Vent. . .

[ImMACnificent]

You guys are so great at giving advice, being logical, etc. So... here I go with my venting

I work 4 ten hour days at my job and have Fridays off every week. So I work Mon-Thurs 10-8pm. It sucks major ass working that late, not to mention 10 hour shifts, BUT by the time Friday rolls around, it is SO NICE to have three whole days off. Fridays I get to clean, spend time with my doggy (poor boy is locked up most of the time Mon-Thurs), shop, catch up on DVR, etc.
I took this job back in May and it was promised that I could work 4 days a week because my job is 25 miles away. So I wanted to save up the gas and mileage on my car, of course.

ANYWAY, to cut to the chase, I haven't met my productivity standards yet since I've been there. Productivity is kinda equivalent to "sales" basically for like a salesperson. I have to bill so many hours a day for my clients. I am expected to bill 93 hours a month, which basically means about 50% of my work hours should be spent billing. Seems pretty easy, right? WRONG. Most of my clients are probationers, therefore they are not ready for counseling or change...so most don't come to their appointments. I have come REALLY close to making my productivity most months, but they don't care about CLOSE, they want it to be 93 AND above.

Anyway, today my boss pretty much told me that people that aren't meeting their productivity aren't "allowed" to have flexible schedules anymore, which would mean I would lose my Fridays off. Okay, I get it, it's a consequence, etc. But, I schedule myself BACK TO BACK every single day. There is hardly a day where there ISNT someone in my schedule. BUT, people don't show up! Not to mention, do they think making my hours go to Friday are gonna make people show? HELL NO. People don't wanna go to freaking counseling on Fridays. ESPECIALLY when the warm weather comes rolling around.

So, I am just really pissy. It could be a scare tactic and it's possible they will get off my back for a while, but I'm just annoyed that they blame US for our clients not showing. We are supposed to be counselors not freaking salespeople who are just trying to make a buck. I mean, I did NOT go into this field for the money, that's for damn sure. I just hate the business aspect of my job. They're just such tightwads. But with the economy the way it is, they also keep pushing productivity as a scare tactic to make us think we might lose our jobs if we don't meet productivity. SOOOO, let's review this: you fire a counselor for not meeting productivity, which means you just let go a counselor who has 80+ people on their caseloads, HOW MUCH MONEY would you lose doing that?! Definitely more than my damn salary.

Ugh, just frustrated. Any feedback is great. My plan is to bust my ass, make productivity next month and BEG my boss not to take action QUITE yet if they try to take my Fridays.

Thanks for listening <3

 

[CantAffordMAC]

Im sorry

 

[Holy Rapture]

Hmm, this has kinda become usual now everywhere! What's with all the bosses going bonkers ??!!

Anyhow, I see your job is pretty tough. I mean 10 hours! That's undoubtedly too much! But, the only incentive you get is a friday off ....

Well, just go to your boss, be really sweet (sucks I know, but do it!), tell him how hard you're trying and that you promise to make it better. Then, ask him if he has some suggestions on how it could be done since your clients totally refuse to show up at times. Tell him, there's no one better than him to help you

See the magic

You're doing your best girl so, stop worrying and handle it coolly. Try and see if this works though

G'luck

 

[anita22]

Ah, that does seem to be a frustrating situation... From your boss's point of view, I guess the productivity requirement is there for whatever reason, and they seem to think it's realistic. So if you think your job could be in jeapordy then you need to convince him/her that you will improve, particularly if other employees are managing to meet it.

Without knowing anything at all about your line of work, if it were me I would go back to your boss with:

(1) A clear identification of the reasons why you are not meeting the productivity requirements (e.g. you mentioned people aren't showing up - why aren't they showing up? Do they simply forget? Are the appointment times unsuitable? Are your clients coming from a longer distance than other employees clients? Are they not liking the sessions for some reason, or the environment?) What else besides that is preventing you from reaching your goal?

(2) A clear plan to overcome those obstacles. Outline exactly what you will do to increase your productivity. For example, perhaps if people keep forgetting to come, you could phone them a day in advance to remind them of the appointment. If you have regular clients, is there some way to creatively get them to come back more frequently? Do you need extra coaching in certain areas? Or perhaps people just need a better method to inform you in advance if they cannot make it - in which case you can then make better use of your time?

Like I said I don't really know anything about the type of job you do, but to me this would seem like the logical thing to do based on what you've written.

Hope it all goes well for you... it sounds like you are giving it your best, so keep positive

 

[ImMACnificent]

HolyRapture: That sounds like a good plan. What's that saying? You get more bees with honey?!

Anita: Definitely good points. There are a lot of reasons I get why people can't come, transportation is a big one (most of my clients lost their license due to their charges). Another big excuse is having to work, yet at the time of the appointment they say they'll make it. I have tried calling people in advance (that has worked at times), but sometimes I literally just don't have time to do it, especially if all my clients show. There are days where LITERALLY everyone in my book shows up, then there are days where I have 4 cancellations and miss out on 4-5 hours of billing.

