Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 950030

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

Just wanted to pose the questions, what do you think is the best / worst mental illness to have to be functional?? And the most successfully treated with medication??

From my experiences it seems to be ADHD / Bipolar Manic to be the best. I know many people with that and they have the energy and fight to put up the continued struggle and often more successful.
Even if off medication these illnesses seem much better.

I think, Major depression and major anxiety, to be the worst, lack of energy and fatique, plus social withdrawal. The medications that seem to be effective for this are not prescribed because of abuse potential. I myself reacted best to the MAOI , klonopin, and marijuana. All of which are frowned upon by most pdoc's and society. All other meds have just made me numb and suicidal / disabled.

I am sure there is no one answer for this but would be curious to what people think.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » Leo33

Posted by Phillipa on June 5, 2010, at 22:15:22

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

Anxiety. I have been on benzos for 40 years no abuse and still low doses no problem having them prescibed. Phillipa

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 10:29:40

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

The worst has got to be the one that there is no good treatment for...and that can only be determined after someone says enough is enough and ends their life...that tells me they have exhausted all possibilities for solutions.

Anyone that can live with some of these conditions and continues to fight must have determined that they prefer to live in their state rather than give up.

Of course for any given condition there are variations of severity, so you can't just say one diagnosis or another, without identifying severity in a case by case basis.

One person's depression does not tell another's struggle with their situation.

Like I said, the most severe case is the case that does not respond to meds and where the person, says enough is enough...

I could say treatment resistent depression since that is what I have and after 30 years feel the fight may not be worth it anymore, especially after your youth and hope is gone. Nothing brings back all those lost years.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by Jeroen on June 6, 2010, at 12:27:27

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

i have 2 psychosis, one induced by a medicine (lamictal) and one by nature or toxic that i aqcuired of the years in my 15 years old


i should rename my Dr-bobs nickname to PsychosisMan, ya'll know it's me right! ;)

 

We can invent wireless technology but...

Posted by Jeroen on June 6, 2010, at 12:29:05

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Jeroen on June 6, 2010, at 12:27:27

We can invent wireless technology but...
we cannot find a decent med for psychosis, schizophrenia, it would alleviate so much pain in this world ;(


suffering from severe depressed psychosis for 12 years

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by theconfusedone on June 6, 2010, at 12:40:17

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29


>
> I think, Major depression and major anxiety, to be the worst, lack of energy and fatique, plus social withdrawal. The medications that seem to be effective for this are not prescribed because of abuse potential.
>

> I couldn't agree more, I have suffered for the last year or so with the above due to zopiclone dependence which I didn't know about until you here informed me and couldn't take benzos because I abused them in the past..
I was put put on Lexapro 40mgs at one stage but nothing would alleviate the monster anxiety in me and certainly didn't cheer me up.
>I am now off them nearly a week and things are much brighter for me.
When anxiety goes out of control, major depression is soon to follow...

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by MrTook on June 6, 2010, at 15:27:35

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

The worst is the one you are currently suffering with. The best is all of the other ones.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » stargazer2

Posted by Roslynn on June 6, 2010, at 15:33:47

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 10:29:40

Stargazer2, what an awesome response.

Hang in there, we need more folks like you around.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn

Posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 20:24:33

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » stargazer2, posted by Roslynn on June 6, 2010, at 15:33:47

Yeah, I've been in the depths the last few months so things are much clearer to me lately and after 30 years the fight gets tiresome, one never knows how much longer to keep up the facade.

When you are in your 20 and 30's, my illness was still somewhat new and you think there are answers (meds) at least that is what everyone tells you. After 30 years, I'm not so sure there are answers just buying a few more years here and there and if you can't work or feel useful anymore, then why bother fighting...No one will really miss you if you are gone anyway.

I don't have kids so I have no obligations to anyone so that makes it easier. NO guilt for checking out, if that becomes the decision.

