DEPRESSION THREAD - I NEED YOUR HELP!

[Christy]

Hi ... I know there have been a bunch of threads on depression, but I have to vent ... so let me start!

Okay ... I've always had this feeling that can't be put into words. One minute I am fine, the next minute I am crying hysterically, the next minute I am angry, the next minute I am laughing ... I felt this way for many years. I also feel so alone in this. I have no one to talk to, or why else would I be posting my mental problems on a board! LOL Lately, I have been so tired too!

I was on Paxil for about a month, but slowly stopped because it made me SO TIRED! Are there any drugs that won't make me so damn tired?

Okay ... second, I would like to know who else suffers from depression and anxiety on this board? If you don't feel comfortable posting it, you can e-mail me ... all info is kept confidential.

I DON'T WANT TO FEEL LIKE THIS ANYMORE!

I've spoken to GVAC about my "mental status," and he has been a great help ... listening to me cry on the phone! I haven't heard from him in a while, so GVAC if you are reading this ... e-mail me! LOL

Thanks for listening ... I really do appreciate it!

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[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Are there any drugs that won't make me so damn tired?


Christy, try Effexor. It has fewer side effects than the SSRIs (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft). I'm on it and still manage to run 10-12 miles a week. I've been on a myriad of meds for anxiety/depression. Effexor has been the best by far.

Good luck!

<IMG SRC="http://members.home.net/vitamin.d/referencepix/fuzzybutt.jpg">

[Wolf!]

What about having a nice convo with a fellow long islander??:-(

dont forget im here..and i care...

<b><font pt size=5>wolf</b></font>

<marquee>the wolf is born the wolf is born the wolf is born the wolf is born</marquee>

[Jennitalia]

Christy, you described exactly the way i feel. i started seeing a psychologist, she wanted to recommend me to a psyhchiatrist to be possibly put on anti-depressannts, but i really want to try to do things on my own. i've been able to figure out a couple of reasons why i feel so crappy all the time, but those problems are things that have occured over the last few years, it doesnt explain why ive always felt sad and hated life.
i just wanted you to know you're not alone, i know how you feel. feel free to im me anytime if you need someone to talk to

<IMG SRC="http://www.chaoticconcepts.com/bans/jensig.gif">

[Supervixen]

Im sorry you feel depressed. Depression is an old not so good friend of mine.

Honestly I was on just about every drug you could think of. I even went for shots of lithium every two weeks as well as ECT (shock therapy)- nothing helped. When I more udnerstood my problems, i could figure out what I needed to do, and while its hard without meds, cause I act up alot (especcially at nite) I feel better cause I feel like Im doing it myself.

From what youve described- the change in moods- it sounds like that may be bipolar, but im not making a diagnosis.

honestly find a book and figure out exactly what is affecting you. depression is not only targetted by chemichal imbalances but by season and weather, family and stress, and food. YES food! You may be sugar sensitive like me, which means if you have a lack of sugar one week you become depressed and an excess of sugar to me is like giving the average person E.
I hope I can be some help to you, ive been through the ringer with depression and I know it sucks.

*Baby Anna does NOT like sig pics ! BAH!*
<3 shoot me- my boyfriends popular <3

[FiveB247]

christy..i know exactly how you feel..i've been there myself except i never took any meds...it always help to talk to others. email me or im me(FiveB247 on aol)..i'm a friendly person and easy to talk to. :)

http://wwfallon.homestead.com/files/RFnetFiveB247.JPG

[Tenbatsuzen]

What about having a nice convo with a fellow long islander??

dont forget im here..and i care...

You gotta fucking be kidding me. You're hitting on her when she's asking for help. Step on a landmine, sir.



<img src="http://tenbatsuzen.homestead.com/files/flairsig.jpg">


This message was edited by Tenbatsuzen on 1-22-02 @ 10:10 PM

[IkeaBoy]

A lot of people on this board have admitted to depression and what they have done to cure it and I'm sure they will help you and give you advice on how to feel better.

Personally I have never suffered from depression but have felt listless, tired, mostly apathetic and don't know what gets over that. ok that doesn't help, but i'm sure that there are others on the board who will try.

