We’ve all been there: Your phone is constantly buzzing; your inbox appears to have sharp teeth; even deciding on the smallest thing seems overwhelming. This is often when we need to advocate best. Not the loud, boisterous type. The consistent type. The type where you take a breath, collect your thoughts, and make sure your needs don’t get lost beneath everyone else’s sense of urgency.
When things overwhelm us, every aspect of our lives seems to run together. Medical bills, money stress, workplace pressure, family expectations, paperwork, and appointments. All these elements form one large, greyish mass. First, separate them.
Put the problems that are creating difficulties for you into words using as few words as possible. Not perfect writing. No refinement. Honestly. Do you need more time to compose an answer to a letter? Are you unable to understand a bill? Maybe you feel rushed into agreeing with someone prior to obtaining the right professional guidance. Once you’ve determined what is causing you difficulties, you’re no longer operating under a cloud. You’ve established one specific issue.
The easier self-advocacy is when you can refer to documentation. Document emails. Record conversations via phone. Document date, name, amount, deadline, and agreement(s) made.
It may appear tedious right now, particularly if you are exhausted. However, those minute documentations will protect you from confusion later. Furthermore, they assist you in expressing your requests for assistance more clearly.
If your case involves an injury due to an incident, insurance-related claims, or a lawsuit, you may ultimately seek direction from a lawyer (such as SP Moeller Law). However, prior to reaching that stage, having solid records provides a better foundation from which to begin.
When we are experiencing stress, we tend to ask larger questions like “what do I do now?” While it is certainly an acceptable question, it can lead individuals to provide vague responses.
Instead, try asking more specific questions:
Asking clear questions will slow down the situation. Asking clear questions will also make it very hard for other parties to dismiss your concerns.
Having the ability to speak up for yourself is not always about acting fast. Sometimes, taking a little time before speaking may be your best weapon.
When someone asks you something you are not sure about, you could say, “I would like some time to think about that.” When they ask you if you want them to do something in writing, you could say, “Would it be possible to send/mail that to me?” When you are asked to make an agreement or decision but you don’t feel ready to commit yet, you could say, “I’m not comfortable with agreeing to anything right now.” Saying those three things is not showing stubbornness. It shows caution.
Your voice will not always have to compete with all the noise going on around you. Most of the time, all you really need to do is provide a steady voice.
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