Posted by Shirley2 on April 7, 2001, at 15:25:37
In reply to HAS ANYONE ..., posted by sweetmarie on April 7, 2001, at 13:23:08
Anna,
Before I answer your post, I just want to let everyone on the board know that I am the same person as Shirley1 and Shirley. I keep loosing my registration information, that's why I have to keep registering. Hopefully, this will be the last time.
You have asked an excellent question and one I have wondered about myself due to continuous side effects, especially the dreaded weight gain. I know that in order to have a recovery, a person has to continously work at active change such as replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, etc. For most people, in my opinion, meds alone are not the answer. But if a person is constantly battling troublesome side effects or just can't find a medicine that even works partially, how can she/he have the strength to do the emotional work that is necessary for recovery?
My own experience - In looking at the total picture which I have a hard time doing, meds have pulled me out of a suicidal depression and gotten me employed again. Of course, I had to do some emotional work but without the meds, the 2nd part wouldn't have happened.
At work, I have managed to survive a very tough environment due to the floor the medicines gave me and the coping skills I learned as the result of having the floor. I have learned how to play the political game that I had no clue about previously.
But because of side effects from meds, I missed more work last year than I did in the previous three years. Can't even call in sick anymore:)) out of fear I will need those days for my med problems. Even when I haven't missed days, I have been late thanks to meds problems and unproductive at work.
Fortunately, I have an understanding boss and not an overwhelming amount of work to do. But the tasks are very boring and way below my skill level. I plan to see what else is out there and I intend to do everything possible to make sure my next supervisor is as understanding as the current one. In spite of my vow to find something more to my liking, I have a fear that the side effects bugaboo will roar its ugly head.
Finally, I realize that I'm alot more fortunate than many people on this board. Also, I was lucky to have a good year on Zoloft and Adderall but since then, only for a few days. I have thought about going off meds but I also don't want to go back to my suicidal days.
I plan to start increasing my exercise program to see if maybe that would help minimize the side effects, such as alot of weight gain. But judging from people's posts on this board, I don't have too much hope of that. But at least, I'll be healthier so it would be worthwhile.
Great question.
Shirley
poster:Shirley2
thread:59032
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/59037.html