[/quote]
"My review of 2001 the year is the same as my review of 2001: A Space Odyssey- overlong, hard to follow, and only enjoyable if you're really really stoned." - Lewis Black
"and I spent 14 years as a nuke"- <a href="http://www.capalert.com">CAPALERT</a> Guy on Harry Potter- Reviews, Jesus Style

[JerryTaker]

heh, did someone say depression?

geez, where do I start, I can't sleep, but I'm always tired, I've been physically sick since my last breakup, hmm, I despise myself and everything about me, my looks, my voice, my (lack of) height. I get so nervous talking to people I feel like I'm going to vomit, I've been seeing some kind of counseler on and off for as long as I can remember. I feel rejected by <I>everyone</I>, and I'm usually under the impression that it "wouldn't be that bad a thing" if I was hit by a truck...
So yeah, I think I'm a little depressed. How are you?

<IMG SRC="http://web.njit.edu/~gsm2321/sigpic1.GIF">
"I remember now. I remember how it started. I can't remember yesterday, I just remember doing what they told me"

[TheGameHHH]

Christy, I personally have not suffered from depression, but a person very close and dear to me has so I am well trained in talking to others about their problems. What you described sounds exactly like what the person I know went through. Please if you want to talk at all I am here for you, you know my screen name, just drop me an email or an IM. Feel better babe.

IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE GAME-AHHH!

<IMG SRC="http://www.burntrailradio.com/RFnetTheGameHHH.jpg">

[RF Godfather]

Christy, I have been through may bouts of depression so I can understand where you are coming from. If you want, you can IM me or email me. I am willing to listen and Wolf, come on dude, Ten was right, she's just trying to assk for help and you had to hit on her... UGH!

Good luck with it but know I'm here as well as the board flock.

http://members.aol.com/razorxhall/images/rfmark1.jpg
Thanks ManDrew! Take it easy like a Sunday morning, Clarkey!
THE PROTOTYPE<marquee>THE ONE AND ONLY RFW UNDISPUTED CHAMPION!</marquee>

[DaniGirl]

Hi Christy. I know what you are talking about. I have Manic-Depression (which is what you have described) and OCD. I was on Paxil for a year and a half when I decided to quit cold turkey. I got violently sick, throwing up all day but I was determined to not be on meds all the time.
That has been over 2 years now. My M-D and OCD have gotten worse but I refuse to go to a doctor or take medication for it because I don't like how they make me feel.
I have a great support system in my life that helps me deal with these everyday problems. I'm lucky. Alot of people don't have that.
I could honestly tell you that drugs aren't for everyone. You can try every one out there any none of them could work. Or you could try one and that will be the one. I, when dealing with this situation with other people, never recommend drugs.
I recommend finding a great social worker or psychologist and talk. It's the best thing to do IMO.

I know all about this stuff. I have done extensive research. I might seem kinda hokey sometimes, but on this I know what I am talking about. IM me or email me if you want to talk.

"I am hanging on every word you say and even if you don't want to speak tonight that's alright with me. I want nothing more than to sit outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing, it's where I wanna be."

[GvacNoMore]

Yesterday I had a bit of a "relapse" in my recover from the depression I've been suffering from the past 4 months. It was an awful day, and I finally called on a few friends to help me out after suffering for most of the day. I'm going to the doctor later this afternoon, and he wants to increase my dosage of Paxil. I'm going to ask about other possible methods and/or meds, and I'll let you know how it turned out.


<img src="http://gvac.50megs.com/images/adamantsig.jpg">

"Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear"

[JerryTaker]

I'm not sure which way to go, myself. I just started seeing a new social worker, and I'm going again tomorrow, and I'm kind of afraid of him referring me to someone for meds.
I guess my choice is to be miserable as myself, or appear happy as someone else, because I feel the meds don't make you "happier," but instead make you less likely to display your feelings, thus appearing happier.

I have decided that I am not a good enough person to function properly in our society. Maybe killing my personality is the answer. I don't know.

