I don’t have a therapist at the moment which is kind of new for me. I think I could be doing worse than I am though.
My old therapist referred me to another therapist in the same practice. She told me to text her or leave her a message to set up an appointment. I’m always so awkward and nervous anytime I have to talk to anyone and for whatever reason, I just couldn’t decide whether to send a text or leave a voicemail, and making that decision became a big deal for me, and eventually, I did both which I later felt pretty stupid about. I don’t know why I can’t make decisions like a normal person.
Anyway, the voicemail didn’t have any recording or outgoing message so I really didn’t know if the number I was given was right so I stressed over that for a while, but eventually, the therapist texted me back and we started texting back and forth about scheduling and virtual vs in-person appointments. Then after I told her I could be pretty flexible, she stopped responding, so now I have no idea if she got my last message, or maybe just went home for the day or the weekend even, or maybe is just too busy to see me as a patient. That was yesterday that she stopped responding and I’m so bad at social interactions and even worse when it comes to knowing what to do with text/social media type of things that I really don’t know if I should re-send my last message or what’s probably best – just do nothing and wait.
Anyway, I adopted a new cat and that’s probably the best thing I could have done for myself after having to let Trixie go. It’s nice not being completely alone and having something to take care of and wake up for. Animals ask for so little and give so much.
5 Comments on “Just Awkward”
Lauren,
I am super happy you were able to adopt a new cat! Have you noticed it helping you to better cope with the loss of Trixie? I love the bond you seem to have with your animals!
Please do not feel stupid for sending both a text and leaving a voicemail, as doing both is actually probably your best option at reaching them the fastest! I understand that anxiety can cause these feelings of uncertainty and distress, but you did the right thing! As for the resending your text, if you feel it has been too long without a response (maybe a couple of days), there is nothing wrong with resending the text just in case!
How are you doing outside of this incident, Lauren?
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.
My new cat is named Nutmeg and she is so sweet and being able to give another cat a home is definitely helping me cope with the loss of Trixie and also just life in general. She’s only about 5 years old so still very playful so that’s a lot of fun.
Thank you for your input regarding the text message situation. I think, based on your feedback, I will re-send the message or maybe leave another voicemail on Monday. It can be hard to know what to do without any help, so it’s so helpful to get a response and some thoughts from someone who is outside of the situation. It’s possible she didn’t get my message or I didn’t get one that she sent so I guess there’s no harm in reaching out again.
I think I am managing pretty well under the circumstances. I’m doing my best to use my coping skills -exercise, sleep hygiene, meditation, getting outside…so I can stay stable and not self injure.
Thank you again for checking in.
Good afternoon Lauren! The name Nutmeg is absolutely adorable! I am so glad you found a new furry companion. I know Having to let Trixie go was hard and missing her will not stop but it sounds like you were amazing to her. I’m sure this new cat is feeling pretty luck to have found you as well.
I also do not like trying to get ahold of people, especially new contacts like that at the end of the week. I think reaching back out by Monday is a good idea. It is always so hard to decide what to do in those situations so trust me you are not alone there!
Great job at using your coping skills. Is there anything you enjoy most when it comes to getting outside?
Thank you again for taking time to respond. It seems less scary to call or text the therapist again tomorrow. It’s so helpful to know someone else would feel the same way. I guess I can add this call to my to-do list and just get it over with. I have no idea if it will work out or not, but at least I’ll know that I tried everything I could.
Thank you for your kind words about Trixie and Nutmeg. It means the world to me that I even get approved to adopt these wonderful kitties. They are so special to me, and really do more for me than I could ever do for them. I feel so lucky to have them in my life.
I like to go running – especially if I’m anxious and also going to the park. I live in a city so going someplace green and with trees is always calming.
Thank you again…I hope you have a good Sunday
Green does seem so very calming! I am happy have identified, working, coping mechanisms that you can readily use. That can make for a better and healthier lifestyle, Lauren. Have a wonderful day! 🙂