Quote:
Originally Posted by OhKay
I'm going to try my best to only focus only on the substance abuse element. The rest is not their business. To be honest, I do feel like some of these programs give themselves more credit than they deserve in the emotional department because everyone is there because the court has mandated it.
That being said, it sounds like it may be hard to remove myself from uncomfortable situations if the need arises, which is my usual coping mechanism and that makes me weary. I don't know how I'll respond under those conditions. And I can forsee someone pressing me hard about the neck scar, and I can see myself responding to it in an, ahem, less than lady-like way.
The things I have working for me are:
1. I'm stable on meds
2. I've been mostly taking 1mg Klonopin in the am, although my script is written for "1mg up to 3mg a day." So I have some control there and
3. I'm capable of stifling emotion to a certain extent
The things I have working against me are:
A lot of unknowns
I can't wait to get that paperwork. I do much better with more information.
So, what say you?
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Kay,
Some thoughts that might be relevant or not:
Dress and talk and make eye contact (to an appropriate degree) as if you are 100 percent on top of your life.
(And of course that you are mindful about the issue at hand)
This sounds horrible but I think that someone else more vulnersble
will get some focus and that you can keep the focus off you.
They have a limited number of people to deal with and to "check off."
They will not give a lot of attention to everyone.
And some people may want or require more attention.
Keep reminding yourself of your 1 2 3 above.
Also maybe have an '"elevator speech" well prepared ahead of time about whatever they are going to hear from you:
(I am doing the program, I am . . . . My husband is supportive. . . Time has given me reflection. . .
Say it enough times ahead of time and when you get there they will believe it and move on to someone else more interesting.
If I am off, I apologize.
( sometimes I imagine myself as a world class athelete with a major support team behind me --- nutritionist, therapist, massage therapist, yogi, acupuncturist. coach, trainer, hypnotist for visualizing success, personal assistant, supportive teammates. . . )
---->> It helps me fake things and a huge amount of my energy outside the house is spent in being normal.
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I got rambly. Anyway, I feel that you know what you can handle
And the fact that you signed up for this means that you expect to be able to handle it.
Much good luck to you.
M