Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 11293

Shown: posts 5 to 29 of 29. Go back in thread:

 

Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS

Posted by jamie on September 10, 1999, at 9:20:49

In reply to Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS, posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 8:07:35


Acupuncture. I could never understand that one. Sticking holes in oneself with pins and needles to cure depression? Sounds way out there to me. I don't get it. Cool if it works though. Aint stickin no needles in me.

 

Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS

Posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 10:47:37

In reply to Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS, posted by jamie on September 10, 1999, at 9:20:49

No worse or wackier than some of the strange things we put in our bodies and minds, conventially and it can help...
>
> Acupuncture. I could never understand that one. Sticking holes in oneself with pins and needles to cure depression? Sounds way out there to me. I don't get it. Cool if it works though. Aint stickin no needles in me.

 

Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS

Posted by Janice on September 10, 1999, at 20:43:03

In reply to Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS, posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 10:47:37

Hi dj,
Thanks for the address of traditional chinese medicine.I'm not in Vancouver anymore. I was just there for 10 months on business. I'm not sure if I'll be going back.

If you're interested, (I relate to doing anything rather than going near ADs). I also used to get a Shiatsu massage once a week which helped alot. If I remember correctly you're a student, so you must be thinking that's way too expensive, but I went to a school where they taught shiatsu in Toronto and paid $25 for an hour and a half. Alot depends on the person doing the massage, so experiment a bit to see who you like. At the first pressure point he touched, tears would gush out of my eyes. I wasn't sad, it was simply a release.

dj, you're definately going to get there. Janice

 

Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS

Posted by dj on September 11, 1999, at 11:18:11

In reply to Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS, posted by Janice on September 10, 1999, at 20:43:03

Janice,

Back to T.O.? Your missing the best time of year here in Vancouver, next to Feb. when cherrie blossoms are blooming here while people freeze their butts off elsewhere. What type of biz. were you here doing?

Good suggestion on shiastu.

 

Re: shiatzu

Posted by Noa on September 11, 1999, at 17:59:12

In reply to Re: acupuncture, chinese meds. & depression ? - PS, posted by dj on September 11, 1999, at 11:18:11

At one point in my life, coincidentally the only period of my adulthood when I went for a few years without a major depressive episode (although I still struggled with dysthymia), I used to have Regular massage therapy sessions. It was great. She used a combo of Swedish and Shiatsu methods. I have thought from time to time about going back (I am in a different locale now, so I'd have to find a new massage therapist) but haven't gotten around to it. It is an investment financially, on top of medication and psychotherapy, etc., but I think it is worth it. I once consulted an acupuncturist, but was overwhelmed with the first session, because she immediately diagnosed me as allergic to almost everything I like. Not that she is entirely wrong. I have started noticing reactions to certain things (wheat, dairy), and now take that into consideration in terms of the time of day I eat them (never at night--causes congestion). Now the news is full of the WHO statement, which comes out of one small study of about 30 people. I am sure it does help, but does anyone know if it is something you have to maintain long term like meds and psychotherapy have been for me? Also, at this point, I am making med changes and if I start acupuncture at the same time, how will I know which helped? A relative of mine had cancer and after chemo, he started a macrobiotic diet , very strict, very time consuming. He also started a long term maintenance on interferon. He has been cancer free for a long time. Obviously he aint gonna mess with anything, but does he know which helped him? Any thoughts?

 

Re: shiatzu

Posted by Bob on September 11, 1999, at 18:50:23

In reply to Re: shiatzu, posted by Noa on September 11, 1999, at 17:59:12

If you change more than one thing at the same time and get good results, no, there is no way of telling which one made the difference. Then again, who's to say that it wasn't that combination that made the difference ... that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? If you want to test it out, here's what you have to do:

1. Take some baseline record of how you are without either action one or action 2.
2. Do action 1 alone. Give it a reasonable time to work. Keep records of any changes.
3. Stop action 1 and allow yourself to return to the baseline.
4. Start action 2. Give it as much time as action 1 and record any changes.
5. Stop action 2 and allow yourself to return to the baseline.
6. Start actions 1+2 together, give them the same amount of time to work, record changes.

