text;

[phdmotherfucker]

Is it common to have the most terrible migraine after the event? And if so, does it happen every time? The IBA should seriously consider handing out Excedrin with their business cards. Maybe a pamphlet of common side effects. Something more tangibly useful than their mission statement.

(( This is essentially the same network prompt as used on the TDM. Happy to transfer threads over or start fresh. ))

Comments

[phdmotherfucker]

I could do 4:30. Does that work for you?

[consortofalderaan]

While I've met those who aren't as upset by their memories, I have yet to meet someone who really enjoyed getting any memories.

[phdmotherfucker]

In your experience, is there any consistent trigger to the memories or is it completely random?

[consortofalderaan]

Random. Sometimes I go weeks without a new memory, sometimes a few new ones will hit one right after another.

For some, the same memory will replay over and over again. Others get them once and then it's a new memory after that.

[phdmotherfucker]

Yikes.

Yikes yikes yikes.

[consortofalderaan]

It is a lot to wrestle with and process.

But there are a number of us who are going through the same thing.

[traceofeffort]

Perhaps! I know some of us have seen things that have changed how we think of our other selves. Or, well, it could double down and you'll have a very firm idea of who not to be.

We're not entirely sure what triggers them, although they do seem to come with time. I've had a fair few now, but I don't feel like there's a link between timing or anything. Maybe right before or as crazy stuff happens, but that's not a strong theory. And that's one of the reasons I'm not crazy about the support group, incidentally. It doesn't do all the jobs I need it to do.

[phdmotherfucker]

So is this a find strength in numbers thing?

[phdmotherfucker]

I didn't get a very good idea of WHO that woman is, so much as what happened to her.

I know what you mean about the support group. I added the meetings to my schedule but it just feels a bit like going through the motions. What do you wish you could get from it?

[traceofeffort]

Ah. That sounds a little rough. If it helps, nothing about what we are says you can't pop a few Advil. And hopefully you learn a little more about what makes her tick - context can make a world of difference to what you're seeing.

It's... They're fine as a place to get together and work through our new memories, but they don't necessarily help me feel CALM about everything, or give me ideas on how to handle all the new stuff. I can't pass off some of the stuff from my memories as being my own ideas forever, and learning a new instrument in a matter of a week or three isn't exactly normal either.

[phdmotherfucker]

It sounds like you would benefit more from individual counseling to learn coping skills, but it would be hard to find one you can trust to talk about ... All this stuff.

At least knowing a lot of instruments is cool. You sound extremely cool.

[neverjedi]

Headaches and, for me, the worst repeating nightmares and dreams. Those slacked off after the initial memory, but for a while I thought I might finally lose what was left of my sanity.

[traceofeffort]

Boy, that's the understatement of the year. Yeah, I don't know if the Bureau has counselors on the inside, and I don't really want to ask? I don't know if confidentiality will really apply when they're working for the organization that only grudgingly tolerates you.

I'm... trying to be cool? I don't know that I do a very good job of it in reality, but I'm working on it. The more people I hear it from, the better it sticks, though, so. Thanks.

[phdmotherfucker]

Yeah, to be honest I've barely slept the last two weeks. It's definitely been noticed at work.

[consortofalderaan]

And shared experience.

[phdmotherfucker]

I get that in theory, but in practice I just haven't been comfortable sharing that particular experience with anyone. Well, almost anyone. And now that bridge is thoroughly burned.

[phdmotherfucker]

Do you play professionally?

[consortofalderaan]

Maybe start with just hearing what others have experienced, if they are willing to share that with you?

[phdmotherfucker]

Well. How about yours?

[consortofalderaan]

Alright.

I'm married to a queen of a planet. I'm also a senator representing that planet in a galaxy-wide assembly. Lots of politics in my memories.

[phdmotherfucker]

Damn. Can we swap?

[consortofalderaan]

That bad?

[phdmotherfucker]

Yeah.

I was tortured.

[consortofalderaan]

That is bad. I'm sorry that that is your experience.

Some people have memories like that. There doesn't seem to be much reason behind who gets pleasant memories and who gets ones like yours.

[not_as_i_do]

That's perfect, actually, I'll be finishing up my last phone consultation around then. Your choice where we go, if they make coffee within ten blocks, I've been there.