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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Adrift on November 5, 2006, at 2:02:26
I'm not sure if this should be on the meds board or another board, but I thought Id try it here.
Im am trying to determine what is going on with me, basically, I seem to get obsessed with things; things that seem irrelivent to others, like stupid things I said or did. Actually, that about sums it up, I am competely obsessed to the point of being slightly neurotic in my opinion, about "me"! About how I look, how I act, and what I say!
Can anyone help me? What is wrong with me?? I spend more time worrying about people I will never see again, then I do the people I do see.
I don't have OCD, but this sounds slightly OCD? Is it plain old anxiety? Am I self obsessed??
Whatever it is, its destroying my self esteem and my life. The things I worry about, are so far off from what everyone else I know worries about (ie. all my flaws and dumb mistakes). I just don't know where this came from :-( Do I need some kind of medicine, or therapy, or desensitization program? Im at a loss.
Posted by wishingstar on November 5, 2006, at 10:31:11
In reply to Seeking Advice/diagnosis, posted by Adrift on November 5, 2006, at 2:02:26
It doesnt sound like OCD to me.. could it be social anxiety? Or maybe just general anxiety issues.
I think we all do that to some extent.. worry so much about ourselves, how we act, talk, etc.. when really other people are so wrapped up in THEMselves and their worlds, they dont even notice. I dont mean that everyone is narcisistic - just that people are so inwardly focused that often times they miss what we feel like is such a glaring mistake, or how stupid we look, or anything else.
My guess (although I could be totally wrong) is that it's related to self-esteem in a big way. Maybe that would be a place to start looking and working on. The more confident and happy we feel with ourselves, the easier it is to not worry so much what others are thinking of us. At least thats how it seems to work for me.
I hope thats at least a tiny bit helpful.
Posted by Racer on November 5, 2006, at 12:58:06
In reply to Seeking Advice/diagnosis, posted by Adrift on November 5, 2006, at 2:02:26
Advice? That's easy -- working with a good therapist can help you get to the bottom of this, and work on getting over it. So, my advice is therapy...
It sounds to me as though it's likely related to your restricted eating. That does tend to go along with obsessionality, especially since you're obsessing about your self -- your body, how others see you, etc. Those are common things in EDs.
So, therapy, and yes -- there are medications that can help. SSRIs can help, and sometimes meds like Seroquel or even Zyprexa (in low doses) are used. But your own psychopharmacologist is the best person to decide what's most likely to help you.
I hope that helps.
Posted by Adrift on November 5, 2006, at 22:43:30
In reply to Re: Seeking Advice/diagnosis, posted by wishingstar on November 5, 2006, at 10:31:11
> It doesnt sound like OCD to me.. could it be social anxiety? Or maybe just general anxiety issues.
Might be some anxiety, I don't think its social anxiety, but who knows.
>
> I think we all do that to some extent.. worry so much about ourselves, how we act, talk, etc.. when really other people are so wrapped up in THEMselves and their worlds, they dont even notice. I dont mean that everyone is narcisistic - just that people are so inwardly focused that often times they miss what we feel like is such a glaring mistake, or how stupid we look, or anything else.I think we are all a little narcisitic lol. I know what you mean. I can't seem to stop overanalyzing EVERYTHING. But I am not always like that. most times I don't think about dumb things I did or said, it feels like right now everything feels exagerated, like I am highlighting my faults somehow.
>
> My guess (although I could be totally wrong) is that it's related to self-esteem in a big way. Maybe that would be a place to start looking and working on. The more confident and happy we feel with ourselves, the easier it is to not worry so much what others are thinking of us. At least thats how it seems to work for me.
>
> I hope thats at least a tiny bit helpful.Thanks, you are probably hitting the nail on the head. The way I was worrying about the same thing over and over in my head was sounding slightly OCD, so I thought Id ask. I feel so emotionally sensitive right now.
Posted by Adrift on November 5, 2006, at 22:48:31
In reply to Re: Seeking Advice/diagnosis, posted by Racer on November 5, 2006, at 12:58:06
> Advice? That's easy -- working with a good therapist can help you get to the bottom of this, and work on getting over it. So, my advice is therapy...
