![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 31 to 55 of 55. Go back in thread:
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 21:50:21
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
>Psychodynamic therapy isn't great at elucidating these attempts, but it is better at giving us an idea of what this situation originally was.
I think this may be contingent on whether the ability of the therapist and the patient.
I totally agree with the love thing. Life is love, without it we are lost.
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:00:50
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
Hey sigismund, how is it going with schisandra? What do you notice?
I think I notice an increase in energy and mental alertness. I'm also digging the fact that it is good for the liver, something many of us need if we have been taking medication for a long time.
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:03:53
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on August 27, 2010, at 22:29:48
I am loving this combo! I just feel healthier and stronger since starting taking these mushrooms. Cordyceps gives me the most noticeable benefit-better mood, breathing easier, more energy, more stamina-any time I feel improvements in these areas I also feel less anxious and depressed. This is one of the reasons why exercise helped me so much over the years.
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 8, 2010, at 11:34:31
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:03:53
Hey Morgan! What's going on? Glad to hear the Cordyceps is working for you. I might give it a try myself. Thought about Shisandra, but I think I might just stick with the Holy Basil for now. Don't want to make things more complicated than they already are. I have noticed that the Holy Basil works better if I take a few days off every week. I think it is a great herb, but breaks are definitely warranted. What brand of Cordyceps are you using and what is the dosage, might I ask? Any noticeable benefit from Reishi as well? Are mushrooms really good for depression? I know Reishi is supposed to be good for the immune system.
How is everything going for you? I'm doing okay. Just trying to figure out where the herbs fit into my nutritional regimen. Are you still working? I've been on disability for 5 years. That's a long time for me not to work. It seems that ever since I started hearing voices, I've never been able to go back to work. I'm thinking I should listen to my psychiatrist and just try it anyway. We'll see.
Well, wish you continued success with the mushrooms. Stay well.
Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 19:56:44
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by Lao Tzu on September 8, 2010, at 11:34:31
Hey Lao! I think getting a job might be a good thing. You just need to start preparing yourself mentally for it. Just remember, you can just start out with a very easy mindless part time job. I kind of see you doing well working on the computer. So, maybe you don't need mindless since it seems like you have quite an active and intelligent mind. Maybe a temp job to start??? I understand how scary it can be to go back to work for many reasons. Just give going back to work some thought, try to imagine yourself working and see how it feels. It may give you some anxiety, that is normal. Sometimes we need to face things that give us anxiety in order to overcome the fears we have associated with them. I'm sure you know this already : )
Yes, I am still working, and thinking about getting another job on top of this one. I'm only working 3 to 4 days a week right now, and 30 hours at the very most(usually only 21).
I think you might want to consider Schisandra since it not only can increase energy, mental and physical, but it also can improve liver health, which I think all of us on medications could use. Yeah, I agree that Holy Basil works best when there are small breaks taken from it.
Reishi's effects are not as noticeable as Cordyceps. I am hoping more for health benefits from Reishi, though I do expect to feel better from taking them. Ya know, if I were just taking Reishi by itself, without Cordyceps and Chaga, I may be able to better pinpoint any effect it may be having on my well being. The Chaga is there mostly for the potential anti-inflammatory benefits, and the immune boosting effects, which all of the mushrooms appear to have. I believe that mushrooms can have antidepressant effects in that they have the potential to make you FEEL better. For me, when I FEEL well, I feel much less depressed.
Great to hear from you as usual. Peace..
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 9, 2010, at 11:08:10
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » Lao Tzu, posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 19:56:44
Yes, you're absolutely right about the job thing. Face your anxiety, and maybe it will go extinct. I was just talking with my dad last night about his phobia of needles. It used to be very difficult for him. He couldn't watch the needle pierce his vein. However, at the time of his heart operation, he was given so many needles and IVs that he became used to it because frankly he couldn't say no. His phobia went away. He was exposed to it to such a degree, that it just went extinct. Now he can watch the needle go into his vein when he goes for a blood test.
