[Christina86]

First, I'm sick. That's not something to do with therapy, I literally am physically sick. At the health services on my campus (where I saw my psychiatrist today), if you have cold/flu symptoms you're supposed to wear a mask. So I did.

Now the funny thing is -- my psychiatrist put one on when he saw me with one. Because he didn't want me to feel "alone". He looked hilarious!!

It's actually interesting, I know I'm a dramatic person but wearing a mask means you can't do many facial expressions that make a difference. So... maybe I was more honest or blunt about what I was saying?? It was interesting. He (pdoc) agreed with that observation.

We had a random conversation about implementing a "masks" element to the psychotherapy group I've been in (with him and a former therapist of mine) with other students... to make people more "open" about themselves through their words, not hiding behind their facial expressions and actions. I think it'd be kinda cool... I do know I need to knock off the sarcasm I hide behind, but it's SO hard!!

Of all the people who say they believe in me and my capabilities, he's only one of a handful that I can sometimes believe. Mostly because for some reason - I really do like him! He's awesome -- best doc I've ever met.

Same boring session stuff as always... upped my meds again (187.5mg Effexor, up 37.5mg and hope that helps some).

THEN I have to say - he's got this picture that's hanging in his office every time I see him. It's a kid-style drawing, and I've been curious about it.

So I asked him what it was about. He then proceeds to show me a picture one of his daughters made for him when she was younger, that was faded and discoloured and when she was more grown up the two of them painted the picture together - sorta a replica of the original drawing!! It was so freaking cute. I'm glad I asked ... it was nice for him to share a bit about his own family because I hate just having a talking head who doesn't act like a human being with their own life outside of work!!

I remember a while back he suggested meeting my parents... can't remember the comment he made today, but it came out of MY OWN MOUTH: "You should meet my parents, you'd find them "interesting"" To which he agrees and we'll meet in a month to plan a meeting where I invite my parents in to meet him.

Still shell shocked about this, needs a lot of work to make it more secure for me emotionally -- but maybe this is what I need, my parents to realize that I actually have my own thoughts and opinions on my own life -- and that my psychiatrist knows some of them and my issues and can help me "confront" my family into actually supporting me a bit. Wow.

So, I left feeling more at ease than when I went in - still horribly sick though

Edit: ok, a few more things than "two" but I really only had two in mind when I started... and then I had verbal spillage onto this post.

[Lenny]

Originally Posted by Christina86

Of all the people who say they believe in me and my capabilities, he's only one of a handful that I can sometimes believe. Mostly because for some reason - I really do like him! He's awesome -- best doc I've ever met.

That makes sense Christina...you value the opinions of those you respect...

I think it is a great idea that he meet your parents..emotional source is a coy object. I think you will all enjoy that session.

And lastly,,,please add me to the list of those that admire you and your great potential. I have seen you do miracles here....

Lenny

[BlueMoon6]

Originally Posted by Christina86

First, I'm sick. That's not something to do with therapy, I literally am physically sick. At the health services on my campus (where I saw my psychiatrist today), if you have cold/flu symptoms you're supposed to wear a mask. So I did.

Hi Christina. I am so sorry you are feeling sick! We all here are just getting over that thing and it isnt easy! But no mask. Im sure you looked cute in it

Now the funny thing is -- my psychiatrist put one on when he saw me with one. Because he didn't want me to feel "alone". He looked hilarious!!

This made me chuckle......

It's actually interesting, I know I'm a dramatic person but wearing a mask means you can't do many facial expressions that make a difference. So... maybe I was more honest or blunt about what I was saying?? It was interesting. He (pdoc) agreed with that observation.
We had a random conversation about implementing a "masks" element to the psychotherapy group I've been in (with him and a former therapist of mine) with other students... to make people more "open" about themselves through their words, not hiding behind their facial expressions and actions. I think it'd be kinda cool... I do know I need to knock off the sarcasm I hide behind, but it's SO hard!!

Funny! Along those same lines, when I was in group in rehab they made a rule that the patients could NOT do their hair, in ANY way, no blow dryers, no stuff to put in it, no nothing, no make-up, no jewelery, no nail polish, no dressy anything, only sweats and t-shirts. The therapist thought everyone was hiding behind "masks" of clothing/make-up and hair-dos. Well, group got REAL interesting after that! Ther def was a different level of honest and openness once it all "came off." LOL!

So I asked him what it was about. He then proceeds to show me a picture one of his daughters made for him when she was younger, that was faded and discoloured and when she was more grown up the two of them painted the picture together - sorta a replica of the original drawing!! It was so freaking cute. I'm glad I asked ... it was nice for him to share a bit about his own family because I hate just having a talking head who doesn't act like a human being with their own life outside of work!!

I like this guy I like that he shared that much with you. I think all of that would make me feel more comfortable, too.

Still shell shocked about this, needs a lot of work to make it more secure for me emotionally -- but maybe this is what I need, my parents to realize that I actually have my own thoughts and opinions on my own life -- and that my psychiatrist knows some of them and my issues and can help me "confront" my family into actually supporting me a bit. Wow.

WoW! Id love to hear how this goes. Will you post and keep updates? How will your pdoc make it more secure for you emotionally?

Feel better....and I hope that the upped meds make a difference

[jacq10]

((((((((((((christina))))))))))

First of all, sorry to hear you are sick That is never any fun! Although, that is SO sweet that your pdoc put on a mask too! I think thats a really neat idea to do something like the mask idea in your group sessions... I bet it would be really productive!!

Second, you are SO BRAVE to invite your family to come in and talk with both you and your pdoc! Just even entertaining the idea of having myself in that position makes me want to crawl into an imaginary hole on the ground! Honestly, major kudos... please let us know how it goes! I hope that both you and your family get a lot out of it, and it will be healing

Sending you healing and healthy vibes my friend!!
Jacq