Posted by linkadge on August 15, 2003, at 11:30:37
In reply to Redirect: medical profession or drug companies, posted by Dr. Bob on August 14, 2003, at 18:29:49
Actually not sleeping for a week before final exams is not a common/normal responce in universities/college. In recent/comprehensive studies students got (on average) 6-8 hours of sleep, even up until their last exam. This was consistent throughout all years of university.
If you are findinding that the antidepressant you are taking is making you emotionally numb or insensitive this a *tell-tale* sign that you are on too much. The drugs themselves are strong and often dosed too high. Most people are on them for moderate depression, not severe. Many people I know, are greatly helped by 5-10 mg of Celexa.
Emotional blunting is also not a universal effect of AD's. When I went on Celexa the I noticed I was getting better when I was able to talk to my mom about her problems. You see before, I could not because It was too painful for me, and made me almost paniky about the situation. A low dose of Celexa has taken away the constant fear of my own problems - better enabling me to listen to others' problems.
Chemical imballance is not just bunk - this is what bitter/depressed people say as a way to stay and justify their bitter and depressed behavior. If you're looking to be convinced by us you never will. If you're in bad shape you need to ask yourself - do I even *want* to get better?
It *is* possible to aproprately dose an AD so that you are not depressed and yet can still feel emotional.
You do realize it is a contueum. The people who are the most emotionally stable - and the most unlikely to suffer depression - are also somewhat less emotional. In recent studies, those who naturally reported the fewest symptoms of depression, also reported having sex the *least*?
The emotional blunting is quite simply a defence mechanism of the brain. You cannot survive in this world if you are conserned about everbody/everthing else but yourself. I hate to say it but a certain degree of indiference is normal and useful. We know we need to help others, but we also know we need to help ourselves.
How pleasing it is to know that the two go hand in hand. You cannot truely help others without first helping yourself.
But remember what I said about emotional blunting.
For me
------
No antidepressant = because everything mattered
I could not focus on what
mattered20 mg Celexa = because nothing mattered
I could not even *see* what
what matteredRight dose
(for me 10mg) = I could see what was most
important. I understood what
I could do to help and what
I could not do. This is
what is 'normal' - the
understanding of what is
and what is not useful
behaviour.In my oppinion its really about finding the right dose of the right med. But don't think that all of us here are a bunch of hedonistic self centered drug pushers. I want for you what is best.
Remember, that I, and most others are here for *two* reasons. To get help and to help others.
Best of luckLinkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:250558
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251053.html