I think this illness hampers me as far as social interaction. It's like you almost have to learn how to be social all over again and keep reminding yourself that your imagination can run wild. The subconscious is definitely at play here in some capacity. It's not just emotional. As far as emotions go, I am rather calm and stable, much better than years ago. And my behavior is more even-keeled. I think the anxiety has a lot to do with memory and the subconscious mind.
I think I will try Schisandra and Cordyceps soon. Thanks for your experiences with them.Stay Well.
Lao
Posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 17:35:40
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:03:53
I felt a real and immediate improvement from cordyceps, but worried (wait for it) that it was aggravating insomnia (which I think it did).
Although I have heard people say it makes them sleepy, so maybe....I dunno.
Reishi is supposed to lower IgE, so maybe it decreases immune reactivity.
Posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 17:37:59
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by Lao Tzu on September 9, 2010, at 11:08:10
I like the fact that it *seems* to be difficult to go wrong with schisandra (if you have poor liver and mental function?).
I can't really notice it.
It makes a nice tea if you grind up the berries.
Posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 23:46:12
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 17:35:40
So you don't notice much from Schisandra? How much did you use? Did you use a tincture or capsule? What brand? Sorry, annoying questions..lol
Is there a study on Reishi lowering IgE? Hmm, strange. Reishi has beta-glucans that are supposed to boost the immune system.
Just did a search and couldn't find anything on Reishi lowering IgE.
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 2:45:05
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 23:46:12
>So you don't notice much from Schisandra? How much did you use? Did you use a tincture or capsule? What brand? Sorry, annoying questions..lol
Around 4g in a tincture in the morning. Either mediherb or some other brand. Made here in Australia, I'd think.
>Is there a study on Reishi lowering IgE? Hmm, strange. Reishi has beta-glucans that are supposed to boost the immune system.
>Just did a search and couldn't find anything on Reishi lowering IgE.
I used to take it in a formula for allergies. I don't know of any studies.....I'm just repeating what the herbalist told me. They do a naturopathy degree to become herbalists.....they're not just shop assistants in health food shops, but still, it may not amount to much.
What do you notice?
I'm fairly good at noticing things, but it has to stand out over and above the insults attendant on consciousness.
Posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 3:16:13
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » morgan miller, posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 2:45:05
I notice a subtle increase in energy and stamina. Like I said before, I'm also very interested in the liver health benefits. So even if it does not give me a profound effect on energy, I will likely continue to take it. I think the tincture is a good way to take it.
I noticed the most significant improvement with Cordyceps I think. When you are taking so much sh*t it's really hard to tell sometimes. Right now I'm mostly noticing the effects of not being on Lithium. Have to pick up my refill tomorrow. Can't sleep! : )
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 17:09:44
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 3:16:13
>Can't sleep! : )
Well yes, I used to be able to, once I used to be able to drink and then sleep, which was very nice because I actually enjoy drinking, but now I wake a couple of hours later feeling not a hangover, not that much drink to cause one, but I feel this awful stimulation. Probably my liver. Liver fire, ascending yang, unquenched by water element. I made that up of course.
Posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 20:32:54
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » morgan miller, posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 17:09:44
> >Can't sleep! : )
>
> Well yes, I used to be able to, once I used to be able to drink and then sleep, which was very nice because I actually enjoy drinking, but now I wake a couple of hours later feeling not a hangover, not that much drink to cause one, but I feel this awful stimulation. Probably my liver. Liver fire, ascending yang, unquenched by water element. I made that up of course.Ha ha..yeah I miss drinking sooooo much. It was just 3 years ago that I could drink, sleep great, and wake up the next day and feel fine. Now I can't hardly catch a decent buzz off of 1 or 2 beers. I tell my psychiatrist, "If you can get me back to where I can get drunk and enjoy it, and be able to recover fairly well the next day, that will be the day that you have helped me truly get better and back to my old self".
Posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 22:50:10
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 20:32:54
That's why older people drink so sparingly - because it's the only way they can drink at all.
If they could drink as much as they did when they were young, they would.
