[ellipsisdream]

Tomorrow I start day treatment program that is to last for 9-12 months. M-F 8:30-2:30 plus transportation. A major chunk of my life. My boyfriend is happy I am getting help, but he worries about the inflexibility. (It is not like we get vacation time.)
I am nervous about the program and the rigidity. I do not know what to expect. I have no idea of the structure. I was in partial hospitalization treatment program a couple of years ago elsewhere, but I know they are all different.I know we have a lot of groups and clinical time. I know I get to keep my T. and my pdoc- they are next door, which helps. I know we "all make lunch together and it is $2 a day. That stresses me out. I am really picky about food and do not eat meat or poultry. Just fish. (Vegetarian + Fish)... very little dairy (I try not to). I also have some weird food habits when eating. I know it must sound like a dumb thing to be stressed about, but it is honest.

What if I hate it? What if no one likes me or I do not like anyone? What if they try to make me eat meat? What if they do not let me do my cleanse (specific liquids only for two weeks) that I do every Spring and Autumn?

What if... what if... what if? Why am I such a wreck about this?

[faerie_moon_x]

It does sound rigid. What if you get sick? Do you get penelized for missing?

I also stress about food. I don't like eating in front of other people. It stresses me out. If I'm eating in front of you, then you know I trust you. I have a lot of trust issues with food. I have a lot of issues with food in general... so I don't think it's dumb to be stressed about making lunch everyday with strangers.

[Clinte89]

I do wonder why or if they would penalize you for missing if something came up. It's not stupid to worry about what you'll have to eat especially since you like to keep a certain diet. I'm sure it'll all work out for the best though good luck.

[ellipsisdream]

Thanks... I believe missing it due to illness would be fine or Doctor appt.'s... I do not think they are likely unreasonable. It would be kind of funny to take a metal health day from a mental health program...

As for food- yes, major food issues, and I am not big on eating in front of others either. Thank you for "getting it".

[Victoria'smom]

Food issues aren't weird, I've told my T if I go to inpatient I'll be bringing my own food. T just smiles.

[Anika.]

Maybe they will have some vegetarian options, hopefully beside just salad. There are a lot more vegetarian around now, and meat can be costly too, so I hope it will be okay for you.

I have food issues too, and a lot of diet restrictions, so eating away from home doesn't really happen. I do not like eating in front of others much either, I remember when I was in out atient, I did not enjoy lunch time too much.

Hope it goes good all around for you, it is a big time commitment but it might be very worth it in the end.

mental health day off from mental health program... hehe yes I can see lots of people feeling like they need that tho. Funny