Posted by SLS on September 26, 2006, at 10:02:56
In reply to Re: the brain -SLS, posted by Lindenblüte on September 25, 2006, at 22:16:39
Hi.
I really hate to post along this thread anymore.
> Okay- Here's a brain condition:
>
> PKU: phenylketoneuria (or something like that)> Is it a brain disorder? you betcha!
Well, it is not really a brain disorder. It is a metabolic condition resulting from a defect in liver function. Its effects on the brain is secondary. It is not a disorder of the brain as is Bipolar Disorder or Alzheimer's Disease where the primary site of dysfunction is in the brain. That's the way I look at it. I would be curious to know if it appears in the DSM IV. The criteria for what is included in the DSM for mental illness is quite expansive.
> SLS, I could never know your whole history, nor would I ever presume to know what's best for you- but sometimes a mental illness is a physiological response to something in the environment.
I have gone the food-allergy route. That proved ineffective. What a pain in the neck that was. I'm pretty sure I was tested for candidiasis. I don't know. There are just so many of these alternative environmental and nutritional things to consider, I just haven't had the motivation to do all of them. I've tried lots of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omega-3, inositol, and S-AMe.
> If a trained professional can help you recognize what is contributing to this response, and perhaps help you rearrange your environment (or learn to react to it differently), isn't it possible that you may mitigate the severity or frequency of such reactions?
>
> For instance- most people nowadays complain of "stress" but there seem to be so many ways of defining or interpreting or reacting to a stressor. Perhaps a particular combination of stressors in your current situation and your personal history are working together with some genetic or ontogenetic predisposition to push you towards the unhealthy end of the mental illness continuum?I am practically stress-free. No anxiety. I worked very hard to arrive at this point. For me, CBT is almost automatic. I might be getting rusty, though. Self-actualization and living in the moment is my modus operendi. Of course, the depression makes the realization of these things very difficult, but the process itself is somewhat freeing. I practically tore myself apart and rebuilt myself when I was in my early twenties. Yes, I have learned to manage stress well, and I am conscious of how it impacts upon my mental illness. Occasionally, I have an event in my personal life that upsets me. It does take time to process these things. I do compartmentalize things sometimes so that I don't carry them around with me all day long and dwell on it. This is not denial, though. I am not afraid to face the problem and feel the emotions and process the issue as it occurs. Of course, there are times when I need to take small bites at a time to deal with. Sometimes the process unfolds in a way that could not be imagined or anticipated. I usually begin with the attitude that I will be able to get through it. That also helps to reduce my anxiety level.
> SLS- I hope you don't take offense at me using you for an example?
Nope. Not at all. It is especially instructive that you shared yourself as an example too.
:-)
> I sincerely believe that everyone responds differently to different treatments. BUT I also believe that at different stages in our lives we may be ready or receptive to therapy, even if it didn't seem to make any difference earlier. Really truly I just want the best for you, and I'm so sorry that you've been struggling on this end of the pole for so long. It's terrible. Do you like cyber hugs? I'll send you some? Or at the very least, a home-made chocolate cupcake with fudgy truffle frosting.
You have no idea how big a smile I have on my face right now. Maybe a little tear too. Thanks.
((((You too))))
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:688931
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060922/msgs/689347.html