Posted by Ron Hill on May 27, 2002, at 1:53:22
>Ron
>I know your post was addressed to Dinah but how you described her is how "I" would describe myself. May I be so bold to ask you what meds have allowed you that thicker skin that "I" so desperately need???
>I apologize for intruding on this discussion.
>Angel Girl
------------------------------Angel,
No intrusion at all. What works for me might not work for you and vise versa. But ya already knew that, huh?
Here's my deal. I'm bipolar II and I take 600 mg/day of Lithobid. Primarily Lithobid stabilizes my mood, keeps me out of hypomania, and eliminates (almost) ruminations. It also helps to thicken my skin, to a certain degree. I also take a small dose of SAM-e on an as needed basis as an antidepressant.
Like most of us, I have tried many meds over the years. The meds that helped me the most with my insecurity and defensiveness were as follows:
Ritalin initially caused me to feel incredibly comfortable with myself as a person; not arrogant (if I don't say so myself), just comfortable. I had rhino skin to the max on Ritalin. It was not a power harshness thing but, instead, I could roll with the punches and make lemon aid out of the lemons of life. The glass was always half full, never half empty. Problems were merely solutions waiting to be found, I just had to be smart enough to find the already existing solutions. However, Ritalin (and SSRI's) pushed me into mania, and then eventually pooped out (quit working).
SSRI's initially improved my social skills and gave me a quick wit (which I do not have without the med). Prior to medications, I tended to be a little anal (almost a mild OCD kinda thing). The SSRI totally got rid of the anal thing. I was comfortable with whom I was and, as a result, I put those around me at ease. Therefore, it took a lot to get under my skin. But, after a short while, I get SSRI poop out (anhedonia and anergy) real bad.
I've read a lot of your posts over the last couple of months, so I know that life is very hard for you at times. I'm on your team and I care what happens to you. If I can help, let me know!
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:107696
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/107696.html