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 13, 2010, at 13:59:23
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 20:32:54
I hear what you're saying. Drinking a beer once in a while is relaxing. It doesn't do a whole lot for me, but it's better than nothing. If I needed a good buzz, I'd have to drink Rum. That does the trick, but I no longer drink alcohol, other than an occasional beer. I get sick from it, especially the Rum or whiskey, and it is not good for me with all my meds. I always liked Ativan better than alcohol. I always feel normal on Ativan. Unfortunately, my doctor won't prescribe it anymore, so I've had to live without it for many years. You get used to it, I guess.
Morgan, how is the Cordyceps working for you? I'm using the TCM on and off, and it seems to help with energy and just feeling better. I do want to try the Cordyceps, however. Have you noticed a benefit from it as far as generally feeling better?
Are you having to take breaks from it? What can I expect?Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 14, 2010, at 13:08:16
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 13, 2010, at 13:59:23
Hey Lao,
I do feel generally better when taking Cordyceps. I think you can expect immediate improvement in focus, energy, well being, and stamina. Don't expect anything like what you would experience with tea, coffee, or cigarettes. Like Holy Basil, Cordyceps is subtle but powerful. I feel I can breath a bit easier on Cordyceps. When I think about working out, I feel confident that I will have better stamina to do so. Maybe I'm over hyping Cordyceps, I guess you just need to try it out and see what you think.
I think it's good that you are not on Ativan as it has forced you to look into and try healthier alternatives.
I miss going out and drinking soooo much! It was the ultimate social escape!
How are you doing these days?
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 29, 2010, at 12:59:26
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by morgan miller on September 14, 2010, at 13:08:16
Hi Morgan! I'm doing okay these days. How are you? I tried taking my Essential Fatty acids at bedtime instead of in the morning and that was a disaster. If I don't take them during the day, my depression is so much worse. The fish and borage oils literally save me. The EFAs are probably the best thing I've taken second to the medication.
Yeah, Ativan was great for about two years. Then it pooped out and I was back to being anxious. That was about 5-6 years ago. I no longer take it, but sometimes I wish I could have some just to feel that lovely tranquility. I did absolutely love Ativan because I felt so good and my social anxiety was practically cured because of that drug. I do wish they could come up with something like that that doesn't poop out eventually. However, the Ativan taken chronically everyday did tend to blunt my emotions, and that is not really good to do on an ongoing basis. I think Ativan and other benzos are just good for situational usage, not as a maintenance drug. Some doctors would disagree as they often prescribe them for sleep. However, there are better sleep meds out there. You don't have to take the old benzos anymore.
How have you been doing lately as far as your physical health? Are you interested in any type of physical therapy or is that too stressful for you? What are the doctors telling you lately? Sorry I have been a little lax in replying to people. I guess I've just been going through something because of the change in seasons. It happens a couple times every year. Sometimes I have to re-evaluate my nutritional regimen, change it around a little here and there. But I'm feeling better today. Started taking B12 supplements again. I seem to need them in the Fall and Winter but not so much in the Spring/Summer. Go figure?? I realize the weather has an impact on my mood. Sunny and hot I tend to be a little lethargic. Cloudy and cold and I can get moody as well. If the temperature is pleasing and there's a little sun, I tend to feel better. Maybe I have a touch of seasonal affective disorder, reversed that is, from what other people have.
It's said that some people can have summer depression which clears up in the Fall. I'm not sure if that's me. All I know is that whenever the seasons change, my mood fluctuates. Happens every year. Does this ever happen to you?
Nice to hear from you.
Stay Well.Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 29, 2010, at 22:30:04
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 29, 2010, at 12:59:26
Hey buddy, Glad to hear you are doing fairly well.
The summers depress the hell out of me nowadays because I am not as comfortable and active as I was just 3 summers ago. I also abused my skin getting way too much unprotected sun exposure, and I swear my skin just does not feel as comfortable in the sun any more. I thrived off of the sun and the comfort I felt basking in it. The fall kinda sucks too, I find myself feeling a bit more depressed at the beginning of the fall. The winter is very up and down for me. I feel more excited and alive when it snows, I love the snow. But, again, I can't enjoy the snow like I used to so there is a part of me that gets sad when it snows. I was a very good skier, been doing it since I was six. I miss the hell out of it, like many other physical activities I excelled at and enjoyed. I don't care what anyone says, it's easier to not have ever been able to experience something and never feel the loss of it, than it is to be able to experience so much and then suddenly never be able to experience it again. I feel the same way about passionate romantic love.
