![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
Okay, I've gotten myself into a bit of a curious mood, and so I just have lots of general questions for everyone. Feel free to answer or not answer any of the questions, or even answer with 'I don't know'. I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with answering. I'll start by answering my questions underneath.
1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
That'll do, I think. Thanks!!
R
Posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:57:45
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
My answers:
1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
I think both are factors, but more mental than biological.2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
Both, 100mg zoloft in the morning, counselling every 2nd week (or when I need it)3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
Yes - I believe both factor into dep, so I treat both; meds & counselling. I also use the meds to keep me relatively stable so I can concentrate on getting better mentally.4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
Mainly deaths of family (5 deaths within my immediate family), and some 'abuse' I recieved in primary school. (I put abuse in '' because it wasn't physical or anything like that - it was a video I was shown from Grade 3 until Grade 5 that terrified me - I consider it mental abuse, especially as my mother repeated asked the school not to show me the video).5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
Yes. My older brother and my Grandmother (my only grandparent left on both sides) have depression (my grandmother also has anxiety problems), my cousin has schizophrenia, and (undiagnosed but depressed in my opinion) my father, and at least one other cousin (who is the sister of the one with schiz.)6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
I am not sure. Probably more remission than full blown recovery, as I believe I always need to be careful that I do not get on a downslide.7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
Yes. I have no doubt (now, anyway!) that I will get better.
Posted by Greg on July 31, 2000, at 7:03:04
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> Okay, I've gotten myself into a bit of a curious mood, and so I just have lots of general questions for everyone. Feel free to answer or not answer any of the questions, or even answer with 'I don't know'. I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with answering. I'll start by answering my questions underneath.
>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?I think mine is definitely more mentally based although it's certainly had some physical ramifications.
>
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?I take 4 meds, Tegretol, Desipramine, Ambien (when needed)and Neurontin. I'm being tapered off the Prozac right now. I will be entering therapy soon.
>
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?Primarily, but I hope the addition of therapy is going to take the treatment to a higher level and help me to deal with some old issues.
>
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?Although I believe I've had depression and anxiety for many years, I chose to ignore it. The use of narcotics for a recent back surgery I believe triggered the current onset. I was originally diagnosed w/ Clinical Depression, but that diagnosis has been changed.
>
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?I believe many of my relatives have depression, but myself and my sister are the only ones who ever seeked treatment.
>
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?I feel that the term "recovery" infers the ability to make a decision to recover. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict. I've recovered from surgeries. I am am very reluctant to use that term in relation to depression, I don't feel like that decision is mine to make.
I've seen Cancer and Leukemia patient go into "remission". Perhaps this is possible for depression too. I don't know.
I feel that if I can get up in the morning and function with my family, friends, and do my job, I've been give a "reprieve" That's how i feel today, who knows what tomorrow will bring....
>
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)God, I hope so!!! If I can't believe that things can at least get better, it seems kind of useless to try.
>
> That'll do, I think. Thanks!!
> RRach, these were some very thoughtful and insightful questions! They really made me think! Thanks for doing that. Today I don't have to be blissfully ignorant. I hope today brings you some peace and happiness!
Hugs,
Greg
Posted by CarolAnn on July 31, 2000, at 7:23:56
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
Hey Rach, here are my answers:
>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
Ans.- Mine is both, at this point, more biological.> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
Ans.- I had two yrs. of counseling and feel that most of my 'mental' issues were resolved, so now I take Wellbutrin, Celexa, and Adderall(for ADD), and just started SAMe, because the others seem to be pooping out, next Pdoc appt.(2 wks.), I'm going ask about changing meds.> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
Ans.- oh, guess the above answers that, yes.> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
Ans. My mother was verbally abusive, and my father extremely passive(these are the 'issues' I resolved in counseling), also I think that undiagnosed ADD has played a factor in my depression.> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
Ans.- Yes, I think that most of them have it, but none except me and my grandmother (she did ECT, though I don't think it worked, she's dead now so can't ask her) have gotten treatment. They all self-medicate though, my mother's brothers & sister are all addicted to marijuana, and my father's whole family are alcoholics.> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
Ans. I believe in both, but just like someone is always a "recovering" alcoholic, I think depression is a matter of staying vigilant, in order to maintain "recovery.> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
Ans.- Yes, I can see definite progress over the yrs. I've built on my counseling success, by continuing to read and learn as much as I can about helping myself.Well, there's me in a nutshell or shall I say, there's the "nut" in my shell?
