Second roller coaster ride (2)

[Card29]

I had my first IC session. Mostly me talking about the whole situation. I said I was trying to detach, etc.

1. Counselor said W sounds like she could have postpartum depression. Symptoms are very similar (emotional disconnection, feeling like you “can’t do this”/“it’s too much”, needing to escape). She said she’d talk to her counselor (we’re at the same practice, for now) and make sure that IC is aware of the possibility. I’m not going to bring it up to W directly and will try not to focus on it.
2. IC mentioned the ManKind Project. A global men’s group that encourages/forces men to be emotionally vulnerable with each other. It’s a multi week commitment, starting with a retreat. There are multiple active chapters in my city. I’m awaiting info from her.
3. She said I have permission to take time for myself everyday. If I’m off work and daycare is open for another hour, use some of that time for myself.
4. Asked me to find at least 20 minutes per day doing something that is for me and requires concentration. Lawn work, house project, etc. The brain can only multitask about so much. Get enough focus on the task and the anxiety can drop off due to lack of concentration on it.
5. Talked about fight-or-flight response, as DnJ described here

While writing this, W texted. She wants to keep S1 Thursday night. I confirmed who she is staying with. She also said she’s waiting to hear back about an apartment.