Not a very good model of how the real world works, is it? There are so many assumptions buried in that procedure--like that you'd return to the same baseline instead of some different point after dropping an action--that its crazier than I am! So much for positivist/empiricist science.

My advice is that if you've got a good job with benefits and one of those benefits includes a flexible spending account, then make sure that you deduct pre-tax the full $2000 allowed for medical expenses. The way it works, its like for every $100 of my pre-tax income, $70 goes to the account and $30 (untaxed) to me. I know mine covers acupuncture and I'd bet it covers massage therapy.

Cheers,
Bob

 

Re: shiatzu

Posted by dj on September 11, 1999, at 21:04:08

In reply to Re: shiatzu, posted by Noa on September 11, 1999, at 17:59:12

Noa,

What is the WHO study you are referring to below -- acupuncture. The folk I am going to quote a bit from at the following url:
http://www.island.net/~jockben/PD_Publishing/shen20.html#needles) have some interesting ideas on acupuncture and the dis-ease process: "We propose that the client--not the practitioner or the needle--does the healing. This occurs when the client becomes open and vulnerable, responsive in energy to the self and the environment. When a person is open, the energy fixations that underlie disease states can release.
... Personal attitudes and habits can rigidify into chronic muscular and connective tissue tension--producing "blockages" in the energy, which manifest as illness. Illness is an expression of frozen energy, occurring when the energy body closes, or rigidifies. To heal, the person needs to thaw... A person opens up in intimate dialogue with self and others. Thus, the challenge is to help the client to establish intimate relationships with the self, and with others.

The release that permits the thaw can come through a variety of approaches. Acupuncture and moxibustion help to relieve blocks that permit freeing of the energy. In psychotherapy, clients can release pent-up psychological distress, with accompanying energy expression. ... We have found that deep breathing is very important to achieve maximum benefit from an acupuncture treatment.

Healing occurs in release of tension, with a reduction in fixation of energy. In a dynamic concept of energy, it is not the operation of the needle, but rather the life style of the client that facilitates healing. The relationship between client and practitioner is central to the healing process. The technique of the needle, or the application of electricity are not what make the release--it is the client himself or herself, in the relationship... The factors that the client offers in opening up the blocked energy are breathing, confidence in the relationship, and becoming personally responsible for self and life stye."

Much of this makes sense to me BUT it all seems to be so much work sometimes. Today after feeling shitty and obsessing most of the a.m. I persevered through some yoga and afterward went for some massage and felt so much better afterward. But it is SOOOOO discouraging at times to get and maintain the energy and effort...but it usually pays off...


>. Now the news is full of the WHO statement, which comes out of one small study of about 30 people. I am sure it does help, but does anyone know if it is something you have to maintain long term like meds and psychotherapy have been for me?

 

Re: shiatzu

Posted by Noa on September 11, 1999, at 22:35:45

In reply to Re: shiatzu, posted by dj on September 11, 1999, at 21:04:08

what I am referring to is that the World Health Org. recently said that acupuncture is recommended for depression. There was a study in Arizona, I think, that was sponsored by the NIH office of complementary medicine. I believe there were only 30 people in the study, some receiving acupuncture, some not. I think you can read about it at the NIH site, look for the office of complementary medicine, I think that's what the "alternative" med. is called there.

 

dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?

Posted by Janice on September 12, 1999, at 0:25:04

In reply to Re: shiatzu, posted by dj on September 11, 1999, at 21:04:08

You are stuffed full of great ideas. Sometimes I get anxiety and ADD confused. Maybe a bit of mania? You've definately got at least one of them.

I am stopping in the maritimes (home) for a few months before I head back to TO. I was in Vancouver helping a friend of mine get his business off the ground. How's that for putting my ADD to good use. I CRAVE stimulation and then often (more so in the past) can't handle it when I get it. I work in advertising. It's easy and fun for me, and I make good money at it.

I really liked the information you quoted above. WHATEVER works for you works. I believe the relationship between yourself and the therapist is vital for improvement, and I believe some people are gifted healers (these people can work in any care-giving field).

