Posted by SLS on August 29, 2017, at 4:24:12
In reply to Re: Where I am presently, posted by alexandra_k on August 29, 2017, at 0:47:13
Nice post, Alex.
> A meaningful life...
>
> Something Maslow hierarchy of needs about it. Something something that makes life worth living.
>
> I don't know what to suggest. Is there a hobby or a cause or something that you feel passionately about? Volunteer work (if you have the time)? I don't know what opportunities there may be in your area.
>
> Most people feel better if they feel like they are useful. Doing something to help or improve things.
>
> There can be a lot of weird politics and stuff that gets in the way of that at times, though. Hard to find good opportunities.
>
> I looked into volunteer work briefly, down here, but it mostly seems to be multi-million dollar charities getting people to rattle a tin to help raise the funds to support the board of directors. Or, people looking to boost their CV. It didn't look particularly... Altruistic to me. So I gave up. Which, I'm sure, made some psychopath out there particularly happy. Sigh.
>
> Back to biochemistry equations...I would just add that your suggestions, as productive as they are, are often not applicable to people whose depressions are the most severe. Such depressions are vegetative enough to produce anergia, psychomotor retardation, and even catatonia. Just going to the bathroom or changing the TV channel can be an ordeal. I mention this so as to prevent frustration, and feelings of failure and inadequacy. These things can push someone to become suicidal. It is important to note, however, that many of these people do not have the resources of energy and motivation to be able to attempt the act. This is why it is most critical to monitor closely someone who is early in antidepressant treatment. As they begin to respond to treatment, energy and motivation begin to emerge. This is a dangerous time. Many of these people still have suicidal thoughts, but now have the resources to act on them. A question that can be asked is, how many of the suicides associated with the use of antidepressants occur precisely because the treatment was beginning to work?
- Scott
Some see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1094670
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20160906/msgs/1094716.html