Posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 12:38:12
In reply to the weight gain issue, posted by saintjames on March 26, 1999, at 1:46:56
the weight gain issue does NOT lend itself to "a simple answer here....eat better and excercise".
If you really believe this, and have depression, then i have a "simple" answer for THAT illness.."quit yer bitchin, get happy, get off yer ass and quit being depressed".
This is the EXACT same kind of thinking that has added to the already heavy load of guilt and shame carried by those with this illness. If they only acted different, everything would be great. Ignoring the fact that, in cases of severe depression, the patient is UNABLE to even TAKE THESE ACTIONS.
The weight gain issue with SSRI's and other meds (depakote is infamous for this) is REAL, ocurrs without any other seeming change in lifestyle, and is remarkably recalcitrant to deitary or exercise regimens.
The "way out" is to take care of everything we can that, thru introspection and evaluation, that we realize played a role in our getting and staying depressed. I think it is then possible to eventually live without the meds. I said "possible". Better on meds then dead.
It's very similar to alcoholism in my experience.
With help, one may be able to quit drinking.
However, REMAINING sober takes WORK.
AA has some excellent ideas on the actions involved in this. Regardless of where we get our ideas, i genuinely think that, without an intense reevaulation of our lives, we will remain stuck.
Unless we really think our illness isn't actually "Depression" etc, but "Prozac (pr zoloft or paxil or luvox, etc.) Deficiency".
poster:harry
thread:4030
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/4218.html