[Ohio-Talk] Anxiety

[marianne at denningweb.com]

Thank you for sharing. I have let my anxiety over medical appointments keep
me from getting the help I needed. 

I hope everyone will take a few minutes to evaluate their mental health
since this is mental health awareness month.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Colleen Roth via
Ohio-Talk
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2022 7:48 PM
To: ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Colleen Roth <n8tnv52 at outlook.com>
Subject: [Ohio-Talk] Anxiety

Hi Marianne,
I do not ever remember a time when I wasn't anxious. When had to meet with a
Psychologist for an Evaluation for Bureau of Services for the Blind as it
was known then, to pay for my college expenses I was very nervous. To make
matters worse, this Psychologist was weird. I really felt and feel that way
today that he should not have been in a position to interview people. The
only thing I can remember about the interview is that he was very creepy. I
do remember that he had strange attitudes about blindness but I cannot
remember the specifics.
Anyway, I must have passed the Evaluation because my college expenses were
paid.
Later I went with a friend to an appointness for her Social Security
Evaluation. Of course I did not go into the Interview with her. The building
was very unkempt, no elevator, narrow hallways and a Receptionist who was
not very efficient. I prayed for my fp the whole time and we got out of
there as fast as we could. We did not feel safe in that building.
I have never sought Counseling for my Anxiety and Depression. I did see a
Counselor which was requiring when I attended Arkansas Enterprises for the
Blind in the summer of 1971. 
In my case, I feel uncomfortable talking with a man, I would relax more with
a woman.

Of course I think that proving our competency as blind people always is
somewhere in the mix.
I took some notes for a meeting, realized I needed to add two word, which I
added and resent the email, and then apologized for any inconvenience four
days later.
This was probably an overreaction. I think that sometimes we feel that as
blind people we need to be perfect. Of course, none of us are perfect.
I think that we should get help when we need it, choose people we are
comfortable with, and go from there. I also know that sometimes Spiritual
Directors who have Training in Psychology and share our Faith can be
helpful. 
I know that some Catholic Parishes, Universities and Diocese have Spiritual
Directors available. Some are free and some require a fee. Some Insurance
Companies will reimburse you for that Service.
It helps if you have an open discussion about your blindness or if they have
experience with a blind person and have a positive view of blindness.
Remember May is Mental Health Month.
Colleen Roth


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