Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 10326

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Being special

Posted by Bob on September 16, 1999, at 22:44:00

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...The Beast, posted by Ruth on September 16, 1999, at 18:38:12

Wow.

I joined after this was archived, so I just had the chance to read all of these posts one after another. Thanks, Lori, for making it come alive again ... and here's another vote for telling your daughter to get on-line.

As for all of us being special, there's an interesting web page to visit for some rather topical quotes:

http://www.crispian.demon.co.uk/q17.htm

Some of my favorites--

"Men have called me mad; but the question is not yet settled, whether madness is or is not the loftiest intelligence -- whether much that is glorious -- whether all that is profound -- does not spring from disease of thought -- from moods of mind exalted at the expense of the general intellect."
---Edgar Allan Poe

"All great things come from neurotics."
---Proust

"Great wits are sure to madness near allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds divide."
---John Dryden

This last was meant as an insult to a competitor. I'm sure it must be the source of "there is a fine line between genius and madness." Kay Jamison likes to play up the correlation between genius (tho not necessarily measured by IQ) and mental illness as well.

Perhaps it is true -- that we are all given some gift in equal measure to our disability. Whether we can make use of it, or whether society values it in our time, is of course a different matter....

Oh, then there's:

"Genius is pain."
---John Lennon

Cheers,
Bob

 

Re: Life on Meds...The Beast

Posted by Molly on September 20, 1999, at 20:11:11

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...The Beast, posted by Ruth on September 16, 1999, at 18:38:12

>Holy Moly!!! For years I have referred to my depression as "The Beast" , and imagine my amazement to see this on-line! The Beast will never disappear. It's like a malevolent virus - HIV - it continually morphs and changes, and always looks for a weak point. The weakest point is the belief that we can "win." I think acceptance is the key (not that I've fully reached that point myself). But by building a toolbox of proactive tools - rest, drugs, exercise, love - we can continually out-feint the Beast. Love is on our side.

PS I strongly recommend "Women Who Run With The Wolves" for strength for your journey.
>
> > Yardena,
> >
> > > So, to modify your metaphor a bit, I would say that my goal is not to kill the beast (although I would love for it to disappear), but to accept that it is a presence in my life and try to TAME it. What do you think?
> >
> > Thank you for bringing up the subtle shift that can take a much dreaded battle and making it into something else. I have a favorite story that I've read again and again in the last 9 months of living hell.
> >
> > The story is about a young womyn who chooses to join a nunnery instead of getting married. She quickly finds herself performing the same tasks she would have if married. Upon complaining, her superior asks "And where do you think holiness lies?" Chagrined the young nun returned to her duties. As the years went by she found rhythm and serenity to her days. Eventually she was initiated into the higher ranks and had many mystical experiences. Nevertheless, one day she was talking to potential recruits when she was profoundly struck with how her life had turned out. Not able to speak another word she retired to her room. After some thought, she decided that she needed to follow her childhood dream of becoming a great holy person, packed her few belongings and walked into the mountains alone. Finding a suitable cave, she vowed to devote herself fully to her task. The days and seasons when by one after another as she allowed herself to be present and aware. One day she was returning from collecting firewood when she discovered her cave filled with fearsome demons. She was horrified to see them tossing around her belongings, yelling and screaming, and now making faces at her. Determined not be defeated she walked in among them trying to ignore them. But they yelled all the more loudly and began grabbing her cloths and swinging from them. After a moments thought, she said "You are such fearsome demons, and I am such a small insignificant person, surely there are others that merit your attention." With this some of the demons disappeared. But many still remained wailing and pulling at her robes. Again she thought for a few moments, stood up a little straighter and said "Leave me alone, I know many powerful holy people and I am under their protection. You had better leave now before you must face their wrath!" And some more of the demons disappeared. Yet, some still remained, cavorting and menacing her with their teeth. Beside herself, she nearly shouted "I, too, am a powerful holy person. I have studied for many years and am very skilled. Leave now or face my wrath!" And all the demons disappeared... but one. The biggest, ugliest, most horrible one of them all. The nun knew that she had nothing left to say. She knew that she couldn't defeat this demon. With courage and dignity she faced the demon and walked toward it. As she walked she felt her fear fall away, and her heart fill with compassion. Stepping into the mouth of the demon, it vanished in a rainbow cloud. And she knew in that instant that the freedom she had sought had been within her all along.
> >
> > May that we all be able to make peace with ourselves and to live within each moment. There are other ways of living beside battling ourselves, besides suffering and stuggling.
> > SusanJane :)

