Posted by West on November 16, 2008, at 17:26:53
In reply to Social event, posted by Sigismund on November 16, 2008, at 15:12:33
You're probably just out of practice. Very social people are often good at putting on a show which is done more easily when self-esteem is up and anxiety low. My self-esteem is pretty low at the moment and i'm certainly not ready yet for large rooms full of people (though tianeptine is the first med to have offered glimpses of regaining that for me) perhaps its down to personality- but what is the personal 'mood or style' of somebody if not the projection of their brain chemistry?
Chances are if you didn't feel 100% going into that situation then you probably weren't. Replicating the gentle gregariousness of somebody without a mood disorder through benzos and stimulants might be counter-intuitive, though i have been there and done that myself (with cocaine in particular, and perhaps before that for a time, pills)
Personally I would try and be as gentle on yourself as possible, maybe avoiding situations which might compound your low mood, also considering carefully listening to your mates' advice/protestations 'it'll cheer you up' and 'you need to get out' might do more harm than good. Potentially alarming social events have seemed like a good idea when down. It'll be fine if i drink won't it? And of course don't rely on the depressive mind to always come to the most beneficial outcomes. I have gone to parties and regretted them and ended corners of marquees covered inexplicably in sand, waking to find a a concerned girl with watchful eyes ask me if i was alright. Have a 'chilled' one instead in front of a some decent french cinema (I recommend the healing powers of 'Toto le Hero') or read a book until your truly back in the game.
poster:West
thread:863408
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081114/msgs/863437.html