CarolAnn
Posted by Cindy W on July 31, 2000, at 8:18:55
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> Okay, I've gotten myself into a bit of a curious mood, and so I just have lots of general questions for everyone. Feel free to answer or not answer any of the questions, or even answer with 'I don't know'. I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with answering. I'll start by answering my questions underneath.
>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
Rach, I believe it is both biological and mental, for me (my mother, aunt, and sister have OCD and depression; I also know my thinking gets pretty screwed up and I have contributed to my depression that way).
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
Rach, I take Effexor-XR and Serzone 75 mg/day, and also talk to my pdoc for therapy.> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
Rach, again, my therapy is geared toward decreasing depression and OCD.> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
Rach, for me, the "triggers" are often my negative thoughts about myself and my social anxiety, which have antecedents undoubtedly in childhood emotional abuse and events from my marriage (which I perpetuate through my negative self-talk and inactivity).> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
Rach, my mother, sister, maternal aunt have depression and OCD.> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
Rach, I believe it is possible to keep the depression and OCD in control, but I cannot imagine being in total "remission" for them although that would delightful!> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
Rach, this seems like #6 for me; I would be delighted to be free of depression and OCD, but I'll settle for having them sufficiently controlled that I can function and lead a "normal", productive, and happy life.
> That'll do, I think. Thanks!!
> R
Posted by dj on July 31, 2000, at 10:04:28
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
>I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable >with answering.
People make themselves uncomfortable with the way they choose to interpret things. You have no power to make me or anyone else uncomfortable. As Eleanor Roosevelt noted years ago: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Ditto, for uncomfortable, etc..
> 1. Do you believe your depression is >biologically based or more mentally based?It is a biological vunerability to stress. Sources of stress can and do include mental views.
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have >counselling?I've done both and currently do neither as I work on minimizing and counter-acting stressors in my life based on what I've learned from many sources. I prefer natural rather than pharmaceutical approaches as I consider the pharmacological approach useful only in re-balancing one's system when it has gotten too far away from homeostasis.
ADs, I believe, can help you deal with symptoms on a surface basis but not with root causes. Those require a more subtle approach, based on fine-tuning. AD's, I believe, can interfere with fine-tuning because they are crude instruments, which create their own imbalances on other fronts. Some prefer to attempt to rebalance with other meds., which just create more imbalances.
I believe the body/mind is designed to be healthy and dis-ease reflects dis-stress and one is best to figure out one's own stress triggers and deal with them appropriatly and systematically. Good holistic counselling can help, but overall one needs to find one's own way with assists from wise insights from knowledgable others along the way.
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what >you base your depression on?
Do you mean to ask if I base treatment on what I interpret the sources of depression to be? If so, YES, as noted in my previous response.
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. >contributed to your depression?
I don't believe that it is mentally based but I do believe that environmental stressors such as previous job and educational situations have contributed to my stress and anxiety level being heightened to a degree which triggered distress and depression, when I haven't been able to figure out a strategy for dealing successfully with those internalized external pressures and have succumbed to them and learned helplessness.
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with >depression?Yes. An aunt and I'm sure there are traces of dysthamia in my immediate family. Learned stoicism... ; )
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe >in 'remission' (or both)?I don't agree with either term which use an AA and medicalized framework, both of which I consider overly simplistic. I believe in dealing with sources of dis-ease in a holistic manner.
>
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)Life is a balancing act and the challenge for each and every one of us is to find the appropriate balance for ourselves.
Posted by cakes on July 31, 2000, at 11:24:47
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
Hi. This is my first time posting. I guess your questions are a good intro for me.
A little about me: I have depression and major anxiety. Have been like this many of my 29 years. The anxiety got worse around the time I was married (Imagine that!)nearly a year ago. I've been on Paxil, which I liked but didn't like some of the side effects. Tried Serzone; I didn't feel right in my skin. Now I'm on Effexor XR, my first week at 75 mg. Feeling okay so far. I was initially put on meds for migraines. My doc feels these are brought on by anxiety. I do too because the headaches follow situations I do not know how to or cannot deal with.
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
>
I believe it is both.> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
Taking Effexor XR presently. Went to counseling after my mother died. I was 18 and thought my psych was stupid. (He really was.) I never sought any other help. Figured I could deal on my own.
