What happened doesn't have to define me

[Mia001]

Hi everyone!

I'm new here. Not really sure what to do. Where do I start? Any suggestions?

Mia

[Mia001]

Hi Amanda,

We live nearly an hour out of town, so I have to get up pretty early to be at work at 5am! I haven’t been driving this much week since I go with my brother for early shifts. I’m planning to get the rest of my night driving finished tomorrow, book a driving lesson for some time next week. Hopefully I can have my P’s by early April.

How did your appointment go this morning? I really hope that it all went well and you were able to settle a little.

Hugs,

Mia

[Guest8901]

Hi Mia. Oh yeah, 5am start doesnt sound nice to me at all. Not sure I could handle that, even though I am often awake all night. Okay that sounds like a good plan for the remainder of your driving practice prior to getting your Ps. I'll be hoping for a success story. I have a 16yo nephew who will be eligible to get his Ps at the end of April when he turns 17. He and his family live in the country as well. He's a good little driver and gets plenty of driving time. I think he has well and truly got his respective hours up, but just needs to turn 17 first.

Ouch, my appointment. Yeah, it went okay thanks. Essentially an information gathering exercise today I think. But the psych, was really nice, kind, gentle, understanding and didnt push too hard when she could see I struggled. So I have to say it went okay. Not as bad as I had anticipated. Which is often the case, dont you think? Anyway I wont go into it too much here, as I dont want to double up things which I have already put on my own thread. And this thread is all about you.

Have you heard any more as to whether your counsellor will be back next week? I really hope so, as I expect it would feel a bit like you're left hanging when told at the last minute that your appointment is not happening. I know it wasnt your counsellors fault that she got sick, but its still hard. Especially when, if like me today, you really get yourself worked up about it beforehand.

I must go now, things to do. I'll keep in touch though.

Amanda

[Guest8901]

Hi Mary, yes you also contribute to another thread I visit sometimes, which I think is Karen's? So that may be where you remember me.

I'm glad you have found a psych you feel comfortable with, but pity about having to travel to the city in order to do so. I had to travel to see my psych(ologist) too, because there arent any in our local village. But we dont have any public transport here unfortunately. So I have no choice, other than to drive. At least I dont have to travel too far to obtain psych services. The clinical psych I saw today, has a good reputation and she specialises in the type of therapy my GP told me I need. She seems very competent. Not that I'd know? But happy so far.

Thanks for your interest Mary. See you around.

Amanda

[Mia001]

Hi Mary,

Please don’t feel bad about not being here. We all hit rough patches and sometimes I think you just have to focus on your health until you are well enough to help others.

I’m trying not work too hard. I don’t have any shifts tomorrow which is good. I’m planning to just relax and get a few things done.

My counsellor contacted me today, and I have an appointment on Tuesday. I’m looking forward to that.

Thinking of you and I hope that your appointment went well.

Hugs,

Mia

[Guest8901]

Ah Mia, I'm really pleased you've heard from your counsellor. Good news. Nice that you're looking forward to it too. Are you still emailing her, with the harder bits to talk about? I must ask my psych about that option next time I see her. I next see my psych in 2 weeks time.

Amanda

[Mia001]

Hi Amanda,

Sorry, I ended up putting it in my reply to Mary. My counsellor sent me a message yesterday and I now have an appointment on Tuesday which is great. I also have the whole day off so I’m going to try and book a haircut and a driving lesson in the morning to keep me busy.

I’m glad that your appointment went okay. Hopefully you will be able to build a good connection with this psychologist. I shall have to find your thread.

Hugs,

Mia

[Guest8901]

Morning Mia. Yes I saw your message to Mary about your appt next Tuesday. Thats good, and I'm glad you didnt have to wait too long for your deferred appt.

Thats very opportune that you happen to have the whole day off on Tuesday. As it means you can have some pamper time for yourself. Hopefully you can get that hairdresser appointment, as getting a new haircut is a great way to make you feel good. I rarely get my hair cut, as I have long hair and it really doesnt need much done to it. But the occasions I do get it cut, it just think it gives you a bit of a boost. It adds a bit of a spring to your step somehow, when you know you're looking good. Its therapeutic in other words.

The driving lesson will go towards the experience you need for getting your Ps in April. Another good thing, and another goal you are working towards.

Yes thanks Mia, I'm feeling pretty positive right now about this move to see a psych. I think it could be a much needed line of support, something that's been lacking for a long time. I just can't continue to do what I've been doing up until now. And yes, I'm hopeful that I can develop a comfortable connection with this psych. We started on a pretty good footing, so hopefully that will continue to build.

And a hug to you too Mia.

Amanda

[Mia001]

Hi Amanda,

Yeah, I still email her with the stuff that’s hard to talk about. It’s definitely worth asking your psych about. My counsellor also has a work mobile, so we text to reschedule appointments. She also said I can ring if I’m struggling and I need to talk. I don’t usually do this though, because I tend close up when I’m on the phone. I prefer talking about difficult subjects face to face. It’s definitely worth asking about the different options to contact her.

I couldn’t book my haircut for Tuesday, so its set for later n the week. Yes, I know what you mean about it giving you a boost. I always walk out with this huge grin. I feel so pretty when they leave it loose and style it, because normally I always have my hair pulled back.

I’m really glad that you’re feeling positive after your first psych appointment. 😊 When are you seeing her again?

Sending hugs,

Mia

[Guest8901]

Hi Mia, pity about the haircut apt, but at least it gives you something to look forward to later in the week.

Its great that your counsellor has provided you with her mobile and has told you to call her if you ever need to talk. That must be a great comfort to know, even if you chose not to take her up on the offer. I understand your reluctance to phone her though. Personally I am not good on the phone at the best of times. And yet, I have held reception work roles in the past, and was actually pretty damned good at it. Thats the difference between the external work personna and the real person inside, I suppose. I am far better at writing things down, than vocalising. Which is why the email option sounds good to me.

I see my psych again in a little under 2 weeks. Two weeks after my first apt. She said she'd have analysed all the screening and assessment questionnaires I'd completed for her by then, and would be able to talk about my diagnosis and future plans.

Actually last night was really difficult for me, on a real downer. Just when I thought I was doing okay too.

Do you have plans for the weekend? I dont, as I have a very ill husband I'm caring for. Talk again when I can.

All the best to you, along with a hug. (:

Amanda

[Mia001]

Hi Amanda,

Just a thought... if your psych doesn’t have an email, you can always write it out and give her the piece of paper.

I’m glad to hear that your appointment is in 2 wks. Sorry to hear that you’re on a downer at the moment. I left a reply on your thread, hope that’s ok.

I don’t really have any plans this weekend. I got a few things done, like washing my car. I’m just trying to relax. It’s been a big week.

Take care,

Mia 🤗