The biggest conclusion I have come to is that 90% of my clients are court ordered to be there. Therefore, they don't FEEL they have a problem or need to be there in the first place. Most of them are passive aggressive, "Oh sure, I'll be there Tuesday at 4!", knowing in the back of their head they won't come.

Something that is helping is the probation officer (we have one in the county we work in for misdemeanor charges) has been backing us up a lot. I think next time I meet with him for our monthly meeting I'm gonna tell him the dilemma our Alcohol and Drug dept. is having and maybe he can push them to show up a little more.

Something has to happen, dangit! I think a big one is the weather right now. We have gotten about 10 inches of snow in the last 3 days, no one wants to get out in that!

Thanks for the suggestions

They are very good ones <3

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

I'm so sorry your having to deal with this! This economy is seriously turning people (especially business owners) into demons! There's so many more restrictions and requirements you need to meet. Most of them are reasonable while others are just ridiculous.

All I can say is that no matter how much reminding or rescheduling with your clients, it always comes down to the fact that its not YOUR fault that they don't show up. There making the decision to not come even though you've tried your hardest to get them to show up. And I just find it absurd that your boss isn't a bit more reasonable despite the economy and realize this. But it is your boss so you can't really argue with him/her about it

.

Have you tried maybe somehow suggesting that there be a penalty for missed appointments for clients? Most doctor's offices that I have been to have a policy where if you don't cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before it's scheduled, you will be fined like around $50. I think this should be implemented everywhere just cause it wrong to just skip out on appointments when the person your seeing is expecting you. That time could also be used for someone else who ACTUALLY needs to be seen. Talking to the probation officer is a very good idea too. Maybe he could help somehow do something to force these people to their appointments or at least have them somehow fined or punished for not keeping up with them.

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by X4biddenxLustX I'm so sorry your having to deal with this! This economy is seriously turning people (especially business owners) into demons! There's so many more restrictions and requirements you need to meet. Most of them are reasonable while others are just ridiculous. All I can say is that no matter how much reminding or rescheduling with your clients, it always comes down to the fact that its not YOUR fault that they don't show up. There making the decision to not come even though you've tried your hardest to get them to show up. And I just find it absurd that your boss isn't a bit more reasonable despite the economy and realize this. But it is your boss so you can't really argue with him/her about it . Have you tried maybe somehow suggesting that there be a penalty for missed appointments for clients? Most doctor's offices that I have been to have a policy where if you don't cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before it's scheduled, you will be fined like around $50. I think this should be implemented everywhere just cause it wrong to just skip out on appointments when the person your seeing is expecting you. That time could also be used for someone else who ACTUALLY needs to be seen. Talking to the probation officer is a very good idea too. Maybe he could help somehow do something to force these people to their appointments or at least have them somehow fined or punished for not keeping up with them.

Thanks, sweetie

I like your thinking. I would LOVE to charge clients who don't show up, unfortunately just about all of my clients had medicaid or no insurance at all (then their county pays for their visits).

We did implement a rule for our groups to make ppl show up more, if they miss more than 2 groups we can make them start over (it's 14 weeks total).

I am probably gonna start double booking myself and if they both show, just seeing both of them for 30 minutes. Some other people do that, so at least if one doesnt show, I can just see the other for the whole hour.
Or just start cancelling people's appts in the future when they dont come to group the week before, kinda as a penalty.

But I WISH I could charge them like doctor's offices do. That would probably change things a bit.

People just like to take advantage of the system.

Thanks for your suggestion

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

No problem hun! I feel your pain about a super demanding employer. I can't even find a job as a cashier even though I'm willing to work hard!

Thats odd, I think that the client themselves should pay for the no show up fine out of their own pocket. I'm on Medicaid cause my parent's jobs dont offer any benefits and I need insurance so I can see a therapist ( I have depression and anxiety and a million other issues). And If I decided to play skip the doc appointment even once, I'll definitely be receiving a bill in the mail asking for at least $50 as a penalty.

Hopefully the new policy that has been set can help you out a bit. I remember I went to school with some kids who were in a almost bootcamp-ish program and if they were to do something wrong they would be "recycled". Which meant they'd have to completely start their time over again in the program. It worked very well to deter the kids from really misbehaving.

I think you should start double booking the ones that are chronic no showers. And then book the people who actually come for a full hour session. That would be a good idea to cancel future appointments if they don't come on a reg. basis.

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by X4biddenxLustX No problem hun! I feel your pain about a super demanding employer. I can't even find a job as a cashier even though I'm willing to work hard! Thats odd, I think that the client themselves should pay for the no show up fine out of their own pocket. I'm on Medicaid cause my parent's jobs dont offer any benefits and I need insurance so I can see a therapist ( I have depression and anxiety and a million other issues). And If I decided to play skip the doc appointment even once, I'll definitely be receiving a bill in the mail asking for at least $50 as a penalty. Hopefully the new policy that has been set can help you out a bit. I remember I went to school with some kids who were in a almost bootcamp-ish program and if they were to do something wrong they would be "recycled". Which meant they'd have to completely start their time over again in the program. It worked very well to deter the kids from really misbehaving. I think you should start double booking the ones that are chronic no showers. And then book the people who actually come for a full hour session. That would be a good idea to cancel future appointments if they don't come on a reg. basis.