Meds are not always the answer as if they ever were...just a way to buy a few more years here and there. That's alot of time bike riding or shopping or searching for meaning.

As my mother has said many time...hell is here on earth and don't let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn

Posted by Leo33 on June 6, 2010, at 20:50:31

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn, posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 20:24:33

Stargazer, you are certainly insightful, I feel alot the way you do and I also have no kids either and the decision to hang around has been too often in the forefront for me over the last five years, I know I don't really want to die but at the same time I feel like I want to, if that makes any sense. Still searching for the fight and trying to focus on the positive and gratitude and the good people in my life, don't really want to let them down.

Many times I have had the hands held out to help me and yet I find it hard to take the hand up for fear I may not hold up my end of the bargain.

As for my current med, Pristiq, I am undecided on whether it's benefits outweigh the costs, the seroquel I take PRN if I need sleep because it was just making me more sedated and zombified, and vistaril is basically a joke for anxiety.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn

Posted by Phillipa on June 6, 2010, at 21:38:17

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn, posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 20:24:33

My philosophy is there is a solution to every problem you just have to search and someday you will find it. In the meantime do something to stay occupied. I read something interesting the other day that after age 50 and the older you get the less you worry and just live. Phillipa

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Philippa

Posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 22:08:43

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn, posted by Phillipa on June 6, 2010, at 21:38:17

There are several reasons for worrying less as you get older. One is that you are declining mentally so you are not as aware of losing your mental faculties...the other is you are getting closer to kicking the bucket, so your just grateful (if you are) to be alive another day.

Also, many people get a thrill out of beating the odds.

Despite your anxiety...you still remain optimistic, that is the difference between having depression and anxiety. You can still see the possibilities, which is interesting. You have not given up on finding answers, so that is what keeps you going every day. God bless you for your optimistism.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Leo33

Posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 22:34:36

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Roslynn, posted by Leo33 on June 6, 2010, at 20:50:31

Leo, how long have you been dealing with depression? Can you still work? I guess those factors really affect the outlook of depression and obviously how effective the medication is in squelching the negativity.

Good luck in your fight. Right now all I see is reasons for not wanting to go on, especially with the environment and the selfishness and self centeredness of people. Kids today are brought up to focus more on their own importance and happiness, and perhaps will be spared depression, as I was brought up to focus on helping others and look at where it has gotten me?

Interestingly, my siblings that are very self centered aren't depressed at all. Because I have depression, they can't relate to anything I'm going through and I am avoided and ostracized for being different.

Waiting for the meds to kick in....

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » Leo33

Posted by Maxime on June 7, 2010, at 15:44:41

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

I think anything that involves psychosis is the worst. It's a very scary place to be. And I can't think of the best illness to have ... I would have to say NONE.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Leo33

Posted by Leo33 on June 7, 2010, at 16:45:56

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Leo33, posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 22:34:36

I have been dealing with depression since I was a teenager and am now 43 and frustrated. I think I had the best response with Nardil. What meds have been most helpful for you?? Especially to quash the negativity. I need big time help with motivation and the pity party poor me and the lack of focus. I definitely need help with confidence as well.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Philippa » stargazer2

Posted by Phillipa on June 7, 2010, at 20:25:16

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??Philippa, posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 22:08:43

Thanks for the positive comment and excellent summary of difference. I know your meds will kick in. Your're in the fighting and getting stronger. Phillipa

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by Dan_MI on June 9, 2010, at 23:03:10

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

Schizophrenics have it the worst because meds:

- sedate you

- could possibly give you Parkinson's disease or other permanent involuntary movements

- lack of generics

- could possibly give you diabetes

- make you gain weight

I think bipolar people can be very stable (ahem).