I've also tried cranio-sacral massage by a naturopath in Toronto.I tried it 4 times and am planning to continue when I get back to Toronto. I understand it to be similar to Yoga, in that it releases the tensions stored in your body.

Like you, my getting better has mostly been about consistent and prolonged determination and hard work. I see a steady course of progress while looking at the big picture; day to day, at times, I feel like my health is up and down like a yoyo. I feel like my entire life revolves around having a healthy body and mind. Everyday I do 30 minutes of yoga, eat 3 well balanced nutritious meals (trying at the same time not to exacerbate my OCD), meditate twice a day, say positive affirmations to myself 5 minutes a session 3 times a day, sleep a consistent regular 8 hours (of course, I awake to a dawn simulator), write in my journal as a way to express my intense emotional life, do physical/aerobic exercise 3 times a week (but not more because my eating disorder could flare up), see a therapist once a week, group therapy for my eating disorder once a week, and see a psychiatrist every two weeks. I feel like I am juggling 10 balls while trying to take 5 steps forwards. I hate it all sometimes, but these things make me feel considerably better.

I really relate to your exhaustion, physical and mental. To feel better from mental illnesses, it seems like you are required to do THE EXACT OPPOSITE ACTION than the one the illness expects/desires you to do. And even if you work real hard, it can takes months and years sometimes to notice the difference. If by this time, you can pinpoint what it was exactly that has made you feel better. I hope I'm not sounding negative or discouraging, but this has been my experience.

Exhausted and off to bed,
take care dj,
Janice

ps I wonder why all the disorders have to come with depression? None of them would be so bad if you could just get them separately.
mania - comes with depression
OCD - comes with depression
ADD - comes with depression
anxiety - comes with depression
eating disorders - comes with/creates depression.

I could handle the column on the left, no problem.


 

Re: dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?

Posted by dj on September 12, 1999, at 2:30:10

In reply to dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?, posted by Janice on September 12, 1999, at 0:25:04

Janice,

No ADD here, just a bit obsessive and perfectionistic not to mention curious when not just frustrated and feeling helpless, hopeless and useless. I've had touches of low level mania but not for sustained enough periods. Either I'm up or down, not a lot in between. Must be the Maritme upbringing. I'm a bluenoser myself -- and you?n If you are in Halifax hoist one for me at the Split Crow or any of the other pubs.

Good luck with the crano-sacrial. Just reading about the rest of your rountine is exhausting to me, never mind doing it...

Sante!

 

Re: dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?

Posted by Janice on September 13, 1999, at 21:45:34

In reply to Re: dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?, posted by dj on September 12, 1999, at 2:30:10

dj

My father's family is from the south shore and my mother's family is from a small town close to Truro.

I didn't want to insult you (I assumed you were from Vancouver), but Vancouver is not a very 'nut friendly' place. Those people, those cool, rational people who value logic beyond everything else combined; how can you stand it there? Sometimes I thought their collective brain had been permanently stunted and blunted by the rain and gray skies. How's that, me calling them crazy! Do you liike it there?

Highly strung & finely tuned, Janice

 

sorry, Janice, but I couldn't resist ...

Posted by Bob on September 13, 1999, at 22:01:28

In reply to Re: dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?, posted by Janice on September 13, 1999, at 21:45:34

>How's that, me calling them crazy!

... takes one to know one, they say (and I've known quite a few ;^)

> Highly strung & finely tuned, Janice

LOL! =^)

Cheers,
Bob

 

Re: geography

Posted by dj on September 14, 1999, at 10:59:20

In reply to Re: dj - are you sure you don't have ADD?, posted by Janice on September 13, 1999, at 21:45:34

J,

Van. is often said to be like California -- full of fruits and nuts. Particulary in the West End and East Van. -- both of where I live and lived and didn't feel connected to either community. I don't know that people here are any cooler or rational than T.O. or elsewhere. Depends who you meet. Maritimes have their fill too, just different flavours. Everyplace has their extremes and not so...I'm just a guy who's not sure where he fits in -- here, there or anywhere...