That's great EFA's are helping you so much, very good to hear. You are lucky that you are responsive to supplements and medications.
Ativan and other benzos are evil IMO. There will be something better out there for you one day. Maybe it will just take a culmination of things instead of just one substance. I know that's what you are working so hard at right now.
Did you know that I'm in to extreme life extension? I believe we should stay as young as we can and live as fully and as long as we can. There is some promising research taking place right now that may lead to some effective interventions into drastically slowing down, halting, and even reversing the aging process.
Great to hear from you as usual brotha!
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on October 8, 2010, at 18:27:16
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 29, 2010, at 12:59:26
Hey man, just wondering if everything is o.k., hadn't heard back from you.
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 16, 2010, at 9:54:31
In reply to Yo Lao Where You At?, posted by morgan miller on October 8, 2010, at 18:27:16
Hi Morgan! Sorry I didn't get back to you right away. I just got back to babble yesterday. I replied to a man who is having trouble with alcohol and pot addiction. It really sounds like he's going through a lot of anguish.
I've been experimenting with taurine and gaba and found that these two aminos help me more in the cooler months of Fall and Winter rather than the summer. In summer, my anxiety levels are not so severe, but in the Winter I have heightened anxiety, and I don't know why exactly. It's a seasonal thing, I guess, part of being bipolar. I tend to have more anxiety in the evening, so I take 250mg of taurine and 375mg of Gaba with B6, B12 and selenium, and my anxiety levels are more manageable. Don't know why exactly, but I tend to need a lot more B12 in the Winter for depression and anxiety, but in the Summer I can get away with no B12. It seems that my cycling doesn't allow me to tolerate B12 in the Summer, but it's a must in the Fall and Winter. Go figure!
How have you been? What is your opinion on the mushrooms so far? Cordyceps sounds interesting, but I have found that I don't always do well on herbs. Still, I might give it a try if you think it is really helpful for mood. Best Chinese Medicines has a Cordyceps formula. I have been getting my herbal tonics from them lately, and have been impressed with their service. However, I went off the herbal tonics because I didn't think they were doing that much for me. I gave them a try for a few weeks and decided it wasn't worth the money for me.
How are your physical problems? Are they any better or worse in the Fall/Winter? Are you doing any physical therapy or thinking about it?
Everyday, I ponder about my condition and how to make it better. It seems I am doing well under the circumstances, but after talking with my doctor on Wednesday, he says everybody has to take responsibility for themselves. He says I have become used to my routine because it's the easy way out. He thinks my habits are psychological, not biochemical. And I think he may have a point, but I still believe I have biochemical deficits because why would I have no motivation when years ago I was motivated to do things? Ever since I started hearing voices, I really changed in my social interaction and motivation. Why in the hell would someone want to sit at home all day for 5 straight years? I tell you it is more than just psychological. The nutrients I take everyday have helped as far as mood, but they only work so well just like the meds. I know benzos are kind of evil, like you said, but so far, they seem to be the only drugs that ever helped me get out and explore life. However, I realize they are only a band-aid, and they only work for awhile before they poop-out like they did for me.
Anyway, I am trying without resorting to another drug because, frankly, my doctor won't give me anything addictive, and he's probably wise in doing so. I really do think he is a wise man and he's doing all he can for me at the moment. I took it upon myself three years ago to start with the nutrients because I believed my body needed them. And I was right, even though my doctor said it was a waste of time. That's why I love babble because people here really want to take full advantage to stay healthy. Orthomolecular medicine has really helped me. I can't say enough about it.
Anyway, thanks for getting back to me. Hope you're doing well. Have you seen any doctors lately, and what are they telling you?See ya!!
