, and sickle cell anemia awareness campaigns. These initiatives reflected an ethos of collective self-care, addressing the immediate needs of racialized Black communities while challenging racist healthcare systems that denied or limited access to care. Their work demonstrated that liberation required both political action and holistic care.

In modern times, the Black Lives Matter movement has continued this wholesome legacy, emphasizing the need for activists to practice self-care to avoid burnout. Leaders within the movement have openly discussed the emotional toll of fighting systemic racism and the importance of creating spaces for healing and restoration. Radical self-care, in this context, is not just an individual practice but a collective one, rooted in community support and mutual aid.

What Patient Advocates Can Learn from Radical Self-Care?

Patient advocates, who often work tirelessly to support individuals navigating complex and often broken healthcare systems, can draw profound lessons from radical self-care. Advocacy work is emotionally demanding, requiring advocates to confront systemic inequities, witness suffering, and fight for change in environments that can feel indifferent or hostile. Without intentional self-care, advocates risk burnout, compassion fatigue, and diminished effectiveness.

Here are some concrete ways patient advocates can incorporate radical self-care into their practice:

Set Boundaries: Advocacy work can feel never-ending, but setting clear boundaries is essential. This might mean limiting work hours, saying no to additional responsibilities, or carving out time for rest. Audre Lorde’s emphasis on self-preservation reminds us that we cannot pour from an empty cup.

Prioritize Mental Health: Patient advocates often deal with high-stress situations. Regular therapy, mindfulness practices, or support groups can help process the emotional toll of the work. For example, a patient advocate working with cancer patients might join a peer support group to share experiences and coping strategies.

Engage in Physical Self-Care: Physical well-being is a cornerstone of radical self-care. Advocates should prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Simple practices like taking a walk during lunch or practicing yoga can help recharge the body and mind.

Build a Support Network: Just as the Black Panthers emphasized community care, patient advocates should cultivate networks of support. This might include colleagues, friends, or mentors who understand the challenges of advocacy work and can offer encouragement and solidarity.

Celebrate Small Wins: Advocacy work can feel overwhelming, especially when systemic change is slow. Taking time to celebrate small victories—whether it’s securing a patient’s access to treatment or raising awareness about an issue—can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Incorporate Joy and Creativity: Audre Lorde often spoke about the importance of joy and creativity as acts of resistance. Patient advocates can embrace hobbies, art, or activities that bring them joy, reminding themselves that their worth is not solely tied to their work.

Concrete Examples of Radical Self-Care in Action

Therapist and Advocate Tarana Burke: The founder of the #MeToo movement, Burke has spoken openly about the importance of self-care in sustaining her activism. She practices meditation and takes time to disconnect from work to recharge.

Community Health Workers: In many underserved communities, health workers incorporate self-care into their routines by organizing group debriefs, practicing mindfulness, and participating in community healing circles.

Hospital-Based Advocates: Some patient advocates in hospitals have implemented “care for the caregiver” programs, offering staff access to wellness resources, such as on-site yoga classes or mental health counseling.

Conclusion

Radical self-care is a powerful practice that transcends individual well-being, serving as a form of resistance against systems that seek to deplete and dehumanize. For patient advocates, adopting this mindset is not only a way to sustain themselves but also a means to continue their vital work with resilience and purpose. By prioritizing their own care, advocates honor the legacy of Audre Lorde and the Black activists who understood that healing is a revolutionary act.

As we move toward the end of Black History Month, let us remember the overlooked contributions of African American patients, healthcare professionals, and activists who have tirelessly worked to improve healthcare for all. Their transformative stories remind us that collective care and resilience are at the heart of meaningful change.