You are so right with that last part. That's definitely what I'm gonna have to do.
It sucks because when they are on our asses about it, it makes things in the office so much less... happy because everyone is running around trying to make productivity.


You are lucky you have Medicaid. It really pays for like EVERYTHING! Especially the counseling/therapy.

I am hoping the counseling is helping you. Are you taking any medications? (sorry if thats personal)

I actually just saw a doctor today and she gave me Lexapro. We'll see how it goes!

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImMACnificent You are so right with that last part. That's definitely what I'm gonna have to do. It sucks because when they are on our asses about it, it makes things in the office so much less... happy because everyone is running around trying to make productivity. You are lucky you have Medicaid. It really pays for like EVERYTHING! Especially the counseling/therapy. I am hoping the counseling is helping you. Are you taking any medications? (sorry if thats personal) I actually just saw a doctor today and she gave me Lexapro. We'll see how it goes!

Totally, cause happy people make other people happy. If your upset at work it can easily affect everyone else not just work. It just makes the atmosphere so uneasy.

I know, Pennsylvania Medicaid pays for A LOT of things. I have had some issues with it not paying for some birth control pills while it paid for the nuvaring with no issue. Weird? But I'd seriously be in so much debt and just be totally f*cked to put it in simple terms if I didn't have it. I just started therapy a few months ago and before then I was a complete mess, I still sort of am but its getting better.

I was also seeing a psychiatrist (are they the ones who prescribe the meds?) along with the therapist. He first prescribed me buspar because my main complaints were anxiety and attention problems (he thinks I may have ADD along with the mountain high list of issues I have). The buspar made me really sick, I only took it for the one day and ended up breaking out in a rash and having chest pains. It made me really paranoid too after I took it. He prescribed me Celexa after that and I haven't even taken one single dose of it. My parents have really been unsupportive about me taking any kind of medication for my problems because of the reactions I've had in the past and now. Like 6 years ago, when I was first diagnosed I was put on zoloft and klonopin and it worked like a miracle and eventually I ended up not needing them. But two years later I relapsed and they put me on those two meds again, I ended up getting worse. They switched me to prozac but it still made no difference. I just decided to go medication free. At this moment, I'm not sure if I want to reschedule another appointment to see him again. I mean medication can really help certain people out a lot while not doing anything for others. I would just really like something else just for my anxiety and maybe my attention problems but no antidepressants. I seriously think the root of my depression this time is my anxiety, I'm constantly worrying about this and that and it just makes me feel so down. I'm also scared that when I get hired for a job I wont be able to do things right or good enough because my concentration isn't the best. But thanks so much for asking me, I really had to get some of this off my chest!

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by X4biddenxLustX Totally, cause happy people make other people happy. If your upset at work it can easily affect everyone else not just work. It just makes the atmosphere so uneasy. I know, Pennsylvania Medicaid pays for A LOT of things. I have had some issues with it not paying for some birth control pills while it paid for the nuvaring with no issue. Weird? But I'd seriously be in so much debt and just be totally f*cked to put it in simple terms if I didn't have it. I just started therapy a few months ago and before then I was a complete mess, I still sort of am but its getting better. I was also seeing a psychiatrist (are they the ones who prescribe the meds?) along with the therapist. He first prescribed me buspar because my main complaints were anxiety and attention problems (he thinks I may have ADD along with the mountain high list of issues I have). The buspar made me really sick, I only took it for the one day and ended up breaking out in a rash and having chest pains. It made me really paranoid too after I took it. He prescribed me Celexa after that and I haven't even taken one single dose of it. My parents have really been unsupportive about me taking any kind of medication for my problems because of the reactions I've had in the past and now. Like 6 years ago, when I was first diagnosed I was put on zoloft and klonopin and it worked like a miracle and eventually I ended up not needing them. But two years later I relapsed and they put me on those two meds again, I ended up getting worse. They switched me to prozac but it still made no difference. I just decided to go medication free. At this moment, I'm not sure if I want to reschedule another appointment to see him again. I mean medication can really help certain people out a lot while not doing anything for others. I would just really like something else just for my anxiety and maybe my attention problems but no antidepressants. I seriously think the root of my depression this time is my anxiety, I'm constantly worrying about this and that and it just makes me feel so down. I'm also scared that when I get hired for a job I wont be able to do things right or good enough because my concentration isn't the best. But thanks so much for asking me, I really had to get some of this off my chest!

Thanks for sharing all that. It really sucks to feel like a 'guinea pig' in terms of medication. I have a lot of clients who suffer from depression, bipolar, etc and they don't want to take medications because they feel like it's going to be a long haul to find what works for them.

I hope they don't try to push ADD meds on you, those can be so dangerous, especially Adderall, Ritalin, etc. Stratera is supposed to be less addictive than those, but there are a lot of side effects. THOSE DAMN SIDE EFFECTS!

