[BadNews4321]

On Monday, I am starting a 3 months retraining program that is funded by the government here. This is all good, and I've done everything I can to give myself the best chance for success. I will be seeing a counsellor once a week, and have even changed my gym time this week to get used to the new schedule.

But this small thing is eating me up. I go to a support group every Friday, and I was looking forward to tomorrow's group. But now I am not sure I can go, since it is in the afternoons, and I'll probably have to head to a government office to finish off some forms so I can attend the program, because they go by their schedule.

I was really geared up to say my temporary farewells until I can make it again. Since this is a full time program, I'm not sure I can make it to the support group until the end of May.

Everyone who's helped me has been great, and I've really felt like everyone is on my side, I even got the small accommodations I requested, but I still feel invisible because of this.

Not much to do other than hang in there.

I know it's a small thing, and it's out of my control, but it still feels bad.

[bizi]

This seems to be out of your control.
tye to let it go.
maybe contact one of the members and tell them.????
Could you send a note if possible?
sorry this is not what you wanted.
bizi

[BadNews4321]

Yeah, I've been txting a few of my friends there.

It's still a bummer. I think the combination of a not so good day, the news I may not be able to go, and going back to school jitters has worked itself into a bit of a mood.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm sorry you can't go. Do send a note.

[Sad Mermaid]

I think it is fascinating and positive that you realize how important the support group AND the routine are for you. This is consistent with the Interpersonal Relationships and Social Rhythms Therapy approach to bipolar that I go by and that has evidentiary support. (Amazon has a book about it for clinicians, which I am now reading and it is a great read if you are looking to get your questions answered with the most recent in what science has to offer us). You have worked hard to develop the routine. You have worked hard to develop positive relationships within the support group. You will be able to go back to benefiting from all that hard work in May. Look at it as a temporary obstacle only. Focus on the program now and try to benefit from it to the fullest.

[BadNews4321]

Originally Posted by Sad Mermaid

I think it is fascinating and positive that you realize how important the support group AND the routine are for you. This is consistent with the Interpersonal Relationships and Social Rhythms Therapy approach to bipolar that I go by and that has evidentiary support. (Amazon has a book about it for clinicians, which I am now reading and it is a great read if you are looking to get your questions answered with the most recent in what science has to offer us). You have worked hard to develop the routine. You have worked hard to develop positive relationships within the support group. You will be able to go back to benefiting from all that hard work in May. Look at it as a temporary obstacle only. Focus on the program now and try to benefit from it to the fullest.

Thanks for that. It's a relief that my head is in the right place. It still does get to me at times that I can't take a break from the brain maintenance in order to keep the forward momentum going.

I have a big 3 months ahead of me, and I am looking forward to it. All these forms I've had to sign dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare of a government have dehumanized me. At least I have 2 days this weekend to chill before classes start.

[Sad Mermaid]

Originally Posted by BadNews4321

Thanks for that. It's a relief that my head is in the right place. It still does get to me at times that I can't take a break from the brain maintenance in order to keep the forward momentum going.

I have a big 3 months ahead of me, and I am looking forward to it. All these forms I've had to sign dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare of a government have dehumanized me. At least I have 2 days this weekend to chill before classes start.

I like how you called it - brain maintenance.