 

Re: Life on Meds...and kids

Posted by dove on September 27, 1999, at 10:31:29

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...The Beast, posted by Molly on September 20, 1999, at 20:11:11

The idea of passing the 'Beast' down to our children is something I clearly see as accurate and evident in my life. I am a mother of 5 children, just diagnosed with bipolar and adhd and a smidgen of OCD and Anxiety. I have been suicidal my entire life, always felt that something just wasn't right. I know that there are at least 4 generations affected by the same combination of mental illness. My father, all my grandparents and great-grandparents on my Dad's side, cousins and uncles/aunts on my Dad's side are all affected. They all believe it is normal and will not recognize that it isn't.

I did hand it down to 3 of my 5 children. I never wanted to be a parent, felt I was too off-balance and psycho. I didn't want to put any children through what my Dad put me through. All my pregnancies have been unplanned, though my husband prefers to call them 'surprise presents' from heaven. I felt so different when I was pregnant, the suicidal thoughts abated and I felt like there was hope somewhere, somehow. After giving birth, the depression and emotional fluctuations returned with a vengeance. I spent so many hours (days/weeks/months) hating myself, crying and truly believing that my children would be blessed if I ended my life and set them free.

I only received help in the last month and most likely I am running on pure hope as I write this. My children did me a great service, they made me see myself in a real light and I sought help, defying generations of nay-sayers. I am sad to see these traits inflicted upon my lovelies and maybe with any wisdom or foresight I would have had permanent birth-control in place. But, I would be without these beautiful creatures, who have taught me so much about love, acceptance, uniqueness and mental illness.

I know many people think it is morally wrong to have children when there is a history of mental illness but I disagree. The beast is powerful, it is hard to recognize just as it is hard to annihilate but the fight is finally worth it to me. This due directly to having children and the desire to free and heal them. The future scares the living-daylights out of me but at the same time I now have hope and so do my children.

This board is sooo unique and a lifesaver, it educates, shares the pain and the joy and feels like a family. I am so grateful for finding ya'll and I thank you for the honesty and openess with which ya'll share (and the opportunity to share my heart). Thanks.
dove

 

Re: Life on Meds...and kids

Posted by Bob on September 27, 1999, at 12:09:18

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...and kids, posted by dove on September 27, 1999, at 10:31:29

Dove,

Thank you and God bless you for that wonderful post!

A lot of us, as you mentioned, have struggled and continue to struggle with this question. What your response made me see, for the first time, is that there can be a HUGE difference between people who are aware of their disorders and who take action, moving towards healing, and those people with disorders who refuse (or cannot) acknowledge this. The latter may wind up subjecting their children to the consequences of the parents' disorders on top of the chance the children may have these problems on their own. The former -- who sound like the folks on this board who are all so concerned over their "fit" with their world -- well, we know what we can do. We can come to know our strengths and gifts, and focus on them. We can come to know our troubles and weaknesses, and learn how to manage or change them. And we can also be the best counselors for any of our children who share our disorders -- we can do our best to make their way far easier than the path we've had to follow.

Thanks again, you've made my day,
Bob

 

More on kids

Posted by Bob on September 27, 1999, at 16:51:47

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...and kids, posted by Bob on September 27, 1999, at 12:09:18

Sorry, just had to share--

New ad in the NYC subways for onHealth.com or something.

It's a picture of this five-year old or so, flaming red hair, freckles, a big smile, and a t-shirt with the word "Antidepressant" on it.

=^)
Bob

 

Re: Dove

Posted by Noa on September 27, 1999, at 17:43:06

In reply to More on kids, posted by Bob on September 27, 1999, at 16:51:47

wow, dove, thanks.

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by Diane on October 26, 1999, at 10:57:09

In reply to Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by yardena on August 18, 1999, at 23:51:27

> As 40 comes into view, I am stuck here struggling to get control of my depressive illness, and have very strong feelings about the impact this illness has had, is having, and may have in the future, on my life.
>
> Will I be able to have kids (if it's not already too late)? Do I WANT to have kids if I might pass on my biological predisposition to depression? If pregnancy is out because of my dependence on medication, will I be able to adopt? Or, will I be ruled out as an adoptive parent because of my depression?
>
> As for marriage: It is hard not to feel completely defective and unsuitable with this illness.
>
> Are any of you struggling with these thoughts?

