Would it be a mistake to take a short vacation?...

[Locut0s]

I'm left confused after talking with my psychiatrist. He's not the most affectionate of psychiatrists and in fact in somewhat downright condescending at times so I find it hard to talk to him sometimes. Anyway I recounted the details of my recent breakdown to which he has recommended some med changes.

Now my father has this rather grand notion, which I don't really agree with, that I should take a LONG "discover yourself" type holiday to break out of my shell, to find myself. He thinks I should go to Japan for 5 months to teach English and it would help to mature and change me. I'm not so keep on that idea and my psychiatrist just about got angry at me for bringing the idea up. He thinks it's a crazy idea, likened it to "tablets coming down from the sky at some point" (i.e. mosses receiving the tablets from god, that I'd get a message or conversion) and sort of dismissed it as a silly almost crazy idea. He did say a short vacation might be ok, but even that he didn't seem too warm about. I think the idea of a long journey would be just running from my problems.

What do you think of a short vacation? I feel VERY guilty of the idea. I feel I should be working or going to school not "playing hooky", but I'm not sure this guilt is well placed either or is the result of my self hatred and wanting to punish myself etc... I'm confused.

Edit: When I said that I felt guilty about going on a vacation he actually said "well then you have your answer", meaning I shouldn't go if I felt guilty. But he wouldn't say anything to alleviate said guilt, like saying you shouldn't feel guilt over taking the short vacation.

[BainsBane]

1. That sounds like a fantastic idea

when you feel up to it. There is no reason you should feel guilty. Taking care of your mental health is paramount. Besides, you will learn a lot from a trip like that and, if you teach, contribute to others. When I was in my early twenties, I went to Europe for a year and a half. I worked in London, first at a cafe and then as a bike messenger. I traveled around Europe. Those were invaluable experiences. I bet it would be for you as well.

In the meantime, get on a waiting list for a new shrink. That one sounds bad.

[Locut0s]

2. Yeah I'm actually going to be seeing a new psychiatrist out of necessity...

The one I'm seeing is linked with the school I was with and now that I'm not a registered student he can't see me more than a few more times.

[elleng]

3. Vacate this psychiatrist.

Sorry not more responsive to your question, but you gotta do something else re: basic problems.

[No Vested Interest]

4. Two thoughts

1. re vacation- There's a lot to see in North America - especially the Northwest, not too far from your home. Sort of combining your idea with your father's - have you considered a volunteer "vacation" in Canada or the US? I'm thinking of something like the American Indian schools on reservations, that are often very needy and can use help due to limited funds. I don't know anything about the indigenous peoples located in western Canada, but know that there are reservations in North Dakota, Montana, etc. Your skills with computers would be something that could be taught. You would never feel guilt about giving of yourself and your time to others - it is a most worthy thing to do.
If that sounds like too much to bite off, (I was thinking of it in terms of "vacation" - going away from home) there are likely good volunteer opportunities in your home area.

2. Re counseling, etc. A good "life coach", preferably a psychologist or clinical social worker, could be useful. He could help you set goals and suggest ways to achieve them, working with him on a regular basis. When I was preparing for knee replacement surgery, I availed myself of the services of a retired psychologist I had met, and, later, when my spouse was ill, the same one was very helpful in helping me move forward in a healthy way. I think most life coaches, by definition, are more empathetic as a group than someone like the psychiatrist you referred to above.

Just some ideas to throw out, and for you to improve upon, if they're at all pertinent to your situation.

[Locut0s]

6. Thanks NVI...

Regarding the life coach thanks for the idea. I've never really heard of a life coach I'll have to research that. However I am going to look into getting a therapist / psychologist to try to do CBT therapy with me and not just a psychiatrist. I'm also going to change psychiatrists as well, I'll ask my family DR what options I have on that front.

The best deal of volunteering somewhere is an interesting one that I'll have to research. Maybe there is some place up north I can do something like that. Always wanted to go to the Yukon for example.

[HereSince1628]

5. You are you, I am me...

but I think getting to a longer lasting stability will help you identify things that attract your interest, and can be approached in a way that builds in some support.

I can't say it's a good or bad idea, only that it should be approached with an awareness of your strengths and of your weaknesses.