Posted by SLS on November 3, 2005, at 9:37:02
In reply to Re: Hypomania-- a solution to TR Depression?, posted by sailor on November 2, 2005, at 23:03:12
Hi Sailor.
I'm just acting as a devil's advocate.
> We need to be wary of labels...
Why?
> to merely give something a name is not to change or explain or clarify that particular "thing" at all.
Of course it does. We need some way to organize our world. Labels and categories serve this purpose. As such, giving something a name helps to explain and clarify our understanding of a "thing" as best we can at any given moment in time. If a "thing" can be understood, it might be possible to change it.
> Pretend for a moment that the label "hypomania" did not exist.
Pretend for a moment that the label "Nazi" did not exist.
> Then you would not have to even think about whether that's what you "really have" or whether it's even a problem.
Yup. Without a name, perhaps Neonaziism would escape notice and not be a problem. However, it would still REALLY exist.
> Go with your gut:
Going with one's gut still requires cerebral processing of information. It is but the visceral response to the thoughts that are being evaluated. Sometimes these visceral feelings resonate with the right decision, sometimes not. I favor deliberation over impulse when making decisions. If a choice "feels" right immediately, it should also pass the test of time to feel right in the long term. Deliberation can only help to reinforce the favor of one choice over another.
> you're feeling good, you have some idea of what's helping you to feel that way, so why not stay with it until future events compel you to consider a change of course.
Because a future change, if not acted upon preemptively, might lead to a paroxsymal event for which there is no time to act upon. Mania and depression represent "real things" for which prophylaxis is probably the best course of action.
> Don't borrow trouble; if it aint broke, don't fix it.
It might be broke, but without outward signs of pathology. By the time symptoms appear, the degree of biological deterioration might portend of a protracted episode of illness. Thankfully, we have labels to help categorize disease so that one can recognize that remission is not necessarily a cure, and that vigilence in treatment is the only way for which remission might persist. We give diseases names so that we know how to treat and what to expect.
- Scott>
> Just some thoughts outside the realm of professional jargon to help give perspective. Best Wishes. Sailor
poster:SLS
thread:574432
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051031/msgs/574908.html