Posted by JESSsMom on January 30, 2003, at 18:10:14
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
> >>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
>
> To equate an AD with a sedative does a great disservice to those who have tried for many years to get a handle on dibilitating depression. Any informed individual realizes that an AD is not a "magical" or "happy" pill. For those who think it is, you need only consider the lack of street dealing in Zoloft, Effexor, and such. These medications simply DO NOT offer the instant relief sought by those who end up abusing drugs for a quick fix. Most of us realize there is work to be done in the form of assisting ourselves in the healing process.
>
> I'm not sure I understand the definition of a "hard-core" drug. If this is a drug that causes withdrawl symptoms, than we can put caffeine in that categroy along with some over-the-counter medications.
>
> I have been on 75mg's of Effexor for just over 3 months and for the first time in my life I can consistently handle the pressures of my full time job, raising my 2 children as a single parent, while not succumbing to the pain inflicted on me by my emotionally abusive, alcoholic estranged husband.
>
> I have had no unmanageable side effects and no longer spend inordinate amounts of energy trying to "keep my chin up".
>
> After suffering several severe depressive episodes, and having had unpleasant experiences with incompetent therapists, and a list of medications, I don't think it's an overstatemnet to say Effexor has given me my life back. I, too, have quit meds after they began to help me regain my footing. I felt I "should be able to do this on my own. After all, I'm educated, competent, and WANT to be content. But each time, the black wave of depression washed over me, and each time I ended up more deeply depressed than than last.
>
> I have made a personal decision to no longer allow the stigma of medication usage to keep me from making a good life for myself and my children.
>
> We don't tell diabetics to just produce their own insulin and we don't tell high blood pressure sufferers to just relax.
>
> Sedated- I don't think so. This is the most alive I've ever felt. I refuse to feel lesser because I am on medication.
>
> Best of luck to all. Thanks to all who take the time to post here.
> japonicaThis has got to be the best post I've ever read regarding mental illness and what happens when med therapy is included in the course of treatment.
Excellent, well thought out post and advocation!Thank you, japonica!
JM
poster:JESSsMom
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030130/msgs/138426.html