DJ

 

Re: geography

Posted by janice on September 16, 1999, at 21:39:02

In reply to Re: geography, posted by dj on September 14, 1999, at 10:59:20


dj, geography can make a difference. There are so many cultures in toronto, no one really seems to knkow what normal is. Imagine the freedom. People there half expect each other to be neurotic. I'm not saying what's good for me is good for you. I'd like you feeling all better regardless of where you live. It's just a little bit of peace I'm after.

Did you ever notice that Maritimers talk about so and so's 'nerves', or someone's nervous problem. Janice.

 

Re: geography

Posted by dj on September 16, 1999, at 21:53:38

In reply to Re: geography, posted by janice on September 16, 1999, at 21:39:02

Janice,

There's a fairly vibrant ethnic mix in Van. which isn't as marked by neighbourhoods as in T.O. Both have their charms. Too much concrete in T.O. for me and not enough water, real beaches & no mountains. Nice to visit...

I'd be just as happy in a small place like Nelson in the midst of the mountains with everything you need there -- lake, mountains, skiing, windsurfing, artists, etc...

I haven't been back in the Maritimes much over the past 12 years or so only for 3 or so of the previous 12. Don't know about talks about nerves there but folks are more circumspect often in their language. Small town outlooks with all the good and not as good that brings. Wonderful folks overall, down home, generally!

 

Hi dj!

Posted by Janice on September 25, 1999, at 23:25:39

In reply to Re: geography, posted by dj on September 16, 1999, at 21:53:38

Hi,

You know, I probably disliked Vancouver so much because I have Seasonal Affective disorder, and I just externalize my SAD by looking for petty external reasons for why I hate the place.

dj, have you ever thought about multimedia media design? Good field, good future and fun (the design part anyway). Good luck in your studies dj, and keep taking care of yourself. Janice.

 

Re: Hi Janice...

Posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 8:48:26

In reply to Hi dj!, posted by Janice on September 25, 1999, at 23:25:39

Perhaps too you didn't meet any folks out here you found truly interesting or things to do that absorbed you & hence had more time to fret.
Believe me there are lots of interesting folks out here as elsewhere. However a friend from TO who now lives in Thunder Bay noted that he can live someplace with a fast pace (T.O.) or a slow pace but couldn't tolerate the inbetween which is what he considered Vancouver.

Yes I thought aboutmultimedia media design & felt I lacked the talent compared to the many folks who are in that field out here...oh well, thanks for the thought anyway...

So, how's life back in the big smoke...? Where do you live there?

 

hi dj!

Posted by Janice on September 26, 1999, at 20:26:00

In reply to Re: Hi Janice..., posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 8:48:26

Hi,

I'm doing well dj. Right now I'm staying at my Grandmother's farm here in Nova Scotia, then in November I'm going to Florida, then the vacation's over and i will settle either in Toronto or in Calgary with my brother who lives there. I'm leaning towards my brother because i am making such headway with all my disorders and if i live with him, he will take care of all the practicle issues while i can concentrate on getting my health back in tiptop shape. Being practicle is my worst enemy, and i will not be making enough money to pay someone else to do it.

I've come to the major realization that my ADHD is the root disorder of all my other disorders, the trichotillomania, the manic depression, the eating disorder. I'm beginning to see my whole life in a completely new light...like for a small example, I used to think i was afraid of committment (this is what some of my boyfriends would tell me), and now I know I'm right, it's my ADHD, and I just don't see the point of it. It's biology, I'm restless by nature. What a relief! I'm glad I didn't spend time at the psychologist's office for that one.

I think that is your depression talking about multimedia design. Those people who you think are talented all started out knowing nothing and unsure of their ability. If my instincts are right, i think you could do it. From the way you write, I can tell you're smart, funny and original.

Vancouver; you know, I spent some of my formative years there, age 9-23. I still have some of the same friends that I made during those years. I'm never sure exactly why i dislike the city so much. One thing is true, I do like big cities though, you are right there, and I find Vancouver to be more of a big suburb.

