Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 79676

Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

I'm asking anybody who wants to answer. How long did it take before you felt like you were happy again? And/or have you ever really been happy? What helped?

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy? » Heather66

Posted by jay on September 26, 2001, at 22:11:29

In reply to When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

> I'm asking anybody who wants to answer. How long did it take before you felt like you were happy again? And/or have you ever really been happy? What helped?


Ahhh...such an elusive question..heh. I don't know ifwe can really put happiness on a linear scale, but when it comes to mental health, I think you have to look at all the 'basics': how you feel about yourself (and nobody EVER feels 100 percent about themselves!..hehe); your sleep, and energy levels; sex drive...ability to communicate...temperment.

I honestly think it's not just like a light that 'comes on', I think it's more like having a greater number of happy moments, and not letting the sad ones throw you for a loop. I also believe having some "hope" is SO vital, as I have realized when I first got into my major depression, and we didn't have half the meds we have today. Thanks to some of the newer ones, my life has improved in areas. If I didn't have some *hope* to hang in there until some other and better meds came around, I may have just ended everything.

But, as I said, I can't mark a moment when there was a complete change. At best, some of the most painful of symptoms eased off.

You are never the "same", but that is ok too! In fact, it may be a good thing. Much of the suffering we face makes us maybe a bit more humble, and also a bit more compassionate to others suffering. (In many ways..as I have become a very humanistic person over the past few years.)

Without writing a book on it, that's all I can really say. Focus on the symptoms, as depression is very *physical* often, and once you get rid of much of that physical pain, then your spirits seem to fall into place a bit better.

Anyhow, Dr. Bob may redirect this to the other board, but I think it is important to discuss the philisophical angle behind medications, and I honestly think this is a great place for it.

There may be more questions then answers, but for the answers we do find, I think we can make *some* good out of the crap and pain. Again, I think we gotta have the symptoms under control, though. As Andrew Sololomon wrote in 'Noonday Demon', "The unexamined life is unavailable to the depressed."

Jay

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by gracie2 on September 26, 2001, at 23:19:58

In reply to Re: When did you decide you were happy? » Heather66, posted by jay on September 26, 2001, at 22:11:29


This may just be re-hashing what Jay said but here goes:
-I don't think it is possible to attain a constant state of happiness, unless that occurs in the afterlife. Happiness is transient; your goal is to be well enough that you are able to feel happy when something special occurs. I think a "happy" person is someone who is able to recognize a special moment and enjoy it.

Two quotes for you:
-We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about. -Charles Kingsley

-To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded. -Emerson

God bless-
Gracie

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by ChrisK on September 27, 2001, at 10:56:15

In reply to When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

I never looked to be happy, I just wanted my main symptoms to be relieved. The realization that I was being helped usually came out of the blue. I just realized one day that I wasn't having suicidal thoughts every day and the Zyprexa was working. On another day I realized that I was actually enjoying an outing with friends and that my anhedonia was starting to come under control thanks to Mirapex.

I don't think I've ever just sat back and thought "Wow, I'm really happy now." I was satisfied with the progress I had made in regaining some of my emotions.

Don't push too hard looking for sometrhing that may not come. Be satisfied with minor gains toward a "normal" life.

Chris


> I'm asking anybody who wants to answer. How long did it take before you felt like you were happy again? And/or have you ever really been happy? What helped?

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy? » Heather66

Posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 13:00:52

In reply to When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

OK, this is a reach.... Ever see "Star Trek Generations"? You know, with the ribbon that took you anywhere you were the happiest? Piccard, at the Christmas tree, with the lights twinkling,kids jumping on his lap, snow on the window sills. THAT would be bliss for me. Every time I watch that scene, I get all warm and fuzzy.
Happy again? I guess we start to regain our happiness when the glass begins to look half full rather than half empty. I have some very vivid memories of happiness, mostly as a child. I guess there is some truth that ignorance is bliss.

PAX

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy? » gracie2

Posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 13:03:02

In reply to Re: When did you decide you were happy?, posted by gracie2 on September 26, 2001, at 23:19:58

>
> This may just be re-hashing what Jay said but here goes:
> -I don't think it is possible to attain a constant state of happiness, unless that occurs in the afterlife. Happiness is transient; your goal is to be well enough that you are able to feel happy when something special occurs. I think a "happy" person is someone who is able to recognize a special moment and enjoy it.
>
> Two quotes for you:
> -We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about. -Charles Kingsley
>
> -To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
> to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
> to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
> This is to have succeeded. -Emerson


I loved the Emerson piece!

PAX
>
> God bless-
> Gracie

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by Kat26 on September 27, 2001, at 17:22:31

In reply to Re: When did you decide you were happy? » gracie2, posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 13:03:02

(first of all I loved the two quotes!!!!)

Happy again... I guess there have been lots of ups and downs in my life, but my recent getting better from severe OCD did feel like a "wow I am happy again" experience. Realizing that I could look outside without seeing all the scary things I used to have to check on (like somebody had cleaned the streets ??!!!)... for example. I think if after years of impairment/fear/nervousness there is suddenly some sense of "normalcy" (whatever that is), it does feel like happiness!

