[Berries]

I have daily homework for my OCD therapy. If I don’t do it, the consequence is being terminated. I’ve already been terminated once and now I am on my second and last chance. This therapy is my chance at a bigger life—a volunteer job and college classes. So, what do I not do? I don’t do my homework for 2 days. My excuse: I was sick. Mentally sick. Depressed. Could barely get out of bed, couldn’t get the motivation to leave the house to go do my homework (it is all done in waiting rooms and waiting areas).
But, will my T think depression is being sick, you know like the same thing as the Flu? What do I do?

[gimmeice]

((((((((((((((( berries ))))))))))))))))))))))

Is there anyway that you could make up the work by doing twice the work for a few days, I am sorry I don't have any better advice. I am sending you some hugs.

[justfloating]

((((((((berries))))))))

I would assume that any good therapist would accept depression as a perfectly good reason not to do your homework. If anyone should know that depression is an illness and how impossible it can be for the people who suffer from it, they should. It's not the same but my university recognizes my depression as a medical issue and gives me leeway when I'm absent or can't complete my work. If a school recognizes depression as a medical issue, surely a therapist will.

When is your session? Is there time for you to do at least part of your homework, to show that you are trying? If not, what about contacting your T before the session to explain you haven't been feeling well -- sometimes it's easier to give them a heads up about these things ahead of time.

Just in case, I'll tell you how I explain my difficulties to other people. If I flap my arms really really hard, no matter how hard or how long I do it, I simply can't fly. Some days, no matter how hard I try, I can't get out of bed any more than I can take flight, grow an extra foot in height, or teleport myself -- it ain't gonna happen.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[trevorzero]

Hi, Berries

I think your T gives you homework to do (with consequences for failing to do it) in order to try to push you into a higher level of functioning.

I myself am very depressed (as you are aware), but I go to work every day no matter how terrible I feel. There are many, many things that I don't get around to doing because of my apathy and depression, but those few things that have the very highest priority (such as showing up for work) I do manage to get done.

Doing your OCD homework should perhaps be your highest priority each and every day. Let everything else slide, if need be. Being a higher-functioning individual requires a strong commitment to do those things that we absolutely must do. There really isn't any getting around it.

[Berries]

i think what i need to do is remind myself of my values and goals. over and over again.
My value of having a bigger life.
And my goal of taking college classes.
In order to have those things--I HAVE TO DO MY HOMEWORK!

i hope mt T gives me a third chance. She calls today to check in.

PS i did my homework yesterday and today!