[archipelago]

I have session tomorrow with my shrink who has been away for two weeks. So much has been going on that I can't even imagine how to prioritize it to use the session well. And it is crucial because all my projects for the end of term are due next week. I am so distracted that I even rear-ended someone in my commute today. I haven't been able to work or concentrate at all. I slipped into a major depressive episode before a while ago and have had to go on meds. So there is that to talk about, since he does meds as well as my therapy. Plus I had an ugly fight with my partner about a triggering event and the anniversary is coming up. Then there is school stuff. Internal doubts due to my lack of concentration by both being triggered and also depressed. And on top of everything I've been the victim of identity theft and someone emptied my bank account, which feels creepy and like a violation. I can't possibly discuss all of this in one session. Some are not even connected. Usually I am clear about how I want to use session time but right now I can't see clearly.

((archipelago))

Sometimes I start a session by mentioning a number of things I want to talk about, even though I know there won't be time for all of them, just so the topics are on the table, so to speak. Would that be a useful strategy, do you think?

[Leah123]

Hi. Goodness, I'm sorry so many stressful things are occurring together. I understand that "how will I ever say it all" worry. I do recall you writing on another post, though, about how you often found it best to just go in and sort of let things arise spontaneously: perhaps that could be a strategy for tomorrow?

However, I can *totally* empathize about the school stuff and lack of concentration. I ended up doing a session online, last minute, with a stand-in therapist not long ago as I had major deadlines I couldn't seem to meet without having some help to concentrate and calm down.

Would it be possible for you to squeeze in an extra session with your therapist?

If not, I recommend going with whatever arises in session, just trusting the process, but you might give the process a little extra help by giving your post to your therapist, let him partner with you to guide the conversation, help you prioritize.

[archipelago]

I did realize that it was too much for a single session, especially given the two week gap in time and the med question as well, which could end up taking up the time I need to talk. So I texted him because I vaguely remember that he did have a cancellation later today. I think the extra session would give me more of a chance to settle down a bit so I wasn't so worried about the crunch of having to get everything done at once, both with him and especially with school.

[likelife]

Originally Posted by archipelago

I did realize that it was too much for a single session, especially given the two week gap in time and the med question as well, which could end up taking up the time I need to talk. So I texted him because I vaguely remember that he did have a cancellation later today. I think the extra session would give me more of a chance to settle down a bit so I wasn't so worried about the crunch of having to get everything done at once, both with him and especially with school.

That's great, archipelago. It's good to ask for what you need, especially when feeling distressed. I'm so sorry you've got so much going on right now.

[archipelago]

Thanks. He texted back. He only has a half session but at least it's a start and something. I need to feel less overwhelmed and some relief from all these different things. I usually don't have much self-doubt, but when I hit that car I realized how distracted I really was and how much I'm just not myself. That made me worried, especially given the end of term and the other things going on.

[likelife]

Even though you were distracted earlier, your self-awareness now about what you need is impressive I hope the half-session goes well.

[sweepy62]

So you have a half today and a full one tomorrow?

[archipelago]

Yes, we have a regular session tomorrow. And until the identity theft and then the car thing, I thought that would be enough. Apparently it is not. But he now knows the basics so will help me get things a bit clearer and hopefully more contained. I guess the priority, besides my safety on the road and my safety in terms of being a victim of theft, is the ability to stay calm enough to muster what little concentration I have to at least do a half way decent job on my school work.

[Karrebear]

You are such a giver on this forum. I am sorry to hear about all your struggling with. lay it all out for him and them and then maybe he can decipher what topic needs to be talked about in what order. There is a lot. I am happy to hear you got a start on things.

Keep us posted

[archipelago]

It was good to see him, especially after two weeks. He centered in on the identity theft and wanted to make sure that was taken care of so more doesn't happen and I'm left without protection or money. We then talked about the commute, which is a dangerous road. He wanted to make sure I would be able to be safe as a driver. Then we talked about dealing with my partner and his kids and the holidays, which are quite complicated by a traumatic anniversary. He wisely stayed away from anything deep so I wasn't stirred up without having enough time to work it through. He asked doctor type questions about energy and sleep and feelings associated with depression. We ended by talking about getting by with enough concentration to finish up in school. So actually we covered the extraneous stuff that was swirling around and making me distracted. Tomorrow's session will be more in depth I'm sure. This did help to make me feel more contained for now. It is slippery and not that stable but it is a little bit better now.

[Lauliza]

I'm sorry for all you're going through but am glad for you that you have it together enough to know when to get help. You have a good doctor, he seems to know what points to prioritize.

[sweepy62]

I wish you the best on today's session , happy you got to see him yesterday . I see my t today. I always tell my t about my peeps on here and the support I get .

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[archipelago]

I woke up feeling so much better. That swirl of distracting things is gone. I actually feel like working for the first time in a while. Luckily I know mostly what I want to write about and writing comes easily so I'm going to start today and work all the way through the weekend so next week all I have to do is prepare for an exam and show up and turn things in. Having permission (implicitly by him) to just do the basics has made me more relaxed and I might actually do a better job since I feel that I can get into it without feeling that pressure. Things do change though. My mood and energy are always better in the mornings and then sometimes crash in the afternoon, but I'm going to try to trust that the meds are working. It is a seasonal depression so it doesn't happen all the time and has a pretty short span. It has just happened with bad timing so has been difficult with school ending and my doctor being away for two weeks when it started to occur. No matter what happens I know this will all be over soon and then I can just unwind and have some time to myself. Using that reminder will help me get through and concentrate, I hope anyway.