h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

E mail on it's way.

I've not e mailed you the whole section, but I haev e mailed you the parts relating to the different drugs and behaviour therapy.

Let me know if you want the rest of it as well.

[GDZ]

My son seems to have quite the same problems as MR's daughter. He has major problems with spelling (and Bob knows Estonian is hard to spell anyway) and also problems with concentrating. But I refuse to ask for any medical assistance as long as he is not complaining or something. The dysgraphia is dealt with at school, he and some other kids have extra lessons for that (paid by municipality as all the schooling).
Other kids are not teasing him, he doesn't like to do his homework but he does it anyway (only with someone telling him constantly to do it), he doesn't refuse to go to school so I don't think I'd like some psychiatrical assistance or whatsoever. No labels, definitely. And mind you, I actually trust psychologists and psychiatrists myself.

[Ben]

Speaking of psychologists, I finished my course of therapy today. My therapist told me I'm doing much better, have a good head on my shoulders, using my new stress-coping skills, and will be fine. However, she said she's always available for a "tune up" should I need to call her anytime.

I feel like a milkshake to celebrate. The old-fashioned kind, with the metal mixing cup half-full on the side. Matina, a root beer milkshake please, with a basket of sweet potato fries on the side.

I've spent a lot of time recently pondering the question "labels - good or bad?"

Very very good to know your recent course of therapy has been so successful FG!

B

Scribe, please make a note of KerrAvon's joke about right-and-left. I wouldn't want to forget payback at the proper time.

*sips her tea speculatively*

[WM]

Congrats, FG! That's terrific!

[TIM]

[MTG]

Well done, FG!

I'm very interested to hear that you've been learning techniques to cope with stress. I'm taking a stress management course at University early next year. I really, really need it, because I'm just *terrible* at coping with pressure. I used to drink to cope with just about everything even slightly difficult that life threw at me, and since I sobered up I haven't really found a replacement.

In general terms, without going into anything too personal, what sort of techniques did you learn?

Ormy, these solutions seem obvious, but they're revolutionary in my crazy :

A) First off, to take care of myself. If possible, remove myself from the stressful situation (or at a later time in the day) and treat myself to those things that please me: a quiet evening, a good book or movie, a bottle of , a night out with friends, etc. Allow myself to feel the emotion--anger, sadness, what-have-you--and don't try to bottle it up. Embrace my emotions, accept my reactions (for instance allow myself to cry if need be and get it all out), and move on to something pleasurable.

B) When it comes to confronting others (and this is my major hurdle in relationships) do it *right away* in a positive, open manner that allows me to get my concerns voiced, doesn't threaten the other person and clears the air in an awkward situation. I should never, ever be afraid to voice my needs, defuse an argument or confront other people. Realize that some situations will still be awkward or painful and immediately walk away to protect myself from further abuse or heartbreak. Have a plan of action during those stressful times: for instance, always have the phone number of a friend in hand so I can go to a safe or comforting place or keep a pack of smokes in the kitchen drawer for that always reliable nicotine high. Whatever works at that time in my life.

I don't know if these work in your situation, but they have been working for me these past few stressful months. Despite some of the cr*p that has happened to me recently, I'm smiling and relaxed today because I sought help.

I try to remember to only worry about things that I can actually change.

I constantly get the one hand (I can't remember if it is the right or left) confused with the other. When I was a kid I would remember which was the right hand by going through the motions of the pledge of allegiance (right hand over the heart), but since I haven't recited that in decades that now fails me. So I just don't think about it and eventually realize the hand I'm using most frequently is the right one.

And my stress-coping skills have two components: cower and hide.

Oh dear. Just got in.

Happened to have accidently gatecrashed the Doctors Christmas party of A Certain Large Birmingham Hospital. It had a free bar.

Which meant most of the staff of Another Large Birmingham Hospital With a Good Canteen were there as well.

Now I have applied to work at this hospital.

And it appears that the rumour about my past has got around the middle grade doctors at this hospital. Admittely there response was lovely - 'no never you look so male, I'm really sorry to embarrass you' And they the brought me a drink (or they would have done if it wasn't a free bar.)

But am I *ever* going to be able to get away from my past? Or should I stop running and accept that it will always be common knowledge amoung my collegues, medicine is an incestuous community.



I am aware that I am more than I should be, I'm also aware that I have eight o'clock teaching tomorrow.

I think I'll assess the situation tomorrow.

Also I've lost the friend I went out with. I think she went home with a psychiatrist. I hope she did, she seemed to start talking to him when she was sober.

Time for one more smoke and then off to bed with me.

Couldn't get to sleep, so I've just made some hot chocolate - need to get back into bed before it wears off!

B

I have occasional problems with bad spelling and handwriting when I write, especailly lecture notes, but my brother does have dyspraxia. He got the best GCSEs in the school and is very bright, especially in science and engineering, but when he did have some help, he needed it becasue it had been undiagnosed for so long and he was having some problems, but it's not a problem now.




have now finished my essays due in today!!! (it's now 4am and I must be up at 8ish, i think a large cup of coffee will be in order after morning prayer.

Tonight's board meeting lasted 25 minutes. Writing up the minutes should not present too much of a challenge.