It's the Way You Say It.

Talking to people does not need to be taxing. Even saying things people don't want to hear is manageable if done the right way. I suppose really my job is all about talking. What is there in mental health but talking and pills? I don't always get it right but do find it hard when others come across in a very rude way and or aggressive way that is completely unnecessary. That has happened to me twice in the last 2 days.

I had a valued opportunity to teach yesterday. Although I failed at teaching as a career I do sometimes get wheeled out at the University to impart my somewhat extensive knowledge of mental health. On this occasion it was a 3 hours-very long-session to clinical psychology doctorate students a group I've not worked with before. I was really pleased with how it went and most of them seemed to find it helpful. Then as I was leaving a overheard a somewhat sneering comment from one of the students dismissing me entirely. Curious thing is that had she mentioned it in the session I could have cleared up what was just a misunderstanding. But there you go, we can't please everyone. That said it is a little bit of a worry in this field. Left a bad taste.

This morning I had to guide an international student through the joys of the bus system to show her where to attend hospital appointments. She had never used a bus in England. I had never used that bus company or that route. Sadly the first bus driver erroneously gave me the wrong ticket. Not knowing any different I presented my return ticket on the bus back to be confronted by arrogant hostility and an implication that I was trying to defraud the bus company. The driver was equally aggressive and hostile to my anxious student. All it takes is a simple few words rather than hostility. Of course what the driver didn't know is that I know the managing director of the bus company personally. The question is do I send that e mail or put it down to experience?

On top of that there is a crisis brewing tomorrow that I suspect will at some point end in a Mental Health Act Assessment.

Yet to kinder things. The TV is off, opera is on and I'm delving further into Graham Greene. I'm enjoying The Quiet American more than I did Brighton Rock. Easier to read too. A little break before the chaos starts again tomorrow. See you then.

I Heard a Voice.