Reaching Out for Love by kjherstin on deviantART (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
I got a little less than an hour with Rory this evening, but it was so great to see him. He was in good spirits with me, and was very happy to see me. As I was to see him. It kind of felt like I hadn’t seen him in at least a week, so we did spend some time just staring at each other. Now I can’t wait to see him again tomorrow. (This whole paragraph is written very poorly, I know, but please forgive my enthusiasm.)
We filled each other in on what had gone on during the past 48 hours, and what comes next. Major medication changes, different strategy… I am hoping to meet with someone there, either when they discharge him, or before. Both Rory and I agree that I need to be integral to his ongoing care. In the meantime, I have a list of his new medications, which I’ll research before tomorrow’s visit.
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Also, I have been the recipient of an incredible outpouring of support. I am so grateful. Everyone we know mutually, plus everyone that I just know, it seems, has offered an ear, or practical help, or to do anything we need. I imagine that the offers will continue to pour in, and more will come once he is discharged. I do hope, though, that some of these same people will ask again in a few weeks, to check in on us once the excitement of all the events and changes subsides. That is likely to be when we’ll need the help.
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If you’re looking for help in addition to a therapist and it isn’t an emergency, check out The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook. It’s full of great self-help exercises and reflections.
Margaret Westlake
Jenny