Posted by cubbybear on October 1, 2003, at 3:42:11
In reply to To tell coach I'm on Parnate?, posted by eric24 on September 29, 2003, at 20:59:49
>> Also, my coach is one of those tuff coaches who doesn't believe in weakness and all that. He probably thinks anyone on an antidepressant is a pussy. So, I really would not like to tell him.
>
> What do you think I should do?
> EricHi Eric,
One day away from the computer kept me away from a pretty lively discussion. I fully understand your dilemma; on the one hand, it's always essential to keep identifying info about MAOIs on you--either on a medical alert tag or wallet card. I agree also that there should be absolutely no stigma attached to taking anti-depressants, but unfortunately, some people are still in the Stone Age and get their jollies up making judgements about other people, based on the medications they take. The worst kind, in my opinion, are the macho types who go around guzzling beer and calling anyone other than a 250 pound linebacker a pussie or wimp.
I guess what I would do in your situation is that I would be upfront and state that the medication is for a neurological imbalance, in the unlikely event you are asked. The macho bully types would probably reply with a "Duh??" or some other sound connoting total ignorance and not pursue the matter further. In the unlikely event you have a macho bully coach who possesses the curiosity to probe into the pharmacological attributes of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, you should exercise your Fifth Amendment Rights, or whatever, and state that you're not required to state WHY you take any particular medication. If this guy wants to make a big issue out of something that's so important to your life and well being, then you'd best think what's the number one priority:your freedom from incapacitating depression or playing sports under a coach like him.
poster:cubbybear
thread:264340
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030928/msgs/264639.html