Posted by antigua3 on September 23, 2009, at 9:25:29
In reply to T on holidays, posted by blahblahblah on September 22, 2009, at 4:56:40
I know how tough this is. My T is currently away for three weeks and I'm just starting to feel it. Abandonment is a huge issue for me and I'm still working hard to not feel like she is abandoning me; she is simply on vacation. This time, though, I can't reach her, so I'm on my own. I do have my psychiatrist, as he reminded last night, but it's not the same. I just don't have the warm, loving relationship (mother) that I do with his stricter, more authoritative self (father).
I seem to undergo some major crisis when my T is gone, and i"m determined not to do that this time. When we were talking coping strategies before she left, my suggestion was that I write to her about things that come up. I usually resist this mode of therapy with her (although I'm a writer and do share my painful thoughts with her) and I think I'll do that this time.
I should be with her right now--i'ts my appt time and I'm trying not to think about it and work instead. But I recognize the feelings as they come up (panic, pain, abandonment) and I'm trying to let them go.
so journaling is a good idea. Also, I find something to hold onto--as simple as a rubber band--that I wear to remind me that she's always with me.
Other than that, I try to take care of myself if I feel overcome with emotions and reassure myself that she WILL come back to me. I have to trust that.
So take it as easy as you can and accept the feelings. Try not to fight them. And find a way to distract yourself, maybe doing something you enjoy doing and think about her being with you.
Good luck, and there's always Camp Comfort! It's a beautiful fall day here and I was just outside enjoying nature, which helps me a lot.
antigua
poster:antigua3
thread:918000
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090907/msgs/918152.html