I Ease Her Pain. I Don't Cause It

The following Friday night Jordan crashed hard. She was convinced she wasn't good at anything, especially singing and making friends. All the compliments in the world, especially those given by your parents, when you're feeling this low, tend to fall on deaf, hopeless ears.

So she went back to therapy.  It's funny because we both assumed this was going to be her last session.  I felt she needed more help and should be seeing a psychiatrist, not a therapist. Deep down in my bones I realized this wasn't going away with weekly conversations.  According to Jordan, this was her last appointment for one reason, and for one reason only: She didn't like going.

Because this was our "break-up" session, and Jordan was super anxious about it, I also attended. Ironically, this was one of the most informative hours of my entire life.  Here's what we learned:

• Jordan has textbook OCD, which is a symptom of anxiety.  What??
• Many people with OCD pick at their scalps.  Really??
• Scalp picking is very similar to cutting (This one really got to Jordan.)
• The moaning through potty training and months of crying without her pacifiers; these are  textbook behaviors for people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).   Damn.
• This could be a chemical imbalance and she may need meds.  Hearing this said aloud, it was something.
• The fact that Jordan is uncomfortable at therapy is actually a good sign. It means they are making progress. Great. And we're leaving.
• It's common for people with GAD to change therapists often, because they want to avoid feeling uncomfortable. So, we shouldn't be leaving??

And she saved the best for last.   

• It was our job to help Jordan get better.  We needed to set timers and restrict her from completing her compulsive behaviors.   I'm sorry, You wan't us to do what?
• Jordan will be in pain. She may have sweaty palms, have trouble breathing, and feel like she's going to die.  WTF?
• While all this is going on, Adam and I are to ask Jordan how she's feeling, and clearly chart each one of her answers.

Are you fricking kidding me?

Thank you.

Us Too