If you are doing counseling without the medication and are using coping skills and still not seeing results, I would try adding meds to the mix. Maybe that is the missing factor. I always say if consistent counseling doesn't help and gaining coping skills, then maybe it's time for medication. Anxiety is such a bitch. I hate feeling on edge all the time. It sucks so much. I feel like I take it out on other people, too. It has caused me to lose friends because I'll snap at people. -sigh-

I noticed last night a whooshing sound in my left ear (almost sounded like blood rushing), so I think I found my first side effect for Lexapro.

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImMACnificent Thanks for sharing all that. It really sucks to feel like a 'guinea pig' in terms of medication. I have a lot of clients who suffer from depression, bipolar, etc and they don't want to take medications because they feel like it's going to be a long haul to find what works for them. I hope they don't try to push ADD meds on you, those can be so dangerous, especially Adderall, Ritalin, etc. Stratera is supposed to be less addictive than those, but there are a lot of side effects. THOSE DAMN SIDE EFFECTS! If you are doing counseling without the medication and are using coping skills and still not seeing results, I would try adding meds to the mix. Maybe that is the missing factor. I always say if consistent counseling doesn't help and gaining coping skills, then maybe it's time for medication. Anxiety is such a bitch. I hate feeling on edge all the time. It sucks so much. I feel like I take it out on other people, too. It has caused me to lose friends because I'll snap at people. -sigh- I noticed last night a whooshing sound in my left ear (almost sounded like blood rushing), so I think I found my first side effect for Lexapro.

I'm really scared about the effects that the medications may have on my body. Mentally when I was taking the antidepressants (zoloft and prozac) along with the klonopin I was just a mess. But I think it may of also contributed to some skin problems and weight gain which just isn't cool with me cause I just feel even more miserable. And sometimes I feel if I do get on a medication and it works well, I'll feel like I will have to be on it forever in order to feel okay. I don't want to become dependent on anything and thats what I had told the doctor and my therapist. My therapist was really understanding and said that considering how many allergies and sensitivities I have it might be a good idea to stay away from the meds. Plus I just want to be able to look at myself at the end of the night and KNOW that I can be stronger and handle whatever the world and life decides to throw at me. We've been working on a lot of things cause my life at this point is just pure chaos and I can tell that even though its only been a short time it's helping a lot. It turns out that she pointed out that I habor a ton of guilt and anger for having normal emotions during stressful situations. Recently two friends turned against me basically and I was very angry about it but everyone else made it seem that I was in the wrong. I ended up feeling super guilty about the whole situation despite the fact that I didn't do anything wrong. I'm going to consider going medication free for now and for a while unless counseling starts to not be enough to help me. I may see another doctor if I can instead thats a bit more understanding and willing to listen to my concerns.

A whooshing sound?! Thats a very odd symptom. I hope your okay! I'd check with your doctor about it when you see him next.

And I forgot to add that, as of this moment I feel bad. Cause I had to reschedule my appointment that I had this coming Monday to see my therapist to February 16. It's sort of last minute but I ended up getting strep throat and I don't want to risk getting anyone else sick. Hopefully the secretary can call her in time to let her know.

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

Oh I'm so forgetful! I forgot to mention about the ADD medications. That stuff is practically amphetamines! I was looking at a magazine while at the doctor's office and they had an advertisement in there for one of the major ADD medications, forgot which one. And you know how on the back of the page they'll list the risks, side effects, adverse effects? Well there was a very LONG list of them! I want to give it my all when it comes to my concentration before even considering these medications again. I feel that there are people with ADD and ADHD severe enough to warrant taking these medications but I don't think I've reached that level. I've went my whole life without taking anything for attention problems and I guess I'm okay but still very easily distracted and kind of everywhere with my concentration.

I'm on birth control right now (nuvaring) and I do wonder if I did take these medications if they'd somehow effect my body further or the effectiveness of the birth control?

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by X4biddenxLustX Oh I'm so forgetful! I forgot to mention about the ADD medications. That stuff is practically amphetamines! I was looking at a magazine while at the doctor's office and they had an advertisement in there for one of the major ADD medications, forgot which one. And you know how on the back of the page they'll list the risks, side effects, adverse effects? Well there was a very LONG list of them! I want to give it my all when it comes to my concentration before even considering these medications again. I feel that there are people with ADD and ADHD severe enough to warrant taking these medications but I don't think I've reached that level. I've went my whole life without taking anything for attention problems and I guess I'm okay but still very easily distracted and kind of everywhere with my concentration. I'm on birth control right now (nuvaring) and I do wonder if I did take these medications if they'd somehow effect my body further or the effectiveness of the birth control?

My boyfriend takes Adderall for his ADD, he has for years. And the way I can tell he has ADD is because he STILL has focus problems even with the Adderall! I took one of his pills once after pulling an allnighter, OMG I was off my rocker. I was like NEVER. AGAIN.

I think everyone has 'focus' problems at times. I mean, my life has so much going on at times, I'll just go off in dazes at times, but doctors are so quick to say OMG YOU HAVE ADD. Actually a lot of ADD symptoms are related to bipolar.Some of the times when kids are diagnosed at an early age, it is usually early signs of bipolar disorder. Kinda crazy, huh!?


