Posted by Shar on July 22, 2001, at 9:43:33
In reply to Re: Lorraine » Phil , posted by Lorraine on July 22, 2001, at 0:00:30
Phil,
Hmmmmm,
After reading Lorraine's post about chronic complainers....you sure you still want to go? Guess I feel concerned about you getting a lot of condescending "get over it" talk.I know they must use the illegal phrase "pity pot" in their meetings. If you do go---keep your expectations of support really low, ok? Then you won't get disappointed.
take care,
Shar
> > > Phil: Do let us know. I think I have their book and it kind of scared me. But they do meet locally here and I could use some support so I'll be interested in your experiences.
> >
> > I'll let you know. I'm kinda apprehensive. I used to go to Al-Anon and others but had never heard of Recovery Inc.
> > Do you remember what scared you about the book?
>
> Yeah, I do. It says things like "Such 'experienced sufferers' have made the rounds of physicians and clinics...They know that some or most of the past therapies had a transient palliative effect. The palpitations were milder after a reassuring talk; the dizziness yeilded to a sedative. Hence, they treasure the 'pep-talk' or the prescription. In order to secure these elusive aids, they must complain; they must convince the professional that they 'really' suffer, that their pains are not imaginary, that they can positively 'not stand' their fatigue....Complaining, then, becomes a vital part of their daily rutine. In the course of years, they develop the consummate art of the 'expert complainer'. What these long-term patients crave is a sympathetic ear which, after years of griping, they can no longer secure from their relatives and friends. They delight in a lengthy discussion of their fears and frustrations....The 'chronicity' of this group has litter to do with the nature of the symptoms, with diagnosis or etiology; it is self-appointed defeatism". p.24 of Mental Health Through Will-Training by Abraham A. Low, M.D., founder of Recovery, Inc.
>
> Course this was written in 1950. Times were different and Recovery, Inc. was established as a self-help group. Over the course of the last 50 years, they may have established some pretty effective self help techniques and come into the new century with the view that mental illness is a medical problem requiring treatment as well as individual motivation.
poster:Shar
thread:7543
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010717/msgs/7744.html