plc4
05-05-2009, 08:39 PM
About a month ago, I met with a counselor somewhat involuntarily. My university's counseling service ordered me (over the phone, and quite rudely) to see a counselor. I was not given a reason. I was given a date, time, and place, and told to show up.
This "meeting" was apparently caused by a poem I sent in to my university's poetry contest. The poem was clearly about the superficiality of "society" and how many public figures (celebrities) promote materialism. As this counselor has nothing to do with the poetry contest, I don't know how she got word of my entry, but somehow she did. She interpreted my poem to indicate that I was an "imminent threat to myself".
This resulted in a very awkward meeting where every line of the poem was analyzed... I explained to her as best I could that it had NOTHING to do with hurting/killing myself and everything to do with the superficiality topics. After about 40 minutes, she basically concluded "Glad to see that you are ok" (sounded more like "Too bad you are ok, now we can't collect your money") and told me that I could email her after exams are done to check in...but that I shouldn't feel obligated to do so.
Exams are now done, and I don't want to email her. It's just going to start some unpleasant conversation again. I don't particularly like this woman either. I'd rather not talk to her again, if I could decide. It's just an unnecessary meeting caused by a complete misinterpretation of my poetry. I don't want to drag this on anymore, but I don't want her to think that I've hurt myself since the meeting or something :rolleyes:.
Should I email her? What do you think will happen if I do/don't? Thanks.
This "meeting" was apparently caused by a poem I sent in to my university's poetry contest. The poem was clearly about the superficiality of "society" and how many public figures (celebrities) promote materialism. As this counselor has nothing to do with the poetry contest, I don't know how she got word of my entry, but somehow she did. She interpreted my poem to indicate that I was an "imminent threat to myself".
This resulted in a very awkward meeting where every line of the poem was analyzed... I explained to her as best I could that it had NOTHING to do with hurting/killing myself and everything to do with the superficiality topics. After about 40 minutes, she basically concluded "Glad to see that you are ok" (sounded more like "Too bad you are ok, now we can't collect your money") and told me that I could email her after exams are done to check in...but that I shouldn't feel obligated to do so.
Exams are now done, and I don't want to email her. It's just going to start some unpleasant conversation again. I don't particularly like this woman either. I'd rather not talk to her again, if I could decide. It's just an unnecessary meeting caused by a complete misinterpretation of my poetry. I don't want to drag this on anymore, but I don't want her to think that I've hurt myself since the meeting or something :rolleyes:.
Should I email her? What do you think will happen if I do/don't? Thanks.
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fossilapostle
05-06-2009, 03:17 AM
She said you weren't obligated to email her. I'd take her at her word and not email her. It seems like it was a dumb misunderstanding on your university's part that's been resolved. I'd leave it alone.
plc4
05-06-2009, 11:53 AM
Thanks for the post, I think you are exactly right. I'll just let it slide now since it's been resolved, as you said. If she still has a problem with me, she will contact me again. I defintely won't be the one initiating the communication. Thanks again :)
rosequartz
05-06-2009, 11:58 AM
oh brother....
don't they know that poetry is art and art is subjective???
gimmee a break!
I wouldn't e-mail her, if she wants to know how you're doing she knows how to get in contact with you......
don't they know that poetry is art and art is subjective???
gimmee a break!
I wouldn't e-mail her, if she wants to know how you're doing she knows how to get in contact with you......
plc4
05-06-2009, 12:56 PM
Thanks rosequartz, I think you're right as well, I won't email her. She apparently knows how to contact me so I'm sure she'll have no problem doing that again, if she finds the need to talk to me.
plc4
05-10-2009, 09:53 PM
Also, if I may ask a somewhat related question:
I got called into this meeting for no reason, but I do see meaningless things like this happening in the future, and I cannot deny that I sometimes have to lie to these kinds of people to make them think all is well. Sometimes all is not well but it's never anything I can't handle myself. So um, if it got to a situation where I had to lie to a shrink, how would I go about doing that? What kind of body language clues do they look for? There has got to be more to it than just making stuff up.