How's your depression? Have you been making any progress? Had any good insights? What have you been trying lately?

nice to hear from you, Janice.

 

Re: hi J..

Posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 21:47:21

In reply to hi dj!, posted by Janice on September 26, 1999, at 20:26:00

Hi Janice,

Where's your gran's farm in N.S.?

I have a good friend who is ADD or ADHD, the former I believe. He's been married twice and now is in a great relationship that includes him being a Dad, at which he is great. He also headed up a small company which he ran with assiistance for his attention defecits. Bright guy, very committed and in much better shape since he has gotten in this last relationship. Few dips into depression cuz he looks after himself better.

My point is that ADHD and non-commitment don't necessarily go together and it may be that you haven't met anyone you feel like committing to...or...you be the judge...

Calgary is more like T.O. in its pace so probably a good pick. What will you be doing to get your health back on track?

> I think that is your depression talking about multimedia design.... If my instincts are right, i think you could do it. From the way you write, I can tell you're smart, funny and original.
>

Thanks for the compliment. Maybe...

>
> How's your depression? Have you been making any progress? Had any good insights? What have you been trying lately?
>
> nice to hear from you, Janice.

Up & down still...expermenting with Wellbutrin...

 

Re: P.S.

Posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 23:47:14

In reply to hi dj!, posted by Janice on September 26, 1999, at 20:26:00

Janice,

What are the symptoms of your ADHD and what is the distinction between that and ADD?

Is difficulty organizing things one of the symptoms?

I believe my friend has a problem with fine details in biz. planning but certainly not on the home front, however I'm not completely certain about the former --- he apparently has some sort of challenge conceptualizing some part of the biz process. I have difficulty going beyond conceptualizing most of it...


> I've come to the major realization that my ADHD is the root disorder of all my other disorders,

 

That's the AD I'm thinking about trying...

Posted by Janice on September 28, 1999, at 22:12:00

In reply to Re: hi J.., posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 21:47:21

> Hi Janice,
>
> Where's your gran's farm in N.S.?
>
> I have a good friend who is ADD or ADHD, the former I believe. He's been married twice and now is in a great relationship that includes him being a Dad, at which he is great. He also headed up a small company which he ran with assiistance for his attention defecits. Bright guy, very committed and in much better shape since he has gotten in this last relationship. Few dips into depression cuz he looks after himself better.
>
> My point is that ADHD and non-commitment don't necessarily go together and it may be that you haven't met anyone you feel like committing to...or...you be the judge...
>
> Calgary is more like T.O. in its pace so probably a good pick. What will you be doing to get your health back on track?
>
>
> > I think that is your depression talking about multimedia design.... If my instincts are right, i think you could do it. From the way you write, I can tell you're smart, funny and original.
> >
>
> Thanks for the compliment. Maybe...
>
> >
> > How's your depression? Have you been making any progress? Had any good insights? What have you been trying lately?
> >
> > nice to hear from you, Janice.
>
> Up & down still...expermenting with Wellbutrin...

Hi,

My grandmother's farm is outside of Pugwash, right on the ocean. The farm has never even had a telephone, and now just this super-duper computer and my cell phone.

Committment could be fine for me; I'm not afraid of it. I just would never want a conventional one (women generally end up doing the majority of the petty crap- housework, babies, etc).Everyone just assumed that since I didn't seem to be oriented this way that I must have a problem with it, I think especially since i am a woman. I'm not sure why but women tend to be more relationship oriented than men (probably biology for baby making at work). I've just been reading about ADHD and it's common for these people to be a bit eccentric and restless; it's 'my way' or no way sort of thing. Tons of people with ADD get committed and have little ADD babies (my mother, for example). I'm just glad I didn't spend hours trying to figure out why I didn't search out or seem to want committment - people seem to assume that this is a problem. I like monogamous relations but what is, IS.

health means putting myself on a strict schedule, eating nutricious meals regularly, you know, exercising. Actually I haven't had depression for the past 6 months (this is the first time in my life since i was 12), since I've been on Dexedrine for aDD. But I want to try Wellbutrin for my trichotillomania and SAD. I have to see a new psychiatrist here. Small town, don't want the news to get out. I'm never sure how these people think, I probably stand out like a whacko nut here.