<IMG SRC="http://web.njit.edu/~gsm2321/sigpic1.GIF">
"I remember now. I remember how it started. I can't remember yesterday, I just remember doing what they told me"

[impactplayer2k1]

I had my fair shar eof depression too. Some time ago, my girlfriend left me, my grandfather died, my grades in college were shit, my job fired me, my family exiled me and I had no friends. I was so close to sucide that i almost acted upon it. Not even my faith was in it. But I did come to one conclusion and its this: Once you've hit bottom, theres no place go but up. It sounds corny and cliche but its true. i stayed at that bottom for a year and a half and had no one to depend on but myself.

Theres no type of meds that can help. I just believe this is something every man and woman have to face as they get older. It's going to get harder b/c nothing in this life is easy.

I wish there was something i can say or do that can help but all i can do is sympathaze and be there to support you.

-Anthony

<IMG SRC="http://iscream.20megsfree.com/images/impact2k1.jpg">
AOL IM at IMPACTPLAYER 2K1.

[Christy]

I wish you would have called me .. good luck today at the doctors! ;-)

<IMG SRC="http://norraccm.50megs.com/images/sexy_fezzy.jpg">

[Captain Stubing]

Christy, I'm currently in graduate school, working on my Ph.D. in psychology. I am not done with school, nor am I licenced, so I cannot make a formal diagnosis. That being said, you obviously have some problems with emotional regulation. Based on what you've written, if I were seeing you I'd evaluate you for 3 conditions: Bipolar Disorder (what used to be called manic-depression), Unipolar Depression and/or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Again, I'm reluctant to evaluate without more information, but given the rapidity with which you describe yourself changing emotions ("emotional lability") I'd have to seriously consider BPD.

Check out these sites and see how much of the information 'rings true' for you:
http://www.stanford.edu/~corelli/borderline.html
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.borderline.html

Please e-mail me if you have questions, want more information or just need somewhere to vent.

Fezaesthesia - Prognosis poor...

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Christy,

I've been on meds for anxiety and depression on and off for 10 years. The best thing you can do is EDUCATE YOURSELF! Psychology/Psychiatry/Psychopharmacology are ALL INEXACT sciences. You have to work with your MD and keep track of your reactions to certain meds. There is no "perfect" drug-- some drugs work for some, some don't for others. And there is a belief meds alone do not work-- perhaps you need to seek out a therapist (that is totally your call!). Like I've said, I've had 10 years experience with this-- sometimes things are great, sometimes they're bad. You just have to know how to weather the storm!

PS-- terms like "BI-POLAR" and "PERSONALITY DISORDER" are sometimes COMPLETELY OVERUSED. Seek a professional's opinion.

<IMG SRC="http://members.home.net/vitamin.d/referencepix/fuzzybutt.jpg">





This message was edited by Alice S. Fuzzybutt on 1-23-02 @ 9:15 PM

[CYYYFYYY]

Chrity it would have been
helpfull if you listed your
e-mail address..... Maybe you
should talk to the
Hordeking... He is good with
this type of stuff.


David the Franchize
Everyone Loves CYYYFYYY

[HordeKing1]

CHRISTY - Rest assured you are not alone. Many people share similar symptoms of depression, anxiety, ocd, etc.

Paxil is a good drug that works for many people, but it does not work for everyone. Often, even usually, people have to try different drugs until they find the right one (or combo) that best works for them. (And then of course there is experimentation to find the most effective dose).

Even within the same class of psychoactive drugs, such as SSRI's have vastly different effects on different people. One person might respond terrifically with prozac, another might not be helped at all. One person may experience terrible side effects the other none at all.

Was the Paxil prescribed by a psychiatrist? I find it hard to imagine that you were on and off Paxil so quickly (within a month) without trying to find a dose that gave you some relief w/o the lethargy.

I'll respond to the other posts on this topic in other entries for purposes of organization.

http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

ALICE - Every person responds differently to these medications. It typically takes some time to find the one best suited for the individual.

Interestingly, some of the medications contain a list of possible side effect that are completely opposite. For example it may say that a med causes dry mouth or excessive saliva; lethargy or mania; sleepiness, sleeplessness.

Although fairly knowledgable of the medications and their effects I am not an MD. Please see a qualified psychiatrist so a medication trial can be established.

