Posted by Jack Smith on March 13, 2003, at 18:58:02
In reply to Re: Note for Eilidh! » Eilidh, posted by ace on March 13, 2003, at 17:56:36
> The Litium should be cool. It has no withdrawal at all so I can at least give it a try. Since it enhances serotonin we are looking at it INCREASING the fantastic work of Nardil (Mr. Nardil needs a break!- lately he has gone up to 105 and 120mg!) That means even less of my 4 or 5 anxiety d/o's and LESS OF OCD (which is a stubborn little man!)
> >Ace,
I offer you the following advice from the bottom of my heart because I am a little concerned for you. Please, do not take it as condescending or anything. I am happy that you have found such relief from Nardil and I hope it continues.
You are in your mid-20's and I am sure if you could have it your way, you would be on Nardil for the rest of your life. There would be no problem with that except for one thing--Nardil can (though, won't necessarily) poop-out. You are in remission from most of your mental illnesses now. I advise you to try some sort of therapy. I agree with you 100% that these disorders have a chemical and/or genetic origin. BUT, as I mentioned in a previous thread this does not mean that types of therapy cannot still be useful.
For example, when someone has heart disease they are prescribed medication, they can't just "get over it" as those insensitive to the horrors of anxiety/depression advise us. Along with their medication, the patient with heart disease MUST learn to change their behaviour in such a way to prevent a relapse and to not exacerbate the disease. When you are in such a great state as you are in now, I think you have a unique opportunity to explore ways to learn to think in a manner that will minimize the symptoms of your chemical/genetic disorder. Just as the patient of heart disease must learn to not eat saturated fat, not smoke, etc., the patient of mental illness must learn how to cope with their illness as well.
The problem with therapy is that it is very hard to make ANY progress when one is in the middle of a horrible depressive/anxious episode. Now, that you are out of one, the progress you could make could be as miraculous as the progress that little orange pill gave you. You should try it now. I hope and pray to G-d that Nardil always provides the relief you want but there is a chance that it will poop out. Ask Elizabeth and others. I think you should use this time not to search through every possible medication combination that may be better than you are feeling now but to take a more holistic approach to your illness. Just my two cents (and you may think that is all they are worth). I wish you the best and G-d Bless.
Thanks for listening.
JACK
poster:Jack Smith
thread:208620
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030310/msgs/208838.html