What about all your research and stuff? Are you making any lifestyle changes or are you waiting for the pill to kick in? Janice.

 

I just saw your PS

Posted by Janice on September 28, 1999, at 22:29:27

In reply to Re: P.S., posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 23:47:14

> Janice,
>
> What are the symptoms of your ADHD and what is the distinction between that and ADD?
>
> Is difficulty organizing things one of the symptoms?
>
> I believe my friend has a problem with fine details in biz. planning but certainly not on the home front, however I'm not completely certain about the former --- he apparently has some sort of challenge conceptualizing some part of the biz process. I have difficulty going beyond conceptualizing most of it...
>
>
> > I've come to the major realization that my ADHD is the root disorder of all my other disorders,

Hi dj, the H in ADHD is for hyperactivity, a physical manisfestation of the ADD. By the time most people are adults, they don't appear hyper. They may not be able to sit still but have found successful ways of hiding this, gesturing with their hands, swinging their legs. I walk superfast, I have never been outwalked, even in Toronto.

It's all about organization. To put it in the simplest way I can imagine, it's like if something doesn't interest you (which is usually details) your brain will not let you do it, period. This is how I experience it. I continuously planned and tried to go to the grocery store, so much of my life revolved around this (getting to the GD grocery store) because I am too skinny. I usually made it to the grocery store about 2 times a year, can you imagine how someone's, who is like this, self-esteem can suffer. I'd head off to the grocery store, end up at the bookstore, come home 3 hours later not even realizing until the next day, I was suppose to go to the grocery store....Shit! So on some level your friend is probably slogging himself about the details of his business. Does he know he has ADD? Maybe, suggest him hiring someone.

more symptoms, craving stimulation, getting it, not being able to handle it and then flipping out. I almost flip out 2 times a day and cry on average 2 times a day and get really excited about things, that most people think are tiny and silly, 3 times a day. I feel like I'm living in the land of the living dead. hate conventions, rules, procedures and structure - structure, from what i understand, is the best thing for it. anyway, I'm learning about it so i can learn to live my life to the best that I can. Sound like you? Janice

 

Re: I just saw your PS

Posted by dj on September 28, 1999, at 22:56:06

In reply to I just saw your PS, posted by Janice on September 28, 1999, at 22:29:27

My friend was the one who introduced me to the term so he is well aware and has organized and supported himself superably. Me, I have difficulty with details and organization but that's more a manifestation of anxiety and depression and letting my mind obsess on things rather than dealing with them...BTW, if you only get to the grocery store twice a year no wonder you are skinny. Do you eat out a lot?? ie. -- pizza, bagels, apples as I recall...

> So on some level your friend is probably slogging himself about the details of his business. Does he know he has ADD? Maybe, suggest him hiring someone.
> .... I feel like I'm living in the land of the living dead. hate conventions, rules, procedures and structure - structure, from what i understand, is the best thing for it. anyway, I'm learning about it so i can learn to live my life to the best that I can. Sound like you? Janice

 

Re: That's the AD I'm thinking about trying...

Posted by dj on September 28, 1999, at 23:03:04

In reply to That's the AD I'm thinking about trying..., posted by Janice on September 28, 1999, at 22:12:00

What is, IS -- a former girlfriend of mine liked that quote from Context and repeated it often.

The Wellbutrin is the key focus for now, unfortuanately. Have been doing some acupuncture & massage & the W. has kicked in & as I kick in I work on strengthening better habits..

>. I like monogamous relations but what is, IS.
>
> What about all your research and stuff? Are you making any lifestyle changes or are you waiting for the pill to kick in? Janice.

 

pizza and junk food...

Posted by Janice on September 29, 1999, at 20:56:36

In reply to Re: That's the AD I'm thinking about trying..., posted by dj on September 28, 1999, at 23:03:04

and not enough of even them. I lost my hunger cues and then my ADD was home free - very little boring food. Janice


This is the end of the thread.


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.