I am still sketchy about this medication thing. The whooshing sound, I have read up on and it is called Tinnitus (I think thats how its spelled) which is basically hearing things in your ears when it's not an actual sound, it can be a ringing, a whooshing sound, bloodflowing, etc. I have read it is a side effect of anti-depressants, etc. Some people just deal with it because they don't wanna stop taking their meds. It's so weird because it JUST started and I took my first pill yesterday. I can only hear it if it's super quiet, no TV, no fan, nothing. But still annoying.

I am scared of gaining weight, increasing appetite, whatever. The last thing I need is to gain weight, I need to lose weight as it is. Girls are always so scared of that! Hah. I am on YAZ birth control and it works great. It didn't make me gain any weight... at least I don't think.


I really do wanna go to counseling, the problem, again is my insurance. I have the biggest deductible, my insurance doesn't cover shit. So Id have to pay completely out of pocket if I see a therapist for the anxiety.

 

[Holy Rapture]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImMACnificent HolyRapture: That sounds like a good plan. What's that saying? You get more bees with honey?!

Well, honey and bees kinda stick together, don't they ?

Honestly, I have no idea of how things should be ideally handled in your line of work, but this has actually worked for so many people in office

Anyhow, hope things are better now

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holy Rapture Well, honey and bees kinda stick together, don't they ? Honestly, I have no idea of how things should be ideally handled in your line of work, but this has actually worked for so many people in office Anyhow, hope things are better now

I agree, I will have to try that tactic!

It's still early, this just happened last week. I'm afraid in the next couple of weeks they're gonna try to take my Fridays away. I'm just gonna beg (politely =P ) and ask them to give me one more chance.

If not, oh well, not much I can do about it, right? It is out of my control. That's something that I have issues with, control. I feel so helpless when things are out of my control. I'm not gonna assume the worst yet, I'm gonna wait, do my job to my best ability and see what happens. Hard for me to do, but I'm trying

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

The worst part of life is dealing with the things that are beyond our control! Cause we'll always try to think that somehow we have complete control over whatever life will throw at us. When in reality we don't. Now we do have control over how we deal with it though.

I think that after a while of doing the double booking and hopefully the probation officer can force these people to go to their appointments more, you can get your fridays back! It just sucks that you had taken the job cause they agreed to let you have fridays off and now are taking that away. It's like breaking a deal.

I went to school with many kids with extremely bad ADD and ADHD, the would take all their meds ( I think they may of had other problems too besides ADD and ADHD) and still have problems focusing and with behavior. I talked to a guy who is a psych major and he complained to me that attention disorders are being over diagnosed these days. Doctors are willing to just automatically say you have it without much considering that it may be caused by other disorders. Thats sort of my case, I have depression, anxiety, and OCD. They all can in a sense tie with one another somehow. It's just that as far back as I could remember, way before I got diagnosed with those things or even had problems with them, I had concentration problems. So that could possibly be the root of most of my problems?

I had no clue that tinnitus could be a side effect of antidepressants?! I just always thought that was usually from damage to the ears from repeated exposure to loud noises and stuff of that sort. I'd still talk to the doctor about it though.

Weight gain and any increase of appetite is a huge NO NO for me. I already eat more than most men do in a day and am putting on quite a bit of weight. I'm like anywhere from 128 lbs to 131 lbs right now and I'm 5 foot 2 inches TOPS! Most people at that height are around 110 lbs. I seriously need to stop eating so much, I can't handle anymore stretchmarks! I just got some new ones which seriously made me think about starting to work out and diet again.

I'm glad you like YAZ. I haven't tried it, I have tried its bigger sister Yazmin though and absolutely hated it. It did completely the opposite of everything it was suppose to help with.

Health insurance for people is such a huge problem. It's kind of scary actually cause what if you are truly sick and absolutely need to go to the hospital and see a doctor but can't cause either you have no insurance or it sucks? Just Thursday night my dad had to rush home earlier from work and drive me to the closest ER. Now this may sound overly dramatic but I was seriously in tears from pain. I ended up having strep throat and was just pretty much out of it (I was delirious). I've always been told that strep is not something to play around with, and that it can cause serious complications if not treated. My principal in middle school ended up needing a new heart valve I think it was cause she left her strep throat untreated cause she didn't want to see a doctor. Now that I think about it, if I had no insurance or crappy insurance I would of definitely of not gone to the doctor or hospital. It just scares me that later on life I might have this problem and not receive the medical attention that I need.

