Posted by yxibow on June 26, 2008, at 18:04:33
In reply to Dr gave up on meds for me. 'Try a relationship', posted by chiron on June 24, 2008, at 23:16:50
> I've been with this psychiatrist for 2 years now. I've tried a lot of meds, and he has been running out of ideas. Today he said he thinks we've reached a point where meds won't offer any more help. His main suggestion was that a serious relationship might be beneficial.
> Great day.Yes, I agree with the comment of treatment resistant depression options.
A second opinion, or it seems now a second doctor may help --- but remember it takes a while, speaking of relationships, to develop one with a doctor so it's not an easy road to go down.
As for relationships, there are many kinds. The relationship you have with the clerk at the store, the relationship you have with family, the relationship you have with friends, and a sexual relationship.
Entering a sexual relationship may not be the best thing -at this moment- (its important not to project to the infinite future and feel as if one will never have one).
But beyond medication, I believe its important to form relationships (I really need to) with people, with friends, with those who will tolerate you for who you are and your powerful strengths and yes, the limitations that do come with any mental illness.That doesn't mean to introduce to someone and say, hi, I'm [so and so] and I have [such illness].
Defining oneself solely by their illness belittles the other strengths, passions, interests, and intelligence that someone has.That is the sort of healthy relationship one actually should have going through a major illness. And groups like NAMI are also a place, if one feels comfortable, to have peer discussions about their disorder, in a non threatening environment. But they're not all just about talking about being ill.
So I think there are a number of good suggestions here and its not the most professional for a psychiatrist to say, okay, I've tried everything -- if they do reach that and they really say, gee, I have tried all I know in my practice, they should give you a referral to someone who deals with TRD.Because yes, maybe I'm projecting, but despite the ups and downs of a personal relationship, my doctor has always said he will see me through this illness. What that means, what the future holds, I am scared of, but its irrelevant, there is no crystal ball for anything nor is it the best to focus on the darkest of things.
Anyhow, that being said, if you are meeting your doctor anytime soon, I would have a serious talk about that and see if he/she has colleagues who can help you with your illness -- and its not all about the medicine as well -- I hate to mince words, but in a fine line, their is a truth to a relationship -- a relationship with the outside world that may bring you just as much hope in addition to a medication regimen.
-- best wishesJay
poster:yxibow
thread:836322
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080626/msgs/836636.html