>
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
>
I don't always have a reason for my depression; sometimes I cannot pinpoint. I know a lot of it is situational though; hence, the meds.> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
This is definitely family related. Too long to go into detail. Striving for love/approval. Not getting it. Trouble accepting it.
>
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?Yes. Mother definitely suffered from depression. My aunt (mother's sister) is on Wellbutrin. Brother on Paxil; doing great.
>
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?I believe in remission.
>
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
>
I will remiss; I've been through it before.I'm glad I found this site. Everyone sounds pretty positive. Hope it rubs off on me!
Posted by shar on July 31, 2000, at 11:53:16
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?>.......Both
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?>.......Both. Counseling forever, meds more recently.
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?>.......Hmmmm. I don't think I went into counseling with the idea that I had been shattered by abuse; I didn't even figure that out for quite a while. I just knew I was worthless dysfunctional, and suicidal. The meds, which I resisted using for years, came about when I began to hear more about biological bases for depression.
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
>......Mental aspect would be early death of father, and abuse in childhood, bottom line message: I should not exist.
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
>.......Yes.
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?>......As a recovering alcoholic, "recovery" means to me that I choose to abstain from doing something harmful to myself. No to biological recovery, yes to recovery in the ways I treat myself. Remission? Only in the sense of using meds to keep things in balance. Remission without meds? No.
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)>........I hope recover to the extent that it is rare for me to feel suicidal; to live with an attitude of honoring (instead of offing) myself. I hope to remiss, in the sense of finding meds that work effectively and I could actually feel happy. Not feeling too hopeful today.
> That'll do, I think. Thanks!!
> R
Posted by harry b. on July 31, 2000, at 14:36:50
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> Okay, I've gotten myself into a bit of a curious mood, and so I just have lots of general questions for everyone. Feel free to answer or not answer any of the questions, or even answer with 'I don't know'. I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with answering. I'll start by answering my questions underneath.
dj wrote: As Eleanor Roosevelt noted years ago: "No one can make you feel inferior
without your consent." Ditto, for uncomfortable, etc..I agree & offer some words from Thoreau: "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."-Walden
One's own truth is the most difficult and frightening spector of our lives. Facing it, embracing it, or fleeing
from it is a choice we each make.>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?I believe mine is both, and the biological component allows the situational stressors
a greater, magnified consequence.
>
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?Both, tho I cycle. Have currently stopped the ADs & cancelled my past 2 therapy
sessions. My 'to do' list (that's a wishful description) includes scheduling a
session again soon.
>
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?I have found that meds, especially the SSRIs, are of benefit when in extreme, ie: suicidal
circumstances, due to their sedating, emotional numbing efects. Otherwise ADs have
little or no benefit for me.Therapy is good for me but the length and focus of the process is frustrating. I would like
to identify & work to resolve one issue at a time, but it seems we get sidetracked and take
off in another direction, leaving the original issue hanging out there.The catharsis is good. The insight & objectivity of the therapist is good, and the responses
and questions I receive in return lead to introspection & insight, but I still am left with
the certainty that nothing is resolved.
>
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?Multitudinous. Far too much and too personal to share here. Pass.
>
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?Not diagnosed that I'm aware of, but yes. Mother definitely afflicted
with emotional/psychological distress that seems to have depressive/ocd
facets.
>
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?Objectively, having known others who have wrestled with the devil and
are now living somewhat full & productive lives, I belive 'remission'
is possible, albeit the word 'remission' conveys an attitude of fate.
To maintain a 'remission' would require constant awareness.Subjectively, see next response.
>
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)Shar wrote:"......to live with an attitude of honoring (instead
of offing) myself." Thank you Shar. Very wise. Honoring one's self.
Perhaps the essence of self esteem. If I could achieve that, I could
achieve anything. Do I 'believe'....? Sadly, no.Thanks Rach
hb
Posted by jzp on July 31, 2000, at 15:26:47
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
Great thread idea! It's really interesting to read over different people's responses-- it really shows you how different our situations are, even if they do all fall under the heading of "depression."
(Bear in mind as you read my answers that I have bipolar II. The depression aspect is what has always caused major problems for me, though.)
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
I think that something in my wiring makes me more vulnerable to situational stressors.
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
I take Serzone, Neurontin, and thyroid medicine, and see my therapist once a week.
