I get to the jail around 0600 and I'm usually done around 1400, so that's a nice change. Gives me more of a 'day' to speak of afterwards. I'm still in the process of meeting the staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, etc. Everyone's been really nice, encouraging, and low-stress there. Over the last few days I've tagged along with various people as they interview severely mentally ill patients and some that aren't (at least, at the moment) as severe. The biggest subgroup of patients I've seen thusfar has been those on suicide watch. I'm still getting my feet wet, but after hearing some of the short snippets of their lives, it sure makes my problems seem a lot smaller. And it makes the stuff other people (mostly celebrities) complain about seem totally retarded.
The most interesting thing so far has been seeing how different males and females present with their psych issues. At this point, I think women psych patients are WAY more interesting than males. Shouldn't be surprised I guess - higher highs and lower lows is kinda the norm, isn't it? Maybe on a broad scale. (This is me covering my rear to any female who's reading this and getting offended.) But my preceptor, Cathy, wants me to be really good at assessing suicidal patients, whether they "really mean it" or are just trying to get the perks of saying they are (extra meds and care, their own private room, etc.)
Alright, definitely bedtime. More interesting stories later. I have a feeling that mornings after Monday Night Football are going to be tough each week, but tonight I have no excuse. So in closing: Try not to go to jail.
grace & peace
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