Posted by ksvt on October 29, 2000, at 20:02:22
In reply to Medicines For Life, posted by R.Anne on October 27, 2000, at 16:15:10
>I used to really fight the whole concept of medicine for life. However, I think I agree with noa - once I came to some peace about the chronic aspects of depression I stopped obsessing so much about each little mood swing and about the notion of permanent meds and that aspect of things, now seems less worrisome. I think what did it for me was going through a period of trying alot of meds that didn't work, or worked for just a little while. Each time I'd take myself off one of these meds, I'd feel great for awhile but inevitably I'd crash. This in and of itself was depressing because it was a horrible reminder that I really did have an illness. I finally found a med, that while not perfect, has clearly had a therapeutic effect. Everytime I think about going off it, I draw to mind what it felt like to be at my depressed worst, and what an awful process it is to try out new drugs. That seems to calm down any anxiety I have about taking the ADs. Now what I worry about now is making drug adjustments. ksvt
I was told I would probably have to take medicines for the rest of my life for depression for one thing. I also have OCD and PTSD that I take medicines for, too. I can look at it and accept it as necessary for a better quality of life or a life at all. I accept that my brain chemistry went awry and the medicines help bring it closer to "normal." I think of myself as a person who needs medicine just like someone with a heart condition needs medicine. There are people out there, though, who don't understand it though, unfortunately. A lot of people need more education on mental illness to help them understand better. Sometimes I feel very alone and find this board helpful. I have had long term problems and have had therapies and use what I've learned, continue to learn more and feel I really need the medicines and maybe forever. Can anyone relate?
poster:ksvt
thread:47535
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47715.html