Posted by viridis on September 21, 2002, at 1:19:24
In reply to Re: Unresponsive to SSRIs? What worked?, posted by Silly Brain on September 20, 2002, at 14:14:56
Hi again Silly B,
When you're depressed, everything seems negative, so I'm not surprised that things seem so bleak to you. I've been there dozens (probably hundreds) of times. But good psychiatric treatment is different from using street drugs in several ways.
First of all, you actually know what you're getting (whether it works for you or not).
Second, you have expert advice to help you choose the appropriate medication(s). Of course, you have to be persistent in finding an expert who understands your condition, but if you look hard enough you'll find one.
Third, the goal with psychiatric drugs isn't to get high, or obliterate yourself or your true personality, it's just to feel normal. This really is possible, but it will almost certainly take some trial and error.
There's a huge range of options available, and they may seem overwhelming. But you can find a solution that will allow you to enjoy life without intolerable side effects. It's really hard when everything seems so hopeless, but you have to keep trying. I nearly gave up on various occasions, but I finally found a combination that (so far at least) works very well.
The fact that you're seeking advice here indicates that you really want to get well, and you can. It may take a huge push on your part to get there -- and this is very difficult when you feel so miserable -- but you owe it to yourself to make the effort. It's worth it when you finally succeed. Also, it's good that you're angry instead of complacent. Why shouldn't you be angry? It's unfair that you have this illness, but great that you want to fight it.
I know this probably sounds like a bunch of platitudes, but it's the truth. I know that, and so do many others here who are trying to help. Don't give up, and don't let the depression take over and falsely convince you that your situation is hopeless, because it isn't.
poster:viridis
thread:120163
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120588.html