Introduction

Dear @HenryX

I hope that all is well with your daughter and she manages to come visit you soon. I saw an elderly gent in the supermarket yesterday, he had a loaf of bread under one arm and he held a walking stick in the other hand. I don't really know why but it made me think of you. I guess it was the walking stick. It's great that you were involved in praying for your community but I guess it gets a bit draining if there is constantly bad news. We just had a funeral for a lovely lady from our Church on Friday- we provided some cookies for the refreshments. Normally I would have attended the funeral but I was very aware of how well loved she was and the 150 person restrictions so I didn't go. I figured she would know I was there in spirit. We are lucky to have our good health. Long may it continue...

Meggle

Hi @Oaktree

I had to edit my last note, the number of times I have to correct my greeting with the extra "o" annoys me.

Thank you for the thought yesterday, when you were at the supermarket.

My comments may have sounded negative or despondent. Really, I think that because the community is small and close, we are more aware of people's situations. In Perth the same care, prayer and reflection would be offered for people within and connected to most faith groups, but the specific individuals may not be known on quite so personal a basis. I have friends who have recently had their first child. The people, of varying ages, in the local IGA, or working at the aged care centre, or with whom I engage through the shire council, or the pharmacy, etc. are all people I have come to know. The younger people, I engage with in the same way that I did with students on the school bus that I used to drive. I endeavour to remember names and to speak with each of them. Older people I enjoy speaking with about the broader issues to do with town or farming, and there are others who talk more about their life experiences. The beauty is that there is such a range of people, which means that life really does continue to be interesting. And, in the group this morning, we enjoyed each other's company, while acknowledging those, who, for various reasons could not be with us, or we were otherwise concerned to include in prayer. Consequently, there is still the whole range of people and life events to appreciate and respond to. I'm pleased to live here for all those reasons.

I also like and agree with the sentiment that you expressed in saying that "she would know I was there in spirit." I said about Mum, that now I could talk with her wherever I am.

HenryX

,

Hello Meggle

Hope that you are well.

I have developed an interest in the history of

treatment of people with MH issues and

Mental Health treatment and therapy.

I have separated the two because the earlier treatment was based on removal from society, whereas the latter approach, while still developing, approaches people suffering MH issues, more from a MH treatment perspective.

I have added two items below. The first is the title of a WEB page, to which I could not provide a link because it is not “https://”, and therefore does not comply with Forum guidelines. However, you may find the content interesting. It was interesting to note that although there has been considerable progress during the first half of the 20th Century, most of the advances have occurred in the last 40 odd years. Some of the content gives rise to unpleasant images and feelings about how people were treated, but may also provide some relief in knowing that we live at this time.

The Evolution and Devolution of Mental Health Services in Australia

The second reference is a link to the wikipedia page regarding the book and work of Ellis, Beck and Burns, with regard to the development of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Burns book,

“Feeling Good”.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feeling_Good:_The_New_Mood_Therapy

You may find the material interesting and, I hope, informative.

With Best Wishes

HenryX

Hello @Oaktree

I will be out for most of today. However, since we have not had much contact in the past week or so, I wanted to say hello and let you know that I am thinking of you and hope that you are going well.

With Best Wishes

@HenryX

Hi @HenryX

Thanks for thinking of me

I haven't been on the forums much lately

Been in a funk

I am ok though don't worry

I hope that you are doing well

Enjoy your day

Meggle

Thanks @Oaktree

I'm off to Geraldton, so a fairly long drive to get some fencing materials. Lots of time to blow out cobwebs and maybe catch up with some friends.

With My Best Wishes to You and Your Family

@HenryX

@HenryX

In the waiting room waiting for my psychologist appointment eek. So nervous!
I hope all is well with you my friend x

Meggle

Hello @Oaktree

I'm so pleased to hear from you. And that you are actually there.

While I am smiling, partly in response to your note, also in anticipation of a fruitful, successful and productive discussion. Sorry I wasn't on deck, you will probably be out and on your way home by now.

Look forward to hearing from you. Hope I am not being too expansive, but I'm excited for you as well.

Best Wishes

@HenryX

Hi @HenryX

I got my chance to tell my psychologist my concerns about doing the trauma therapy. I didn't really get too much of a response though as far as if the psych thinks it will work out or not. They expressed that they were aware of how much work there was to be done re my maladaptive coping mechanisms. We basically chatted about this and that. I was so nervous and was physically shaking going into the appointment but by the end I was more relaxed. I came home and had a short discussion with my daughter about something I said to her a week or so ago that I felt bad about so that was beneficial. I told the psych that whilst I definitely got to a place where I was trusting them before that I wasn't sure if I would need to build that trust up again and they reassured me that that was fine. Next week we are just going to go over some theory so nothing too terrifying.
Thanks for being there to be a listening ear.

Meggle

Hello @Oaktree

I am more than happy and delighted that you feel as though your discussion was helpful and a good re-introduction to where you hope to go.

It sounds as if you felt that what you were saying was not just heard, but more importantly, listened to. From your comments about discussion with your daughter, you must have touched on some recent events, and that you felt that was also worthwhile.

I understand hesitancy on the part of the psychologist about prospects for future discussions. On the one side they would not want to set up, what might amount to be, unrealistic expectations, and on the other, not want to set the bar lower than what you might be able to achieve. But you are really in control of all that.

I like the idea of setting out a “road-map” of possible directions. Also that you and they will be talking about theory or process. Those last words sound a bit clinical, but it is really just part of the “road-map”.

You may have seen me refer before to “the honour and privilege of being invited into someone else's personal space.” So Meggle, I thank you for allowing me that honour and privilege.

With My Very Best Wishes

@HenryX