Posted by JohnL on February 7, 2000, at 4:20:02
In reply to HELP, posted by Kathrine on February 6, 2000, at 21:18:15
Hi Kathrine. I'm so sorry to hear of your situation. Many of us have been, are, or will again be in your shoes. You're in good company.
One thing about psychiatric conditions that bothers me is the stigma and fear created by the diagnosis and the words used to describe them. What you are experiencing is a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are many different types of chemical imbalances, but they all result in a wide variety of psychiatric conditions that distort reality.
I wish instead of calling it 'depression', they would call it 'low serotonin'. Or 'low norepinephrine'. And instead of calling drugs antidepressants, they could be called 'serotonin enhancers'. Or 'norepinephrine enhancers'. Bipolar is 'chemical instability' or 'electrical instability'. A mood stabilizer could be called a 'chemical stabilizer' or an 'electricity stabilizer'. Your symptoms are likely related to low serotonin and some sort of chemical instability. That seems much more user-friendly and less intimidating than the medical words they throw at us. Someone who is paranoid schizophrenic (sounds scary) is suffering from dopamine elevation. It would be so much nicer if they would call the drugs 'dopamine reducers' instead of 'antipsychotics'.
The point is, try not to be intimidated by the terms. You and all the rest of us have some sort of chemical imbalance. The drugs we use attempt to correct the imbalances. Until the correct imbalance is targeted, all sorts of perplexing and distressing symptoms like you are experiencing will result. Reality is distorted. It's not a personality flaw or a weakness. Hopefully your doctors will prescribe medication(s) that will correct the underlying imbalance. For now the best thing to do is put your trust in the doctor and try to get through one moment at a time. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you cannot yet see it. There are much better days ahead for you. Please hang in there.
I've heard one method of preventing suicide is to give the patient a pill of a benzo, like Xanax (GABA enhancer), and a pill of Stelazine (dopamine reducer) to carry with them. At a time of distress when suicide might be attempted, put the pills in the mouth for 60 seconds before swallowing. The suicidal feelings should dissipate within two or three minutes. If your doctors are concerned about suicide, perhaps telling them about this and asking for these medications for emergencies will prove to them you are trying your best. It's kind of like making sure the car has seat belts before turning on the ignition. In any case, try not to feel alone. You are in good company here with lots of people who completely understand how you feel. I'm cheering for you. JohnL
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20677.html