
Isobel
Well-known member
Founding Member
Unfortunately I find it hard to make the time that I'd like to have to read more than a little in this forum (lousy concentration means that I can't read too much at a time as well), but, I've just read through a long thread which is now (I think) closed and it reminded me of times past.
When J and I were in the therapeutic community (so-called) there was always
one patient who acted either as a catalyst or an antagonist (sometimes both) to the rest. It wasn't the same person all the time but did tend to be someone who stood out, a bit different from the rest even though we were all very different. We were all there because of intractable problems so we were probably all quite easily antagonised to a greater or lesser degree and depending on what was actually going on the place could be extremely volatile and all the emotion focussed on this one patient. This happened however aware we were of his/her problems and however fairly we tried to behave.
One of those people had colossal anger outbursts which completely terrified me, leaving me shaking for days and another had been appallingly abused as a child and then had a major disabling accident, coming across as having a 'victim' outlook. Even though it was incredibly difficult being there at the time it did really help me in learning how to be with people and in situations where emotions and actions were extreme. I still hate anger and still do my best to keep things peaceful but I can let myself be angry now which is a HUGE thing.
Angels fly because they take themselves lightly
When J and I were in the therapeutic community (so-called) there was always
one patient who acted either as a catalyst or an antagonist (sometimes both) to the rest. It wasn't the same person all the time but did tend to be someone who stood out, a bit different from the rest even though we were all very different. We were all there because of intractable problems so we were probably all quite easily antagonised to a greater or lesser degree and depending on what was actually going on the place could be extremely volatile and all the emotion focussed on this one patient. This happened however aware we were of his/her problems and however fairly we tried to behave.
One of those people had colossal anger outbursts which completely terrified me, leaving me shaking for days and another had been appallingly abused as a child and then had a major disabling accident, coming across as having a 'victim' outlook. Even though it was incredibly difficult being there at the time it did really help me in learning how to be with people and in situations where emotions and actions were extreme. I still hate anger and still do my best to keep things peaceful but I can let myself be angry now which is a HUGE thing.
Angels fly because they take themselves lightly