![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2005, at 23:22:40
Okay, I don't feel like I have all the anxiety anymore, and I don't know if I'm depressed or just scared to give up the crutch that medications have provided for so long. We all use the word normal. But what is normal? Is there such a thing. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Jakeman on July 4, 2005, at 23:39:34
In reply to What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2005, at 23:22:40
> Okay, I don't feel like I have all the anxiety anymore, and I don't know if I'm depressed or just scared to give up the crutch that medications have provided for so long. We all use the word normal. But what is normal? Is there such a thing. Thanks Phillipa
I wonder about that. For me normalcy means sanity. Which means being in solid contact with reality. Neurosis, confusion, inadequacy
is there and it causes much suffering. But it's possible at times.. to stand back from it...and have compassion for myself and others that are caught up in it.best regards ~Jake
Posted by linkadge on July 5, 2005, at 6:20:50
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by Jakeman on July 4, 2005, at 23:39:34
Normal is having enough confidence in yourself, and your resources, to not care what normal is.
Linkadge
Posted by alienatari on July 5, 2005, at 6:59:34
In reply to What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2005, at 23:22:40
Id really like to know what normal is too lol.
Maybe us babble folk are the "normal" people in society and those un-medicated so-called "normal" people are the abnormal ones! I say we should start to descriminate against the "normals" lol. Sorry, just annoyed at my sister who is "normal" (even though I think she has more psychatric problems than anyone else in my family lol) who thinks because I have OCD that I will kill her kids (she seriously believes this, how stupid is that!!!!!).
Im a f*g with mental problems so I'm double abnormal lol lol lol
Anyway, so how are things going in general Phillipa? Is Luvox working for you?
Take care,
Chris :)
Posted by Jazzed on July 5, 2005, at 9:20:20
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by linkadge on July 5, 2005, at 6:20:50
> Normal is having enough confidence in yourself, and your resources, to not care what normal is.
>
>
> LinkadgeAgree on this, plus feeling comfortable in your own skin, and not caring about what others think about you. Thinking you are worthy.
Jazzy
Posted by rjlockhart98 on July 5, 2005, at 11:29:19
In reply to Re: What Is Normal? » linkadge, posted by Jazzed on July 5, 2005, at 9:20:20
I belive imitating other people who have normal lives will be the best instead of sitting having panic attacks about how abnormal i am. I mean walking and pacing for an hour or more (at the extreme) is something else...
My brother is a successful lawyer, has a wife, good income, he has no mental problems what so ever... when i say i have been having anxiety, they look as if they have heard the word! They just say well do something about it...
Um anti-panic meds, therpist, and starting Symbmax (misspelled) is what im doing.
I think if well.... dont think about what is going on and focus on external surroundings, and adapt to it.
Just my opinion.
Matt
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 17:10:06
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by rjlockhart98 on July 5, 2005, at 11:29:19
I think you are all right. But you know? I don't think I've reached normal yet. Still afraid to be alone. I'm cutting back on the luvox again. Down from l00mg to 25mg because I don't think it makes a difference. And the valium. Sometimes I fall asleep without it. I think what I need is a good therapist, which I haven't been able to find. Not many medical resources in the area. We're trying to move to Charlotte, NC. Big city for NC. A lot of big medical centers. If we can pull this off maybe I can find one. And then in very tiny babysteps get back out into the world. Maybe support groups first then hopefully a tiny parttime job back in p nursing. Crisis line? Evaluate people and talk with them. That is what I'd like to do. But talk is cheap so what Matt says is true. Get out and try and act normal. Easier said than done. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by mellymel_d on July 5, 2005, at 19:19:18
In reply to What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2005, at 23:22:40
How do you "Get out and act normal" if you're not sure what normal is???
"Maybe us babble folk are the "normal" people in society and those un-medicated so-called "normal" people are the abnormal ones!"- this has crossed my mind more than once or twice-lol
I question the normal thing all the time. Instead of normal I keep asking when will I feel better. When will I get to a place I like??? I guess when you like yourself some of these other questions go away. I like myself ok- but I can't stand my mental state. I can't stand crying, I'm tired of fixating on everything. I feel a little sick toda- "oh no, I'm dying and the dr hasn't figured it out yet" these things and more make me not feel better...
However try and remind yourself (i should use my own advice) there is no "normal" everybody's different so what seems so normal for one person may not be normal for the next...The drug addict on the street thinks living there is normal, the housewife thinks cooking and cleaning is normal (the executive woman may not agree) , ANYWAY we're all different. And i my dear, find u very NORMAL! :-)
Sorry I babbled so long but it's been one of those days...