I strongly suggest not going to an MD who is not a psychiatrist for these meds, b/c a shrink is typically much more knowledgable of the meds and their side effects. Always tell your doctor ALL the medications you are taking, b/c a combination of some medicines can be fatal.

http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

JENNITALIA - Many psychologists and social workers engage in the therapy aspect of mental health (i.e. the talking) and refer patients to psychiatrists for the sole purpose of finding the right medicine and dose. The person remains under the care of the psychotherapist and sees the psychiatrist (an MD) for the medication aspect of treatment.

JEN, there are many who feel as you do that they do not want to go on psychoactive medication. While it is terrfic that you have the attitude of wanting to work on your problems, I believe you are too quick to dismiss the medication and psychological aspect of treatment.

Anti-depressants (for example) can make a big difference in the quality of a person's life. It should not be regarded as a weakness to take the medication. If you had hypertension you'd take your blood pressure medicine. If you had pnuemonia you would take an antibiotic. Taking antidepressants (or any other psychoactive medication) should be regarded the same way.

Some problems can be solved without medication. Some require medication. In any situation, talking to a mental health professional is essential so as to get at the root of the problem and or behavior and to develop a plan of action to help you lead a fuller, richer, happy life.

Remember your shrink (etc) will not judge you and all you discuss is held in confidence. Many people do not have such a person in their lives and the closer one is to a person (i.e. husband, wife, bf, gf, etc) the harder it sometimes is to broach certain topics.

Talking helps!


http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

SUPERVIXEN - Empowering oneself is fantastic and there is a phenomenal amount of litterature available on every aspect of mental health. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with everything you can about your condition - be it ocd or kidney stones. Knowledge is power.

However, it is practically impossible to self-diagnose - You're just too close to the situation and can't look at things objectively. Clinical evaluation is needed to obtain a thorough and correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

You wouldn't turn to a book if you started fainting and self diagnose a tumor or syncopy, you'd go to a doctor. Following a diagnosis you would then learn every possible thing you can about it. The same holds true with mental health.



http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

IKEABOY - You don't have to have had depression to care and offer support to a person who does. Your message helps.

Regarding the symptoms you describe feeling at time, it's important to understand that every person in the world goes through some periods where they're happier than others and periods where they're down in the dumps.

I understood your message to imply that the symptoms quickly disappear on their own. It certainly sounds like you have nothing to worry about. There is a time factor involved in depression and the occasional short term feelings you describe are most probably not enough to warrant a diagnosis.

Life is full of ups and downs. The problem begins when mood swings alternate from one extreme to the other with little middle ground, or when the "down" mood lasts.


http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

JERRYTAKER - If your current therapist isn't helping you, consider switching to a different one. Just as some lawyers are better than others, some therapists are better than others. You need to find a competent, intelligent therapist whom you are comfortable with.

You didn't indicate if you're currently in therapy. If not, please go see one. And if you develop suicidal ideation (with a plan for doing it) call the suicide prevention hotline. Get to a therapist.




http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[spoon]

It should not be regarded as a weakness to take the medication. If you had hypertension you'd take your blood pressure medicine.
--H.King I really couldn't have worded it better. King I really am impressed with your compassion and individual attentions you have given in this thread. Also, it is impressive how extensive everyone's knowledge is on this topic. It should be noted that if the condition is indeed bipolar I or II, SSRIs can have a very bad effect on the condition. The manic state associated with BP can be pushed to the extreme and often the crash can be potentially more dangerous than originally. And there are theories on differential efficacy, which if one truly follows the medical side of any condition, mental, cardio, or respiratory for that matter, they would consider this a known fact. That is why restricted formularies are such a bad thing for hospitals and HMOs but I'm off the topic. The quote from the king is true as day and night. Just as someone with a migraine has a need for help in activating the serotonin sites 5-HT1/b and 1/d to reduce cranial blood vessel dialation for pain relief; a person with depression, bipolar or any mental health problem may need to aid their endocrine system in regulating dopaminergic, serotonergic, and possibly other neurotrasmission pathways. The situation which Impactplayer described can be just as dangerous at the time, but it is usually termed eposodic and medication may still be deemed necessary as to get them through the hardships. Some people go through life and can deal with these things easier, yet others can not and just may have been dealt too many blows. Christy, if you can take anything from this thread, is that you're not alone in what your going through and that there are great people here on the board for you. I think the king has made great suggestions and a combination of medical and therapy seems best. It is surely dangerous to self-diagnose, yet knowledge will give you understanding that it is nothing to be ashamed of, and there is hope. My email is up on my card, write any time. Good luck everyone! And I remember Gwen's old sig pic "When life gives you lemons....squeeze the juice in a squirt gun and spray someone in the eyes!" Love it! ;) :0


<img src="http://members.aol.com/dxixrxt/spoon2.jpg">
Nothing...i have nothing!