I chose NOT to risk passing on my depression to another. Go for adoption! There are already too many people on the planet.
Another feeling of mine is... how could I possible raise a child when I can't even get my own life in order. You are dealing with another life here! NO SMALL POTATOES.

GO TO: zpg.org (zero population growth) remember them?

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by Bob on October 26, 1999, at 16:13:07

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by Diane on October 26, 1999, at 10:57:09

> I chose NOT to risk passing on my depression to another. Go for adoption!

Adoption is a great option to have. But I'm conceited enough to believe that I have gifts to offer as much as any "curse" to any children I might have. Given the increasing understanding and treatment of depression and other mental illnesses, and the proactive position most or all of us take towards managing our "beast", then who is to say which would be the greater "tragedy" -- giving life to a child with the curse we have, or denying life to a child who could bear our gifts?

I might have a few bad genes, but I think I got some pretty darn good ones as well, and more of them then the bad.

Bob

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by Elizabeth on October 26, 1999, at 18:51:54

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by Bob on October 26, 1999, at 16:13:07

> Adoption is a great option to have. But I'm conceited enough to believe that I have gifts to offer as much as any "curse" to any children I might have.

Me too. I think in terms of selecting a partner who doesn't also suffer from depression, and possibly getting my little sister to donate an egg (she's keen on the idea, and she doesn't seem to have any depressive tendencies either).

> I might have a few bad genes, but I think I got some pretty darn good ones as well, and more of them then the bad.

Yeah. I have bad teeth too. So?

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by Adam on October 27, 1999, at 0:42:57

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by Elizabeth on October 26, 1999, at 18:51:54

Hmm. Perhaps I am too hard on myself, and though I have good qualities I'm sure, I wouldn't wish my disorder on my worst enemy,
much less my child.

My grandmother had this. She died and everyone found it difficult to mourn, essentially because she got her wish.
My mother, had she not died of cancer, was on her way to the hospital for mental illness.

I've got it too. Bad. It's controlled, but it took an awful long time and an awful lot of suffering to get to this
point. Perhaps some day treatments will be so much better there won't be so much to worry about. But from where I sit,
the efficacy of drugs (about the only thing that could get me even to the point that therapy was worth the time) hasn't
improved since the 50s. I'm not betting on drastic changes any time soon.

In the mean time, I hope I can find someone who feels a certain amount of voluntary eugenics is appropriate without
feeling self-hatred at the same time. Just a desire not to perpetuate suffering. I think I may adopt if I'm ever
in such a position to be able to. I have that to offer at least: that I can love and want someone who was not
wanted, and have them be my friend until I die.

It is not a stance many share. It has cost me at least one dear relationship, and perhaps two, but it is something
I stand firm on. Call it secular Buddhism. I would rather be an ascetic than to beget such pain as I have known.

> > Adoption is a great option to have. But I'm conceited enough to believe that I have gifts to offer as much as any "curse" to any children I might have.
>
> Me too. I think in terms of selecting a partner who doesn't also suffer from depression, and possibly getting my little sister to donate an egg (she's keen on the idea, and she doesn't seem to have any depressive tendencies either).
>
> > I might have a few bad genes, but I think I got some pretty darn good ones as well, and more of them then the bad.
>
> Yeah. I have bad teeth too. So?

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by Dysthymic Duck on October 27, 1999, at 12:23:11

In reply to Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by yardena on August 18, 1999, at 23:51:27

> As 40 comes into view, I am stuck here
> struggling to get control of my depressive
> illness, and have very strong feelings about
> the impact this illness has had, is having, and
> may have in the future, on my life.
>
> Will I be able to have kids (if it's not already
> too late)? Do I WANT to have kids if I might
> pass on my biological predisposition to
> depression? If pregnancy is out because of
> my dependence on medication, will I be able to
> adopt? Or, will I be ruled out as an adoptive
> parent because of my depression?
>
> As for marriage: It is hard not to feel
> completely defective and unsuitable with this
> illness.
>
> Are any of you struggling with these thoughts?

