Simology Psychology: Anaya Devi, PsyD, is a seasoned psychologist with experience working with Sims who have conditions such as ADHD and anxiety. Her creative, hands-on practices teach anxious Sims what to do when their thoughts spiral too fast. She works from her home and apologizes in advance for any ruckus caused by her husband and baby daughter.
It was worth a shot; at this point, Everett could use all of the help.
...
"Everett Dupant?"
"Hello, Everett, nice to meet you!" The psychologist shook Everett's hand. "My name is Anaya Devi- how are you doing today?"
Everett shook her hand back. She seemed nice. "I've been better." He admitted.
"Why don't we sit in my office and chat?"
"So, Everett, I've heard you've been struggling with anxious thoughts lately." Anaya sat down in her chair and began the conversation. "How has that felt like to you."
"I guess I've always felt a bit nervous." Everett looked down at his shoes. "Like this lingering feeling that never goes away. But, I had never had a panic attack until..." His voice wavered.
"Until?"
"...until I came out to my dad." Evrett sharply blinked some tears away. "I was so, so nervous, ma'am. I thought my family would shame me, would push me away."
"And did they?"
"They didn't. And now I feel like an idiot for even thinking he would in the first place."
"You're not an idiot for letting your feelings out, Everett. The men's mental health crisis is real." Anaya smiled gently. "We can get you the help that you need."
And hearing those words took a weight off of Everett's chest.
Anaya proceeded to ask Everett some questions on a questionarre:
Have you been feeling restless and/or on edge most days for the past six months? I've always been a restless person; I manage it through movement. I want to go pro.
How is your sleep? Could be better. I toss and turn and sleep-talk a lot.
Do you have trouble with concentration and your mind going blank? Occasionally, yes.
Do you often feel irritable or have anxiety about social situations? My parents say I was a fiery kid. Socially, though, I was great. I've always had lots of friends.
Have you dealt with any possibly traumatic events in your life? My parents fought a lot, especially when I was little. I'm not traumatized or anything, though, just a bit on edge when things get tense in the house.
Have you dealt with any recurring obsessions or compulsions before? Never.
Anaya observed Everett closely, taking notes and analyzing his body language and facial reactions. When the questionnaire had finished, Anaya put her pen down and looked at him once more. "Well, Everett, I'll have my full report ready for you tomorrow. But from what I've observed so far, it seems like you may be a candidate for a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD."
Everett returned home to find his mom waiting for him. "Mom!"
"Everett!" Toni wrapped her son into a hug. "How was the appointment?"
"It went pretty well." Everett shrugged. "My psychologist is nice. I'm going to start meeting with her once every two weeks. What have you and Dad been doing today?"
"Nothing much." Toni lied.
The truth was, Toni and Lancelot had been playing at home, practicing their singing and piano again. The hopes of SMASH coming back were becoming more and more true each day.
"Everett, how did the college meeting go?" Lance asked Everett when he went inside.
"College meeting?" Everett raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? I went to a psychologist."
"I thought you were searching for which college to attend." Lancelot frowned. "Did you choose Britchester or Foxbury? Your aunt Aurora went to Britchester and-"
"Dad..." Everett shook his head. "I don't WANT to go to college. I want to go pro in soccer. I thought I already told you."
Lancelot was appalled. "What do you MEAN you don't want college? Your mother and I didn't give our whole lives away just for you to be a failure."
"But, Dad, I'm good at soccer! My coach at school told me that I might make the big leagues if I try hard enough." He groaned. "Can't we talk about this another day? My birthday party's in a couple days and I have to plan."
Lancelot shook his head. "Things can change fast. One injury and that's that for you. You need the stability that a college degree provides, Everett."
Deep down, Everett knew his father was correct, but the thought of going to college and being surrounded by so much work and so much uncertainty...
...made him physically sick.
The following morning, Toni awoke to find Everett practicing skipping the ball around. "See this, Mom?" He showed off his moves. "I wasn't kidding when I said I'd be a good player."
"I can see that" Toni nodded. Her son truly was a pro at the sport. If only Lancelot could see that potential, too. Maybe the failure of SMASH had jaded her.
When Toni went to work that morning, the men were left alone. "So," Lancelot began. "You made a decision yet?"
""Dad, it's been a day." Everett rolled his eyes. "Dad, it's been a day." Everett rolled his eyes.
"It shouldn't be a hard decision. Just go to college, crank out a degree, and voila."
"If that's so easy for you to say, then why didn't YOU go?" Everett snapped.
"To raise YOU!" Now Lancelot was furious. He stood from his chair.
"I'm not discussing it further, Everett Duke. Either get a degree, or you're on your own." And with that, he walked away.
Everett sat alone in the kitchen. He hadn't talked to his dad about his sexuality, hadn't even told him about the anxiety diagnosis. He felt more alone than he ever had in his life.
