what do you do for a living?

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by dissention

I got violently ill when I went off of Effexor. 'Twas not pretty. I was on Prozac for awhile after Effexor and started gaining weight, so I kicked that **** immediately. Now I look back and just think to myself 'Why the f*ck did you even go on that ****?'

Ya know - I am like the hyperist (sp.?) person on the planet. Ask Glodie what it is like to be around that at like 7:30 a.m. after a Mac concert Many doctors have wanted to put me on things. When I was a child - I am told they put me on something like Ridilin and it made me worse. This doctor I had one time tried to tell me I was manic but not depressive (I rarely get down and when it happens, I snap out of it pretty quickly) and wanted me to go on these drugs. I just refused. I knew this wise woman in Louisiana who taught me how to use my mind to calm myself down. It realy worked. I am so glad I used that instead of drugs because thought they may work on some people, they are just a mask and when they do not work, they are dangerous like in your instance. I just like myself and try to be calm. It works for the most part

[amber]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Ya know - I am like the hyperist (sp.?) person on the planet. Ask Glodie what it is like to be around that at like 7:30 a.m. after a Mac concert Many doctors have wanted to put me on things. When I was a child - I am told they put me on something like Ridilin and it made me worse. This doctor I had one time tried to tell me I was manic but not depressive (I rarely get down and when it happens, I snap out of it pretty quickly) and wanted me to go on these drugs. I just refused. I knew this wise woman in Louisiana who taught me how to use my mind to calm myself down. It realy worked. I am so glad I used that instead of drugs because thought they may work on some people, they are just a mask and when they do not work, they are dangerous like in your instance. I just like myself and try to be calm. It works for the most part

That's great, Strand. I have some calming techniques, too. Mainly breathing in a certain way. Yoga helps as well. But I still have a bit of social anxiety, sometimes. It's not that serious, though.

[HomerMcvie]

Am I the only one here not on mood medication? I'm NOT trying to be judgemental, but I am truly amazed by the number of you on them.
A couple of years ago, I attended a dinner with about 12 of my closest high school friends(we were the artsy fartsy, fairly intelligent, mildly snobby, hard partier crowd). I believe 9 of the 12 were (now) on all these meds. I don't understand the need, I guess. I was brought up that you just make the best of what you're offered each day. Depressed? Get over it! (The previous is literally what I was told growing up). Much like Strand, I'm extremely hyper, and rarely get down. I don't even like taking aspirin....
Can someone explain your need?

[dissention]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

Am I the only one here not on mood medication? I'm NOT trying to be judgemental, but I am truly amazed by the number of you on them.
A couple of years ago, I attended a dinner with about 12 of my closest high school friends(we were the artsy fartsy, fairly intelligent, mildly snobby, hard partier crowd). I believe 9 of the 12 were (now) on all these meds. I don't understand the need, I guess. I was brought up that you just make the best of what you're offered each day. Depressed? Get over it! (The previous is literally what I was told growing up). Much like Strand, I'm extremely hyper, and rarely get down. I don't even like taking aspirin....
Can someone explain your need?

I'm not on them anymore, I think they're evil. I'm so anti-drugs now that it isn't even funny. The only thing I'll take are antibiotics when I get strep (which is often), nothing else.

[strandinthewind]

The only ones I take are Ambien (like once a month and on the plane overseas) and Tylenol sinus and allergy in allergy season which is right now Other than that, very rarely do I take anything - but I am fortunate I am very well according to my last physical and I rarely get sick enough to go to the doctor.

[amber]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

Am I the only one here not on mood medication? I'm NOT trying to be judgemental, but I am truly amazed by the number of you on them.
A couple of years ago, I attended a dinner with about 12 of my closest high school friends(we were the artsy fartsy, fairly intelligent, mildly snobby, hard partier crowd). I believe 9 of the 12 were (now) on all these meds. I don't understand the need, I guess. I was brought up that you just make the best of what you're offered each day. Depressed? Get over it! (The previous is literally what I was told growing up). Much like Strand, I'm extremely hyper, and rarely get down. I don't even like taking aspirin....
Can someone explain your need?