Its so hard because I haven't quite gotten to the place where I can justify the cost of regular therapy for myself. I know I need to, and I know I really should! But for whatever reason I have an easier time spending money elsewhere then on therapy. I need to go on a more regular basis.
>
> It sounds to me as though it's likely related to your restricted eating. That does tend to go along with obsessionality, especially since you're obsessing about your self -- your body, how others see you, etc. Those are common things in EDs.you know, maybe that's what is happening! Im obsessing about weight, which in turn has me obsessing about everything.
>
> So, therapy, and yes -- there are medications that can help. SSRIs can help, and sometimes meds like Seroquel or even Zyprexa (in low doses) are used. But your own psychopharmacologist is the best person to decide what's most likely to help you.
>
> I hope that helps.
Thanks, it's probably time for me to invest in more therapy for sure.
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 5, 2006, at 22:53:49
In reply to Re: Seeking Advice/diagnosis » wishingstar, posted by Adrift on November 5, 2006, at 22:43:30
Hi Adrift,
I tend to have a lot of guilty and self-critical thoughts when I'm depressed. Of course, my depression manifests with a healthy side-order of Anxiety, so ...?And I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time recognizing how unique and wonderful you are. You are very special, IMO, because you're the only one that gets special treatment in Babblechat. Apparently you are SO cool that Dr. Bob's server cannot manage to keep you in the chat room for more than a few minutes at a time. I think this is a badge of pride- you are the Babbler that Chat has never tamed!
Anyways-- talk therapy can help you say these obsessive/exaggerated/illusional thoughts out loud- to get to the root of it- or at least the point where the branch attaches to the trunk of the tree.
Pdockery can help too. I have a lovely little tendency to worry and get freaked out about stuff that I did (or even stuff that I was *worried* I *might* do!) seroquel is good for those unwanted intrusion-type thoughts. SSRI for many other OCD and depressive/anxiety symptoms.
Give it a try?
-Li
Posted by Adrift on November 7, 2006, at 18:22:22
In reply to Re: Seeking Advice/diagnosis » Adrift, posted by Lindenblüte on November 5, 2006, at 22:53:49
> Hi Adrift,
> I tend to have a lot of guilty and self-critical thoughts when I'm depressed. Of course, my depression manifests with a healthy side-order of Anxiety, so ...?
>
> And I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time recognizing how unique and wonderful you are. You are very special, IMO, because you're the only one that gets special treatment in Babblechat. Apparently you are SO cool that Dr. Bob's server cannot manage to keep you in the chat room for more than a few minutes at a time. I think this is a badge of pride- you are the Babbler that Chat has never tamed!:-) thanks
>
> Anyways-- talk therapy can help you say these obsessive/exaggerated/illusional thoughts out loud- to get to the root of it- or at least the point where the branch attaches to the trunk of the tree.
>
> Pdockery can help too. I have a lovely little tendency to worry and get freaked out about stuff that I did (or even stuff that I was *worried* I *might* do!) seroquel is good for those unwanted intrusion-type thoughts. SSRI for many other OCD and depressive/anxiety symptoms.
>
> Give it a try?
>
> -Li
I got myself an appointment with T, which was today and it went ok, the diagnosis was "normal anxiety" considering my circumstances at the moment. I must say that I am not completely sure that I agree but I am not the T.. Adding antidepressants were suggested, I am thinking about it, I have a prescription in hand if things get too bad, although I know that ad's dont work THAT fast. But overall my T does not feel that "talk therapy" is what will help me?? He felt that I need to change my lifesyle. In other words, "just do it" attitude. So, it sounds like he feels that my excessive worrying and depression is a result of me not doing what I want to do, Im just passively living my life. If I knew how to fix that, I would! As for concerns about eating, he reminded me of what happened last time I wasn't eating right. That hasn't really knocked sense into me yet, but I hope it does.Thanks everyone
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 7, 2006, at 19:02:23
In reply to Re: Seeking Advice/diagnosis » Lindenblüte, posted by Adrift on November 7, 2006, at 18:22:22
> I got myself an appointment with T, which was today and it went ok, the diagnosis was "normal anxiety" considering my circumstances at the moment. I must say that I am not completely sure that I agree but I am not the T.. Adding antidepressants were suggested, I am thinking about it, I have a prescription in hand if things get too bad, although I know that ad's dont work THAT fast. But overall my T does not feel that "talk therapy" is what will help me?? He felt that I need to change my lifesyle. In other words, "just do it" attitude. So, it sounds like he feels that my excessive worrying and depression is a result of me not doing what I want to do, Im just passively living my life. If I knew how to fix that, I would! As for concerns about eating, he reminded me of what happened last time I wasn't eating right. That hasn't really knocked sense into me yet, but I hope it does.
