Posted by krazy kat on June 24, 2002, at 15:45:34
In reply to Re: pro-neurology defense :) » krazy kat , posted by mist on June 24, 2002, at 14:46:33
>> I believe all bipolar and *some* major depressions are "physical disorders" as you say-- that they would happen regardless of circumstances.
yeah, it sure seems that way to me. and it's being "proven".
>> However, I've been diagnosed with major depression more than once in my life, including last year. The rest of the time I've had moderate depression, sometimes (more rarely) mild.
interesting - do you take medication during the mild depression, or does therapy "suffice" so to speak? (just curious). also, i've wondered about the use of substances such as St. John's Wort which was only shown to work in mild cases. Would that help? Or a dietary change?
>> What I find difficult is people insisting that because they have one experience, or a set of conclusions drawn from their experience, it has to be true for everyone in spite of what others say about their own lives!
Absolutamently!! I agree. I know I'm reacting somewhat from having two psychologists recently be condescending towards me re: my illness when I told them I don't go to therapy. I ran rings around one on them. :) (This "good" attitude of mine explains the joke isom made above). :)
I used to, even very recently, shrug my shoulders and dip my head and say, "Well, it Could be something that can be fixed by therapy."(even though I've been thru the med trials and seen what happens when one works, and seen what happens when one doesn't). I get a little defensive when I hear that people "feel better" when they hear it's an illness. Of course we do - some of us have been told or taught that we just need to be stronger to get it over it, when we can't without meds, or maybe surgery someday. But then, we all know that routine...
> > By the way, I'm not referring to anything you've said, this is more about how some other, less civil, posters have handled the issue here.
oh, i didn't think so - you're very clear and civil. and i try to be. :)
>> I also think acknowledging the role environment *can* play in mental health is important to help educate parents about behaviors and expectations that are unhealthy for their kids.I agree. Also helps if they'll admit to and look for illness like Bipolar Disorder so they can perhaps catch that earlier with meds, too. We'll see if that makes sense, i guess in the future. autism is falling into this. seizures. fascinating.
>> By the way,in spite of what I've said I'm actually a little anti-psychologist too because I think too many aren't that good or they don't know their limitations (who they can help and who they can't).
One I met in NYC a week and a half ago, a friend of a friend. I've actually met him before and forgot he was a practicing psychologist in NYC. So, we're talking expensive office space, and one would think impressive credentials. This guy got SO plastered, and kept hugging me and feeding me lines like "It'll get better" (I hadn't said anything was wrong) after I told him I was Bipolar. He was very pro-med, said don't stop that ever, which I agree with. But even before the night wore on and he was tipsy, I realized knew more about the disorder and treatment options than he did.
Do Psychologists study the biochemical concepts at all? If not, will they have to? And, I wonder if they are a dying breed, to be replaced by Psychiatrist/Neurologist types and therapy, which is more affordable and can be indv., family or group oriented?
Interesting discussion.
- kk
poster:krazy kat
thread:25602
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020616/msgs/25652.html