bad day at work

OK, so I think I have mentioned that I am a social worker in a psych ER. It is always amazing to me that whenever I am TTC I wind up with all the PG patients. Well, today topped that.

My patient today actually told me she was depressed because she did not want her 2nd child and that she wished she could send her back (adopted). Ok, so I was surprised but hanging in there. Then she sees my necklace with a boy charm and she proceeds to say "I am so jealous of you, you only have 1 child, thats what I want". OMG, It was all I could do not to start crying right there. But I have to be professional, I am here after all to help her right? So I got through it (barely) and then went straight to the psychiatrist (who has twins from IVF) and bawled my eyes out. Could she have said anything more hurtful to me.

Now I know this is her illnes, and this is my job. BUt I dont know how I can keep doing this. My coworkers really are great and try to protect me from patients like this, but this one slipped through. I swear I feel like taking a leave of absence. The emotional piece of this TTC is killing me.

Tomorrow, I will wear my new turtle charm (thanks Kathy). I think I can handle animal rights questions and comments.

Sorry, just needed to vent!

WOW! Im so sorry! PLease take care of yourself ....I Dont know how to help so I will just say its ok to feel as you do.
Its not the same but I often have people calling in asking if we cover pregnancy termination and where can they go, can I call the place etc...
While I do not judge them for their decisions AT ALL...I hate being placed int he position to have to be 100% helpful when in my own shoes I am hating to even talk about it.

Venting helps!!

I give you lots of credit!! Your stronger then you think!

wow, that is totally the same kind of yucky thing to deal with! Hey that what doesnt kill you, makes you stronger. Thats what they say right? Gosh I hope its true!

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Posted by rose825

wow, that is totally the same kind of yucky thing to deal with! Hey that what doesnt kill you, makes you stronger. Thats what they say right? Gosh I hope its true!

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Posted by dm24angel

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Posted by rose825

wow, that is totally the same kind of yucky thing to deal with! Hey that what doesnt kill you, makes you stronger. Thats what they say right? Gosh I hope its true!

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OR "This too shall pass"....Words to live by if only for ten minutes till we can get away from the situation right?

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Sorry Pauline!

I hope no more people like her slip through to you.

Oh wow Pauline, I'm sorry you had to deal with that! That is truly awful...

Maybe you should take a few days off to clear your head. You should also talk to your co-workers again and gently remind/ask them to not let patients like that get through to you. It's just too hard.

It is her illness that makes her say things like that - just try to remember that. Just know that if she was not mentally ill, she would not be talking like that. If she was on meds and not ill she would probably be mortified that she said anything like that to you or anyone.

I hope the rest of your week is better, I''ll be thinking of you!

Message edited 7/20/2005 9:33:06 AM.

Im so sorry

Thanks everyone. My coworkers were actually really upset that she got thorugh to me, but she didnt mention it to anyone she saw before me.

Aside from feeling bad for that little girl, I did feel bad for this woman. She was very sick and I know later she will probably be mortified that she said those things.

I am feeling much better today, just the run of the mill patient with schizophrenia today- much easier for me

That is really frustrating and depressing. It must be so hard to have to try to be understanding to people with issues like that. You are very strong!

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Posted by rose825


I am feeling much better today, just the run of the mill patient with schizophrenia today- much easier for me

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