Happy Bday, Steph!

So. I've seen the new shrink twice. He doesn't think I have bipolar disorder. He thinks I have severe low self esteem and emotional trauma from childhood illnesses/bullying and esteem issues that I developed unhealthy coping mechanisms (like racing thoughts) to, well, cope.

And that he wants me to start psychodynamic therapy and taper of lithium. He is willing to let me keep the klonopon for now.

I'm still processing but I don't know if I van find another shrink for a second opinion and I know I need therapy so I'm going to try it.

The practice is very very altmed. Maybe more than I'm comfortable with but I'm going to try this. I still am seeing the EAP therapist and I'm going to run this by her. I can't remember her therapy style but if this is what she does and she'll see me I may feel more comfortable. I don't know. I wish I could see 2 therapists at the same time to try them oout.

Not my area of expertise, but if what you are doing now isn't working then another approach may be what is needed. You need to be comfortable with and have confidence in the therapist. I'm really hoping this works out well for you.

Askye, I really hope this new approach works for you.

I'm not having a good day today. Lunch with friends seems to have taken all my spoons, despite being fun.

I'm sorry, sj. Take it easy on yourself. Spoons are understandably limited.

Starting therapy is not easy. Kudos to those who are taking care of themselves in this way right now.

I'm ready for a new approach it's just...daunting and scary. I'm also pretty sure based on my reactions today that I'll need a regular appointment that doesn't change and have to make that day unavailable for work. At least for awhile.

I was having a hard time dealing with people with all the emotions below the surface and that was just talking about the prospect of it.

I guess it's time becuase I'm able to admit to the doctor today and to the therapist I've been seeing and mostly to myself some stuff that I've danced around or pushed aside.

And that he wants me to start psychodynamic therapy and taper of lithium. He is willing to let me keep the klonopon for now.

Can you start the psychodynamic therapy but keep the medications at least for a short-term thing? Because that's willing to try but also not asking a whole, whole lot of you that could be disconcerting.

Happy late-ish birthday to an asleep Tep.

Hivemind! We've gotten some exceptional tech support at work and want to reward with cookies. Who has an oatmeal raisin cookie recipe they like? It's not one any of us here bake.

I think my mother's oatmeal cookies are the One True Oatmeal Cookie. They're of the crunchy or chewy variety, depending on how long they're cooked.