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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Racer on September 29, 2004, at 12:48:32
Today I got a lecture from SparklingBright. I forgot to call and check in over the weekend, and she told me that if I forget again, she will be calling me. So, gotta remember to do it.
My aunt, The Human SteamRoller, sent an email yesterday saying she will be coming up here this weekend. Great. But we talking about it today in my session, and I will stick to saying, over and over again, "That subject is off limits." No matter what, that's all she'll get out of me, no matter how much she pushes. When I got home, I talked to my husband about it, too, and so we're on the same page. If she brings up my weight, both of us will say the same thing -- "it's off limits." That's good. Now to try to control the anticipatory anxiety.
(She'll only be dropping things off on the way to my cousin's, and then spending one night here on the way back. I've already told her, via 'email' -- it's actually a webpage, since her email doesn't seem to get anything I send -- that I'm not doing well and that my condition is off limits. It's not as if she's invited herself to stay here for a month. AND she's bringing us bookcases she built for us, and the seat cushion from the arm chair she reupolstered for us. I should be gracious.)
(As per usual, I'm suffering from "The Shoulds")
Otherwise, nothing new, nothing to report, nothing to say. How is everyone else? It's so quiet here, I'm getting lonely! I do check this board daily, so you're always likely to get a response...
Hope everyone is well.
Posted by Shar on September 30, 2004, at 0:48:19
In reply to It's too quiet here, so another update, posted by Racer on September 29, 2004, at 12:48:32
Well, I'm not "well"....but.....
I think "that subject is off limits" is a fabulous mantra! Something you should say over and over. And, the fact that your husband is on the same page...that is Great!
Nice to have a partner (in some things, if not all things!).
I'm still around. Not doing too well.
xoxo
Shar
Posted by Racer on September 30, 2004, at 11:41:47
In reply to Re: It's too quiet here, so another update » Racer, posted by Shar on September 30, 2004, at 0:48:19
I'm so sorry to hear that you're not doing well, Shar. Is there anything that might help that can be done from California? In my last email, I offered to send you a care package of books, since I know you're running low. Would that help? At least help you escape a bit?
If there is anything, let me know.
I'm kinda obviously not doing all that well myself, but at least without the overwhelming anxiety, it's better than it was. Part of my problem right now is that I had an external focus -- the Agency From A Very Warm Climate -- which is pretty much gone now. (Although yesterday I got three telephone calls from one person there. NOT a great way to stay calm.) Without that focus for my upset, it's much more apparent how overwhelming the depression itself is. Especially since the agitation and anxiety are under control -- bordering on absent, actually. Thank whatever furry deity you like for a drug that I can tolerate that actually works for that little miracle.
I guess I'll put that on my list of things to be thankful for: two drugs that help, that I can tolerate, that have virtually no side effects for me. Provigil and propranalol. Now we only have to find some sort of anti-depressant that can come close to that standard, eh?
Let me know what's going on, when you feel up to it, would you? I'm sending warm, affectionate, grateful thoughts your way. I hope that helps.
Posted by allisonm on September 30, 2004, at 12:09:23
In reply to Re: It's too quiet here, so another update » Shar, posted by Racer on September 30, 2004, at 11:41:47
I'm sorry that you two aren't doing well. I seem to be in a low spot also. After talking with my pdoc yesterday about my unhappiness at working at the family business, he directed me to take two weeks off. I had alrady been thinking about doing this. He offered to write a letter. Since it's only my dad and one other person, that seemed silly.
It wasn't, however, easy to try to explain that I needed time off. My two old-school coworkers don't believe in pdocs and medication and therapy. I had to resort to confessing to my dad that I cry in the morning before I have to go to work because I don't want to go. My other coworker asked me what I was going to do on my time off. I said I didn't know. I am feeling like I am a slacker. I think up little reasons to show up at work so that they don't think I'm slacking so much. I hate this guilt.
Posted by Shar on October 1, 2004, at 22:50:56
In reply to It's too quiet here, so another update, posted by Racer on September 29, 2004, at 12:48:32
I have hardly checked email at all. I haven't checked postal mail for days; but my Sweetheart did yesterday (we both went to the mailbox because we live in a rural area) and we have mailboxes at the street--and then, the 'baby' cat of the family followed us (or tried to) which was just more stress.
The mail box was packed with....guess what?!? Bills! I've already started hoarding water. Not much I can do about electricity, nor propane.
Anyhow, it seems you are in better shape, and I love that!
Allison--screw anybody who doesn't believe you need time off! In my 'job' I work for my family also, and it's like being on call 24/7. Even though they may take vacations/go to seminars/etc. every month, I am a 'contract' employee and I get no paid holidays, nor any vacations. So I say...well, I hope you can imagine!
Take your time off, I know you are a serious hard worker (aren't we all?) and you definitely deserve it!
Love to both of you,
Shar
This is the end of the thread.
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