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
One of my big therapeutic goals is to learn to value myself enough to do what I need to do to keep my disease under control, and to identify patterns of thinking that can precipitate depressive episodes.
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
Childhood issues (emotionally abusive father) make it harder to deal with, but I don't think they caused it. Periods of extreme stress (i.e. starting graduate school) have been known to trigger episodes, but I've also had them when everything was going fine.> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
Both my parents are on anti-depressants, although I think my dad may actually be bipolar. I suspect that both my grandfathers have struggled with this in the past, as well. Also two of my cousins.> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
I believe in the possibility of recovery, for some people, and remission for everyone.
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
I know that what I have is a lifelong thing. It seems to be remitting right now, and hopefully, with the right med combos and things, it will not debilitate me again in the future. However, I don't expect to just find the right meds and be totally fine and wonderful for the rest of my life (I'm only 24, for one thing!). I expect it to be an ongoing struggle, but yes, I do believe it will remit (remiss?).Thanks again for an interesting thread. Although I didn't have to think too long and hard about my answers, there is a difference between carrying this knowledge around in my head and putting it up in black and white for the world to see. It makes it a little firmer, or something. It's good to say "YES, I believe I am getting better."
-Jannette
Posted by Kath on July 31, 2000, at 17:07:59
In reply to Re: Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Greg on July 31, 2000, at 7:03:04
Hi Rach - Thanks for asking some interesting questions.
> > 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?I'm not sure. I think maybe biologically because I've had severely stressful situations in my life for years on end & I think it's changed the way my brain is able to use the seritonin it produces.
2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?I 've been taking 20 mg Celexa at bedtime for about 3 months now. I see a psychiatrist about every second week to deal with childhood issues. I see an "addicitonist" about weekly to deal with co-dependent issues that I have, including how I deal with the situation of having a 16-yr-old son who's using marijuana daily & drinking.
I see my family doctor about once monthly or so just to talk & keep him up-to-date on what's happening in my life. He's very supportive, wise & wonderful.> > 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
I think so, in that I'm talking the med. for the anxiety that has been caused by ongoing stress; it's allowing my naturally-produced seretonin to go where it's supposed to in my brain. I'm having the counselling to help me deal better with problems & stress & to sort out how I've been reacting to stress in an anxiety-producing way.
> > 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
I'm a little confused between mentally based & biologically based. Maybe mine is more mentally based, because it's due to stress. My events include both parents dying within a couple of years, a co-dependent marriage where I felt worthy/worthwhile/loveable ONLY if my former husband thought I was. I also dealt with him having affairs & putting me down. My daughter was into drugs, drinking, sex. My son is now into drugs & drinking. WHEW!!
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?My daughter & possibly my son. I don't think my family was apart from that but who knows - maybe that's why my dad & his dad & siblings were alcoholics? Maybe they were just self-medicating.
> > 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
I don't know. I think I believe in both.
> I've seen Cancer and Leukemia patient go into "remission". Perhaps this is possible for depression too. I don't know.> > 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
I believe I will recover. I'm hoping that after taking Celexa for long enough my body will be able to so the "proper absorption of seretonin" thing by itself.
Thx Rach, for doing this survey. Take care.
Hugs, Kath
Posted by afatchic on July 31, 2000, at 18:05:54
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?Almost completely biological but I think everyone could benefit from a *good* counselor.
>
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?I've been on medication for about 11 years. I had tried counseling and it didn't have much effect. I realized that most mental health professionals were worse off than I was.
>
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?Definitely. Fix the brain chemicals and the lights come back on.
>
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?N/A
>
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?You betcha. My dad self-medicated with alcohol until it killed him. My sister takes the same meds that I do.
>
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?I suppose it depends on the cause but for me I think only remission is possible.
>
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)Definitely! One of my very favorite sayings, "This too shall pass"
Sandi (aka afatchic)
Posted by dj on July 31, 2000, at 22:14:31
In reply to Re: Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by harry b. on July 31, 2000, at 14:36:50
> I agree & offer some words from Thoreau: "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."-Walden
> One's own truth is the most difficult and frightening spector of our lives. Facing it, embracing it, or fleeing from it is a choice we >each make.
>Thank you Shar. Very wise. Honoring one's self.