> Just wanted to pose the questions, what do you think is the best / worst mental illness to have to be functional?? And the most successfully treated with medication??
>
> From my experiences it seems to be ADHD / Bipolar Manic to be the best. I know many people with that and they have the energy and fight to put up the continued struggle and often more successful.
> Even if off medication these illnesses seem much better.
>
> I think, Major depression and major anxiety, to be the worst, lack of energy and fatique, plus social withdrawal. The medications that seem to be effective for this are not prescribed because of abuse potential. I myself reacted best to the MAOI , klonopin, and marijuana. All of which are frowned upon by most pdoc's and society. All other meds have just made me numb and suicidal / disabled.
>
> I am sure there is no one answer for this but would be curious to what people think.
>
>

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » stargazer2

Posted by Bob on June 9, 2010, at 23:48:20

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by stargazer2 on June 6, 2010, at 10:29:40

> The worst has got to be the one that there is no good treatment for...and that can only be determined after someone says enough is enough and ends their life...that tells me they have exhausted all possibilities for solutions.
>
> Anyone that can live with some of these conditions and continues to fight must have determined that they prefer to live in their state rather than give up.
>
> Of course for any given condition there are variations of severity, so you can't just say one diagnosis or another, without identifying severity in a case by case basis.
>
> One person's depression does not tell another's struggle with their situation.
>
> Like I said, the most severe case is the case that does not respond to meds and where the person, says enough is enough...
>
> I could say treatment resistent depression since that is what I have and after 30 years feel the fight may not be worth it anymore, especially after your youth and hope is gone. Nothing brings back all those lost years.

I'd have to agree with that last statement. It's like, the longer you carry the burden, the more overwhelming it becomes. I look back on all the years I lost and realize that I'm not going to suddenly build myself a good life - it's gone. I have to find a way to live with my situation the way it is, and that is very, very challenging.

When you're young there are all kinds of unknowns and it always seems possible that this thing will somehow resolve or just dissipate. That's a little more difficult to rationalize though when it's been going on for 20 or 30 years.

Btw, stargazer, how old are you now, if you don't mind me asking?

Bob

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by stargazer2 on June 10, 2010, at 9:17:47

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » stargazer2, posted by Bob on June 9, 2010, at 23:48:20

I'm 50 something and have had TRD since I was in my teens, but I did not receive treatment until my late 20's as there was no medications and also no one acknowledged that someone in their teens had depression.

I have gone through more treatment than I care to acknowledge and feel like I have reached the end of all options, with the exception of some more drastic measure that I will not partake in, as I would rather be dead than have ECT.

We can chat more via babblemail if you are set up to get mail or if you are interested in more of my history.

Stargazer

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by morganator on June 13, 2010, at 12:14:39

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

Bipolar can be nice for a while when mostly experiencing hypomania and very littly depression, but if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can do so much more damage than regular depression and chronic anxiety. Remember, many people with chronic anxiety are not withdrawn at all, they just deal with it or take an SSRI or benzo to manage it. I would rather just have an anxiety disorder, of course the kind that didn't keep me from leaving the house.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by morganator on June 13, 2010, at 12:18:12

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

I have to believe that a delusional severe case of schizophrenia has to be up there as one of the worst or the worst.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » morganator

Posted by Phillipa on June 13, 2010, at 19:32:44

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by morganator on June 13, 2010, at 12:18:12

I agree. Phillipa

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by Elanor Roosevelt on June 13, 2010, at 20:58:10

In reply to Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Leo33 on June 5, 2010, at 19:04:29

The worst mental illness is the one you have to deal with on a daily basis.

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have?? » Elanor Roosevelt

Posted by Phillipa on June 13, 2010, at 21:24:21

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Elanor Roosevelt on June 13, 2010, at 20:58:10

Perfect answer. Phillipa

 

Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??

Posted by morganator on June 13, 2010, at 22:01:31

In reply to Re: Best/Worst Mental Illness to have??, posted by Elanor Roosevelt on June 13, 2010, at 20:58:10

> The worst mental illness is the one you have to deal with on a daily basis.

I don't know, I would rather have mine than some that other people are dealing with.


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