I'm not, and was only briefly. Ok, I take St. Johns Wort. I wasn't ever really depressed, I would have anxiety attacks, which is why i took it at all. Anxiety attacks are debilitating. You can't breath, your hands and feat go numb (not convenient when you are driving) and then, afterwards, i would fall immediately asleep. uncontrollably. Also, I don't really have a problem with depression, so much as overreactiveness. It's kind of like I'm over responsive to stimuli, and can change moods in a flash. I mean, it's not that serious, but sometimes it's nice to not have such a quick temper, or even to laugh so easily. You know, to have your mood be more even, and less responsive to outside forces. It's kind of like I soak up too much of other people's energy and get over excited, over stimulated. I mean, it would be great if I was an actress, but I'm not, i work in an office, so.... Did that make sense?

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

Am I the only one here not on mood medication? I'm NOT trying to be judgemental, but I am truly amazed by the number of you on them.
A couple of years ago, I attended a dinner with about 12 of my closest high school friends(we were the artsy fartsy, fairly intelligent, mildly snobby, hard partier crowd). I believe 9 of the 12 were (now) on all these meds. I don't understand the need, I guess. I was brought up that you just make the best of what you're offered each day. Depressed? Get over it! (The previous is literally what I was told growing up). Much like Strand, I'm extremely hyper, and rarely get down. I don't even like taking aspirin....
Can someone explain your need?

being stressed (Not depressed as much as most people would expect me to be...I'm more PO'D at the medical 'cirumstances' with my Mother's death) out is the only reason I am on Lexapro, The stress was causing me chest pains so my Dr. figured I needed something to calm me down & relax me...Otherwise I feel fine (I am an EXTREME hyperactive person...Moreso than most people alive!)

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

Am I the only one here not on mood medication? I'm NOT trying to be judgemental, but I am truly amazed by the number of you on them.
A couple of years ago, I attended a dinner with about 12 of my closest high school friends(we were the artsy fartsy, fairly intelligent, mildly snobby, hard partier crowd). I believe 9 of the 12 were (now) on all these meds. I don't understand the need, I guess. I was brought up that you just make the best of what you're offered each day. Depressed? Get over it! (The previous is literally what I was told growing up). Much like Strand, I'm extremely hyper, and rarely get down. I don't even like taking aspirin....
Can someone explain your need?

You're lucky you have such a disposition. Telling someone who's depressed to get over it is like telling someone with a broken leg to walk it off. I thank God for anti depressants, a family member was suicidal a month ago and now he is doing very well. They can be abused like any medication but they are very important for a lot of people. The drugs are not evil but the way they are used/abused can be. I am on antidepressants myself. I tried for years to just get over it but I couldn't. It's a biological thing that runs deep in my family tree. It's a disease, a medical condition. I beat myself up plenty over it and I'm done with that. I'm doing better than I ever believed would be possible for myself. For people like me these medications are a literal life saver. No one should be ashamed to get help for this medical condition.

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

You're lucky you have such a disposition. Telling someone who's depressed to get over it is like telling someone with a broken leg to walk it off.

I guess I just don't understand why you(everyone) can't just let it go. Life is multi-faceted. If one aspect sucks, I just focus on what's going well. Ever evolving. Make lemonade, if you have to.....that's the attitude for me.

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

I thank God for anti depressants, a family member was suicidal a month ago and now he is doing very well. They can be abused like any medication but they are very important for a lot of people. The drugs are not evil but the way they are used/abused can be. I am on antidepressants myself. I tried for years to just get over it but I couldn't. It's a biological thing that runs deep in my family tree. It's a disease, a medical condition. I beat myself up plenty over it and I'm done with that. I'm doing better than I ever believed would be possible for myself. For people like me these medications are a literal life saver. No one should be ashamed to get help for this medical condition.

I'm glad that they help you. I've really only been depressed once in my life, over a relationship ending, about 5 years ago. I DO admit to being f*cked up then. But, I just found a way out (blah, blah, blah).