> Perhaps the essence of self esteem. If I could achieve that, I could achieve anything. Do >I 'believe'....? >Sadly, no.Harry B. isn't honouring yourself all about becoming comfortable with yourself, whatever state you are in? That's the essence I strive for - though easier said than done, on too many days in too many ways. Self-sabotage sometimes comes more easily than self-comfort and the comfort of others.
As the poster on my wall says: "It makes all the difference whether one sees darkness through the light or brightness through the shadows." Both are there my friend, and both are part of all of our realities, just some of us seem to see more of one than the other, far too often...
I wish you and everyone here much success in finding and maintaining a healthy balance by whatever means is appropriate for you.
Namaste!
dj
Posted by kazoo on August 1, 2000, at 0:22:01
In reply to Re: My seven answers, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:57:45
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
> ...
> ... it was a video I was shown from Grade 3 until Grade 5 that terrified me - I consider it mental abuse, especially as my mother repeated asked the school not to show me the video).^^^^^^^^^^^^
Greetings to Rach:I hate to be crass about this, but what was the video about?
You can email me privately, if you want: kazoo@bitlogic.every1.netIt seems to me that getting to the reason(s) as to why this video disturbed you
so badly would point to the very issues that you are at odds with today.Too bad psychoanalysis fell out of favor, and is beyond the reach of the
average individual, because this would probably be the route to take.kazoo
Posted by tdaneen on August 1, 2000, at 9:56:43
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
I just wanted to say this is one of the best threads I have read in PB. These are gread questions, and I have really liked reading the answers from the other babblers. It helps me to understand myself.
Thanks for starting this!!
Tdaneen
>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?> Well, I am a type II bipolar, so most of mine is biological. I will always have it, and will most likely be medicated the rest of my life. However, I have peripheral issues. I am a survivor, and I have been in an abusive marriage among other things. So it is both for me. The nature/nuture thing.
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
> Ah, drugs!! Just kidding. I take 60mgs Celexa, 25mcg cytomel, 125mgstopamax, and 10mgs ritalin... I see a Pdoc once or twice a month, a therapist once or twice a month, and I have group every two weeks.
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
> I was misdiagnosed for over 12 years so I have so much to make up for. So I guess the answer would be yes.
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
>
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?> Yes I believe so, however undiagnosed. There is only one other person in my family that has been diagnosed with any kind of disorder that being PTSD.
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
> For me, there will be no complete recovery. Remission is probably the better of the two terms.
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
> If I remain dilligant take my meds, monitor my moods, keep myself educated, and my loved ones educated about my illness, I think it is possible to find that right balance where I can have less depressive periods and more "normal" or baseline periods. I think it would be great if medical advancements could be made where the people whe suffer from the various kinds of mood disorders COULD be cured by taking a vaccine. But that isn't going to happen in my lifetime.
>
Posted by harry b. on August 1, 2000, at 11:45:21
In reply to Eleanor R., Harry B Shar(ed) comment... , posted by dj on July 31, 2000, at 22:14:31
> dj wrote:
> Harry B. isn't honouring yourself all about becoming comfortable with yourself, whatever state you are in? That's the essence I strive for - though easier said than done, on too many days in too many ways. Self-sabotage sometimes comes more easily than self-comfort and the comfort of others.
>
> As the poster on my wall says: "It makes all the difference whether one sees darkness through the light or brightness through the shadows." Both are there my friend, and both are part of all of our realities, just some of us seem to see more of one than the other, far too often...
>
> I wish you and everyone here much success in finding and maintaining a healthy balance by whatever means is appropriate for you.
>
> Namaste!
>
> dj
< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < <dj-
"becoming comfortable with yourself"
Yes. Those four words impart a sense of calm & clarity, and
they hold the promise of opening vistas denied.I'll get way off track, are there 'bad' people,
criminals, rapists, child molesters, murderers, etc,
who are "comfortable" with their selves? Sure. Some may
be miscreants who have no rationality or insight, they act without
awareness, others may have examined themselves rationally,
seen what/who they are, however odious, cruel, and twisted,
and embraced themselves. Psychopaths? Yeah that's what we would label them.To reassure everyone, I am none of the above, always been curious
about how the minds of these people work tho. Somewhere they have
made their leap and some live comfortably with it.Back to more familiar territory.