Hi,

I turn 31 in about a week, and since I turned 30
a lot those thoughts have been on my mind. I see
doors starting to close, and it's scary. 31 isn't
so old, but I have other neurological probs,
which make (I think) my pool of potential partners
smaller.)

As far as passing on depressive genes, I don't
know. I think, on one hand, I'd be a more likely
to recognize depression in my child, and get it
treated sooner (my parents were cluless). And
there's reasions to believe that early treatment
means less severity, forever. OTOH, these AD
drugs we have now, IMO, kind of [ahem] suck.
That is, bad side effects (for me, anyway, but
then my kid would share my genes). And there's
stigma, and possibly a long hard road finding a
good doctor and the right meds. And then, how do
these meds affect a growing child? (I'm starting
to like that cabbage-patch explanation I heard
about as a kid. Is everybody sure that's really
not how it works? Dang.)

The stigma, I'm willing to face and fight (and
that would hopefully also benefit future
generations). And there are kids now on AD's,
of course. And probably people here who were
on them as kids, and turned out fine (maybe
dysthymic, like me, but ok). As for the other
issues, I don't know.

On the other other hand, I've felt that my
depression is a lot due to being a bit
"oversensitive." That word has such a negative
connotation, but during my better times, I think
it's lent me a few abilities and advantages that
other people don't generally have. I.e. to be able
to read people more deeply, and quickly. And to
just appreciate certain things more.

As for marriage... heh... hey, a flock of
pigs outside! :) I know that I can't and shouldn't
(again, only speaking for me) be in a
relationship/marriage if my depression is not
under control. It's not even possible to start,
actually, but even it were, it would never work,
and frankly wouldn't be fair to whoever I was
with.

But you never know. There were a few years in my
early 20's when the depression lifted for a few years,
and my self-confidence and image skyrocketed (I
wasn't a jerk (I don't think, anyway...), I just
felt whole and secure). It was a bit shocking to
realize HOW badly distorted my self-image had been
(and it took very little effort to see it). So, as
far as feeling worthy, I'd wager a person has a
lot more to offer than they think if they're
depressed. It's mostly a matter of getting this
&$*# under control, IMHO.

Well this is a LOT more than I'd intended to say
so I'll stop the blathering now. :-)

DD

 

RE: Life on Meds...Approaching 40 Note to Gail

Posted by Eve on October 27, 1999, at 21:20:53

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by gail on August 19, 1999, at 8:13:54

Gail, you are so lucky! So many spouses wonder what is wrong, and what can be done. Your spouse took the matter in hand, sat you down, told you it was time to go talk to someone,etc. You are, indeed, one of the lucky ones. Spouses NEED to be able to take control when they see their loved ones struggling. Mine began struggling along beside me. Was NO help. I couldn't tell who was most pitiful, him or me. You are lucky and God has blessed you and yours.

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40 to Shirley

Posted by EVE on October 27, 1999, at 21:26:07

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by SJ on August 19, 1999, at 21:42:51

So Shirley, since you have seen what you think may be depression in your daughter, have you began to try to help her? You could intervene now, while she is little. Get her some coping skills, help her learn now how to protect herself from this terrible prison of depression. Please do that. Wouldn't it have helped you if someone had intervened when you were a child? It certainly would have helped me. When I saw it in one of my children, I started therapy for him at age 5. He is a college graduate working on his masters, is extremely successful and aware of how he has to always help himself stay "up!"

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by EVE on October 27, 1999, at 21:50:19

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by Adam on October 27, 1999, at 0:42:57

As a mother with life-long depression, raising my own children is difficult, but I did it and they are good, grown up adults now. If I could not have raised my own flesh and blood, however, how could I have possibly have raised some one else's? Especially the older children who are needing to be adopted. Those most sad of all little children, the ones who have been abused and/or neglected and now are cursed with their own depression. How could a mother (so down in her own life) possibly care for a child whose life someone else may have already ruined. Very beautiful and altruistic to think those little kids "NEED" us. In the real world, they need very strong, very capable, very normal parents, not those of us who may only WISH we could "fix them."
If we could "fix them", why can't we "fix" ourselves. This is very deep, folks. Very deep. Adoption by already depressed people is no joke.

