Posted by Tomatheus on May 7, 2015, at 0:11:48
In reply to Re: Nardil/phenelzine background info writeup » Tomatheus, posted by Smoo on May 6, 2015, at 22:18:23
Smoo,
Here are my responses to your questions:
For the most part, those who I've disclosed my illness to have been supportive and understanding. However, I do think that stigma surrounding mental illness exists, and I think that I've been on the receiving end of it a few times. I saw a therapist a few years back who had seen me previously for my mood-disorder symptoms before I started experiencing psychosis, and once I mentioned that I started experiencing psychosis, the therapist's whole demeanor and line of questioning changed. I also think that when others know that I experience psychotic symptoms, they sometimes tend to take me less seriously than they would otherwise. This was especially true when I was hospitalized for reasons related to my mental illness. Some might think that psychiatric hospitals would be places where staff members treat the patients with dignity and respect, but I haven't always found that to be the case.
Although I have noticed stigma from others as it pertains to my mental illness, I don't think I've encountered any kind of extra stigma relating to taking MAOIs. Then again, only a handful of people knew that I was taking MAOIs when I was taking them.
I do think that I've encountered more stigma since the onset of my psychotic symptoms than I encountered when I was only experiencing depressive symptoms. And as I alluded to earlier, I think that the bulk of the stigma that I've been on the receiving end of has come from individuals who've been involved in my treatment in one way or another. Perhaps one reason for this is that I don't routinely tell those who aren't involved in my treatment about my illness. Members of my immediate family know about my illness, but even though members of my extended family might know about my illness from those in my immediate family, I don't discuss my illness with those in my extended family. I don't really have any friends right now other than one person I correspond with via e-mail, so I don't so much have to grapple with whether or not I should disclose my illness to friends. I did have a friend previously who knew of my illness and seemed to become increasingly distant from me around the time of the onset of my psychosis. We're no longer in touch. I don't work currently, but I disclosed my mood disorder to two employers when I was working prior to the onset of my psychosis. I didn't seem to notice any discrimination or stigma from them.
Regarding MAOIs, I would say that they're very useful for a range of mental-health conditions, but are unfortunately underutilized. However, in my experience, the medications only seemed to be helpful in the short run.
Hope this helps!
Tomatheus
Has long-standing difficulties with energy and concentration, as well as psychotic and cognitive symptoms
Taking Abilify & supplements
poster:Tomatheus
thread:1078650
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150407/msgs/1078726.html