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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on March 15, 2006, at 22:57:10
Do they really help me?
I don't know.
I'm convinced my problems are purely psychological and not biological, even though I know logically that sometimes one can't separate the two.
I just know in my heart that there is nothing wrong with my brain.
I know in my heart I just have some psychological issues and not anything serious.
I'm going to question the whole meds thing, but don't worry, I'll still take them. I think they help some, especially with the bad thoughts. They are not nearly as intense now. I think I have some bad habits to break though. When I started thinking the bad thoughts, I was doing it out of habit, I wasn't really truly in a crisis this time around. I was still thinking logically. So, I don't consider my latest trigger posts as a "relapse". I think I'll still experience some breakthrought "insanity" once in a while, especially if I get blocked again, but that won't happen because I'm going to be civil.
Deneb*
Posted by agent858 on March 16, 2006, at 2:16:28
In reply to Starting to question this whole meds thing, posted by Deneb on March 15, 2006, at 22:57:10
> Do they really help me?
> I don't know.But then later:
> I think they help some, especially with the bad thoughts. They are not nearly as intense now.
And:
> When I started thinking the bad thoughts, I was doing it out of habit, I wasn't really truly in a crisis this time around. I was still thinking logically. So, I don't consider my latest trigger posts as a "relapse".
> I'm going to question the whole meds thing, but don't worry, I'll still take them.
I'm glad you are still going to take them because it sounds like they are helping. Not a cure, no, but they are helping, yes. And when you are in a bad place... That must be really hard for you. And it is nice to hear that the meds help prevent you from getting into one of those.
> I think I'll still experience some breakthrought "insanity" once in a while, especially if I get blocked again, but that won't happen because I'm going to be civil.Yeah. Sometimes sh*t happens and in every life there are countless highs and lows. But if they help just a little... It is worth it. Because sometimes... You really are very distressed... And that must be a horrible place for you to be in. It must feel really horrible for you :-(
> I'm convinced my problems are purely psychological and not biological, even though I know logically that sometimes one can't separate the two.
I don't think one can ever seperate the two. (What is psychology but something implemented on ones brain and we know how alchohol and drugs and wacks on the head with a bit of 2 by 4 can affect our psychology...)
But... I hear what you are saying. I think the more 'biological' something is the better it tends to respond to medications. The more 'psychological' something is the less likely it is to respond to medications. Sometimes... This seems to be how people define the difference between them. But your meds are helping you a little. And that is great. Because sometimes they help and sometimes they don't and I'm really pleased you have found something that helps you out a little. Personally... I would take what I could get. If something helped... I'd be grateful for that. But unfortunately for me... Sometimes I'm thinking the wack on the head might be the way to go... Meds aren't a cure, no. There isn't a dramatic difference. But little help...
> I just know in my heart that there is nothing wrong with my brain.It isn't one or the other 'there is nothing wrong with me' on the one hand and 'there is something wrong with me' on the other. Experience changes neural connections... And wrong as opposed to what? Normal? They are still having trouble figuring out what the hell 'normal' is supposed to be / to look like.
> I know in my heart I just have some psychological issues and not anything serious.
Psychological issues can be fairly serious. Well... Mine are anyways. When I get too distressed I become a very real risk of suicide.
And that is fairly serious. Life threatening in fact.
:-)
I'm so glad you have been feeling a bit better lately :-)
Posted by JenStar on March 16, 2006, at 12:19:56
In reply to Starting to question this whole meds thing, posted by Deneb on March 15, 2006, at 22:57:10
hi deneb,
I think the questions you're asking about meds are really good ones. Even if meds can/do help, I often want/hope/wish that I can "do it" on my own, without medical intervention. By "do it" I mean to stay stable and happy and not dive into anxiety-land.I think, for SOME people, it is possible to stay "Ok" without medication. But I think it takes work and talent and practice. I think to beat something like anxiety or depression or paranoia without meds, we need to know how to calm our bodies and minds down with our thoughts. I'm not too good at this yet, but I'm practicing. :) I think it takes a good social network, exercise, good eating, perhaps faith, yoga and meditation, etc.
