Posted by tensor on January 20, 2013, at 11:38:46
In reply to Re: hyperfocus' response » tensor, posted by hyperfocus on January 20, 2013, at 10:03:35
I have a few questions which I hope you would be willing answer:
Ill try my best.
1. Do people who avoid adversity and illness in life do so through their own efforts? The people who have the things you (we all, myself included) want, do you believe they achieved it solely through their strength and bravery and hard work?
You phrase your questions to be answered 'yes' or 'no'. I do not believe it is that simple, as a matter a fact I'm convinced it isn't. Illness in life can be avoided to certain extent by lifestyle, good diet, exercise, no smoking etc. The thing I want is to be free from depression and anxiety, if that was to happen, I could and would work hard. I believe health and hard work can get you anywhere.
2. Do you know of anyone, personally or anecdotally, who did not suffer through an extended period of adversity and illness at some point in their life, be it at age 7 or 70?
Yes.
3. Hypothetical scenario: Let's say in your life you never suffer from any mental illness. Through your hard work and charisma you become a hugely successful business owner and use your business savvy and connections and influence to have your biggest competitor shutdown and nearly a hundred employees, many of them middle-aged and with families, put out of work.
You get married to the girl of your dreams. Your irresistible good looks and wealth however allow you to acquire and maintain several girlfriends who your wife may or may not know about.
Your sons and daughters never want for anything in their life and grow up to be the kind of kids you see in shows like MTV's Sweet Sixteen or like the Kardashians. If this were your life, as it is for many people, would you trade it for the one you have now and the couch potato future you fear?Are you a lawyer? Talk about extremes. I don't want fame. Being able to work is what I want.
4. People who suffer great adversity in life and survive it, how are they traditionally described? Are there qualities and understanding you have now that you would not have had your life been different?
I see what you are getting at. Yes, people who have an adversity like a great loss or suffer a disease that is curable and survive and walk away from it are probably described as strong. But how about chronic depression and anxiety and other psychiatric disorder that cannot be cured? You just don't come out of that one day, brush your shoulders and say 'phew' that was a tough one, and then live happily ever after. It's with you, every single day, with symptomatic relief now and then.
If I never had my illness I would not know as much about psychopharmacology as I know now. And that's about it, and I'm not even being sarcastic.5. Could you describe your experience with stimulants and benzos and narcotics as it relates to where your thoughts are centered during the day? Are your thoughts centered on the current day or hour or minute? How is this experience different from when you are in the depths of a depressive episode?
I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean.
A question to you: Is there a point to all of this./tensor
poster:tensor
thread:1035749
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130112/msgs/1035859.html