I got called into this meeting for no reason, but I do see meaningless things like this happening in the future, and I cannot deny that I sometimes have to lie to these kinds of people to make them think all is well. Sometimes all is not well but it's never anything I can't handle myself. So um, if it got to a situation where I had to lie to a shrink, how would I go about doing that? What kind of body language clues do they look for? There has got to be more to it than just making stuff up.
fossilapostle
05-11-2009, 01:47 AM
Also, if I may ask a somewhat related question:
I got called into this meeting for no reason, but I do see meaningless things like this happening in the future, and I cannot deny that I sometimes have to lie to these kinds of people to make them think all is well. Sometimes all is not well but it's never anything I can't handle myself. So um, if it got to a situation where I had to lie to a shrink, how would I go about doing that? What kind of body language clues do they look for? There has got to be more to it than just making stuff up.
I really can't imagine a situation where you'd even need to do this unless you got involuntarily committed or a court ordered you to have a psychiatric evaluation or something.
Other than that, how's this going to be an issue for you? The way it usually works is that you ask to see the psychiatrist, not the other way around.
And if the top 2 are, or may become, relevant to you, then maybe you need help.
If, by some strange coincidence, the same situation happens to you at your school again, why would you need to lie anyway? I thought you said they just misinterpreted your poetry? Wouldn't telling the truth be the best thing to do in that case? What do you have to hide?
I got called into this meeting for no reason, but I do see meaningless things like this happening in the future, and I cannot deny that I sometimes have to lie to these kinds of people to make them think all is well. Sometimes all is not well but it's never anything I can't handle myself. So um, if it got to a situation where I had to lie to a shrink, how would I go about doing that? What kind of body language clues do they look for? There has got to be more to it than just making stuff up.
I really can't imagine a situation where you'd even need to do this unless you got involuntarily committed or a court ordered you to have a psychiatric evaluation or something.
Other than that, how's this going to be an issue for you? The way it usually works is that you ask to see the psychiatrist, not the other way around.
And if the top 2 are, or may become, relevant to you, then maybe you need help.
If, by some strange coincidence, the same situation happens to you at your school again, why would you need to lie anyway? I thought you said they just misinterpreted your poetry? Wouldn't telling the truth be the best thing to do in that case? What do you have to hide?
plc4
05-11-2009, 08:04 PM
In this particular situation they did just misinterpret my poem, yes.
Also, I think I'm done with university related poetry contests from now on, which sucks because I wouldn't mind the $500 prize if I were to win.
As for what I have to hide? I don't know if this is a problem... I go through some relatively normal amounts of stress, just enough to keep me focused on schoolwork. According to my floor don, who ambush interviewed me about 1 week before the aforementioned counseling meeting took place, any and all stress is bad. Even normal exam stress, the only thing that keeps me focused (a desire to do well!) is bad according to her. How do I know that a potential counselor is not going to see regular stress the same way?
I don't see stress as a problem, but they likely will.
I have a suspicion that no one here is going to teach me how to deceive a shrink/counselor even if I'm in the right and they're in the wrong.
Also, I think I'm done with university related poetry contests from now on, which sucks because I wouldn't mind the $500 prize if I were to win.
As for what I have to hide? I don't know if this is a problem... I go through some relatively normal amounts of stress, just enough to keep me focused on schoolwork. According to my floor don, who ambush interviewed me about 1 week before the aforementioned counseling meeting took place, any and all stress is bad. Even normal exam stress, the only thing that keeps me focused (a desire to do well!) is bad according to her. How do I know that a potential counselor is not going to see regular stress the same way?
I don't see stress as a problem, but they likely will.
I have a suspicion that no one here is going to teach me how to deceive a shrink/counselor even if I'm in the right and they're in the wrong.
fossilapostle
05-12-2009, 09:29 AM
In this particular situation they did just misinterpret my poem, yes.
Also, I think I'm done with university related poetry contests from now on, which sucks because I wouldn't mind the $500 prize if I were to win.
