Posted by Ritch on August 4, 2002, at 21:02:18
In reply to How Parnate saved my butt, posted by cybercafe on August 4, 2002, at 19:44:58
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> Effexor resolved maybe 15% of my anxiety and 40% of my depression ... and while Parnate (low dose -- 30mg) got rid of much of my anxiety, then made socializing much more fascinating and fun, it seemed to do little for the time i spent alone... (really quite unbearable)... but as i began to feel incredably motivated to talk to everyone i met (at bus stops, bus drivers, you name it) i found that the time i spent alone i would think about ... future activities... with hope
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> So what are your experiences? Do "normal" people, or recovered people, find being broke and doing nothing but watching TV day in and day out for weeks on end to be not just hard to deal with -- but almost unbearable?Cyber,
You have addressed an issue about social anxiety that I discussed early on with a therapist over 20 years ago. There are "approach" and "avoid" issues with SA. If you solve avoidance issues (medications or CBT), you still have approach (interest) issues to deal with. The bottom line is--if you lack the motivation and interest to interact with other new folks-all of the therapy/meds to stop avoidance behaviors are lost if the motivational issues aren't addressed. That is where the MAOI's and stimulants have a role in treatment, IMO.
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:115196
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020731/msgs/115206.html