Kat

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy? » Kat26

Posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 19:36:55

In reply to Re: When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Kat26 on September 27, 2001, at 17:22:31

Kat, "Normal" is relative. I guess for each individual, it is a day or a time when you feel functional, when things seem to go well, when you can find the humor in a mistake rather than frustration. I feel normal, if not pretty darn well, a lot of times. I do have some low times, but I would like to thank Dr. B and this forum for providing a place where I can "talk" about things.

PAX

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by Kat26 on September 27, 2001, at 20:46:25

In reply to Re: When did you decide you were happy? » Kat26, posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 19:36:55

Hey Pax
yes i agree, normal is relative... have you ever felt though, that it felt so GOOD to feel "normal" (as in NOT-distressed) that it can make you feel outright high?

Kat

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by Roo on September 28, 2001, at 9:02:40

In reply to Re: When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Kat26 on September 27, 2001, at 20:46:25

Happiness to me is just feeling peaceful and content.
I've struggled with demon thoughts so long that happiness
feels like the peace I feel when they are ABSENT, and then
I can enjoy what's around me b/c I'm not busy battling
around in my head.
I think I first experienced this (aside from happy
moments as a child) when I tried my first antidepressant.
Gradually, those thoughts were gone or easily ignorable and
I felt at peace. It was like "ahhhhhhhhhhh" and stretching
out in the sun like a big lazy cat.

But i'm in a med adjusting process right now...so I'm
battling the demons again and longing for that peace.

 

WHEN MY JUMP SHOT WAS FALLING!

Posted by Cruz on September 28, 2001, at 10:32:21

In reply to When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

When I am feeling well I play hoop with a good deal of confidence and fluidity. I've allways found it a good barometer of my condition. I'm also more out going in my personality. Over all I have fun.


> I'm asking anybody who wants to answer. How long did it take before you felt like you were happy again? And/or have you ever really been happy? What helped?

 

Re: WHEN MY JUMP SHOT WAS FALLING!

Posted by petey on September 28, 2001, at 10:52:29

In reply to WHEN MY JUMP SHOT WAS FALLING!, posted by Cruz on September 28, 2001, at 10:32:21

> When I am feeling well I play hoop with a good deal of confidence and fluidity. I've allways found it a good barometer of my condition. I'm also more out going in my personality. Over all I have fun.
>
>
> > I'm asking anybody who wants to answer. How long did it take before you felt like you were happy again? And/or have you ever really been happy? What helped?

I just want to say thatI know several people who have gone through depression and other mental illnesses who are now functioning as very HAPPY , healthy people. With the right meds. and therapy it is possible. Good luck and don't ever give up!

 

Thanks Dr. Bob, jay, gracie2, chrisk, paxvox, ...

Posted by Heather66 on September 28, 2001, at 11:54:53

In reply to Re: WHEN MY JUMP SHOT WAS FALLING!, posted by petey on September 28, 2001, at 10:52:29

>
> I just want to say thatI know several people who have gone through depression and other mental illnesses who are now functioning as very HAPPY , healthy people. With the right meds. and therapy it is possible. Good luck and don't ever give up!
>

Thanks Dr. Bob, jay, gracie2, chrisk, paxvox, kat26, roo, cruz, petey...

I am feeling somewhat better today (if only I could keep this feeling tomorrow and the day after and the day after that). Your responses are very encouraging and I appreciate them. Discovering this board has helped me tremendously. It's great to get answers from people who understand my questions.

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy? Heather6

Posted by galtin on September 28, 2001, at 23:07:35

In reply to When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

> I'm asking anybody who wants to answer. How long did it take before you felt like you were happy again? And/or have you ever really been happy? What helped?

Don't know much about happiness. I never looked to meds for happiness because my depressions were not a lack of something positive. They were the suffocating infestation of terror and dread. They were, to use William Styron's apt characterization, like "a storm in the brain."

When the ADs began to work they quelled this storm. Where I have gone from there has had to do not with depression but with me, such as me is,and I am none too sure about what this "me" is.

I rarely think about being happy. Maybe this owes to a sceptical disposition that does not expect too much from life. I do know that happiness, or contentedness, doesn't come of its own accord. I have to work at it by indirection. That is,not taking dead aim at happiness, but paddling toward some worthy goal (like more tolerance for others than my nature is endowned with), and then finding, as I glance over my shoulder, that a little happiness has hatched when I wasn't looking.

galtin

 

Re: When did you decide you were happy?

Posted by Emme on September 30, 2001, at 18:05:08

In reply to When did you decide you were happy?, posted by Heather66 on September 26, 2001, at 18:51:25

Hi People.
I just want to thank you all for this thread and for giving me some things to consider. As I try different meds to fight this illnes I wonder if I will know when I am well enough and feeling "normal". Will I remember what that feels like? I worry that I'll get halfway to healthy and stay mildly depressed, not realizing it because I'll be comparing my state to when things were reall horrible. This makes me very anxious because I want to be as well as possible, but hate having to keep playing with the meds. Anyway, it's nice to have some thoughts on what to shoot for and what to think about for a healthy emotional state.

Emme


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