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PreSIM: Psych Check-In

Posted April 15, 2021, 7:42 a.m. by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) (D Grisham)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in PreSIM: Psych Check-In

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) in PreSIM: Psych Check-In

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in PreSIM: Psych Check-In
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
[SNIP]
Namid wasn’t sure they understood the layers involved in counseling, but they figured 38 minutes was enough time to get a ‘you’re well enough to work.’

“I doubt I’ve got anymore pressing issues,” they assured. “How do you want to do this?”

– Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

Rollo turned and headed towards her office, beckoning the Lt to follow. “Let’s just have a quick chat.” After they entered, the doors swished closed behind them. Zef took a seat at her desk and motioned Argimeau to a chair on the opposite side. A few, quick, keystrokes brought up the scientist’s file. The words non-binary jumped off the screen for Zef and made a few things more clear for her.

“Why don’t you give me a quick rundown of any past counseling issues followed by how you feel about this posting.”

—Rollo, CNS

Namid settled into the chair opposite of hers and took a moment to reflect on their past. “There’s not much to report. I went through grief counselling in ‘85, after my partner passed away.” Their voice softened, the vibrant green of their gaze tempered by a moment of dormant affection. “Uhm,” they cleared their throat and pressed their index finger to their temple, “I pursued steady treatment for about a year and continued with on-and-off sessions for another four. It’s been a couple years since I’ve needed the expertise of a counsellor.” Their smile seemed almost dampened, but the confidence in their voice persevered. “Otherwise, there’s the annual visits and the occasional ‘I could use your advice before I do something I might regret.’ Whether I listened..” they shrugged, subtle mirth hidden in their gaze. It was a habit to resort to humour.

What they described was certainly within the realm of normal after experiencing a personal loss, so it didn’t set off any warning signs in Zef’s mind.

“Concerning my post,” Namid straightened their posture, “I am both invigorated and nervous.. but hardly reserved. Most of my work has been done in the comfort of an otherwise desolate outpost or mainstream ship; Manhattan is the first that’s requested more than hypotheses, an analysis or savviness in crisis.” They tilted their head and stroked their chin. “In some ways, it’s what I’ve ached for. In others, I know there will be unique incidences that I’ve never encountered. Naturally, I am concerned I may not be equipped for them.” Argimeau delayed a second longer, recalling Cochrane’s order they entertain away team and self-defence training. They were so used to being one of the brains behind an operation that they weren’t sure what it was like having a piece of the action. Namid trusted they would soon find out.

– Namid Argimeau, SIO

“If I understand it correctly, your post is new to everyone. As such, a feeling of excitement is normal, but so is the concern that you won’t know how to handle something that comes up. Since there aren’t any already established right and wrong answers for the situations you’re going to come up against, a lot of what will happen will be trial and error, won’t it?”

Namid hadn’t allowed themself to fully appreciate the opportunity their position lent them. Doctor Rollo made a fair point. There was no ‘rulebook’ – no guaranteed right or wrong answers – only their moral compass and the puzzle they were entrusted to help solve.

“I suppose it will,” they agreed.

Zef tried to imagine what Argimeau might be feeling about their new posting, but didn’t really have anything in her own memory bank to equate it to.

“The officers here on the Manhattan are eager to help each other, so you will have all the advice you’ll need to make an informed decision. Just do the best you can and I’m sure it will all work out. Do you feel up to the task?”

—Rollo, CNS

A part of Namid hoped, somewhat idealistically, that the counsellor was right. It would all work out. But they knew it was a little more complicated than trying their best.. and they were okay with that. They had to be.

Namid offered a slight smile. It appeased them to know Manhattan’s crew were eager to lend a hand. Argimeau was an outwardly introverted person, but they relied equally on teamwork and independence. And the thought of being alone on a ship full of people terrified them.

“I do,” they assured, pausing to briefly reconsider, then nodded, “yeah. I feel up to it.”

– Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

Zef nodded. “Well, I think that’s wonderful then and I’m very interested to see how your position plays out in real time. I think I might even be just a tiny bit jealous of the fact that you get to break new ground. That’s always exciting to me.” She had a good feeling about Argimeau’s mental health so far and didn’t see any reason not to clear them for duty. “If there’s anything you need while you’re on the Manhattan, please don’t hesitate to call me, day or night, I’m always available.”

“Maybe we can chat about it over coffee,” Namid grinned somewhat facetiously, “once I’ve broken out of the paperwork stage.” They took in a soft breath and appreciated the counsellor’s offers. “Thank you, Counsellor Rollo.”

The invitation was a surprise, but not unwelcome. “I’d love a chance to get out of the office, so, coffee in the lounge is a definite yes.”

She gave the scientist a moment to collect their thoughts. “I’ll clear you for duty immediately. Do you have any questions for me?”

—Rollo, CNS

Namid listened to the tick tock emanating from their subconscious, muling over their thoughts in pursuit of an outstanding question. Aha! “Yes,” they straightened and afforded a subtle nod, “I suffer from intermittent headaches. Constant, dull, decentralized. Doctor Baht considered episodic migraines as a potential culprit. He suggested I bring it up with you — maybe pick your brain about the psychological components.”

Namid rolled their wrist and glanced at their watch. “But considering you have another patient soon, I’m open to scheduling a formal appointment for that.” They had no intention of encroaching on her patient’s time.

— Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

Pain was very individual. It could have a medical reason or a psychological one. Either way, the pain was real to the one experiencing it. Rollo sat forward in her chair, “The best way to begin tracking down the possible reason for the headaches is to journal your day. Keep track of sleep, food, alcohol, medication and exertion. The longer you keep a record, the more information Dr Baht or I would have to see if we could find a pattern or trigger for the headaches.” She spread her hands. “That’s really the first step.”

—Rollo, CNS


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