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 16, 2010, at 10:03:02
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan » Lao Tzu, posted by morgan miller on September 29, 2010, at 22:30:04
Morgan, are you taking any supplements that help with life extension? I've heard AGE's (something Glycation Endproducts?) may have something to do with aging. I was at one point taking benfotiamine (B1) that affected AGE's, but I don't really like how it makes me feel anymore. Allithiamines I think they are called, like those found in garlic. Are the mushrooms good for life extension?
Good to hear from you too!!
Lao
Posted by morgan miller on October 17, 2010, at 1:24:02
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on October 16, 2010, at 10:03:02
> Morgan, are you taking any supplements that help with life extension? I've heard AGE's (something Glycation Endproducts?) may have something to do with aging. I was at one point taking benfotiamine (B1) that affected AGE's, but I don't really like how it makes me feel anymore. Allithiamines I think they are called, like those found in garlic. Are the mushrooms good for life extension?
>
> Good to hear from you too!!
>
> LaoI do think mushrooms are good for at least maximizing our health span. They can boost the immune system and there is evidence that they may help prevent certain types of cancer. Cordyceps actually shows some evidence to be good for preventing lung cancer. I think the medicinal mushrooms are much different than Chinese herbs and can have a more noticeable effect.
Carnosine is one of the best anti-glycation agents. It is taken by many people in the life extension community. It may even have an effect on stabilizing mood. And yes, garlic may be good for fighting glycation. Others I know of are lysine and arginine.
I think there is at least some of a psychological component that is playing a part in your progress and growth. You may want to consider the traumatic effect your psychosis had on your psyche. It would make sense to me that you could be afraid of doing some things after being traumatized. Depression, fear, anxiety, trauma can all have a lasting effect on your motivation to do certain things. I do believe that the psychosis and the development of your illness is having a profound effect on the way you feel and the way you choose to behave. But, I do think part of it is psychological and you may have to start facing your fears and taking some assertive action to overcome them. Remember, if it provokes anxiety, you are challenging a part of you that may need challenging. I know it's difficult. I actually have another friend who had a very traumatic psychosis and he is dealing with the some of the same issues you are, though I think your energy levels, sleep, and cognition are much better than his. I get the sense that you are more comfortable than he is also.
What do you think about seeing a really good empathetic and compassionate therapist once a week?
Do you ever think that maybe it is scary for you to get better in some ways because then you may be vulnerable to lose everything all over again?
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 17, 2010, at 9:40:38
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by morgan miller on October 17, 2010, at 1:24:02
Hi Morgan! I see a psychiatrist every two weeks and he is also my therapist right now. I don't know if another therapist would help or not, since he says to me, "Any therapist is going to tell you the same thing that I tell you." Perhaps, though, I might need a female therapist because I did go to a woman a few years ago, and it may have helped me somewhat. Now that I am relatively stable, maybe it's time to see a woman therapist and see if I can work on my social issues. That's the biggest hurdle, of being afraid to interact socially and to be more assertive. Because of this illness, I am rather timid because my psychiatrist says that because of the mental breakdown you tend to regress, almost to a childlike state, I think. With psychosis, all your energy is geared toward self-protection and you have a lot of mistrust of other people. I feel I am somewhat selfish, but I do care about my family and overall, I try to care about others too, but the mistrust is always at the forefront. It's not that I am always negative about life. I'm not. I just want to have what other people have including a stable emotional well-being, a job, a social life, a girlfriend or wife, and kids maybe someday. But I realize, like you said, to start I'm going to have to challenge myself one step at a time and it really is scary for me. I think I do have the constitution to overcome my fears. I do have some courage left in me from all the years I've been dealing with this illness. Am I afraid of losing everything all over again? Not really. I figure I am much more stable emotionally that if I did decide to start life all over again, I would do whatever it takes to maintain it. At least, I hope that I would. I'll never go off the deep end like I did before as long as I'm on the medication. It really has saved my life.
Thank you for your kind words and your concern. I really do appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinion. It is comforting to me to know someone else actually cares about how I am feeling. I love babble because there are people like yourself who care about others, and I hope that I can help others as well.
