What use is an Advocate?

I feel like there is never anyone fighting my corner. That I have spent my life going against the grain to please others or to appear "normal."
It's like everything I worked so hard for in my youth went up in smoke the minute I landed in hospital.
Twelve years on and I look back and wonder where did I find that tenacity to keep on persevering.
I feel like I don't matter. The doctors have the power to hold me against my will til I die of they wanted to. I can't afford a good solicitor in a tribunal. I am broke and broken.

in moments of frustration I often find myself wondering who is there for me, too. but I'm slowly learning that I can also be my own advocate too. and it sounds like you have been your own best advocate for these past twelve years as you kept yourself persevering--deep down inside you know you matter even if you feel like you are broken

when I have had advocates, they have explained their job to me like " a microphone for your voice"

but I don't see the use for them either- honestly they can sayy what they want, bottom line is that actually they are just speaking on your behalf, not actually making any good changes in your life