As for what I have to hide? I don't know if this is a problem... I go through some relatively normal amounts of stress, just enough to keep me focused on schoolwork. According to my floor don, who ambush interviewed me about 1 week before the aforementioned counseling meeting took place, any and all stress is bad. Even normal exam stress, the only thing that keeps me focused (a desire to do well!) is bad according to her. How do I know that a potential counselor is not going to see regular stress the same way?
I don't see stress as a problem, but they likely will.
I have a suspicion that no one here is going to teach me how to deceive a shrink/counselor even if I'm in the right and they're in the wrong.
Sorry, I guess I still don't see what you're afraid of. So what if somehow a psychiatrist said that you were under too much stress? That's not the kind of thing that commit people for. They'd probably offer you some advice on how to deal with it or some drugs, which you are not obliged to accept, or if you do accept, not obliged to take.
But as far as having to lie to a psychiatrist, just lie like you do to regular people. There's no special secret and judging from the quantities of narcotics people obtain from doctors under false pretenses every day, they aren't any better at dectecting lies than anyone else.
I have to tell you though, the more you say, the more it seems like maybe you do need some counseling or something. The level of worry you're giving this seems kind of odd. Why do you have a fear of psychaitrists? Why are you afraid of being diagnosed with some mental illness? Sure, no one who's not mentally ill would want to be, but they don't obsess about it happening either.
Maybe you think that you really do have some problem that would be detected if you talked to a psychiatrist. If so, maybe lying's not your best option.
Also, I think I'm done with university related poetry contests from now on, which sucks because I wouldn't mind the $500 prize if I were to win.
As for what I have to hide? I don't know if this is a problem... I go through some relatively normal amounts of stress, just enough to keep me focused on schoolwork. According to my floor don, who ambush interviewed me about 1 week before the aforementioned counseling meeting took place, any and all stress is bad. Even normal exam stress, the only thing that keeps me focused (a desire to do well!) is bad according to her. How do I know that a potential counselor is not going to see regular stress the same way?
I don't see stress as a problem, but they likely will.
I have a suspicion that no one here is going to teach me how to deceive a shrink/counselor even if I'm in the right and they're in the wrong.
Sorry, I guess I still don't see what you're afraid of. So what if somehow a psychiatrist said that you were under too much stress? That's not the kind of thing that commit people for. They'd probably offer you some advice on how to deal with it or some drugs, which you are not obliged to accept, or if you do accept, not obliged to take.
But as far as having to lie to a psychiatrist, just lie like you do to regular people. There's no special secret and judging from the quantities of narcotics people obtain from doctors under false pretenses every day, they aren't any better at dectecting lies than anyone else.
I have to tell you though, the more you say, the more it seems like maybe you do need some counseling or something. The level of worry you're giving this seems kind of odd. Why do you have a fear of psychaitrists? Why are you afraid of being diagnosed with some mental illness? Sure, no one who's not mentally ill would want to be, but they don't obsess about it happening either.
Maybe you think that you really do have some problem that would be detected if you talked to a psychiatrist. If so, maybe lying's not your best option.
plc4
05-12-2009, 10:31 PM
Sorry, I guess I still don't see what you're afraid of. So what if somehow a psychiatrist said that you were under too much stress? That's not the kind of thing that commit people for. They'd probably offer you some advice on how to deal with it or some drugs, which you are not obliged to accept, or if you do accept, not obliged to take.
But the thing is, I'm not under too much stress -- it's a normal amount. However, if they thought it was too much and prescribed the drugs just to make money, it's good to know I could refuse them.
But as far as having to lie to a psychiatrist, just lie like you do to regular people. There's no special secret and judging from the quantities of narcotics people obtain from doctors under false pretenses every day, they aren't any better at dectecting lies than anyone else.
Or they pretend not to detect the lies that draw in revenue for the pharmaceutical industry, the lies that result in a medication prescription. I'm not convinced that lying to them as I do to regular people will actually help me get out of there with my sanity intact.
I don't have a fear of psychiatrists, I'm just not particularly fond of mercenary people who like to meddle in others' lives under the guise of helping.
But the thing is, I'm not under too much stress -- it's a normal amount. However, if they thought it was too much and prescribed the drugs just to make money, it's good to know I could refuse them.