Posted by alienatari on July 6, 2005, at 5:47:17
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 17:10:06
I really hope you can find a good therapist soon and I really hope that you find some releif soon. I know they are so hard to find. I dont really know what to say just that I really value your input and I think your a wonderful person and we are all blessed to have you here on this message board and I am sure the people in real-life that know you feel the same way.
Take care and lots of love,
Chris :)
> I think you are all right. But you know? I don't think I've reached normal yet. Still afraid to be alone. I'm cutting back on the luvox again. Down from l00mg to 25mg because I don't think it makes a difference. And the valium. Sometimes I fall asleep without it. I think what I need is a good therapist, which I haven't been able to find. Not many medical resources in the area. We're trying to move to Charlotte, NC. Big city for NC. A lot of big medical centers. If we can pull this off maybe I can find one. And then in very tiny babysteps get back out into the world. Maybe support groups first then hopefully a tiny parttime job back in p nursing. Crisis line? Evaluate people and talk with them. That is what I'd like to do. But talk is cheap so what Matt says is true. Get out and try and act normal. Easier said than done. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by SLS on July 6, 2005, at 7:21:12
In reply to What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2005, at 23:22:40
> Okay, I don't feel like I have all the anxiety anymore, and I don't know if I'm depressed or just scared to give up the crutch that medications have provided for so long. We all use the word normal. But what is normal? Is there such a thing. Thanks Phillipa
There is such a thing - don't fool yourself. However, it is more of a statistic than it is a destination. I think the definition of normalcy depends upon which item, axis or spectrum you are judging. We can get very caught up in semantics and philosophy, but there are states of health and states of illness; the recognition of which helps to bring the individual closer to health and further from illness. The definition of what is pathology does depend upon those who are responsible for making such judgments, however, very few people would reject the judgment that Huntington's Chorea represents a pathology. It is unfortunate that there are still those who reject the notion that schizophrenia represents a pathology. Schizophrenia is not the statistical norm for the human species. Neither is the talent responsible for painting of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but I believe you were talking about mental health?
- Scott
Posted by KayeBaby on July 6, 2005, at 14:14:36
In reply to Re: What Is Normal? » Phillipa, posted by SLS on July 6, 2005, at 7:21:12
Normal to me is to be funtional.
That is to be able to manage your body and mind to where you are able to do the things that support a healthy life for you.
I think my definition of mental illness is when a persons mental problems are severe enough to limit functionability.
I dunno....I may not be able to define normal but I know it when I see it!! :)
Kaye
Posted by Cecilia on July 8, 2005, at 5:36:47
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 17:10:06
I don`t think "normal" matters as much as being happy, in a way that doesn`t hurt anyone else. Pdocs definitely think in terms of functionality though. The psych dept of my HMO is called the Dept. of Behavioral Health. That`s always bugged me. It makes it sound like it doesn`t matter how much pain you`re in, as long as you behave. Cecilia
Posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 15:43:16
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by Cecilia on July 8, 2005, at 5:36:47
Yeah, thats exactly it. I'm in university and it seems like the docs job there is to get you back in class and writing exams. Doesn't seem to matter to them if you still want to kill yourself.
Linkadge
Posted by Jazzed on July 8, 2005, at 17:58:06
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 15:43:16
> Yeah, thats exactly it. I'm in university and it seems like the docs job there is to get you back in class and writing exams. Doesn't seem to matter to them if you still want to kill yourself.
>
>
> Linkadge
>
Ooo, not good link, wonder what they'd do if someone did it in class, while writing exams?! Are these university docs?Jazz
Posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 18:37:51
In reply to Re: What Is Normal? » linkadge, posted by Jazzed on July 8, 2005, at 17:58:06
Yes, these are university doctors. They seem to only care about functionality. I have other stuff going on but they only really ask about class.
Linkadge
Posted by Jazzed on July 8, 2005, at 23:37:24
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 18:37:51
> Yes, these are university doctors. They seem to only care about functionality. I have other stuff going on but they only really ask about class.
>
>
> LinkadgeHow offensive! I don't understand that at all.
Jazzy
Posted by carolina on July 9, 2005, at 10:27:36
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by rjlockhart98 on July 5, 2005, at 11:29:19
> I belive imitating other people who have normal lives will be the best instead of sitting having panic attacks about how abnormal i am. I mean walking and pacing for an hour or more (at the extreme) is something else...