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by X4biddenxLustX The worst part of life is dealing with the things that are beyond our control! Cause we'll always try to think that somehow we have complete control over whatever life will throw at us. When in reality we don't. Now we do have control over how we deal with it though. I think that after a while of doing the double booking and hopefully the probation officer can force these people to go to their appointments more, you can get your fridays back! It just sucks that you had taken the job cause they agreed to let you have fridays off and now are taking that away. It's like breaking a deal. I went to school with many kids with extremely bad ADD and ADHD, the would take all their meds ( I think they may of had other problems too besides ADD and ADHD) and still have problems focusing and with behavior. I talked to a guy who is a psych major and he complained to me that attention disorders are being over diagnosed these days. Doctors are willing to just automatically say you have it without much considering that it may be caused by other disorders. Thats sort of my case, I have depression, anxiety, and OCD. They all can in a sense tie with one another somehow. It's just that as far back as I could remember, way before I got diagnosed with those things or even had problems with them, I had concentration problems. So that could possibly be the root of most of my problems? I had no clue that tinnitus could be a side effect of antidepressants?! I just always thought that was usually from damage to the ears from repeated exposure to loud noises and stuff of that sort. I'd still talk to the doctor about it though. Weight gain and any increase of appetite is a huge NO NO for me. I already eat more than most men do in a day and am putting on quite a bit of weight. I'm like anywhere from 128 lbs to 131 lbs right now and I'm 5 foot 2 inches TOPS! Most people at that height are around 110 lbs. I seriously need to stop eating so much, I can't handle anymore stretchmarks! I just got some new ones which seriously made me think about starting to work out and diet again. I'm glad you like YAZ. I haven't tried it, I have tried its bigger sister Yazmin though and absolutely hated it. It did completely the opposite of everything it was suppose to help with. Health insurance for people is such a huge problem. It's kind of scary actually cause what if you are truly sick and absolutely need to go to the hospital and see a doctor but can't cause either you have no insurance or it sucks? Just Thursday night my dad had to rush home earlier from work and drive me to the closest ER. Now this may sound overly dramatic but I was seriously in tears from pain. I ended up having strep throat and was just pretty much out of it (I was delirious). I've always been told that strep is not something to play around with, and that it can cause serious complications if not treated. My principal in middle school ended up needing a new heart valve I think it was cause she left her strep throat untreated cause she didn't want to see a doctor. Now that I think about it, if I had no insurance or crappy insurance I would of definitely of not gone to the doctor or hospital. It just scares me that later on life I might have this problem and not receive the medical attention that I need.

That last part is SOOOOOOOO true. I mean, how many people have medical problems but they refuse to go because of insurance. OMG, the thought is sickening. Not to mention mental illnesses! I mean, if I had crappy insurance (OH WAIT I DO!) or none at all, I certainly wouldn't go seeking medication if I was hearing voices or laying in bed all day crying. They need to eo something about this PRONTO.

What is your OCD issue? I mean, are you a hand-washer, a counter, etc? I am always so interested in OCD, it's one of the things I wanna learn more about so I can help OCD patients at my job.

I agree, it is breaking the deal they made with me when I started the job. So I am definitely gonna fight it as much as I can (without pissing anyone off). I was considering taking a class on Fridays (to work towards my masters) so that would totally screw me on that. I dunno, I just gotta wait it out. But I am gonna try to fight it!

Your weight doesn't sound that bad. I am pretty overweight, although most people tell me that it's hard to tell because I am so tall. I am 6' tall and pretty proportioned. Attachment 7754 *HAHA my face in that pic. I was pretending to punch her in the face---apparently I had to make a face like that to do so *That's me on the right, in the black, you can tell I have weight on me, but being tall has it's moments because you look more proportioned.
I know I need to lose weight. So don't fret. 20 lbs is nothing! I need to probably lose 50-60. I like having curves, it's the fat that sucks. HAHA.

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

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Originally Posted by ImMACnificent That last part is SOOOOOOOO true. I mean, how many people have medical problems but they refuse to go because of insurance. OMG, the thought is sickening. Not to mention mental illnesses! I mean, if I had crappy insurance (OH WAIT I DO!) or none at all, I certainly wouldn't go seeking medication if I was hearing voices or laying in bed all day crying. They need to eo something about this PRONTO. What is your OCD issue? I mean, are you a hand-washer, a counter, etc? I am always so interested in OCD, it's one of the things I wanna learn more about so I can help OCD patients at my job. I agree, it is breaking the deal they made with me when I started the job. So I am definitely gonna fight it as much as I can (without pissing anyone off). I was considering taking a class on Fridays (to work towards my masters) so that would totally screw me on that. I dunno, I just gotta wait it out. But I am gonna try to fight it! Your weight doesn't sound that bad. I am pretty overweight, although most people tell me that it's hard to tell because I am so tall. I am 6' tall and pretty proportioned. Attachment 7754 *HAHA my face in that pic. I was pretending to punch her in the face---apparently I had to make a face like that to do so *That's me on the right, in the black, you can tell I have weight on me, but being tall has it's moments because you look more proportioned. I know I need to lose weight. So don't fret. 20 lbs is nothing! I need to probably lose 50-60. I like having curves, it's the fat that sucks. HAHA.

Lol man, these 2 days we've been talking, you've become my Specktra forum buddy!