[HordeKing1]

DANIGIRL - I cringed when I read how you decided to cut your medication "cold turkey" and stop seeing a therapist. Stoping some meds like that can be incredibly phsycially dangerous.

People with Biopolar Disorder typically do at least fairly well on medication. When they start feeling better, sometimes they stop taking the medication and the cycle starts again.

You describe your conditions as having deteriorated, yet for 2 years you have not tried to take medication which can help you. There is no shame in taking medicine. None at all. And as I've indicated earlier it is not unusual and even typical for different meds to be tried before an effective solution is found. You seem to understand this, so I'm puzzled as to why you are so adament about not taking drugs.

Why did you stop seeing your therapist? You can see a therapist and not receive drugs if that's your choice. (But sometimes it's best for you to take the drugs.)

You are very fortunate to have a good support system. You're twiced blessed by recognizing how fortunate you are to have such support. But even people w/a great support system are best served by talking to a therapist. In your case the support system isn't working as you describe your conditions as worsening.

Finally the advice you gave, "I recommend finding a great social worker or psychologist and talk" is dead on.


http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

GVAC - We discussed this earlier today.

I wanted to add that you're doing terrifically (including not inbibing in the forbidden elixer). Despite this temporary setback keep in mind all that you've accomplished and know that it will improve once again.

Remember that everybody, including chronically happy people have bad days. You're on top of the situation, being proactive, not giving into lethargy. In sum, you're doing great. Keep it up.

http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

IMPACTPLAYER - Your expressions of solidarity to Christy are terrific, but I must disagree with some of your conclusions.

You wrote that you felt no medication can help. That is not the case. Antidpressant medication helps people live normal lives where they weren't even able to function previously.

In this regard, I recomend you read the NY Times bestseller called, "Listening to Prozac." The author does a splendid job describing the value and effect of a wide variety of antidepressants and also discusses biological and environmental factors that contribute to depression. It's well written and a fascinating book.



You know that many people suffer from depression and that it can cripple one's ability to function on even a basic level. However, not every person is depressed or will get depressed. It's certainly not part of the normal aging process. Some people with histories we would consider horrible (abuse, poverty, etc) never are depressed while those in ideal circumstances do. This is also addressed in "Listening to Prozac."

I recomend this book to everyone.



http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

JERRYTAKER - I'm glad you're seeing a social worker. I hope he is a good match for you and that you benefit from talking to him.

Don't be afraid of a referal to a shrink for medications. Although medicine is not indicated in every case, in some cases it is crucial.

Your comment about your choice being "to be miserable as myself, or appear happy as someone else," is not an uncommon fear, (which is addressed in "Listening to Prozac") but it is not reflective of the way the mediations work. Popping a pill won't make you happy. Nor will it make you lose your emotional responses. You do not become a "different person" under psychotropic medication. Instead, the medication is targeted at a specific area of the brain zeroing in on certain chemical sensors. It corrects an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, that need to be in equilibrium in order to realize your full potential. The drugs restore you to the person you were and are w/o a chemical imbalance.

Being happy is up to you, no matter which drug you take. Even the framers of the constitution knew that happiness isn't a guarantee, rather the opportunity to pursue happiness is guaranteed. With the correct biochemical reactions occuring, you are free from depression and are able to pursue the goal of happiness.



http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

CAPTAIN STUBING - I found the description to be too brief to consider a formal diagnosis, particularly as laypeople commonly use terms of art without understanding their meaning or significance. It should be addressed clinically as you indicated.

