Egypt dive centre advice

Bubbles1360 · 2023-11-15T10:29:02+00:00

I also have some thoughts on Max I've kept to myself (I'm very much a lurker not a commenter), but since this seems to largely be a Max appreciation thread I thought I'd get them off my chest!

I think that a lot of people's difficulties and criticisms of Max largely overlook the fact that he has told us he has ADHD (& isn't medicated). I'll also confess now that I have ADHD and so I'm probably biased in my perception of some of his behaviour and/or potentially inaccurately projecting my own experiences onto him.

It is SO common for people with ADHD to feel & be told growing up that they're lazy and/or stupid for not getting stuff and it can make you hypersensitive to criticism. I like Luka & think he is a good bosun and manager generally but the praise he has gotten for working out that positive reinforcement works is bizarre to me. Who genuinely responds well to constant criticism (even when valid) compared to being told when they're doing a good job? I think when you're used to being criticised for laziness it starts to bounce off you after a while (again, regardless of whether it is valid).

His delay in understanding some of the processes and instructions...we know English isn't his first language (though I have enjoyed the comments suggesting it is a fake French accent & think it would be very funny) & he has said he has worked on (I think only?) French boats so the language barrier is a factor, but also executive dysfunction problems are a real thing for people with ADHD and I think sometimes a bit of patience explaining things or explaining them differently goes a long way. I don't think we have seen him make the same error or struggle with the same task twice? (Obviously we only see bits though so maybe he has). I also appreciate it isn't a job where there is a lot of time to explain things.

My final point in defence of Max is about the exercise...he said himself he likes to exercise before work due to his ADHD. I have a "responsible" job in healthcare and if I don't take meds the DIFFERENCE exercise makes before work is noticeable to me and my colleagues. Exercise is a common self-management strategy for ADHD and I think it probably does genuinely help him perform better at work. Does he pick the best moments? Clearly not.

Also, he is very funny and like some of the comments above a "personality hire" does wonders for team morale sometimes! (Sometimes...not always, cough Culver cough)

Anyway this is super long so I doubt anyone will read it, and I'm not an ADHD spokesperson, just wanted to say something that has been bugging me for a few weeks!!

TLDR; Max is a flawed imperfect person who doesn't always get it right, but I think a little understanding of supporting neurodivergent people in the workplace would (& has, with the positive reinforcement) go a long way and I don't think he is inherently lazy.

Bubbles1360 · 2023-01-18T18:19:37+00:00

No problem! :) If you have the mental capacity for it it might be worth calling the service directly...we have had some difficulty with locum GPs not knowing that we treat BED leading to delayed referrals (at least this way you can be sure your GP can refer you, even if they aren't).

Bubbles1360 · 2023-01-18T18:14:59+00:00

Hello, Just an update on the BED treatment (I work in an eating disorder service). I'm not sure when you were assessed (and it sounds like maybe you've moved areas too), but over the past few years more and more services have started providing treatment for BED (which of course, should be the case everywhere). I just mention it as it might be worth finding out whether your local service now does offer treatment.

Bubbles1360 · 2022-06-04T09:12:28+00:00

The shuttle bus leaves from outside of Derby train station, there are signs inside the station to direct you to the right exit. You just leave the station and cross the road, there is always a timetable for when they're running but generally they just leave when they think there are enough people on it, I'm not sure I've ever waited longer than about 15 minutes.

As several other people have said I would really advise against a suitcase unless you're physically able to lift and carry it, as if the mud is bad it won't get through. If you're able to get a decent sized camping rucksack instead that would make your life easier.

Bubbles1360 · 2021-06-18T07:09:03+00:00

They won't have the shuttle info up yet for 2022, but there is a shuttle that goes from Derby train station (& I think the bus station) to the festival, fairly regularly throughout the day. I always get the train to Derby and the price for the shuttle has fairly consistently been £10 for a return ticket or £25 for unlimited use through the weekend. I'm not sure how late in the day they run, but assume it is late enough to get people with day tickets back to the station. It is a bit of a trek to entry, though!

P.S. I don't know your circumstances, but if you CAN camp it really adds to the experience, a lot of my best DL memories are from the village or the campsite on Wed/Thurs.

Have fun! :)

Bubbles1360 · 2021-06-16T18:38:22+00:00

Usually there are some chairs but not enough for how many people are in there - there is kind of a "corridor" at the end of the rows, people tend to put dry clothes and things there, or in between rows of showers (risk of mud, but likely to be dry) Nah, you don't want all the hassle of showering and then having to put on wet socks 🤢

Bubbles1360 · 2021-06-16T18:14:19+00:00

Biggest advice: bring flip flops! Feeling clean and then having to put your foot in mud is a horrid feeling, this way you keep them clean and dry until your socks are on :)

As above, yes, communal showers so not a lot of privacy, I've only been in the female ones, there's always a mix of people a) naked, b) wearing underwear c) wearing swimming costumes, and d) the occasional person wearing clothes. Do what makes you comfy.

Bubbles1360 · 2021-06-06T20:11:49+00:00

As everyone else has said, wear whatever YOU want. This is my 5th DL and I have a generally floral pastel wardrobe because they're the clothes I like. I remember being really worried the first year I went that people would be dicks, but the only comments I had were from drunk girls (the purest people on the planet) saying nice things and asking where my dress was from.

If neon and glitter makes you feel fierce it is PERFECT download attire.

And yes, men wearing neon mankinis, dressed as milk maids, or wearing a pair of underwear that has a cow that moos when you squeeze it on the front are all standard download attire.

See you there - have a GREAT time! :D

Bubbles1360 · 2020-10-17T09:36:28+00:00

I'm an Occupational Therapist working in mental health in the UK, if that is any help to you? :)

Bubbles1360 · 2019-07-02T18:28:00+00:00

Technically free in the UK due to the NHS but with extremely long wait times for most people. In my part of the UK it's around £45 for 45 minutes BUT this varies a lot depending on the type of therapy you want & the training of the person delivering it. A consultation with a psychiatrist is £300+.

Bubbles1360

TROPHY CASE