Besides the economic crisis happening in this country right now I think the other biggest issue is health insurance. It's my belief that EVERYONE should have decent health insurance. Like there should be a limit though for people who make a ton of money cause they can most likely afford it on their own but the average person definitely can't. I remember back during the summer I had some eye problems that I initially thought and along with the first 2 doctors I seen (who were not ophthalmologists) also thought was an infection. Well it just ended up being a reaction to extremely bad allergies and extended contact lens wearing. But before I found that out, this guy I like insisted on seeing me. I warned him though and told him no but he kept bugging me and said that it would be okay. So whatever, I'm really careful when I go see him. A few days later, he messages me and says that his eyes are all red and itchy and thinks that he may of gotten an eye infection from me and if I had any antibiotic eye drops for him. I told him that he should see a doctor cause the medicated eye drops might not work well with his body. Plus you shouldn't be sharing prescription medication anyways. And he's just like well never mind then cause he doesn't have any health insurance. Well luckily it ended up that I didn't have an eye infection. Now the same thing is probably going to happen cause he was at my place right before I started getting sick and got strep throat. And this whole situation makes me feel soo awful cause I know he can't miss work either and has no way to see a doctor if he does get sick. Strep can lead to very very bad things so yeah I'm hoping that he doesn't get it at all!

I can consider myself a handwasher I guess. Theres certain things I MUST wash my hands after doing or it'll bug the hell out of me. Those include after I wash my face, after I brush my teeth, after I get home from going out to anywhere (doesn't matter if its just to go out to get the mail), and just through out the day cause I can seriously feel the ickiness accumulating on my hands. It's not as nearly as bad as some other handwashers have it. But my hands do get tiny little cuts from it being so irritated and dry from the excessive washing. There are some things that I check up on a lot, the exact object changes time to time. Last time it was the silverware drawer in the kitchen, I just kept getting a nagging feeling that I didn't shut it all the way and had to keep looking. I live in an area that has a lot of shops so theres a ton of traffic. Whenever I press the button to let me cross the street, I can't just press it once. I have to press it 3 times each. Like the first time I press it I'll press it again and if the light doesn't come on to let me cross the street I'll have to press it three times again. My friend noticed one time when we were trying to get to the mall, and she decided it would be funny to just press the button once ONLY. Uh hell no! I freaked out! I'm a huge hypochondriac too, not sure if it has anything to do with the OCD. But I have a huge fear of being "contaminated" like coming in contact with gross stuff. During my "eye infection" ordeal and even a while after it, whenever I washed my hands I had to scrub for 30 seconds (I'd count my ABC's twice), rinse, wipe my hands with a paper towel, use the towel to shut the faucet off and then scrub my hands again with hand sanitizer. I was just so afraid that the germs would get on my things and that I'd get an infection again. But it can be funny to note that I'm not a very organized person either though despite everything lol. I can actually be quite the hoarder.

It was really bad when I was younger, it's gotten a lot less severe as I've gotten older but I haven't completely gotten over it. The things that I did as a little kid which I still do today occasionally are count syllabells in words or repeat a certain word over and over again in my mind. This is weird and I'm not sure how to explain it but in 3rd grade we learned how to type on a keyboard. Well whenever I'd hear a certain word I'd just use on my hands and get into keyboard typing position with them on any hard surface (usually a table) and like type out the word. By 6th grade the kids were all amazed about how fast I could type compared to them. I will note that I think a year or two before these things started to show up I fell down some cement steps outside my school. I still have a bump from it on my forehead. A year later or so these symptoms all started showing up, before that I had no issues.

I think you should def fight it! It's just so unfair for them to promise you something and then take it away practically without any warning. I'm thinking why don't they have you do something else also, maybe help file paper work or whatever to help make up for the loss productivity time cause of the no showing clients? I don't see anything wrong with doing that, it sure as hell beats taking your Fridays from you! Plus you work 10 a DAY! They are so unreasonable man!

Girl, I seen the pic and I dont think your fat! You look more curvy, and whats wrong with a curvy woman

? Believe I've seen fat and thats like when your the size of a whale (no offense to them). Its honestly hard being a female these days, so many pressures out there especially when it comes to weight. I think we need to put more emphasis on being HEALTHY instead of being stick thin (which I dont even find cute). I really have to cut back on everything and work out cause diabetes and high cholesterol run on my dad's side of the family. And a major risk factor is poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive weight. I also want to fit into my old clothes, I seriously have a lot of clothes but can't fit into like 95% of it cause I gained weight! I can't afford to go out and buy a complete new wardrobe so yeah I'm stuck wearing that 5% that still fits me.