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by Adam on October 29, 1999, at 2:02:41

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by EVE on October 27, 1999, at 21:50:19

I'm not certain if this post has anything to do with mine, but if so...
Good heavens, I don't want to fix anybody. And I would't consider adopting
unless I felt very confident about my own mental status and the quality
of my relationship, as I wouldn't try to raise a kid on my own.

Really, I would envision adopting an infant. And it wouldn't be all
altruistic in nature. Just an alternative to passing my own genes on,
which I am uncomfortable with, at least for the present. If there is
a child out there who needs a parent, maybe I could be a good one, and
there's one less baby who won't grow up without a family.

I don't see why this is so far-fetched or unhealthy. And, like I said,
I would never consider it unless I felt confident of my own emotional
state. I think most who consider adoption would agree.

> As a mother with life-long depression, raising my own children is difficult, but I did it and they are good, grown up adults now. If I could not have raised my own flesh and blood, however, how could I have possibly have raised some one else's? Especially the older children who are needing to be adopted. Those most sad of all little children, the ones who have been abused and/or neglected and now are cursed with their own depression. How could a mother (so down in her own life) possibly care for a child whose life someone else may have already ruined. Very beautiful and altruistic to think those little kids "NEED" us. In the real world, they need very strong, very capable, very normal parents, not those of us who may only WISH we could "fix them."
> If we could "fix them", why can't we "fix" ourselves. This is very deep, folks. Very deep. Adoption by already depressed people is no joke.

 

Re: "cradling the dark , sad places"

Posted by pete6 on October 29, 1999, at 15:35:38

In reply to Re: "cradling the dark , sad places", posted by yardena on August 20, 1999, at 16:56:41

I was, thankfully, raised in an atmosphere of realising that there are light and dark sides to life - disappointments, dark things and difficulties etc. were constantly used to good effect through 'experience' and we were told to accept things as they came. Now 40 years old I have just entered my first period of depression and it is nothing like those 'dark, sad places' - it is a world of absolutely nothing, something indescribable and not even frightening. It's a sort of death. I once stopped breathing, and when I came round the feeling upon re-entering reality was that it was just as horrific as the nothingness, like re-entering that dark room again. A vicious circle. Life is OK - it's living it that's the problem sometimes.

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by my mother gave birth to a depressive and i'm glad on October 30, 1999, at 15:17:19

In reply to Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by yardena on August 18, 1999, at 23:51:27

> As 40 comes into view, I am stuck here struggling to get control of my depressive illness, and have very strong feelings about the impact this illness has had, is having, and may have in the future, on my life.
>
> Will I be able to have kids (if it's not already too late)? Do I WANT to have kids if I might pass on my biological predisposition to depression?

I'm in my forties, but I had my kids before I was even aware that I had a depressive illness (I'm not sure I even want to say that "I have a depressive illness" -- that's not quite right).

In any case, my oldest son has suffered from depression since he was seven. He's now 15 and he struggles. He's been on meds since he was eight. He's been in therapy that same amount of time. He's threatened and attempted suicide several times. My life with him has been difficult, and yet wonderful. He is an extremely talented artist, he has a wonderful sense of humor, he's bright and insightful, and he has a particular sensitivity to others who are emotionally troubled like he is.

My other son doesn't have any symptoms of depression. He has many talents also, though they are different talents than his brother has. This son is especially socially talented.

As soon as I say all these things I feel like they are all wrong. I don't "have" depressive illness like someone "has" a big nose or wonderful posture. The more closely I observe people, I'm aware of their hidden talents and their hidden deficiencies. No one is without flaws, disordered thinking, chemical predispositions to something or other. If I look around, I'm surrounded by a variety of alcoholics, food addicts, power-hungry corporate climbers, and depressives. These same people are also compassionate, fun to be with, insightful, and so on. Everyone has a mix of qualities and everyone faces their own unique challenges.

Saying all that, I can't have any more biological children - but if I wanted a another child, I would adopt. Adopting a child wouldn't guarantee a thing, except that I would have a child to love.

I guess there are no guarantees - and do you want a guarantee?

And what sort of guarantee would you want? That your child have a certain IQ, a certain personality, certain talents? Or just that they are not depressed or diabetic or ugly?

What sort of person would you want to bring into this world?