By the way, before getting into psychotherapy, I was a lawyer. It must be at least a decade since I last looked, but from what I recall, NY State allows a person w/o any formal training to hang out a shingle and call themself a "therapist." (Fortunately this isn't done too often - although how many people in your class would you actually see as a therapist? Not many I'd wager. Perhaps the shingle hangers shouldn't be so quickly dismissed).

NY prohibits anyone from calling themselves a "psychologist" until they are granted their PhD. And of course, the label "psychiatrist" is reserved for an MD who specializes in the field.

Welcome to the board!

http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

FINAL WORD - I can't express how touched I am by how many people jumped in with offers to help Christy, and related their personal experiences with depressive and similar disorders. The Ron and Fez crowd are very special people indeed.

I want to specifically mention WOLF, LONDONANDERS, FIVEB247, THEGAMEHHH, RONFEZMARK, and CYYYFYYY. Even without personally experiencing depression you guys reached out and offered your support.

C'mon, group hug everybody!


http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[RF Godfather]

HordeKing, I have experienced depression where it was, almost to... you know. No drugs but...

We all try to help cuz as I have said many a time, we are a family although just in a board sense.

Group hug is definitely needed.

http://members.aol.com/razorxhall/images/rfmark1.jpg
Thanks ManDrew! Take it easy like a Sunday morning, Clarkey!
THE PROTOTYPE<marquee>THE ONE AND ONLY RFW UNDISPUTED CHAMPION!</marquee>

[GvacNoMore]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, King. I went to my doctor yesterday afternoon, and his belief is that I should try an increased dosage of Paxil for a while (from 20 mgs. a day to 40) and see how I fare. He is reluctant to start me on a brand new medication at this point because that would mean starting from scratch again and having to wait several weeks for it to get into my system.

I am still considering the therapy aspect of it, but as of yet, I have only spoken to close friends about my problems and not trained professionals. I'll keep you all posted!


<img src="http://gvac.50megs.com/images/adamantsig.jpg">

"Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear"

[Jennitalia]

ive been seeing a psychologist for about 4 months. i dont think it's doing any good, then again, maybe i'm not letting it. all i know is i still wish i'd die already

<IMG SRC="http://www.chaoticconcepts.com/bans/jensig.gif">

[DaniGirl]

HordeKing: I appreciate the advice you have given me. i truly have thought about seeing another doc. The last one I saw was very pushy and didn't seem to care about how I was feeling.
When I lost my job I stopped going to her and I stopped the meds because A: Paxil is expensive and B: My psychiatrist was just bad for me. I was taking 80 mg of Paxil a day (I know the max dose pill is 40)and I felt like I was walking around in a daze everyday. I quit cold turkey and I realized it was the wrong thing to do when I started passing out and throwing up in public. I weaned myself off of it. Going down 10 mg per week. I was fine at the end.
After that episode it seemed that the manic depression went away and I became crazy OCD. Which I still am now. Sometimes I think I need help to function normally. but I try to do the best i can for now. Seeing as that I don't have a job or healthcare.
People deal with depression in alot of different ways. just sometimes think it's better to takl to someone than to just go right for the drugs.
Just my .02

<IMG SRC="http://www.nephco.com/powerpuffgirls/icons/bubbles_06.ico">
"If I could go back in time, I would want to meet Snoopy" -Tara Reid-

[HordeKing1]

JENNITALIA - Please AIM or e-mail me if you'd like to talk in private.

http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[HordeKing1]

DANIGIRL - I hope you continue to consider seeing another therapist. Your description of your last one makes it clear that she wasn't the right therapist for you.

You indicate that you aren't working and don't have insurance. If you're recieving SSDB for more than a year you're entitled to medicare health and hospitilization.

Most therapists have a sliding fee schedule, where you pay what you can afford. Furthermore, teaching hospitals often provide pro bono therapists for indigent people.

Additionally, almost all drug companies provide medication w/o cost for people who need it. Your doctor has to call them and get a form, which you both complete. They'll make a descision based on the information provided.

I'm glad you're ok following the cold turkey experience. A lot of medicine has to be decreased in small increments as you've already discovered.

If you have OCD, it can be treated with behavior modification, therapy, and medication (such as luvox).

