Don't think I'll make it without my T

My T has gone away and I have no idea how to make it through without her. I have nearly 6 weeks to get through and it's just dawned on me that I don't think I'll make it I don't know what I will do, but I'm not looking forward to seeing how it goes. I'm starting to notice my negative thought processes and feelings taking over, and have been using more alcohol to escape from myself. I didn't realise how hard I would find my T's absence.

T has given me contact details for a colleague, but I'm not sure whether to email/call or what I'd say if I did. I'm just not feeling like I can face the 6 weeks. I don't feel I have the strength to keep myself safe for that long and I'm really apathetic about making it through. But I don't want bother the colleague by calling if it's not necessary. Would you call the colleague? What would you say if you did? It's only been a few days so it's pretty pathetic, I know, but any advice would be appreciated.

The solution is mourning her absence.

I don't think it's pathetic that you miss your t this early in the break. In fact I think that's pretty usual. It will progressively get better in my experience. My t left for two weeks and the day after my appointment I missed her so much, and was so drawn down by the idea of not seeing her for so long that I had a full fledged panic attack. However, the next day it was a little bit easier, and continued to be that way until I was almost convinced at the end the two weeks that I really didn't need a therapist anymore... until I saw her lol

If you think contacting the colleague will help go ahead, call and set up a session. I assure you it's not pathetic at all

If it helps, people here can remind you you will make it without the the therapist. You can remind yourself you survived without the therapist before.
With the respect to calling the colleague, it is possible to call and say how hard one is finding the absence of the therapist.
Filling the time or more specifically appointment time with something just for you like a massage or yoga class or whatever can sometimes help.

I've had similar experiences in the past. 6 weeks it's a long time. If you are worried about calling the colleague on an "as needed" basis, try setting up regular appointments top help get through the time (even if you just start with one). When my t left for 3 months, I ended up seeing her colleague wrote regularly to help me through the time. It's ok to ask for more support.

I had this situation just a few months ago.

Yes, call or email the colleague. It might help you to talk about missing your T and how you feel about therapy being interrupted. At least you will be talking to someone who knows your T. That might be reassuring.

Six weeks is a long time if you are used to the support of something regular. My therapist is just away for 10 days and I decided to make an appointment with his cover person just so I had the continuity and in case anything came up. I'm lucky in the sense that I know his cover person and have seen him for full sessions for years so he is familiar with my story. But I have seen another one of his colleagues whom I didn't know and it was fine.

I'm a little surprised to hear about the length. Usually therapists allow you to make some contact with them if they are gone a long time. They understand that their absence can be difficult. If not, perhaps finding other ways to get support in addition to contacting the other person is a good idea. Seeing if there is a support group nearby, connecting with a friend or someone who also understands what it is like to be in therapy, or just posting here and journaling, taking care of yourself. These are all things to do.

Perhaps if you sketched out a plan, even one you don't really follow, will help reduce the panic about the absence and give you a sense that you can get through it.

Why not take advantage of the contact person just to help with missing your T during this time? It might help you feel connected to T by way of a 2nd degree connection, through the contact person.

Someone real to sit face to face with, who will understand what you are experiencing during such a long absence might feel good, as your T must have thought when she made the arrangement. Maybe let yourself give it go?

It makes sense that you'd be feeling some seperation anxiety from your T. At the same time, it's a chance to see what you can do and how far you've come in his/her absence .

I would call and make regular appointments.

I spend the time doing other things for myself. Massage, nails, read a book, see a friend, movie, whatever.

I find distraction helpful, keeping busy.

But honestly, 6 weeks is really long. Some therapists would arrange for a substitute during that time for some patients and I suggest you make regular appointments with someone else during this time.

I'm glad it's not just me who finds these long breaks difficult. Looks like I might have to swallow my pride and deal with the embarrassment of asking the colleague to see me. That's an uncomfortable phone call for me. Any advice on what to say?

i'd just simply explain that your T gave you their number while they were on vacation and you wanted to see if they are available to meet. if you want, add that you are finding it difficult without regular T appointments. it's okay to ask for help.

My CBT T was away 8 weeks and I regret not seeing his colleague. A bit of pride here too.

I'm not sure what I'd do ... but if you are feeling like you might need the help of T's colleague it would probably be better to call sooner rather than later. Otherwise worry and overthinking etc can start creeping in as well as the negativity increasing since you mentioned that's begun already. I guess just say that you are T's client and your T suggested seeing them while your. T was away and see what comes from that