Posted by Lieutenant Anastasia Darren (Psychiatrist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

Posted by Civilian Melaia Reez (Scientist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

Posted by Lieutenant Anastasia Darren (Psychiatrist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Ana listened compassionately as Reez answered her question and then tapped on her lip for a moment as she considered what to ask. “Have you been able to communicate with Comm – your husband – about the emotions tied into these transitions?” she queried, catching herself before she could refer to her superior directly.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

“He… knows,” Mel said tentatively. “While he can’t read my thoughts in the way I can, we’re bonded and we can communicate telepathically. We don’t always have to actually say everything- we always know about what the other is going through. Not that we can experience it with them exactly,” she said, frowning slightly. It was confusing to try and explain. “But, we’re very open with each other. We don’t keep secrets.”

~Melaia Reez

Melaia’s difficulty explaining her answer was apparent without her empathy and Ana quickly jumped in, “I understand.” A tentative smile came across her face as she elaborated, “I was born on Betazed…” before trailing off as discomfort set in at sharing a personal fact about herself in a patient scenario. Taking a deep breath, she took a more professional tact as she finished, “I’m glad to hear that you have that support structure.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing, “you mentioned that those on the ship have been fantastic with childcare… what other support structure do you have? How are you handling the stress of these… transitions? What are your coping mechanisms…” Her voice again trailed off as she realized that, in her nervousness, she was rapidly firing questions at the poor woman in front of her. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she settled back in her chair, looking slightly taken aback at her own behavior.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

If Darren was born on Betazed, did that mean she knew who her family was? Well, that could be awkward. The onslaught of questions wasn’t as awkward for Mel, since after years in command she was used to both nerves from others and having to be quick with her replies. “Look, I have twins just under a year old and they are mobile and take up most of my free time. Now I’m working. Work, kids, sleep and the occasional date with my husband. That’s my life. It’s Jon and I out here and while people can help with child care, it’s us managing things. And he’s a senior officer and I promised him this would be good for us. I’m not ruining this for him.” Better to just state things up front and be done with it.

~Melaia Reez

Without even thinking, Ana blurted out, “but what about for you? You’re not ruining it for him, but what about you? Is it good for you?” A look of surprise at her outburst came over her face as she closed her mouth as rapidly as she had opened it. Her eyes focused steadily on Reez, interested in both her reaction and her response to the perhaps indelicate but important question.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

Melaia sat back a bit and gazed back deeply at Darren. “Are you married , Counsellor?” she asked simply. “Because when you’ve been through what Jon and I have, the life you’ve built together is precious. Against all odds, we’re together and we have two beautiful children. He’s sacrificed for me, and I will do the same for him. That’s what being married is. You can’t have everything all at once in life.”

~Melaia Reez