And for other people, unfortunately, it's just too hard to do it, and meds are necessary.
To be honest, I think that diet can solve a LOT of problems. I don't know if a lot of poeple will agree with me, and I don't even know for sure if I'm right. But I suspect it. There is such a huge amount of chemical additives EVERYWHERE - chicken and beef have hormones and antibiotics and steroids; vegetables have pesticides and fertilizers; boxed and canned foods have stabilizers and anti-spoilants, and EVERYTHING has artificial flavor and color. I truly think that many of the chemicals are messing with our bodies and brains. I think that eating organic "clean" food can help many conditions, although it won't be able to cure or fix them.
I also think our society over-medicates.
But still, the meds can help, too! And if they ARE helping you, would it be wise to stay on them at least until graduation? Or if you try to taper off, to do it slowly and carefully, so you don't have any episodes on the way that might jeopardize your studies?
Just a few thoughts.
good luck! For the record, I don't think there's anything "wrong" with you! Everyone has issues, but that doens't make us bad or wrong. :)JenStar
Posted by Deneb on March 16, 2006, at 17:15:42
In reply to Re: Starting to question this whole meds thing » Deneb, posted by agent858 on March 16, 2006, at 2:16:28
My thoughts are inconsistent and contradictory aren't they? LOL I do that sometimes. I change my mind in the middle of a post.
> Yeah. Sometimes sh*t happens and in every life there are countless highs and lows. But if they help just a little... It is worth it. Because sometimes... You really are very distressed... And that must be a horrible place for you to be in. It must feel really horrible for you :-(
I know you understand. You go to those horrible places too, don't you? (((((agent858))))))
I hope you're feeling a lot better now and I hope your anonymity is safe.
> Personally... I would take what I could get. If something helped... I'd be grateful for that. But unfortunately for me...
Does nothing help you just a little? :-(
You're smart though, really smart and I'm sure you'll find ways to pull yourself out of those bad places. I believe in you.
> Psychological issues can be fairly serious. Well... Mine are anyways.
(((((agent858))))) I wish I could help you carry your burdens. You can reach out to me any time.
Deneb*
Posted by sleepygirl on March 16, 2006, at 17:22:59
In reply to Starting to question this whole meds thing, posted by Deneb on March 15, 2006, at 22:57:10
well.....I tend to think that no, they are not THE answer all the time, but maybe part of the answer, and sometimes you have to try a lot of things to see what works. While you are working on stuff with therapy the meds might just be a "backup" for you, make things easier, or they might really help you, but you've got to take them to know right?
I question the meds thing ALL the time, and I've recently decided that you know what...if I am stable, functioning well, not in crisis etc. for 6 mos. on the meds, then and only then will I consider tapering down. I'd like to really be seriously stable and enjoying the self esteem that might come from that, so I'll stay on the meds until I've got a decent amount of time like that.
just my two cents, I know it can be confusing though.
Posted by agent858 on March 16, 2006, at 17:26:25
In reply to Re: Starting to question this whole meds thing » agent858, posted by Deneb on March 16, 2006, at 17:15:42
> My thoughts are inconsistent and contradictory aren't they? LOL I do that sometimes. I change my mind in the middle of a post.
Thats okay. I do the same. Sometimes you need to think it through... And come to a new understanding. Unfortunately... Cognitive resources are limited etc etc. Even if something it a-priori it can take a lot of time to figure it out...
> You go to those horrible places too, don't you?
Yeah. It is hard to remember how hard they can be when you aern't right in the middle of one. But I remember thinking... Something... Anything. If only there was something that could help... Even a little.
> Does nothing help you just a little? :-(
Nah. Don't think so.
> You're smart though...
Maybe. But... I don't think it is a matter of smart. It is a matter of feeling. And sometimes the feeling is really very bad. But I guess that over time you learn a trick or two on how not to make it worse... Maybe.
Posted by Phillipa on March 16, 2006, at 21:07:29
In reply to Re: Starting to question this whole meds thing » agent858, posted by Deneb on March 16, 2006, at 17:15:42
Deneb you're doing it again stay on your meds. Fondly, Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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