Please Give Me Advice

[Ladyfair]

I have a difficult time talking for myself. When I have to talk to drs, the manager of my building, etc I don't express myself well. I have no family support I'm alone to fend for myself. Sometimes my mind goes blank and I can't think. I have a difficult time getting motivated to do my laundry, and shopping for food. My question is do you think I need an advocate? I have never had one I dislike social workers so what do you think? What does an advocate do? Are they pushy? Thanks for all advice.

 

[Fairy Lucretia]

i have never had an advocate but i hope if you choose to have one they help you x i have never found socials workers much help x

 

[midnightphoenix]

it sounds like you need someone to help you in real life

 

[mami5]

I've had an advocate in the past. She came to appointments with me, made notes which she gave me copies of as I found it hard to remember what were said. She would also discuss the meeting beforehand and ask me what I wanted to say, then during the appiointment she would give me the option of speaking my mind if I wanted, or she would do it on my behalf. She also discussed my options with me to help me make decisions as I found it very difficult. They write letters on your behalf too. I'm glad I had one.

Not sure how they work now with lockdown and Covid and everything, but you have nothing to lose if you rang them up and made enquiries. You don't have to commit if you don't want to.

 

[JessisMe]

Sounds like something that might be good to try. xo, j

 

[Ladyfair]

i have never had an advocate but i hope if you choose to have one they help you x i have never found socials workers much help x

Thank you Lu, (Hugs)

 

[Ladyfair]

Sounds like something that might be good to try. xo, j

Thank you.

 

[Ladyfair]

I've had an advocate in the past. She came to appointments with me, made notes which she gave me copies of as I found it hard to remember what were said. She would also discuss the meeting beforehand and ask me what I wanted to say, then during the appiointment she would give me the option of speaking my mind if I wanted, or she would do it on my behalf. She also discussed my options with me to help me make decisions as I found it very difficult. They write letters on your behalf too. I'm glad I had one.

Not sure how they work now with lockdown and Covid and everything, but you have nothing to lose if you rang them up and made enquiries. You don't have to commit if you don't want to.

Hi Thank you so much for sharing your story. Im afraid I may not like one or what they do once I get one.

 

[LORD BURT]

I will help you any way I can

 

[Ladyfair]

I will help you any way I can

Hi Burt thank you I wish you could.

 

[celticlass]

Ah well, you dislike social workers so you will hardly want a retired one commenting. Anyway I think an advocate could become involved if you have specific issues you are struggling to address. They are not generally attached to you and your situation on.an ongoing basis. You seem to be mentioning difficulties getting around to doing your shopping and laundry and maybe anxiety making it even harder to speak up for yourself. These I think are possibly connected to your mental health generally. It occurs to me that this needs to be discussed with whoever sees you about your mental health. It may be that you need somebody to prompt you re your laundry etc and that is of course social care provision. I think these days though that health professionals are moving to set this up to and, if so, this route may suit you.

 

[JeanPierre]

How are you today ladyfair?

 

[itsmeagain]

Hi lady fair.
Ideally advocates are there to help and not pushy like social workers and nurses.

 

[Mindofthemind]

This is something everyone can relate to, for some people is their boss or their spouse! However, as someone who struggles with GAD, I know that sometimes your mind does not work, you might be aware of the fault but your mind just doesn't Co-operate, and that's what anxiety does - it shuts down our minds.

Have you tried to practice speaking in the mirror, when you are alone? Sometimes getting used to your own voice, gestures and facial expressions can help.

I feel your pain and I hope you find your beautiful voice soon.

 

[Alexander Ypsilantis]

I've had an advocate in the past. She came to appointments with me, made notes which she gave me copies of as I found it hard to remember what were said. She would also discuss the meeting beforehand and ask me what I wanted to say, then during the appiointment she would give me the option of speaking my mind if I wanted, or she would do it on my behalf. She also discussed my options with me to help me make decisions as I found it very difficult. They write letters on your behalf too. I'm glad I had one.

Not sure how they work now with lockdown and Covid and everything, but you have nothing to lose if you rang them up and made enquiries. You don't have to commit if you don't want to.

That's amazing, I've never heard of an 'advocate' for things like that. I can see where it would be a big help when you're feeling overwhelmed.