Posted by BarbaraCat on January 13, 2002, at 22:09:54
In reply to Re: What about health? (or, Who's on first?) » BarbaraCat, posted by Mitch on January 13, 2002, at 21:05:34
> While meds can offer a decent life that otherwise would be intolerable for people that need them-you have this horrific possible(?) scenario where making us insulated (med-wise) from these extreme stressors *allows some* to crank up the stress to even higher levels. Are we any better off as a society, if the *stakes* are just increased as a result of our ability to tolerate them?? In other words, what have we gained?
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> MItchI couldn't agree with you more. What we're seeing is the result of total disconnection from our natural ways and means catching up with us. Medication, in my humble opinion, should allow us the focus and energy and hope to explore other means of raising our joy quotient rather than primarily offering a means to drive ourselves harder. When we get a little better, it's usually back to the same ol' same ol', but with renewed vigor. Something has got to give and it's our brains, our bodies and our souls. Some folks in this group are on 10 and more meds to try to attain some balance both chemically and in their day to day living abilities. I too have been on major med changes, cocktails, on and on. It took a major breakdown physically and psychically to really look at how I've been trying to cope with an unmanageable and frenetic life and how my body eventually just said 'that's it, I've had enough! Get me out of here!'. AD drugs don't work for me anymore for more than 1 month. In fact, as I pile more and more drug combos into my body, it rebels. What to do? I dunno. But little by little as I force myself to take those walks in nature, as I sit with my pain and try to feel safe in the moment, as I try to live a disgustingly clean life, I think all systems are beginning to breathe a teensy sigh of relief. I will always be on medication, I'm certain of it, but oh, I just want the energy, clarity, and motivation to steer my choices in the direction of Life and pure, radiant Health and well-being. And maybe eventually, even a means of financial support that doesn't leave me blasted.
> We simply don't know how to decompress and disconnect from the intense stress we're bathed in, whether it be our jobs, relationships or our depressions, and this takes it's toll. There are ways to address the root of these problems rather than apply bandaids via drug therapy after the fact. What needs to be addressed and IS NOT in psychiatry is some in-depth knowledge and testing in basic body health and lifestyle counseling (along with brain imaging scans!).
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poster:BarbaraCat
thread:89332
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020110/msgs/90032.html