I do not suggest using medication as a pancea or to resort to medication w/o thinking about it. Instead I advocate that you keep the option open and realize that in some cases medication (along with therapy) is the best method of treatment.

http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking2

[JerryTaker]

I'd like to thank all the RF regualrs, those who posted on this thread, and especially Horde King for your words of support and encouragement for those of us who are going through some rough times, mentally.

I'm not too good with sentiment, but over the past few months, I've had a really bleak outlook on society, and wondered of people still knew how to be good to each other...

The people of this board have shown me that even behind the anonymity of a keyboard, there can be a real feeling of community and care for your fellow man. Damn you people for giving me some hope for the future! ;-)

seriously, I hope that somehow, this board can be a model of how people can and should be able to get along, mey it never get so jaded that it loses the sentiment displayed in this thread.

um, ok. off the soap box, and thanks again...

<IMG SRC="http://web.njit.edu/~gsm2321/sigpic1.GIF">
"I remember now. I remember how it started. I can't remember yesterday, I just remember doing what they told me"

[Chet]

Seeing this post for the first time, I was thinking "thank God I don't have these problems". I feel down every now and then (especially after 9/11), but I could never understand how people would stay that way for a very long time.

I also thought that people rely on these drugs way too much, but then again, what else is out there? The history of treating mental illness is a very sad one indeed. These drugs offer a glimmer of hope to anyone suffering from depression, and they should be embracing them with open arms.
Thank goodness for Modern Science, otherwise we'd still be doing awful things to people and leaving them to rot in insane asylums.

I wish you all good health and good fortune!:)


<img src= http://chet-young.8m.com/images/chet_young21.jpg>

[Sheeplovr]

Perfect soultion talk to me and Ted for 10 minets and if we cant maike u happy then u win a prize

number 333 its the way to be
http://members.hometown.aol.com/_ht_a/walrus701/images/breadsig.jpg
POWER AND CHAOS

[GvacNoMore]

Chet - thanks for the kind words, and let me just say that I was always a huge skeptic of using medication to treat depression. Even more, I was always skeptical about the existence of depression, to be honest. I merely thought it was just a case of people having to "snap out of it". Unfortunately, I have had to learn first hand that this is not the case.

Depression is a chemical imbalance that occurs within the brain, and this is something most people don't understand. Telling someone who is suffering from depression to "snap out of it" is tantamount to telling a cancer patient to heal themself.

Sheepie, you and Ted do help, as well as everyone else here who makes me smile, but unforutunately it is only a temporary feeling of happiness. I hope one day that there is a cure for this awful "sickness", and in the meantime, I hope non-sufferers truly understand what it is we who do suffer are dealing with.


<img src="http://gvac.50megs.com/images/adamantsig.jpg">

"Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear"

[spoon]

Jerry Taker you're right, as the board really is a group of really cool mo fos! Ikeaboy being the one exception!

<img src="http://members.aol.com/dxixrxt/spoon2.jpg">
Nothing...i have nothing!

[LtBoogaloo]

Oh look depression! This I know about.

I'm a bipolar depressive. I've tried most medications, fought weight-gain with anti-depressants, fought complete lethargy with SSRIs and now just sort of cruise through life on Depakote ER. Sometimes that cruise isn't great (as I write this, this isn't a great time) but sometimes life couldn't be better.

I had a year of worthless therapy (which caused me to backslide for 6 months to undo the bullshit he had me believing) and my current shrink/therapist I have really untangled so of my crap in my life.

It's difficult though to say, "Therapy and meds cure all", it is work, and it is not always easy. I have found it to intensify my feelings - or at least it makes me more conscious of them and more analytical.

It's a lotta work...and sometimes it's frustrating and tiring. Somedays I still find myself wishing, "Why did this all happen to me?" or "Shouldn't this be over by now?" Then I remember that I have this for a reason, and that it won't be over, it just comes and goes as my life progresses. (Again, proving to me how cyclical nature and karma are)


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I need a sig pic, I am a blight on messageboards where ever I go.

This message was edited by LtBoogaloo on 1-27-02 @ 2:59 PM

[CYYYFYYY]

Great Job Hordeking..... You
continue to impress me......


David the Franchize
Everyone Loves CYYYFYYY