First, I'm sick. That's not something to do with therapy, I literally am physically sick. At the health services on my campus (where I saw my psychiatrist today), if you have cold/flu symptoms you're supposed to wear a mask. So I did.

Now the funny thing is -- my psychiatrist put one on when he saw me with one. Because he didn't want me to feel "alone". He looked hilarious!!

It's actually interesting, I know I'm a dramatic person but wearing a mask means you can't do many facial expressions that make a difference. So... maybe I was more honest or blunt about what I was saying?? It was interesting. He (pdoc) agreed with that observation.

We had a random conversation about implementing a "masks" element to the psychotherapy group I've been in (with him and a former therapist of mine) with other students... to make people more "open" about themselves through their words, not hiding behind their facial expressions and actions. I think it'd be kinda cool... I do know I need to knock off the sarcasm I hide behind, but it's SO hard!!

Of all the people who say they believe in me and my capabilities, he's only one of a handful that I can sometimes believe. Mostly because for some reason - I really do like him! He's awesome -- best doc I've ever met.

Same boring session stuff as always... upped my meds again (187.5mg Effexor, up 37.5mg and hope that helps some).

THEN I have to say - he's got this picture that's hanging in his office every time I see him. It's a kid-style drawing, and I've been curious about it.

So I asked him what it was about. He then proceeds to show me a picture one of his daughters made for him when she was younger, that was faded and discoloured and when she was more grown up the two of them painted the picture together - sorta a replica of the original drawing!! It was so freaking cute. I'm glad I asked ... it was nice for him to share a bit about his own family because I hate just having a talking head who doesn't act like a human being with their own life outside of work!!

I remember a while back he suggested meeting my parents... can't remember the comment he made today, but it came out of MY OWN MOUTH: "You should meet my parents, you'd find them "interesting"" To which he agrees and we'll meet in a month to plan a meeting where I invite my parents in to meet him.

Still shell shocked about this, needs a lot of work to make it more secure for me emotionally -- but maybe this is what I need, my parents to realize that I actually have my own thoughts and opinions on my own life -- and that my psychiatrist knows some of them and my issues and can help me "confront" my family into actually supporting me a bit. Wow.

So, I left feeling more at ease than when I went in - still horribly sick though

Edit: ok, a few more things than "two" but I really only had two in mind when I started... and then I had verbal spillage onto this post.