"becoming comfortable with yourself"/"honoring yourself"
To honor one's self would neccesarily entail becoming
comfortable with one's self. Thoreau's "Truth" is usually
interpreted as truth from the outside, from others, truth
of the nature of being.I'm still working on this. Searching for the truths of
my being. Some I accept, some I embrace, others scare the
hell out of me.More simply it is a process of accepting/resolving
the conflicts between how one lives his life in relation
to his core beliefs.At times I am able to be comfortable, usually when some kindness or
loving act is bestowed upon me and magically conjures some fleeting self-love.
But until I am able to accept/resolve my conflicts, I can not achieve
a state of "being comfortable" with myself.ramblings from the mad
hb
Posted by dj on August 1, 2000, at 13:38:27
In reply to Re: Eleanor R., Harry B Shar(ed) comment... » dj, posted by harry b. on August 1, 2000, at 11:45:21
>
> But until I am able to accept/resolve my conflicts, I can not achieve
> a state of "being comfortable" with myself.
>
> ramblings from the mad
> hbHB, I wish you all the best in coming to terms (comfort, ease, resolution - whatever suits you..) with your inner conflicts and doubtless the outer ones which those reflect.
From a fellow traveller who is working on a more comfortable and comforting style of rambling... ; ) So don't go away mad, my friend, go away pensive, moving toward the roots of your dis-ease and perhaps toward some new growth and uprooting of inner weeds.
As for those sociopaths and psychopaths, let them eat mulch, much! ; )
Sante!
dj
Posted by shar on August 1, 2000, at 14:21:42
In reply to Eleanor R., Harry B Shar(ed) comment... , posted by dj on July 31, 2000, at 22:14:31
> > .......isn't honouring yourself all about becoming comfortable with yourself, whatever state you are in?
dj:
The way you and I think of honor and comfort differ. I have had my Popeye revelation "I yam what I yam." I am basically at ease with where I am now in life. I recognize how I got here, improvements I've made, and that I still have "miles to go before I sleep" so to speak.
However, do I honor myself? Not usually, but more than I used to.
Honor to me means to regard with respect, treat with dignity and courtesy, have regard for and appreciation of worth.
There are many areas in which I must grow before I will live a life in which I honor myself. I must more fully believe I am a worthwhile individual, I must regard myself as deserving of self-respect, love, life-giving measures, owning my power and authority. I must put those ideas into action by living them.
I need to feed myself healthy food, create a sanctuary for myself, grow my own internal mother to whom I can turn for guidance and nurture, put myself in the midst of loving people, take myself away from toxic relationships, give and take, be honest with myself, and many other things.
I must also treat others honorably, notwithstanding the necessity of my standing up for myself when needed.
Balance and/or comfort may be necessary, but not sufficient, for all this to occur.
Shar
Posted by dj on August 1, 2000, at 15:01:57
In reply to Re: Eleanor R., Harry B Shar(ed) comment... » dj, posted by shar on August 1, 2000, at 14:21:42
> Honor to me means to regard with respect, treat with dignity and courtesy, have regard for > and appreciation of worth.
>
> Balance and/or comfort may be necessary, but >not sufficient, for all this to occur.No disagreement from me, on any of the above, Shar! : )
Posted by shar on August 2, 2000, at 0:03:55
In reply to Shar, posted by dj on August 1, 2000, at 15:01:57
Well, Rach,
You have collected some very interesting, real data here, so your next assignment in psych class could be a report on your "survey."You could probably make 2-3 papers out of it (that's how they do it in the "publish or perish" environment).
I can help you with the research design questions if there are any.
Shar
Posted by Rach on August 2, 2000, at 8:19:42
In reply to Your Next Psych Paper -- Rach, posted by shar on August 2, 2000, at 0:03:55
Thanks Shar, but unfortunately our assignments are set, so I do not have the option to make up my own. However, it is interesting to see everyone's answers and I'm glad so many people got involved. I'm also very thrilled to find out others got a lot from it too.
Thanks everyone, for having at go at my questions, and giving such honest answers.
R
Posted by Iden on August 2, 2000, at 16:19:57
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
*I believe my depression and that of others is 100% biological. We are, after all, biological creatures. Perhaps a better question would have been, "Do you believe your depression is endogenous or exogenous or a combination?" Reactions to environmental causes, like a spouse or child dying, can result in depression but I feel those events change our brain chemistry -- for a time. I also believe that psychotherapy can result in brain chemistry changes. The degree to which we react to these external events may be partly genetic and partly attributable to previous life experiences. So, to a given event, different people can have different reactions.
