Posted by viridis on January 4, 2003, at 3:22:43
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 11:24:39
I didn't take offense at Syringachalet's post (although I will quibble with a couple of details), and I always seem to be on here advocating benzos for those who need them. My interpretation of her (his?) message was that there's often more to achieving mental stability and satisfaction than just pills, and I think that this is a very reasonable view. For some people, benzos (and other psychiatric drugs) provide a much-needed break from an intolerable state of mind, and the most fortunate ones are then able to make behavioral/lifestyle changes that alleviate the need for drugs. This takes dedication and willpower, and if you can do it, great.
Unfortunately, some of us (like me) really do need the meds on a long-term basis, and I don't think Syringachalet was denying this.
I guess the main statement that I disagree with is the following:
"Meds are a simply tools to help you help
yourself. No different than therapy, reading
self-help books, or hyponosis..."Meds ARE different if you've already made a real effort with therapy, self-help books, hypnosis etc. and your brain still just won't cooperate. For people in this category (like me) meds are a necessity, maybe for life. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything else you can to improve your life too, and the meds can make this possible. They've certainly helped greatly for me, although things aren't perfect (but I'm working on it...).
Overall, I think Syringachalet's message was sincere and made some very valid points -- you have to do all you can to take control of your mind and your life. For many of us, we have to stay with the meds in order to be able to do this long-term, but the meds alone aren't likely to fix everything.
poster:viridis
thread:133201
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134421.html