>
> My brother is a successful lawyer, has a wife, good income, he has no mental problems what so ever... when i say i have been having anxiety, they look as if they have heard the word! They just say well do something about it...
>
> Um anti-panic meds, therpist, and starting Symbmax (misspelled) is what im doing.
>
> I think if well.... dont think about what is going on and focus on external surroundings, and adapt to it.
>
> Just my opinion.
>
> Matt
>im in a similiar sit. my oldest brother is "normal" in his OPION as well as many others b/c he is a SWAT officer and has been very successful in life financially along w/ his career and is the only 1 in my "family"(haha) line that doesnt suffer from depression and severe anxiety so we dont get along b/c he see's my taking meds as a cop out 4 dealing w/ life. i have tried 2 xplain to him that until u walk in some1 elses shoes-dont judge them b/c any1 who has not felt the horrid low,emptiness,and isolation that dep. and anx. can cause has no clue. I also told him id rather be "crazy" and care 4 others than be "normal" and an a**hole-take care
Posted by Jazzed on July 9, 2005, at 12:00:52
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by carolina on July 9, 2005, at 10:27:36
>>i have tried 2 xplain to him that until u walk in some1 elses shoes-dont judge them b/c any1 who has not felt the horrid low,emptiness,and isolation that dep. and anx. can cause has no clue. I also told him id rather be "crazy" and care 4 others than be "normal" and an a**hole-take care
I agree carolina. My mil is very intolerant of any type of depression, anxiety, compulsion, etc... I pray that one day she will experience a deep depression that will help her understand just how horrid she's been to several ppl in the family. (and I'm not talking about me) she thinks she's so strong.
Anyway, I knew another woman like this. She used to always say, "why can't they just get it together and pull themselves up?! No point in dwelling on the negative! They have so much to be thankful for!" Then, she called me and told me how God had set her straight by giving her depression. She felt so bad about all the times she'd judged ppl. she had some thyroid problems that caused the depression, and I don't know if she ever was able to find a way to deal with it. I should call her.
Yep, ya have to walk in someone else's shoes before you know how it feels.
Jazzy
Posted by linkadge on July 9, 2005, at 20:53:29
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by carolina on July 9, 2005, at 10:27:36
The problem with these people is that they may have experienced certain mild depressions, and for whatever reason they were able to pull out, and they assume that everyone else can do the same.
Some peoples PMS is easy, other people's PMS is a lot worse. Its not as simple as simple as saying careless things like, "meds are cop out"
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on July 9, 2005, at 20:57:16
In reply to Re: What Is Normal? » carolina, posted by Jazzed on July 9, 2005, at 12:00:52
That is crazy. I think it gives people a sence of controll over their own issues when they cast jugement on others like this.
I personally take these people as being unstable. I know the people who are well, and they're the ones that know its not right to cast jugement on other people for the way they feel.
Some people can control their blood pressure with exercise and diet, for others that still falls dramatically short of a safe range.
Linkadge
Posted by Declan on July 10, 2005, at 16:50:53
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 15:43:16
Wondered if you'd like this.
(Macbeth says...)
Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,
Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow,
Raze out the written troubles of the brain,
And with some sweet oblivious antidote
Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff
Which weighs upon the heart?(And the doctor replies...)
Therein the patient must minister to himself.Declan
Posted by carolina on July 12, 2005, at 21:58:16
In reply to Re: What Is Normal?, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 17:10:06
> I think you are all right. But you know? I don't think I've reached normal yet. Still afraid to be alone. I'm cutting back on the luvox again. Down from l00mg to 25mg because I don't think it makes a difference. And the valium. Sometimes I fall asleep without it. I think what I need is a good therapist, which I haven't been able to find. Not many medical resources in the area. We're trying to move to Charlotte, NC. Big city for NC. A lot of big medical centers. If we can pull this off maybe I can find one. And then in very tiny babysteps get back out into the world. Maybe support groups first then hopefully a tiny parttime job back in p nursing. Crisis line? Evaluate people and talk with them. That is what I'd like to do. But talk is cheap so what Matt says is true. Get out and try and act normal. Easier said than done. Fondly, Phillipa
hey! ive actually lived in charlotte nc many years and look into the facilities b4 u have high expectations. there r some good places but a lot of it is about the insurance and $ but there is definately a shortage 4 nurses in all fields so thats a plus! good luck
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.