*I also have the feeling that depression is a symptom and not a disease and with further research the various illnesses that result in the symptom of depression will be classified as certain specific neurotransmitter malfunctions, various synaptic receptor malfunctions, etc.
*The brain is the organ of thought. If our brain is messed up on its own or effected by some other bodily system, it can effect our cognitive processes. "Bad" thinking, of whatever type, must be the result of a malfunctioning brain. I see no way out of this conclusion.
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counseling?
*Currently, I take a single antidepressant for unipolar depression. I have had a fair amount of therapy. When I am feeling good enough, I do not seek therapy. When I am feeling on the down side, I really don't feel much like expending the effort to seek psychotherapy. I believe in good psychotherapy. Some psychotherapists and psychiatrists aren't very good and others are great. It can be a hassle to find a good one and that tends to keep me from looking. Hassles are just what depressed people are not good at dealing with.
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
*This may be a matter of semantics but I do not know what to base my depression on. My pharmacotherapy is to attempt to alleviate my symptoms of depression.
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
*I really cannot identify environmental causes for my depression. There are many positive things in my life though they don't cheer me up really. I am not in debt, running from the law, alcoholic, have drug problems, have a recent death to deal with, have insane teenagers in the house, have a dual diagnosis, or have physical illness, etc.
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
*I am the last of my family being that I am an only child so were my parents -- plus I am child free. My father drank himself to death, dying just before my 4th birthday, so something was not right with him. My mother was clearly depressed.
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
*People can recover from situationally-caused depression, I believe. Some others, and I include myself, will have a life-long battle. I am 60 and can see it back at age 21 and it could have been there before that. I was officially diagnosed in 1984 by an alert doctor who I was seeing for something else entirely.
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)
*For me, maybe with the life-long use of the right medication, but otherwise, no.
Iden
Posted by Jennifer on August 3, 2000, at 3:34:06
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
Rach, Just when I was trying to train myself to get to bed at a decent hour, I read your thought provoking set of questions!
>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?
> > Biologically. We are such complex individuals. Is there really a difference between mental and biological? We have the ability to become all that we are from the point of conception. This includes your mental perspective on things. I do believe a poor mental attitude can make depression worse by further altering the chemical imbalance...but the imbalance already has the ability to present itself.
>
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?
> > DRUGS! I love my Nardil, and of course an occassional xanax never hurt. I hate counseling. Hate it, hate it, hate it. That's when someone who knows NOTHING about me, and has never experienced what I have thinks they can offer me advice. Or better yet they have you "talk" so that you can put any crappy stuff right to the forefront of your mind again! I don't linger on bad things, I move on.
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?
> > Yes, I guess. One day I was to the left of the bell curve, the next I was to the right. What happened? My little bucket of psychological tolerance that we are all given at birth just ran out. No matter what I tried, I couldn't get it back over 1/4 tank. So, meds it is. When the meds are gone, so is the buffer zone of sanity.
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?
> > Well, I think it's biologically based, but I know just when my tank dipped to low. It was when I was told my daughter would die in the next 24 hours. I absolutely couldn't handle it. I need to be in control, and I had no control over a situation that meant more than anything to me. It was the sort of thing where you couldn't even give up your own life to change the circumstances. My bucket ran dry. Why didn't it go back up? She lived. Sounds crazy, but she is at high risk for sudden death, and I live everyday wondering if this is the day. I ignore it. I work around it. For heavens sake, she just mastered doing front flips off a trampoline and she's on blood thinner's! Why? Because life goes on, and if you continually try to control it, you'll drive yourself crazy (I'm proof).
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?
> >I think my grandma might have, but she's long gone. I'm the only insane one around.
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?
> > Remission. You can't recover from something that always has the potential to be there biologically. Only if they completely mastered the human mind and could run one perfectly on chemicals would recovery be possible. But then again, that would be "assissted recovery".
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)I believe I will go into remission. When things aren't as uncertain on a day to day basis. It's been 11 years now though, so I don't know when. I don't listen to them anymore when they say "this is the year for open heart" or whatever. I believe and know what is being done when we are in front of the person doing it. Never beforehand.
>
> That'll do, I think. Thanks!!
> R
Thanks to you Rach. Please give us a synopsis of your overall group results!
This is the end of the thread.
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