As far as un-good news goes...

[loonylupinlover]

As for the bad news in my life, my dad has been hospitalized for the past week on suicide watch, thanks to his bipolar disorder. This is the first time he's been suicidal in 14 years -- half my lifetime. We're all reeling.

Comments

[flax]

Oh, Gina, I'm sorry to hear this. It must be especially awful and shocking after such a long good stretch, I can't even imagine. I really wish I had some pithy words of comfort, and I don't. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself, though. <3

[loonylupinlover]

Thank you. I still feel just really strange and numb about it. I guess being 1000 miles from home accounts for part of it, and being slammed back to being a 14 year old accounts for the rest. Thanks for commenting. <3

[evilnel]

I'm so sorry this is happening. I know a little bit that fear of 'what if...' having an erratic family member, and can't even imagine what it's actually like to get that call. I feel for you right now. It's okay that you're not feeling any immediate emotions. Probably, you're feeling lots of things, maybe so many things you can't process them all to identify them. That's okay. There's no right or wrong way to experience tragedy or grief, you just do it how you do it. If you can't talk to Ben about it yet, don't force yourself. Give yourself time, but also be aware of those influences which are telling you this is shameful and you need to hide it. You don't, least of all from the people who care about you most. This is illness. This isn't a character flaw or a bad habit, this is a mental illness that your dad has been struggling with his whole life and the taboo is so ridiculous and frustrating. If that urge to hide it is what's keeping you from talking, ask yourself who you're protecting. Do they really need protecting from the truth

[erisedraine]

I'm thinking of you and I hope your father gets well again.

[themeadowlark]

Oh, no. I'm so very sorry to hear this. I'm glad you have a therapist you can talk to about this, and I'm glad to hear you are taking care of yourself. I wish I had some better words of comfort, but please know you (and your family!) are in my thoughts and that I'm wishing and hoping for the best for you all.

(I really enjoyed your earlier post, very glad to hear that you like your new vet job. I remember all too well the work search after gradschool, and the free time yay!/no one wants to hire me i'm awful dichotomy of feelings :P Two months is super short in this economy, and you are clearly doing very well :) sounds like this clinic is a good fit for you, too.)

(Lots and lots of hugs)
Sara

[thelaurax]

Boo for the bad news. I hope things are going better for you and your family. Tough times. It was good to hear about the good things though! Congrats on new job!