But as far as having to lie to a psychiatrist, just lie like you do to regular people. There's no special secret and judging from the quantities of narcotics people obtain from doctors under false pretenses every day, they aren't any better at dectecting lies than anyone else.
Or they pretend not to detect the lies that draw in revenue for the pharmaceutical industry, the lies that result in a medication prescription. I'm not convinced that lying to them as I do to regular people will actually help me get out of there with my sanity intact.
I don't have a fear of psychiatrists, I'm just not particularly fond of mercenary people who like to meddle in others' lives under the guise of helping.
fossilapostle
05-12-2009, 11:11 PM
But the thing is, I'm not under too much stress -- it's a normal amount. However, if they thought it was too much and prescribed the drugs just to make money, it's good to know I could refuse them.
Of course you coud refuse them. Unless my perception of what Canada is like is way, way off.
Of course you coud refuse them. Unless my perception of what Canada is like is way, way off.
plc4
05-12-2009, 11:42 PM
Of course you coud refuse them. Unless my perception of what Canada is like is way, way off.
I think I could refuse them. Though I was reading the counseling site of my university and it said that there are consequences to refusing the treatment prescribed. :S
I think I could refuse them. Though I was reading the counseling site of my university and it said that there are consequences to refusing the treatment prescribed. :S
fossilapostle
05-13-2009, 11:06 PM
Hmm, well I don't know. I kind of thought civil rights-wise, Canada was similar to the U.S. Of course, just b/c it says something on a piece of paper doesn't mean it's legal to do. Maybe ask a Canadian lawyer or something.
plc4
05-14-2009, 12:59 AM
Hmm, well I don't know. I kind of thought civil rights-wise, Canada was similar to the U.S. Of course, just b/c it says something on a piece of paper doesn't mean it's legal to do. Maybe ask a Canadian lawyer or something.
I think I'll do that, thanks for the help.
I'm pretty sure that's my my university trying to scare us (I really think so, I wouldn't be shocked at all if that were it). I can be nearly certain that there are no legal consequences to refusing medication. For example, one could refuse it for financial means...they can't force you to pay for medication with money that you need to house/clothe/feed yourself.
I think I'll do that, thanks for the help.
I'm pretty sure that's my my university trying to scare us (I really think so, I wouldn't be shocked at all if that were it). I can be nearly certain that there are no legal consequences to refusing medication. For example, one could refuse it for financial means...they can't force you to pay for medication with money that you need to house/clothe/feed yourself.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 07:48 AM
Sometimes all is not well but it's never anything I can't handle myself. So um, if it got to a situation where I had to lie to a shrink, how would I go about doing that? What kind of body language clues do they look for?
When someone seeks the services of a psychiatrist (unless they are involuntarily committed), it's because they want help -- not because they want to lie or deceive.
When someone seeks the services of a psychiatrist (unless they are involuntarily committed), it's because they want help -- not because they want to lie or deceive.
plc4
05-15-2009, 03:07 PM
When someone seeks the services of a psychiatrist (unless they are involuntarily committed), it's because they want help -- not because they want to lie or deceive.
I made it amply clear that I was referring to a hypothetical situation in which it would be demanded that I talk to a psychiatrist (or other mental health professional).
But, if you go voluntarily, then I agree completely that the goal should be to seek help, not lie.
I made it amply clear that I was referring to a hypothetical situation in which it would be demanded that I talk to a psychiatrist (or other mental health professional).
But, if you go voluntarily, then I agree completely that the goal should be to seek help, not lie.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 03:32 PM
I made it amply clear that I was referring to a hypothetical situation in which it would be demanded that I talk to a psychiatrist (or other mental health professional).
But, if you go voluntarily, then I agree completely that the goal should be to seek help, not lie.
One cannot be forced to see a psychiatrist unless they are involuntarily committed.
But, if you go voluntarily, then I agree completely that the goal should be to seek help, not lie.
One cannot be forced to see a psychiatrist unless they are involuntarily committed.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 03:36 PM
By the way, you may have been referring to a hypothetical situation, but you asked the question just the same.
