Posted by jujube on September 28, 2004, at 18:22:14 [reposted on September 28, 2004, at 22:28:52 | original URL]
In reply to Re: A New Hope.... » Rayray, posted by jerrympls on September 28, 2004, at 18:01:34
> > Hi Jerry,
> > I like the new thread name and hope you're starting to clear. Here's a couple of thoughts to consider.
> >
> > On the work front, is there a possibility that going to work might provide some form of structure and esteem-building activity to get started? Following a train of thought jujube mentioned, us AA'ers have a slogan about "move a muscle, change a thought." Not necessarily easy to do sometimes, but it's just a thought.
> >
> > Also, are there any substance issues in the picture that might be making things worse? It is amazing how drugs and alcohol can wreak havoc. (And you don't necessarily even realize it). This may not apply to your situation at all, but I thought I'd put it on the table.
> >
> > You are still very young, Jerry, and you've got a lot shots at life yet.
> >
> > All the best,
> >
> > Ray
> >
> >
> >
>
> Hi Ray-
>
> No substance abuse here. As far as work providing some sort of stability of routine and thought, etc. that was true....and will be when I go back. But, it's also the reason i had to go on leave in the first place. My meds - being as screwed up as they are - weren't allowing me any sleep, I was arriving late, calling in sick too much and literally marking me as "unreliable." I had issues with my boss being passive-aggressive and gossiping about my illness to other managers and I was completely burned out. My SUPERVISOR (cool guy) sat down with me and recommended some leave time (which I was about do ask for anyway). He's been very supportive throughout this.
>
> I guess I'm mostly disappointed that my doctor hasn't done anything aggressive during this time and that I haven't been more assertive with him. I told him - "...now would be a good time to be aggressive since I have all this time off," and he didn't change anything.
>
> So, hopefully tomorrow I can get things figurerd out with my therapist.
>
> Thanks
> Jerry
Jerry,On the work-related issue, is there any way you could talk to your supervisor (the cool guy) to see if your reporting relationship could be changed (so that you no longer have to report to the passive-aggressive)? Is the supervisor aware that your boss is talking about your illness and medical leave with other managers? If not, the supervisor needs to be aware of this and has to put a stop to it (in my view at least). The reasons for your medical leave should not be an issue for office fodder (even if it is one manager talking to other managers). Perhaps you might want to consider having a conversation, via telephone, with the cool supervisor to discuss your situation, your progress, your concerns, your anxieties and your eventual return to work. It might help to ease your mind a bit and help you focus entirely on your recovery (instead of thinking about what your return to work is going to be like and how you are going to cope with the passive-aggressive).
And, I don't mean to sound like a mother hen or a nag, but EAT! Even if it is 5 little snack-like meals a day (cheese and crackers, crackers and peanut butter, fruit and yogurt). It makes a big difference in how we feel when we are nourished. I mean, when you think about it, it is what we eat that feeds our neurotransmitters.
Anyways, it sounds like you've got a plan and some of the despair is lifting. Hang on to that. Take good care Jerry.
Tamara
poster:jujube
thread:396600
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040923/msgs/396602.html