T away, not yet in crisis, at what point to contact T's colleague?

I've been having a rough time recently. I didn't let my t know because she was taking leave and I didn't want to tell her how awful I was feeling before she went on her much deserved break. Well, now she's gone. She's left me in contact with a colleague of hers, who I know, and told me to contact them if needed. Like many of you here on pc, I've always had issues reaching out and asking for help.

I'm not in a crisis state yet, but feel a downward spiral on its way. I'm just unsure about when to contact the colleague.

Is there a point at which you would definitely make that call? What would be your warning signs that a call is the best option?

Have you ever contacted your T before or during a crisis? It would be the same timing to contact the colleague.

Maybe you could reach out to the colleague now, and just tell her that you just need some support or someone to talk to?

Yes, I contact my t whenever I'm not doing well and know that speaking with her would help. Thanks for mentioning that it would be the same with the colleague - I thought I'd best wait until I was really, really bad (but am then unlikely to reach out by that point). The colleague is not around until next week, so by then I should know whether I'm falling.

It sure feels like it

Is there anyone else you can call if you need to sooner?

Well, I have a friend coming around tomorrow - so that's a good thing. I just hide emotionally from everyone, so I find myself unable to talk to others. But it will be a nice distraction and will break up my day. I figured I'd just sleep, drink and smoke the days away until my t got back. But I guess that's not exactly great self care!

My warning signal would be what you're describing because once I go much further and hit crisis state, I am then unable to do what's best because I just completely withdraw and see isolation and withdrawal as the best thing for me. I become identified with the distress, instead of just aware of it. Does that make sense?

It is possible that Just making an appt with your T's colleague would be a relief? Like an ace up the sleeve? Maybe make appt as soon as he arrives in office and allow yourself an "out" of canceling (with proper notice so as not to get charged $) if the discomfort of seeking help is unmanageable. That's good your visiting friend can be a distraction. Keep posting to your online friends here if that helps. We're here

It's better to call before you get "really, really bad" because that is really too late and it is hard for a T, particularly one who doesn't know you really well, to be of help.

I agree it's best to call before you're in the downward depths of the spiral. Consider it prevention. If you can stop the spiral now, it'll be much better for you and everyone around you.

I've been much happier and healthier since I decided to seek help before an impending crisis was full-blown. It's just way too hard to dig myself out once things have gone all wrong. I hope you will call now, while it'll be easier to turn things around. Take care.

Okay, so I forgot I had a psychology appointment today at the addiction clinic. She agrees that I'm not doing so well. She thinks that my drinking is impacting on my meds and that there's a chemical element to my mood.

Thanks for the support guys

I also have an appointment with my AoD counsellor next week, but think I will touch base with the colleague - just to let her know where I'm at and maybe get an appointment.

Drinking will absolutely mess with psych meds. Not a good combo. Hope you can get that aspect under control so your meds have the ability to do what they are designed to do. Calling the other T is a good idea in the meantime.