I don't like it when people belittle me or insult my intelligence. Admittedly, it's sometimes hard for me to tell the difference between abrasive humor and real insults, but still. I don't like it when I pose a question and the response is to rhetorically ask if I'm retarded. (Apologies for the language). When people do this it makes me feel very bad, not because of the insult in itself but because it makes me feel bad for not understanding something that apparently others around me understand in full. And these people are supposed to be my friends, or at least the closest I've got to friends. I just wish people would treat me better, but I'm unable to assert myself or advocate for myself because of my mental health and personality issues.

I have been medically cleared to return to work without restriction, but my employer continues to insist I sign a special agreement before they will start scheduling me shifts. The union is fighting this and I'm confident we'll win, however it still doesn't feel good to be subjected to this treatment by my employer, which I consider unlawful discrimination on the basis of ability (e.g. medical condition). I'll be okay for money, and the union is seeking payment of my full wages for the time I miss due to this disagreement.

Last week I had my last appointment with my psychiatrist before he discharged me. I don't believe I'm fully well in terms of my mental health, but I have been stabilized and I'm not an imminent risk to harm myself. He urged me to find a personal therapist to work through some of my deeper personal issues, and that's something I'll consider once I've returned to work. Therapy is covered by my benefits plan, but only up to $500 a year and many personal therapists charge up to $200 an hour or more. I believe my mental health problems stem from issues growing up, and a personal therapist could help me work through them, but at the present time I can't afford it.