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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Happyflower on April 23, 2008, at 14:59:44
OMG, I am so frickin tired mentally and I only worked 3 hours. I saw girls who are only 4 years older than my own daughter who has a 2yr old already. It make me want to lock up my kids! lol I wanted so much to help them, I was just job shadowing right now. But I could still talk to them, and I really liked that. We are suppose to help them with immediate needs like with utility bills and stuff but also "talk with them", try to become a team on what they can do to also help in the long run.
What really opened my eyes was all the agencies that help people who are homeless, retired, or single parents. One lady just cried, she lost her husband last year, and couldn't pay her bill because she had to get her car fixed. She was working, as a teacher. This can happen to any of us, really. It has given me a lot to think about.I just wanted to hug everyone today and write them a check to help out, but I know I can't do that, but it so hard to see them leave, with only a portion of help, they still have to go to other agencies for the rest.
I think I need a nap, geeze.........
Posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2008, at 12:17:27
In reply to What an eye opening experience (my internship), posted by Happyflower on April 23, 2008, at 14:59:44
Recovered today. Seriously a bit like nursing sad and happy times too just don't "swallow the pain" like I did it will come back years later in the form of sickness or depression or anxiety if you let it. Take care. Love Phillipa
Posted by Happyflower on April 24, 2008, at 12:30:27
In reply to Re: What an eye opening experience (my internship) » Happyflower, posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2008, at 12:17:27
Thanks Phillipa,
I talked to my T about this and it helped some. He told me I need to desensitize feeling their pain as my own somewhat. He said this experience will help with that. He said that only comes with experience and it will help me become a T .
But I did take on a lot of emotions that day, sadness, anger, etc. and at the end of the period, it was hard to let all those thoughts go.
I can't see my T for a couple of weeks, luckly the maximum dose of Prozac is working for me I think. Besides I have plenty to keep me busy...Thanks for you response, I thought maybe I said something wrong because nobody responded at all till now.
Posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2008, at 12:35:41
In reply to Re: What an eye opening experience (my internship) » Phillipa, posted by Happyflower on April 24, 2008, at 12:30:27
No Happyflower posting is strange lately. I felt wonderful nursing for years but will never forget the first bad thing I physically could feel myself swallow it and it went into my being at the time stomach and built and built. So I was saying deal with things then and now so it doesn't build up to toxic level as I let it do. Glad the proxac is working. Love Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on April 24, 2008, at 13:21:39
In reply to What an eye opening experience (my internship), posted by Happyflower on April 23, 2008, at 14:59:44
I've worked with different types of nonprofits, and my favorite sort are the ones that centralize services. It doesn't make sense really to force people to spend so much time getting interim help that it interferes with their ability to work or to get long term help.
It sounds very rewarding, Happyflower. And I think your therapist is right. There is an important line between feeling empathy for others, and taking their problems inside you. I always have trouble with that myself. When I am around distress, I tend to "catch" it. It will be very healthy for you to maintain healthy boundaries in this setting.
Posted by B2chica on April 24, 2008, at 14:14:45
In reply to What an eye opening experience (my internship), posted by Happyflower on April 23, 2008, at 14:59:44
i think to desensitize is a terrible thing. don't desensitize, you need your instincts to decipher the personalities and their true needs when they come to you.
what you need to learn to do is refocus. They are not you, they do not have the same issues. you are not there to comfort them (maybe a little), you are there to help them. yes they may need a hug or two but how is that really going to help them. they need someone put together that is going to give them direction, assistance, and contacts, and make them feel assured that they are being helped and that there is help out there.
ESPECIALLY the young ones, you're lucky they're even there for help, most don't believe in "the system".i think if people, no matter what town they lived in, if they looked around the corner would be suprised to find out how many homeless or NEAR homeless they have in their very own community. it is sickening.
Remember if you burn yourself out you can't help anyone, pace yourself.
ALSO, keep a healthy distance, DON"T get caught up in their drama. it may turn out a LOT different than you think.(you'd be suprised how many stories may not be 'accurate')
and a PORTION of the help is a hell of a lot more than they came in with. and many times thats all they need, they can get the rest from other agencies.and FYI. i'm speaking from a lot of experience. i'm involved in a charity that goes out into the community once a month and helps the poor. after five years, you see and hear almost everything...you think.
Remember, it doesn't matter if you don't help all 2 million in your city, it doesn't matter if you don't fix absolutely ALL their problems. What is important is that you are consistant with your advice and assistance. and that you are there, even if it's only once a month, then you are a rock in the community for them to associate with help.
This is a goal, a mission to externalize. not something to ponder and pain with internalizing. if we stop to think about it we will curl up and get nothing accomplished. You must put them, their needs first.
Sorry to sound harsh. this was your first time, it's not easy, it took me a few months going out with my senior partner before i got the hang of things on my own. But do remember, sometimes the best help they can get is just listening, no interjections, no "GREAT ADVICE"...but just listening and telling them you're going to try to help as best you can.
keep it up HF, you are doing great.
Posted by muffled on April 24, 2008, at 15:19:49
In reply to Re: What an eye opening experience (my internship) » Happyflower, posted by B2chica on April 24, 2008, at 14:14:45
and you thot you had little to offer...
You got LOTS inside B2 that is GOOD.
(((B2)))-if ya want 'em.
M
Posted by muffled on April 24, 2008, at 15:21:45
In reply to Re: What an eye opening experience (my internship) » Phillipa, posted by Happyflower on April 24, 2008, at 12:30:27
I think you'll do just fine HF.
I think what B2 said is spot on......I wonder if you could print it off and keep a copy?
I am glad things are going good for you HF :-)
M
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