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

I guess I just don't understand why you(everyone) can't just let it go. Life is multi-faceted. If one aspect sucks, I just focus on what's going well. Ever evolving. Make lemonade, if you have to.....that's the attitude for me.

I'm glad that they help you. I've really only been depressed once in my life, over a relationship ending, about 5 years ago. I DO admit to being f*cked up then. But, I just found a way out (blah, blah, blah).

Well, I avoided medication for a loong time but I just couldn't pull out of it. Believe me, I really tried hard. And every time I slipped back into the abyss I felt it was a personal failure. But your moods are chemical and this chemistry is largely inherited, more out of your control than people would like to admit. You're born with how happy you'll be pretty much. So, again, you're lucky and I'm glad you don't have a mood disorder!

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Well, I avoided medication for a loong time but I just couldn't pull out of it. Believe me, I really tried hard. And every time I slipped back into the abyss I felt it was a personal failure. But your moods are chemical and this chemistry is largely inherited, more out of your control than people would like to admit. You're born with how happy you'll be pretty much. So, again, you're lucky and I'm glad you don't have a mood disorder!

I have to admit, I, too, just wanna say "SNAP OUT OF IT" a la Cher in MoonStruck But, my ex suffered from it and I got a strong does of it that way. So, I now know how lucky I am not to have that. I do think though that the medication is a last resort as it made them a little crazier at times. So, I know where you are coming from though I did not prior to then.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I have to admit, I, too, just wanna say "SNAP OUT OF IT" a la Cher in MoonStruck But, my ex suffered from it and I got a strong does of it that way. So, I now know how lucky I am not to have that. I do think though that the medication is a last resort as it made them a little crazier at times. So, I know where you are coming from though I did not prior to then.

And some people do use their depression as a crutch, "oh feel sorry for me, I'm depressed" bleh. I'm not saying that's not true. It just bugs me that meds are so demonized when they are so helpful to so many.

That said, I am glad that you did not listen to that doctor. It's rediculous to go on meds because you feel too good! Did he want to make you a zombie? Geesh. Have you seen Garden State BTW?

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

And some people do use their depression as a crutch, "oh feel sorry for me, I'm depressed" bleh. I'm not saying that's not true. It just bugs me that meds are so demonized when they are so helpful to so many.

That said, I am glad that you did not listen to that doctor. It's rediculous to go on meds because you feel too good! Did he want to make you a zombie? Geesh. Have you seen Garden State BTW?

Yes and it was a good flic. Also, I did not mean to imply that all use their depression that way - many are seriously afflicted and their only hope is the meds. I know you know that - but just clarifying here for those that may have not known it

[sparky]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Well, I avoided medication for a loong time but I just couldn't pull out of it. Believe me, I really tried hard. And every time I slipped back into the abyss I felt it was a personal failure. But your moods are chemical and this chemistry is largely inherited, more out of your control than people would like to admit. You're born with how happy you'll be pretty much. So, again, you're lucky and I'm glad you don't have a mood disorder!

I have had bouts of depression on and off all my life. Sometimes they are like the sniffles and other times they are like the flu. The minor ones are now things I consider normal. Everyone gets bummed out sometimes. But, I have had a few times that were pretty bad. Never did the medication. I just exercise like a madman and go to my shrink twice a week and that seems to kick my ass out of it. The other things that snap me out of it are helping other people and playing with my parrots. Well, that and writing. Great suffering, great art, right ?

As an adult (over 21), I have only had two of these bad times and they were both related to life events.

I sure know a lot of people who take medication these days though. I think it is disturbing and wonder what is up with the epidemic of anxiety and depression. Sometimes I think it is more of an epidemic of people afraid to have negative feelings. There is such a stigma associated with being ANYTHING other than HAPPY all the time. This is not to discount authentic depression because I know that monster and it SUCKS.

[xdreamsunwindx]

Originally Posted by dissention

Prozac is the stuff that made me gain weight and I wasn't having any of that.

Heh. That's weird, I'm on Prozac and I'm losing weight. Hm.