Quote:
Originally Posted by Rose76
I am very surprised that you were "turned away" and "ignored" by other patients. You seem to be very honest and I believe that is how it felt to you. At the same time, it seems strange that everyone would be that way. Some of it may be a self-fulfilling prophecy on your part. I wasn't there and I don't want to assume I know anything more than you do. I am prone to social phobia and am socially avoidant, myself. I won't join in with others unless I get a lot of encouragement and reassurance that I will be accepted. This can color my perceptions. Perhaps, you have this kind of social anxiety that I know I have. You might want to investigate the nature of this condition and see if it fits you.
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This is a very valid point, as I can tend to either be aloof or frigid in public. I actually spent my time there with the more severe psych patients because I was appalled at how they were treated, as though they weren't even human anymore. I'm sure my distaste was expressed on my face, and this is something I am definitely working on.
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their support and suggestions! I am looking for volunteer opportunities and local animal shelters. I used to spend a lot of time, effort, and money as an individual saving mistreated animals from my community, and while I don't have the monetary capacity to do that any longer, I certainly have the time and compassion to help as many as I can.