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by saint james on October 30, 1999, at 16:25:13

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by my mother gave birth to a depressive and i'm glad on October 30, 1999, at 15:17:19

>
> I'm in my forties, but I had my kids before I was even aware that I had a depressive illness (I'm not sure I even want to say that "I have a depressive illness" -- that's not quite right).
>


How about calling it what it is.....Depression ?

j

 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by again on October 30, 1999, at 17:56:46

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by saint james on October 30, 1999, at 16:25:13

> >
> > I'm in my forties, but I had my kids before I was even aware that I had a depressive illness (I'm not sure I even want to say that "I have a depressive illness" -- that's not quite right).
> >
>
>
> How about calling it what it is.....Depression ?
>
> j


I guess I was just saying - I don't really know what depression is, or if that adequately describes what I "have" or who I am. It is a label and though labels sometimes give me some relief (oh, that's what the problem is! I'm depressed!), labels can also be limiting and not completely accurate. It's just like - I don't like to be called "a battered woman," though I was one. After awhile, that particular label made me feel more like a victim than a capable person. I am also a Pisces and a woman and have borderline high cholesterol and I was born in the year of the monkey. These are all true, but not the entire truth. ah!!! too much information

 

Re: guarantees...

Posted by dj on October 30, 1999, at 20:35:16

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by my mother gave birth to a depressive and i'm glad on October 30, 1999, at 15:17:19

Yah, I'd go for the latter few guarantees particularly the NOT depressed rather than wish this fresh hell on anyone else!

> I guess there are no guarantees - and do you want a guarantee?
>
> And what sort of guarantee would you want? That your child have a certain IQ, a certain personality, certain talents? Or just that they are not depressed or diabetic or ugly?
>

 

Re: guarantees...

Posted by ShyDi on November 1, 1999, at 14:45:12

In reply to Re: guarantees..., posted by dj on October 30, 1999, at 20:35:16

>I can understand the anquish of some not wanting
to pass on their depressive genes to a child.
How about someone who is depressed BECAUSE there
are no children. Kind of a double edged sword.
I was a happy but went through infertility treatments,
6 miscarriages, hormone injections, etc. for
10 years. That's one of the reasons for my
depression now in my forties! I don't know stats
for passing on depressive genes but every day I
wish I had a child to make happy! I think I'd be
a lot better off with children.


 

Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40

Posted by allison on November 1, 1999, at 18:31:01

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by again on October 30, 1999, at 17:56:46

> I am at a particular point in time, but it will never be WHO I am.

Sorry. I'll get off the soapbox now.

 

On labels...part the second

Posted by allison on November 1, 1999, at 18:43:19

In reply to Re: Life on Meds...Approaching 40, posted by allison on November 1, 1999, at 18:31:01

Well, that made no sense.

Restated, hopefully abbreviated:

How you define depression depends upon you.

You can see it as a label or as an adjective or noun that's used to describe yourself or anything else just like any other adjective or noun -- Pices, blonde, tall, chartreuse, furry, obnoxious, indigent, muscular, hungry.

I don't think there's a thing in this universe that can be described in just one word. I loathe labels. And maybe I'm being stubborn or overly optimistic (yikes! that's a scary thought), but even in darkest times I have not let depression define who I am. It may be a lot of WHAT I am at a particular point in time, but it will never be WHO I am.

Ok. Off the soapbox.

 

Re: On labels...part the second

Posted by Noa on November 1, 1999, at 19:09:03

In reply to On labels...part the second, posted by allison on November 1, 1999, at 18:43:19

> Well, Allison, you are sounding positively feisty--I like that. Are you the same Allison from the hospitalization thread below? If so, it sounds like you are doing somewhat better.

 

Re: On labels...part the second

Posted by allison on November 2, 1999, at 8:40:05

In reply to Re: On labels...part the second, posted by Noa on November 1, 1999, at 19:09:03

> > Well, Allison, you are sounding positively feisty--I like that. Are you the same Allison from the hospitalization thread below? If so, it sounds like you are doing somewhat better.

Yes. Same Allison. Somewhat improved. Thanks.

I guess labels are a touchy subject with me. I bristle even when my doctor brings up my female-ness and architypes. I guess I immediately think of stereotypes and get defensive.

I hope today is a better day for you.


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

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