>
> Thanks everyoneHi Adrift,
first of all, BRAVO at getting an appt. with T. I'm not sure if you've worked with this T in the past, but keep in mind that it's hard to get a sense of what's going on with a client in one meeting.Also, I want to stress that it's hard for me to know exactly what was said in your session, so please forgive me if I'm totally wrong! I apologize in advance!
Let's pretend like you're depressed, and let's suppose that there was some general anxiety about the life-stressors that is causing or exacerbating your depression.
If you are feeling bad enough that you got an Rx for an AD, it might be a good idea to get used to it while you're feeling okay. Just an idea, but if you see your situation worsening in the next 4-8 weeks, why not get the AD in your system now, so that it will be ready to do its job if the situation arises? Another thing to consider is that if you have icky side-effects, they usually fade in a few days, but if you are already feeling really lousy, or in a crisis, you don't want to add side effects to that too.
Of course your T is right. If you made some lifestyle changes you would probably feel better. However, what you and your T are not communicating to each other is that your problem is that Apathy and Passivity are precisely the things you are struggling with. Obviously part of you WANTS to feel better, but your T needs to figure out how to strengthen that part of you so that it can override the depressive voice.
I completely understand how frustrating it is to hear someone say that doing something is the solution to apathy. It's just like saying that black is the solution to white. But why apathy in the first place?
And worse-- what happens if your apathy is stronger one day? Will you feel guilty and shameful and weak for not following your T's instructions? I know I do. If I'm feeling bad enough to see a T in the first place it's because I no longer am able to do things like (exercise, eat healthfully, socialize) that keep my mind and body sound. If your T had said that to ME when I am feeling really bad, I would not be able to deny that it's good advice; on the other hand, I would not be able to put the plan in action either. I would feel less in control over my own mind/body. Potentially very frustrating.
My oldT (the one I saw when I was really depressed) told me once that if I was able to exercise that it might make me feel better. Another time he told me that if I get a craving for vegetables, or other healthy food, I should indulge- because my body was trying to tell me what it needed.
He only gave me direct advice on TWO occasions.
1) he told me after some 6 weeks that he had been discussing my circumstances with a colleague, and that both had felt that I needed to consider medication. He said that he would never ask me to do something unless he felt it was really important, and gave me the phone number of a pdoc to call. (great referral)
2) he told me after some 4 months that he felt that I could really benefit from seeing another T on a more frequent, more long-term basis, and gave me the referral. He told me that he thought that I had made a lot of progress and that he was really proud of me, but that I needed to take the next step. (another great referral)
So, when I asked oldT for advice, he would lay out the options, and we would go through them carefully. He'd challenge me when I said something that wasn't quite up to snuff. He'd ask me to think about the emotional consequences of my decisions (which I had never thought about before). But, he didn't give me advice that I had already heard 10,000 times. He just helped me figure out what was good advice for me and what was not-so-good advice for me.
It's important to empower the patient/client to make their own choices, IMO.
It's also important for a T not to give their client a reason to feel shame or guilt (one such reason might be the failure to meet a T's goal, or to follow a T's advice)-- again, my opinion.