 

[ImMACnificent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by X4biddenxLustX Lol man, these 2 days we've been talking, you've become my Specktra forum buddy! Besides the economic crisis happening in this country right now I think the other biggest issue is health insurance. It's my belief that EVERYONE should have decent health insurance. Like there should be a limit though for people who make a ton of money cause they can most likely afford it on their own but the average person definitely can't. I remember back during the summer I had some eye problems that I initially thought and along with the first 2 doctors I seen (who were not ophthalmologists) also thought was an infection. Well it just ended up being a reaction to extremely bad allergies and extended contact lens wearing. But before I found that out, this guy I like insisted on seeing me. I warned him though and told him no but he kept bugging me and said that it would be okay. So whatever, I'm really careful when I go see him. A few days later, he messages me and says that his eyes are all red and itchy and thinks that he may of gotten an eye infection from me and if I had any antibiotic eye drops for him. I told him that he should see a doctor cause the medicated eye drops might not work well with his body. Plus you shouldn't be sharing prescription medication anyways. And he's just like well never mind then cause he doesn't have any health insurance. Well luckily it ended up that I didn't have an eye infection. Now the same thing is probably going to happen cause he was at my place right before I started getting sick and got strep throat. And this whole situation makes me feel soo awful cause I know he can't miss work either and has no way to see a doctor if he does get sick. Strep can lead to very very bad things so yeah I'm hoping that he doesn't get it at all! I can consider myself a handwasher I guess. Theres certain things I MUST wash my hands after doing or it'll bug the hell out of me. Those include after I wash my face, after I brush my teeth, after I get home from going out to anywhere (doesn't matter if its just to go out to get the mail), and just through out the day cause I can seriously feel the ickiness accumulating on my hands. It's not as nearly as bad as some other handwashers have it. But my hands do get tiny little cuts from it being so irritated and dry from the excessive washing. There are some things that I check up on a lot, the exact object changes time to time. Last time it was the silverware drawer in the kitchen, I just kept getting a nagging feeling that I didn't shut it all the way and had to keep looking. I live in an area that has a lot of shops so theres a ton of traffic. Whenever I press the button to let me cross the street, I can't just press it once. I have to press it 3 times each. Like the first time I press it I'll press it again and if the light doesn't come on to let me cross the street I'll have to press it three times again. My friend noticed one time when we were trying to get to the mall, and she decided it would be funny to just press the button once ONLY. Uh hell no! I freaked out! I'm a huge hypochondriac too, not sure if it has anything to do with the OCD. But I have a huge fear of being "contaminated" like coming in contact with gross stuff. During my "eye infection" ordeal and even a while after it, whenever I washed my hands I had to scrub for 30 seconds (I'd count my ABC's twice), rinse, wipe my hands with a paper towel, use the towel to shut the faucet off and then scrub my hands again with hand sanitizer. I was just so afraid that the germs would get on my things and that I'd get an infection again. But it can be funny to note that I'm not a very organized person either though despite everything lol. I can actually be quite the hoarder. It was really bad when I was younger, it's gotten a lot less severe as I've gotten older but I haven't completely gotten over it. The things that I did as a little kid which I still do today occasionally are count syllabells in words or repeat a certain word over and over again in my mind. This is weird and I'm not sure how to explain it but in 3rd grade we learned how to type on a keyboard. Well whenever I'd hear a certain word I'd just use on my hands and get into keyboard typing position with them on any hard surface (usually a table) and like type out the word. By 6th grade the kids were all amazed about how fast I could type compared to them. I will note that I think a year or two before these things started to show up I fell down some cement steps outside my school. I still have a bump from it on my forehead. A year later or so these symptoms all started showing up, before that I had no issues. I think you should def fight it! It's just so unfair for them to promise you something and then take it away practically without any warning. I'm thinking why don't they have you do something else also, maybe help file paper work or whatever to help make up for the loss productivity time cause of the no showing clients? I don't see anything wrong with doing that, it sure as hell beats taking your Fridays from you! Plus you work 10 a DAY! They are so unreasonable man! Girl, I seen the pic and I dont think your fat! You look more curvy, and whats wrong with a curvy woman ? Believe I've seen fat and thats like when your the size of a whale (no offense to them). Its honestly hard being a female these days, so many pressures out there especially when it comes to weight. I think we need to put more emphasis on being HEALTHY instead of being stick thin (which I dont even find cute). I really have to cut back on everything and work out cause diabetes and high cholesterol run on my dad's side of the family. And a major risk factor is poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive weight. I also want to fit into my old clothes, I seriously have a lot of clothes but can't fit into like 95% of it cause I gained weight! I can't afford to go out and buy a complete new wardrobe so yeah I'm stuck wearing that 5% that still fits me.

YAY@ specktra buddy! =) You talk a lot like me, and that's rad because I feel like I talk people's heads off!

At first I didn't think your OCD sounded bad til I heard the ABC thing, then I thought OOOOOH OKAY

But, I am like that to to an extent. After I eat, NO MATTER WHAT I EAT, I have to wash my hands. I feel like they're "greasy" even if I used a fork the entire time. It's weird, it's not to the point where I like can't function if I don't but it urks me to no end. I pretty much HAVE to wash my hands after I eat anything. But I guess that's not anything super abnormal! It's just more the "icky" feeling kinda like you said, but I feel like my hands are greasy, then I'm gonna touch my hair and face and it will get on there!
I think OCD is treatable for sure. I know there are some medications for it, but the control aspect can be remedied with counseling. It is all revolved around control and fear. Have you ever watched that True Life: OCD? GOD, that was astonishing. I mean, the one girl was SO bad, she would re-do things like taking a plate from someone. Just amazing what people will do if they fear something or think the didn't do something 'right'.