Update to my WTTB blog

For those of you who read my "Walking, Talking Time Bomb" blog last month....here's an update of what happened today (it was his first time back since that last time he was here a few weeks ago). Last week his wife (who is Carol's client) called Carol, crying about how my client was having some episodes (I knew it!) and she was concerned, thinking she might call his psychiatrist if things got worse. A few weeks ago, my boss had made tentative plans to want he and I to talk to the client, just to make sure the client (and staff) were feeling safe in regard to the guy's mental health. But the more I thought about it, I decided I wanted to play it by ear and see what he'd be like next time he came in (that day being today) before I assessed what should (if anything) be done. I didn't want to feed his possible paranoia that we're 'out to get him.' I'm so glad going with the flow works so well at work, because I think it turned out well today.

When he came in, he apologized to Manuela for his erratic behavior. He told her he had stopped taking his meds, so it was bad, but now he's doing better because he's back on the meds (he told me so when I asked him....assuming he's telling the truth, which I think he is because he appeared calmer and didn't have that nutty glint in his eye that is characteristic of him when he's off the meds). I pulled him into my office for a few minutes to ask him how he's been doing, as I know he's had some stressful things going on lately. I also asked if he'd been to his psychiatrist lately and he stated that he has an appointment next month. I told him it's important for him to feel safe, as it is for us (staff) to feel that way as well. I emphatically pointed out that if he starts to feel parnoid or that we are 'out to get him,' it is important for him to know it is his illness talking, not reality. I asked him if he would go to the hospital if it was real bad/necessary and he said he would go if his wife wanted/needed him to go. I told him to keep me posted on his mental health; he said he would. I feel better from the talk now and am going to update my boss, which means we don't have to have the serious talk with him now that was originally planned for the client, myself, and the boss. We'll see how it goes....