At GHC
You would like to change your meal for lunch
You calmly let the staff know. Example: “Hi, I’d like to change my lunch to [desired meal], please. Thank you!”
You would like to change rooms in your Board & Care
1:Calmy approach staff 2: state the problem 3:tell the staff how you have already tried to resolve the problem unsuccessfully 4:ask the staff if you could switch rooms 5:thank them. Example: “I was wondering if it’s possible to switch rooms. Could we talk about which ones might be open?”
You would like to go to an AA meeting on Wednesday mornings, but it would make you 30 minutes late to work each week
Calmly approach your boss, share with them there is something important you would like to attend each Wednesday and that you would be late and ask if that is something that could be accommodated. Thank your boss for considering the change, even if they cannot accommodate. Example: “I want to start going to an AA meeting on Wednesday mornings, which would make me roughly 30 minutes late to work. Could we talk about how we might make that work? Thank you for considering. ”
You have ran out of medication and you need a refill
Calmly give your psychiatrist/doctors/pharmacy a call and let them know you are out of meds and are in need of a refill, then thank them for their time. Example: “Hello, I’ve run out of my medication and need a refill when possible. Thank you for your help.”
Your favorite sweater has not come back from laundry in a week
You respectfully alert the staff about the situation, and thank them for their help. Example: “Hi, I wanted to check on my sweater—I sent it to laundry last week, and I haven’t gotten it back yet. Could you let me know the status?”
You didn't receive your SSI for the month and want cigarettes.
Speak with staff, let them know the problem, explain what you have done to solve the problem, state to the person what you need and thank them. Example: “Hi, I haven’t received my SSI payment for this month yet. Could someone help me figure out what’s going on?”
You would like to ask for a raise because you've worked at your job for 1 year
Respectfully approach your boss (only after you have spent time thinking about why you deserve a raise), state what you would like, and briefly why you believe you have earned a raise. Example: “I’ve really grown in my role over the past year, and I wanted to ask if we could discuss a raise.” or “I’ve been here for a year now, and I was hoping we could talk about my performance and possibly a raise.”
You would like to see a specialist for a new symptom you're having
You would calmly call your doctor and when you meet with him for your appointment explain to them what you have going on. Example: “I’ve been experiencing a new symptom and would like to see a specialist to have it checked out.”
Your roommate is playing music loudly in the room all day
You nicely ask your roommate if they could turn the radio down. Example - Hey! I don’t want to be a buzzkill, but the music’s been a bit loud for me today. Could we keep it a little lower?
You are looking for a place to meet new friends
You can share with your peers at the board & care and ask them if they know of some safe places to socialize. Example: “I’m trying to meet new people and make friends. Are there any groups or events you’d recommend?”
A coworker that you are always scheduled with has been giving you the cold shoulder
Calmly approach your coworker, share with them what the issue is and be open to receiving feedback that could be challenging to hear. Example: “I feel like things have been a little off between us, and since we work together a lot, I wanted to make sure we’re good.” or “Hey, I just wanted to check in—have I done anything to upset you?”
You feel one of your medications is increasing your anxiety and you would like to try something different
Calmly call your doctor and share with them what you're experiencing. Example: “I feel that one of my medications may be increasing my anxiety, and I’d like to discuss trying a different option.”
You would like to know what your fund balance is
You run into Jason in the hall and ask him if he has a minute to help you right now. He says yes, so you let him know you're wondering how much your current balance is. Example: “Hi, could you please let me know what my current fund balance is?”
You are beginning to feel depressed and would like support
Share with your counselor, board & care staff, and/or friends & family. Look into finding groups, classes or some activities that you enjoy. Exercising is always a great way to help our bodies produce happy hormones. If nothing else works, reach out to your psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. Example: “I’ve noticed my mood has been getting lower, and I think I could use some extra support right now.”
A promotion has come up that you are interested in
Calmly and confidently approach your boss and share with them that you are interested in the promotion. Example: “I heard about the open promotion, and I’d really like to be considered. I’m interested in taking on more responsibility and growing here.” or “I saw the promotion opening and wanted to let you know I’m interested and would love to talk about it.”
You would like to try an alternative therapy for a symptom you are having
Give your doctor/therapist a call and calmly explain to them that you are having a symptom that you would like to try an alternative therapy. Example: “Hi [Doctor/Therapist’s Name], I’ve been experiencing [briefly describe symptom], and I’m wondering if we could talk about trying an alternative therapy to help manage it. I’d really appreciate your guidance.”
You haven't been able to contact your conservator, so you would like someone to reach out to them.
First: how long has it been since you called them? Did you leave a message? Sometimes it could take a week before they are able to get back to you. If it has been longer than a week that you left a message, gently let the PD or a counselor know your situation and ask if they can assist you by sending an email or calling. Example: “I’ve tried contacting my conservator but haven’t had any luck. Could someone help by reaching out to them for me?”
You feel that you are ready for more independence and would like to live in an apartment instead of B&C
Calmly approach staff at the B&C and share how you are feeling. You can also respectfully communicate this to your conservator. Example: “I think I’m ready to have more independence and move into an apartment. Can we discuss how that might work and what I’d need to do to make it happen?”
You are struggling to stay well and would like to take some time off to take care of yourself, but you're unsure of how much time you would need
Respectfully approach your boss and share with them that you are having some personal issues and will be needing an undetermined amount of time off. Example: “I’m not feeling well and need to take some time off to take care of myself. I don’t know exactly how long yet, but I wanted to communicate early.” or “I want to make sure I can do my job well, and right now I think I need some time to take care of my health. I’ll keep you updated as I have a better sense of timing.”
You disagree with your doctors opinion on how to treat your blood pressure
You would calmly explain to your doctor that you would like to try a different treatment. Example: “I appreciate your guidance, but I have some concerns about the approach for my blood pressure. I’d like to discuss other options or get a better understanding of the reasoning behind this plan.”
You can also seek a second opinion from a different doctor if needed!