Posted by Ines on May 5, 2007, at 6:00:16
In reply to Re: Denial/Shame about Medications..., posted by Jedi on May 5, 2007, at 2:35:31
> Hi,
> Sometimes I feel like a walking pharmacy, but as a male in this society it still is not socially acceptable to be "mentally ill". So I hide it when I can and stay away from people when I can't. Only a handful of people, mostly family members, know I take any medications for my depression and anxiety. My current diagnosis is major atypical depression with social and generalized anxiety disorder. Before this I had undiagnosed dysthymia and social anxiety. My motto was, "Fake it til you make it". In public, I was usually able to put on a good act.
>
> The thing to remember, when you see your doctor, let the guard down. They have no clue what is wrong especially if you spend all of your energy covering up the problem. This treatment thing is so much trial and error anyway, try to give the doc a fair shot at seeing the real you.
> Be Well,
> JediI think atypical depression is that much harder... (I have it too), 1) because it's less straight forward to treat than 'regular' major depression, 2) because atypicals seem to have an uncontrolable urge to pretend everything is allright (it is a real effort for me to let guard down, as you day. First psychiatrist I saw sent me home with ridiculously low dose of cypralex and a pat on the back saying I would be absolutely fine. I've learned to take mood scores, things that I write, and depression scale results with me now. It's the only way I get taken seriously), 3) because people around, often including friends and family, take a long time to realise/believe you actually have a serious problem, you seem so OK. Even when it gets to breakdown point, and you desperately need help, you can still be very reactive to circumstances and feel much better temporarily when out with friends, even crack jokes; so even people who are genuinely supportive and drag you out and come round to keep you company just don't get how depressed you are. I think the fact that we outwardly cope so well undermines us!
poster:Ines
thread:755098
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070502/msgs/755972.html