You make some very good points about being assertive. I realize it is up to me. I am 39 years old, so what am I doing about my life? I really have to look into the mirror and start making some rational decisions. I almost think I have retired already, but I really don't have enough money to live on my own if I had to, and what's more, I am not enjoying life to its fullest. The good side is I don't have to pay taxes and I am no longer in debt to anyone. But I do want more than a government paycheck every month. I actually thought about going back to school to become a veterinary technician since I've always loved animals and I have a degree in biology. I did well in college up until my last year when I failed some classes due to the illness getting worse. That was ancient history. I really would love to go back to school and get certified in something practical, and maybe I will eventually. I always did have a thing for education. I was very bright as a child and always did well in school. I was willing to work hard to get good grades because I am not a genius. Honestly, I don't want to get a minimum wage job right now. That's not challenging myself. I don't know if I can ever make big money like my friends, but a half-decent salary would be okay with me. In my last job, I was making $38,000/year which is okay if you're single. The problem with me is that I didn't save a whole lot, and when I lost my job I had to live on my savings, and eventually it dried up. Now, I don't have mucho dinero and my lifestyle is borderline poverty. I don't any money to travel or go on shopping sprees. I am responsible, however. I pay for my health insurance every month, and I try to save money. This Christmas I am not going to go hog wild. I think for my peace of mind, being frugal works for me.
How is your job going, Morgan? What is it that you do again? Do you like what you do?
Well, another day, another pack of cigarettes. I really should quit. Waiting for a good smoking cessation drug. Could be waiting a long time.Stay well and thanks again for your kind words.
Lao
Posted by morgan miller on October 17, 2010, at 11:54:15
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on October 17, 2010, at 9:40:38
Haven't read you whole post yet just the beginning. I totally disagree with your psychiatrist. I'm sure he is a good guy, but I really believe that you and most of us would do better with a therapist that has a psychodynamic approach that involves being gentle, thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate. I don't think your pdoc is equipped to help you nurture yourself back to health the way a really good therapist would.
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 18, 2010, at 16:26:32
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by morgan miller on October 17, 2010, at 11:54:15
Yeah, I kind of feel the same way. The woman I saw a few years ago was much more nurturing than my pdoc, who really just tells it like it is, not much more. I've always felt I needed that feminine influence to guide me down the right path. Not to say a male therapist is not nurturing. I just feel more comfortable with a woman therapist. Back at the beginning of my psychosis, I was so messed up that even when my pdoc suggested therapy, I just basically ignored him. Now that I have recovered somewhat, I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea. I'd like to work with a therapist who has experience in Dissociative Identity Disorder, which has similarities to psychosis, but they are two different illnesses. After reading a little on DID, I am not convinced that is what's bothering me, but the psychological symptoms are similar to what I'm experiencing. However, bipolar psychosis often presents with low motivation, sometimes low energy, and social deficits, all of which I seem to have. My pdoc diagnosed me as bipolar/schizophrenia, so that's what I assume is going on with me. But the psychological components would suggest DID. According to my pdoc, the biochemical illness is under control. Yet, I always wonder how "under control" it really is. I will admit my behavior is in most ways like an ordinary person except for the social withdrawal and my tendency to talk to myself when I am alone. The voices, in a sense, are trying to protect the self from any unseen threats. Even with the medication, they are rather mellow and kind, yet they are always vigilant. They won't go away until I feel safe, and I guess I haven't reached that point consistently. The whole situation leaves me scratching my head, like what is the root cause of how I'm feeling? Is it more biochemical, or is it more on a psychological/emotional/spiritual plane? When I do research, I never get a clear idea of the dymamics of psychosis. Supposedly it is developmental, and life experience can affect how severe it becomes. Like why do people with psychosis often have very strong religious preoccupations? This happened to me as well. I think what we may be dealing with is something biochemical for sure, but something that has its origins from another plane of existence. The problem is, our little brains may not be able to process the whole experience in a rational way, which is why the medication is necessary to stabilize the strange perceptions (hallucinations). Yet no doctor would tell you that the hallucinations could be real in a different sense of the word. To them, there is only one reality, not multiple ones. Anyway, I'll think it over about seeing a woman therapist again. If she specializes in DID, which I think most do not, that would be an added bonus.
Lao
This is the end of the thread.
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