Neurotic Ramblings...
(Volume I, Issue IV)
Psychotic Day in Detox
Today was a day, not unlike any other day in detox (which in reality is kind of a meaningless statement, as a "normal" day in detox means a day unlike any other, which would in turn make it like other days in the sense that it is unlike other days).
First thing this shift report, I was informed there was a psychotic killer on the unit. Now, even though I work in detox, I prefer not to fraternize with too many psychotic killers. Neurotic killers are a bit more predictable. Psychotic killers tend to be rather high-maintenance clients. Also, the killing part can present some challenges in obtaining appropriate placement: most agencies are unbelievably discriminatory against clients that present a threat to physical bodily harm. I know it's difficult to believe, but all too true.
PsychoticK, our unit assassin, was fairly easily placated. I could tell him he had pretty shoes and he had done a nice job cleaning his room, and he seemed momentarily content. It made me wonder what would have happened if I told him that he had missed a spot, but not enough to try it. I don't have good insurance right now.
PsychoticK. informed me that I strongly resembled his auntie, the high priestess of the home for unwed mothers. With some trepidation, I asked him if Auntie was a nice high priestess. To my great relief, he assured me she was. He also explained to me that he was dead, and therefore he no longer heard voices, at least not many.Noted strength: imaginative. Treatment plan for PsychoticK: smile and nod a lot while backing away slowly.
Suicidal Mama was out on the smoking patio, flopping her long dark hair around on the chair, and in her best melodramatic voice declaring, "I'm sooooooo suicidal. I need my meds!" Although I would have been more than happy to give Suicidal Mama her meds, I don't have access to any meds. And if I did, I don't know that I would have been willing to share them with her. I figure you gotta look out for number one first, right?
Noted strength: n touch with feelings. Treatment plan for the day: pretend to care about Suicidal Mama's feelings.
Somehow, though, Suicidal Mama.'s whining didn't attract from her sex appeal: RomanticWeasal. was following her around like a puppy wanting to play fetch. Noted strength: interpersonal skills. Treatment plan for the day: inhibit expression of interpersonal skills.
I hastily informed them both of my motto from my entire career as a detox monitor: "Not on my shift!" They didn't make any quick moves, which I was grateful for.
MoodSwing Girl was storming around the unit throughout the day, urging anyone who would listen to contact her case manager immediately and that she, too, needed medication. At least she needed a cigarette! She didn't break any large objects, however, and seemed to quiet when absentmindedly ignored. Noted strength: takes initiative. Treatment plan of the day: ignore her.
TB-Tess was overhead speaking loudly into the pay phone in a voice laden with airborne infectious agents, "They may make me wear a mask or something. I should have kept my big mouth shut!" Of course, Tess knew that her inconvenience was much more important than everyone else's health. Noted strength: Sets priorities. Treatment plan for the day for Tess: keeping her big mouth shut, preferably in another room.
Lady Denial was flitting about from client to client, taking in everything. She and Suicidal Mama shared some special moments as Mama was explaining the rape of her teenaged daughter and the reaction of the good folks who cared about the girl involving the untimely disappearance of the perpetrator. Mama also noted that the group home her daughter lives in has improved since the abusive staff member was arrested.
Lady Denial was appropriately moved. The over-involved brother of the good Lady shared his caring and support by several stern phone calls to staff advising they fix his sister. Noted strength: concern for others. Treatment plan for the day: join her in her denial and get her brother off the damn phone.
Of course, there were several other lower-maintenance clients on the unit. They tend to blend together when the needs of high maintenance clients outweigh theirs. Noted strengths: functioning abilities (even in bizarre environment).Treatment plan: survive until the end of the shift.
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My ICQ# is 3359736. Don't have ICQ?
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Better yet, get ICQ. It's very neat, and it's FREE. Really.
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Delusional behaviors have occurred in this lifetime. If you want to see
verification, veiw my guest book.
If you want to your own examples, sign my guest
book. And thanks for stopping by!