Please do keep in mind that the people here know you fairly well. We tend to open up here about more personal feelings than I'd tell to a large percentage of my friends.
Sometimes, Nick, it's better to tell somebody that doesn't know you face-to-face since they aren't bringing anything of a pre-conception into the equation. Most any of us would be more than willing to just listen to you get some of this off your chest. I know that *I* have had an easier time talking some things through with someone that I don't have a "relationship" with, versus somebody that is one of my piers.
And you know that the feeling of guilt is irrational, and that people that know and care for you actively want to help.
This.
Damn straight. Don't bother alerting them either.
Yeah, I'm really looking forward to explaining the loss of most of our holiday pictures to my girlfriend.
There's an underlying issue here that's causing her to resent you any time you do anything that doesn't involve her, and it seems to be focused at you playing games. This isn't normal, or healthy. Have you considered seeing if it would be possible to see a counselor to try to find out what that issue is? It sounds as if she has control and/or trust issues, or at least some form of insecurity. If a solution isn't found, the two of you are going to continue to clash, and it's just going to build.
If you are physically getting ill because of your anxiety problems, it's time to see someone about it.
I know. But I have no insurance until January 1st. All I have right now is my primary care doctor (paying out-of-pocket) who suggested my symptoms were the result of anxiety, and we both agreed I can't afford any kind of treatment or therapy for that until insurance kicks in. So I have a month and a half of trying to just deal with it.
Do you have any access to an Employee Assistance Hotline toll-free number? Perhaps that could be helpful?
most places you work have these. i used mine when i was having issues a couple years ago.
This is entirely anecdotal, but I find in lieu of therapy or medications (both of which I have now, but this wasn't always the case), replacing patterns was of some success in reducing anxiety. Of course, I don't know the nature or symptoms you're experiencing, but let's say you've taken to nervously and obviously (i.e.: people, even total strangers notice) jiggling your legs when you're more than 2 minutes late for something. Completely minor in an objective sense but for someone with anxiety, it can feel like forever and there's this inexplicable, unjustifiable sense of shame or guilt.
I know ways to combat some of the physical problems (they're OTC meds, mostly). I'm afraid I'm of no help combatting the mental ones.
Can't. I would have, so, so long ago if I could have. She's the protege of my superior, however, and against all reason is defended by him.
