Posted by Ensign Viyara Nazeen (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (CNS) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

Posted by Ensign Viyara Nazeen (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Janna reached out and rested a hand on hers. She gave Daggum a brief but warm smile. “Now, we help you cope. There are treatments and they are all based on the individual. A mood stabilizer can help a great deal. Most patients who take the right one for them say they feel more level, like a weight has been lifted. But understand that this isn’t a physiological issue that if we correct some imbalance, everything gets better. But, there are proven strategies that involve therapy. One of the most effective is known as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. It basically has us practice mindfulness towards our own behaviour and feelings and over time we start to see the patterns emerge. What are our triggers for certain behaviours and feelings? What makes those moments better or worse? It’s a lot about self understanding and learning to be objective about ourselves. And also help us stay in reality better. It will be a lot of journalling, like I have already had you do”-Janna winked-“and there is one-on-one therapy and often group therapy is useful. That doesn’t have to happen right away, but I do have a trauma group that meets once a week that I would like to have you eventually sit in on and try.”

Listening carefully, Viyara nodded here and there. She wanted to make sure she understood everything Janna said. And hopefully found something to hold on to.

Removing her hand, Kingston leaned back. “I told you before that this wouldn’t end your career if you didn’t want it to. I’m going to be real with you here, Viyara. This is up to you. It’s a process and a long and hard one. I’m not going to lie. It’s going to take work and sometimes you’ll regress and everything will feel too overwhelming. But we come back to our mindfulness and self-care practices and keep trying. And it will get better. Because you’re here with me and motivated for things to be different. And you have a lovely friend here you can trust to help you along the way,” she said, giving Daggum another warm smile.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Daggum looked at Viyara and said “And I’ll be right there with you as long as you want. Whatever I can do, I will… okay, V? I’ve got your back here. You aren’t alone. NOt anymore.”

Daggum

“I don’t care what it takes. This can’t end my career. It’s all I have,” Viyara whispered; fear and desperation written all over her face and apparently unaware that what she had just said might hurt the two people who were sitting next to her and told her more than once that she wasn’t alone in this. Instead the same question seemed to repeat itself over and over again in her mind: How was this possible? She never thought she had any sort of disorder or mental health issues. Sure, she had a horrible childhood, but she had believed that she had put all of that behind herself. That she was doing okay. That she was fine, just like everyone else. Or at least that was what she had been telling herself all this time…

~Viyara

“Then it won’t end it, simple. It’s not true for everyone, but I believe it’ll be true for you,” Kingston said. “But before we do anything else, let’s cement something so you’re very clear about it. Why? Why does your career matter to you? If you took away all the hard days and the fears you have about everything, what do you want for yourself? What would you do if there was nothing, including yourself, standing in your way?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

A small smile began tug at the corners of her lips and eyes, pushing the fear and desperation away. “I want to be scientist. I always wanted that. Even as a child. But for a long time I didn’t think that would be possible and so I kept telling myself that wasn’t what I wanted anyway. But it’s what’s makes me happy and I like being happy,” Viyara replied without hesitation. “And maybe one day getting a promotion would be nice,” she admitted a little ruefully. “Not that it matters, really. But it would be nice, I think.”

~Viyara

“Okay,” Janna said simply. “And remember it won’t be perfect and no one is asking you to be either. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re going to take it one tiny step at a time. Which means we need to get that physical taken care of. Doctor Grey said he’d be glad to do it here, so I’m going to go inside now and let you two chat for a bit. When you’re ready, come inside and we’ll begin. Any questions before I go inside?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Viyara thought for a moment and then shook her head. “I don’t think so. Maybe later. It’s still a lot to wrap my head around,” she replied and then looked at Daggum, wondering if he had any questions.

~Viyara

Daggum shook his head. “Nope, I think we are all on the same page.”

After Janna went inside Daggum sat down and looked at Viyara. “You know… we may have had an… interesting start… but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Any world. Unless it caused you difficulty. In which case I am really sorry. I really do want you to be happy.”

Daggum