Less-depressed folks might disagree with me, but I think these are really important to how I was able to feel better.
keep posting Adrift,
(((((((Adrift))))))))
thinking of you,
-Li
Posted by Adrift on November 8, 2006, at 23:47:05
In reply to Re: Seeking Advice/diagnosis » Adrift, posted by Lindenblüte on November 7, 2006, at 19:02:23
> Hi Adrift,
> first of all, BRAVO at getting an appt. with T. I'm not sure if you've worked with this T in the past, but keep in mind that it's hard to get a sense of what's going on with a client in one meeting.
>Its my T, Ive worked with him for awhile, just not on a consistent basis.
> Also, I want to stress that it's hard for me to know exactly what was said in your session, so please forgive me if I'm totally wrong! I apologize in advance!
>
> Let's pretend like you're depressed, and let's suppose that there was some general anxiety about the life-stressors that is causing or exacerbating your depression.
>
> If you are feeling bad enough that you got an Rx for an AD, it might be a good idea to get used to it while you're feeling okay. Just an idea, but if you see your situation worsening in the next 4-8 weeks, why not get the AD in your system now, so that it will be ready to do its job if the situation arises? Another thing to consider is that if you have icky side-effects, they usually fade in a few days, but if you are already feeling really lousy, or in a crisis, you don't want to add side effects to that too.Good points. And I have decided to start it tomorrow. Today was too much of a challenge for me. Things have not improved, I'm realizing I need some extra help right now.
>
> Of course your T is right. If you made some lifestyle changes you would probably feel better. However, what you and your T are not communicating to each other is that your problem is that Apathy and Passivity are precisely the things you are struggling with. Obviously part of you WANTS to feel better, but your T needs to figure out how to strengthen that part of you so that it can override the depressive voice.I agree! I want to make changes, and I want to feel better about myself. I need help with that right now though. I have another appointment next week and Im going to express my frustration with the "just do it" attitude. Because, what if I can't just do it? Then what!
>
> I completely understand how frustrating it is to hear someone say that doing something is the solution to apathy. It's just like saying that black is the solution to white. But why apathy in the first place?Exactly!
>
> And worse-- what happens if your apathy is stronger one day? Will you feel guilty and shameful and weak for not following your T's instructions? I know I do. If I'm feeling bad enough to see a T in the first place it's because I no longer am able to do things like (exercise, eat healthfully, socialize) that keep my mind and body sound. If your T had said that to ME when I am feeling really bad, I would not be able to deny that it's good advice; on the other hand, I would not be able to put the plan in action either. I would feel less in control over my own mind/body. Potentially very frustrating.
>
> My oldT (the one I saw when I was really depressed) told me once that if I was able to exercise that it might make me feel better. Another time he told me that if I get a craving for vegetables, or other healthy food, I should indulge- because my body was trying to tell me what it needed.
>
> He only gave me direct advice on TWO occasions.
>
> 1) he told me after some 6 weeks that he had been discussing my circumstances with a colleague, and that both had felt that I needed to consider medication. He said that he would never ask me to do something unless he felt it was really important, and gave me the phone number of a pdoc to call. (great referral)
>
> 2) he told me after some 4 months that he felt that I could really benefit from seeing another T on a more frequent, more long-term basis, and gave me the referral. He told me that he thought that I had made a lot of progress and that he was really proud of me, but that I needed to take the next step. (another great referral)
>
> So, when I asked oldT for advice, he would lay out the options, and we would go through them carefully. He'd challenge me when I said something that wasn't quite up to snuff. He'd ask me to think about the emotional consequences of my decisions (which I had never thought about before). But, he didn't give me advice that I had already heard 10,000 times. He just helped me figure out what was good advice for me and what was not-so-good advice for me.
>
> It's important to empower the patient/client to make their own choices, IMO.Your T sounds like a really good T!
>
> It's also important for a T not to give their client a reason to feel shame or guilt (one such reason might be the failure to meet a T's goal, or to follow a T's advice)-- again, my opinion.yes, I agree
>
> Less-depressed folks might disagree with me, but I think these are really important to how I was able to feel better.
>
> keep posting Adrift,
>
> (((((((Adrift))))))))
>
> thinking of you,
> -Li
Thanks Li!
This is the end of the thread.
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