Posted by Bob on August 4, 2008, at 14:24:33
In reply to Great discussion. Empathize w/all posters! » SLS, posted by Chris O on August 4, 2008, at 14:07:46
> I really think this is a great discussion. It's a debate I have in my head all the time. I believe that there is something dysfunctional about my brain or brain chemistry. And, I am open to any drug, method, treatment, belief, whatever, that helps it. However, even when psychiatrists do not use the "top down" approach, it's unnerving (for me, at least) putting all kinds of powerful chemicals in my body that are at best validated in one, two, or three month trials. At the same time, if they "work" and help me to live a more functional life, I am all for it. But in my two long-term trials with SSRIs, the results were...mixed. One time, they sort of worked; the next time they barely worked. Now, I am trying again, and open to "whatever works." But I hate the waiting, the not knowing if I should add or drop something, the feeling that the drugs "kind of work," but that the side effects are not worth it. We've all been down this road before, I think. And being the health conscious person I am, there's always the concern that the drawbacks of meds outweigh the gains (or that if I just exercise enough this horrible anxiety/depression I have will go away!) But at 41 years old and getting worse, I now realize that meds, for me, are probably the best viable option. I guess it's just a matter of getting the right one, or combo, or hoping for something better on the horizon.
In addition to feeling sorry for myself a lot, I feel bad for my family and loved ones who struggle to deal with my situation. It can be brutal.
poster:Bob
thread:844053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080727/msgs/844128.html