Posted by wishingstar on September 6, 2006, at 21:00:29
How do you guys "fake it" in those situations or on those days when its the hardest? I mean, how do you act happy (or composed anyway) when inside you are a complete wreck? Sometimes its easier than other times.. like for me, I can walk through the mall and appear fine because I'm not talking or interacting with anyone, and no one is focused on me anyway. But what about those times when its really hard?
Here's the joke of the day (I hope you like irony). I work as a mentor for a bunch of college undergraduates who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. That's a good one, right? The job basically requires that I hold bi-weekly meetings with all 14 of them and also meet with them individually from time to time for lunch or something similar to see how theyre doing and be a big support system for them. Most of them have significant problems at home and/or emotionally, so it can be instense. I "teach" things like academic skills, dealing with problems with relationships, getting needs met, etc. Obviously I cant go in there looking like I havent gotten out of bed in 2 days (even if I havent). I have to act happy, supportive, and strong. As you all can imagine, that can be SO hard. I do truly care about them, but the depressed part of me just doesnt care one bit. I just cant do it. But it isnt a choice.
So how do you do it? How do you fake it when youre so very far from okay?
My T tells me I need to learn to self-soothe, but all I want to do is hurt myself to cope. That is self-soothing, right? Hah. I know, I know.
poster:wishingstar
thread:683784
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060826/msgs/683784.html