Not Coping

[Birdofparadise8]

Hmm okay @tyme 

Now I'm even more conflicted.

Would it hurt to ask what his thoughts are on it? 

I'm not sure if you saw the little video of the hug. It was so cute. 

[tyme]

Professional boundaries as a psychologist and my case manager @Birdofparadise8 .

I used to take my weighted blanket in, or he would bring out a weighted blanket but he would never overstep to touch me as a client. I remember once, he was role playing something and he dropped something near my leg. He even said, "Can I have that? Because of where it is, I'm not going to get it myself".... that's the sort of boundary we had.

[Birdofparadise8]

Why were your boundaries so firm @tyme 

Did you ever do art? Mine suggested we could do that. 

[tyme]

When I was really uptight, I could have sensory stuff and colouring during a session. That was okay. For example, I could have kinetic sand with me in a group session. @Birdofparadise8 That was all okay. But touching and hugging was a no no.

As I said, if you are concerned, raise it with your psych. His organisation may have different protocols and policies... who knows? 

[Birdofparadise8]

hey my analytical mind might be going off right now hahaha @tyme 

So I've been thinking today with this brunch happening on Sunday, say we all hit it off and become a good bunch of friends, or if I just get one out of it. How long if you were in my situation until you dropped the depression bom? Like I don't want to be lying the whole time if I see them for weeks or months and tell them I'm doing great if I'm not. I obviously don't want to make it about myself.

Lol I typed that out before. You wouldn't believe I've been talking to a guy for a couple of days, and he said he would be free next Thursday for a drink anyway. I said I had two appointments that day, and he asked what they were, and I told him. AKA my psych. 

then he asked why. I just said I have things wrong with my brain. He was intrigued, lol. I said I can tell you if I won't scare you away. So I said I have depression lol. He came back with, "We all have depression", but he said I seem a happy person, and I will overcome it. 

[Birdofparadise8]

Yeah could have all I can do is ask. I hope it won't be awkward if he says no. I feel I might get upset over it. Gosh, I'm over dramatic @tyme 

[tyme]

But it's true... in this stone age, who doesn't have some MH condition? @Birdofparadise8 Who doesn't take meds?

If they don't have a MH condition now, there will come a time when they do. The issue is how they overcome it.

I don't think the issue is about telling or not telling. It's about the pre-set boundaries you have for yourself and for others. For example, I share a lot of my BPD lived experience with people here. Yet there are many parts of my story I won't share because that's the boundary I have set for myself. 

If you can think about what you ideally want in a relationship (intimate or just friends), it will guide you into what to share and what not to share. Use this time to think about these boundaries before you see them. 

Remember, your diagnosis doesn't define you. You are You. MH conditions change over time. You shouldn't be known as "the person with depression", because that can change. 

[Birdofparadise8]

I guess so. I know a lot of people who don't, though. 

Right, okay, bounries. Hmm, I don't even know what I would set regarding all that. 

Maybe it's just that I have it, and I'm getting the help I need. I probably would say I've attempted or something. 

I know that, but it's a big part of my life. Especially in a romantic relationship, I think it would be evident if I'm sad or something like I am now. I don't mean right this minute; I've somehow managed to avoid crying so far, so that's a win. 

Have I asked if you read @tyme 

[tyme]

Yes. I read mainly. I don't watch anything. So even the news, I only read. @Birdofparadise8 if i have time that is 🙂

But I guess reading can take on lots of forms. It doesn't have to be a book. I like reading research papers, auto/biographies. 

I don't like sci-fi

[Birdofparadise8]

Do you like romance @tyme 

I've got a good lineup of some very spicy books hahaha.

I'm reading Icebreaker at the moment. It's pretty good. 

One thing is that I’ve also been more analytical about something between SANE and RO. Can I email you about it tomorrow?