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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 18:13:16
A lady at work today said I looked tired. She seemed genuinely worried about me and wanted to know if I was OK. Maybe she was trying to get me to open up. Maybe I really looked tired. I said I was fine. I didn't know what else to say, I don't know her very well. I have been very paranoid. I keep having thoughts that my coworkers are talking about me. Every time I hear someone laugh, it's about me. But I know this is not true. After my coworker told me I looked tired, I FELT tired. I felt like I was on drugs. I still do. I worked in a library before and I felt the same way. Is that weird? Am I having library transference? I like libraries it seems until I start working in them. Am I depressed? I don't know. I am not having trouble getting up in the morning, I can concentrate fine too. I wish I could have said to that lady, "I am taking medication that makes me sleepy." But I don't know her very well. I don't know. Should I just tell people that I have social anxiety and take medication? I don't know what to do.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 19:05:58
In reply to Is it possible to get past the stigma?, posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 18:13:16
I personally would never tell someone something so personal. But I find people often say that to me, and I just say I was up late. Its really easy to blame things on sleep deprivation...at some point I think everyone experiences it and knows how awful it can make you feel. So thats what I would suggest.
i think you felt tired after because she made you feel observed...you know? We then becme more aware of ourselves.
you may be depressed??...have you talked to your doc? but maybe its just anxiety.
Posted by AuntieMel on June 16, 2005, at 19:07:43
In reply to Is it possible to get past the stigma?, posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 18:13:16
"I'm taking medication" is more than enough for someone you don't know.
Do what you are comfy with. I tell everyone, but I had to work up to it.
Posted by TamaraJ on June 16, 2005, at 19:47:43
In reply to Is it possible to get past the stigma?, posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 18:13:16
I only tell those closest to me that I take medication. When someone tells me I look tired, I just say something like "Oh, I don't feel tired, but thanks for your concern." I don't feel I have to share personal details of my life with my co-workers, although some are friends outside of work, so I don't mind sharing with them.
If you are not comfortable sharing the fact that you take medication with others, particularly those you work with, then don't. It really is none of their business.
Sometimes those worrying thoughts that others are talking about us can be a sign of depression. I am not saying that is what you are experiencing, but you may want to discuss that possibility with your doctor.
Hang in there.
Tamara
Posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 20:39:49
In reply to Is it possible to get past the stigma?, posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 18:13:16
Everyone, thanks for your thoughtful responses. I really appreciate it. You are all so special and wonderful. Rainbowbrite, that is a great idea about the "I didn't get much sleep last night" response. I will try that next time. AuntieMel, I sometimes I wish I were at the stage you were at, where everybody knows. I am pretty selective with who I tell though. That's just me. Or maybe I just think if everybody knew, I wouldn't be able to handle it. Thank you all so much again.
-Angela2
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 21:42:44
In reply to Thanks guys, posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 20:39:49
Its a huge problem for me, I dont even want half the people Im close with to know I take medication. But I have had to use that sleep thing ALOT, partly because of insomnia.
And its hard when you start getting to know people and you feel like maybe you can trust them, my experience with that, and I have issues with this so Im extreme, but I regret having told a couple people that I take any drugs. I was told one that I was playing the school system because of having ADD and taking ritalin. So from my experience silence is the safest way.Hope you start feeling better
rain
Posted by justyourlaugh on June 16, 2005, at 22:36:04
In reply to anytime :-), posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 21:42:44
ange...
she was rude..if she was really concerned she would ask you out for lunch and get to know you..
she was insulting..how nice it is for someone to find fault it others..
respond...
"i was up all night making carrot muffins"
j
Posted by Jen Star on June 16, 2005, at 23:41:54
In reply to Is it possible to get past the stigma?, posted by Angela2 on June 16, 2005, at 18:13:16
hi Angela2,
I'm sorry you're tired! :) Hopefully the med effects will wear off in a while. do you think the sleepiness will fade?I myself am cautious whom I tell about taking meds - I think, like you do, that some people can't be trusted to understand & to not overreact. But it would be easier if I could!
If you're not ready, you could say that you have insomnia, or allergies. Allergies often make people tired. Or you could just say, "No, I'm not that tired, but thanks for asking!" "No, I'm just deep in thought!" Or, "damn genetics and the sleepy eyes I inherited from Aunt Sally, hahaha!"
I think a line like "you look tired" IS a leading line - not necessarily prying, but maybe giving you a chance to talk. Do you trust the person?
anyway, I do sympathize. Let us know if you decide to tell them!
JenStar
Posted by Angela2 on June 17, 2005, at 12:28:34
In reply to Re: Is it possible to get past the stigma? » Angela2, posted by Jen Star on June 16, 2005, at 23:41:54
Thanks Jen. I'm not telling anyone anything unless I feel comfortable. I think I need to get to know people better first. I've only been working there for 2 weeks.
Posted by Angela2 on June 17, 2005, at 12:30:23
In reply to Re: anytime :-), posted by justyourlaugh on June 16, 2005, at 22:36:04
Hahaha, yeah that's a good one.
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