When someone asks a question (hypothetical or not), it is usually because they are thinking about doing (or saying) the things they are asking about.
Furthermore, I don't see any reason to lie to a psychiatrist whether a person wants help or not. If you don't think you need mental health services, then say so.
When someone asks a question (hypothetical or not), it is usually because they are thinking about doing (or saying) the things they are asking about.
Furthermore, I don't see any reason to lie to a psychiatrist whether a person wants help or not. If you don't think you need mental health services, then say so.
plc4
05-15-2009, 07:25 PM
By the way, you may have been referring to a hypothetical situation, but you asked the question just the same.
When someone asks a question (hypothetical or not), it is usually because they are thinking about doing (or saying) the things they are asking about.
I am definitely thinking of saying what I asked about, but also under the condition of the hypothetical situation (which I made clear). Only if I were demanded to see a psychiatrist. I wouldn't book an appointment and waste the doctor's time just to lie to him/her...that's not fair to people who actually need the Dr's help. (It would be pointless anyways)
Furthermore, I don't see any reason to lie to a psychiatrist whether a person wants help or not. If you don't think you need mental health services, then say so.
Do you really think they would believe me if I said "I don't need mental health services"? I have no evidence that they would believe me or not, but how do I prove that? Is there a way?
One cannot be forced to see a psychiatrist unless they are involuntarily committed.
I was forced to see a counselor a while back (as the original thread top post says) but was definitely not involuntarily committed. It could be different for psychiatrists but I guess then, the question applies to counselors as well.
When someone asks a question (hypothetical or not), it is usually because they are thinking about doing (or saying) the things they are asking about.
I am definitely thinking of saying what I asked about, but also under the condition of the hypothetical situation (which I made clear). Only if I were demanded to see a psychiatrist. I wouldn't book an appointment and waste the doctor's time just to lie to him/her...that's not fair to people who actually need the Dr's help. (It would be pointless anyways)
Furthermore, I don't see any reason to lie to a psychiatrist whether a person wants help or not. If you don't think you need mental health services, then say so.
Do you really think they would believe me if I said "I don't need mental health services"? I have no evidence that they would believe me or not, but how do I prove that? Is there a way?
One cannot be forced to see a psychiatrist unless they are involuntarily committed.
I was forced to see a counselor a while back (as the original thread top post says) but was definitely not involuntarily committed. It could be different for psychiatrists but I guess then, the question applies to counselors as well.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 08:03 PM
Psychiatrists have heard it all (i.e. "I don't need meds," "I'm not crazy"). If you don't feel you need meds or counseling, they can't force them on you unless you are a danger to yourself or others.
Having said that, counseling may be a different story especially if it is dependent upon receiving certain social or educational services.
Having said that, counseling may be a different story especially if it is dependent upon receiving certain social or educational services.
plc4
05-15-2009, 08:23 PM
Psychiatrists have heard it all (i.e. "I don't need meds," "I'm not crazy"). If you don't feel you need meds or counseling, they can't force them on you unless you are a danger to yourself or others.
That's good news, thanks.
Having said that, counseling may be a different story especially if it is dependent upon receiving certain social or educational services.
It does say on the counseling service website for this university that there are consequences to refusing treatment, so I suppose the solution is just never to get into treatment in the first place... I think it would be ok if I just avoid the situation altogether. I just shouldn't submit anything to poetry contests or anything like that again, hopefully I've learned the lesson at this point.
Thanks again for your posts dreams in neon and fossilapostle. :)
That's good news, thanks.
Having said that, counseling may be a different story especially if it is dependent upon receiving certain social or educational services.
It does say on the counseling service website for this university that there are consequences to refusing treatment, so I suppose the solution is just never to get into treatment in the first place... I think it would be ok if I just avoid the situation altogether. I just shouldn't submit anything to poetry contests or anything like that again, hopefully I've learned the lesson at this point.
Thanks again for your posts dreams in neon and fossilapostle. :)
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 08:40 PM
Thanks again for your posts dreams in neon and fossilapostle. :)
You're welcome!
You're welcome!