Posted by harry b. on July 31, 2000, at 14:36:50
In reply to Some questions for everyone about depression, posted by Rach on July 31, 2000, at 0:46:53
> Okay, I've gotten myself into a bit of a curious mood, and so I just have lots of general questions for everyone. Feel free to answer or not answer any of the questions, or even answer with 'I don't know'. I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with answering. I'll start by answering my questions underneath.
dj wrote: As Eleanor Roosevelt noted years ago: "No one can make you feel inferior
without your consent." Ditto, for uncomfortable, etc..I agree & offer some words from Thoreau: "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."-Walden
One's own truth is the most difficult and frightening spector of our lives. Facing it, embracing it, or fleeing
from it is a choice we each make.>
> 1. Do you believe your depression is biologically based or more mentally based?I believe mine is both, and the biological component allows the situational stressors
a greater, magnified consequence.
>
> 2. Do you take medications &/or have counselling?Both, tho I cycle. Have currently stopped the ADs & cancelled my past 2 therapy
sessions. My 'to do' list (that's a wishful description) includes scheduling a
session again soon.
>
> 3. Have you geared your treatment towards what you base your depression on?I have found that meds, especially the SSRIs, are of benefit when in extreme, ie: suicidal
circumstances, due to their sedating, emotional numbing efects. Otherwise ADs have
little or no benefit for me.Therapy is good for me but the length and focus of the process is frustrating. I would like
to identify & work to resolve one issue at a time, but it seems we get sidetracked and take
off in another direction, leaving the original issue hanging out there.The catharsis is good. The insight & objectivity of the therapist is good, and the responses
and questions I receive in return lead to introspection & insight, but I still am left with
the certainty that nothing is resolved.
>
> 4. If you believe your depression is more mentally based, what events/actions etc. contributed to your depression?Multitudinous. Far too much and too personal to share here. Pass.
>
> 5. Do you have any blood-relatives with depression?Not diagnosed that I'm aware of, but yes. Mother definitely afflicted
with emotional/psychological distress that seems to have depressive/ocd
facets.
>
> 6. Do you believe in 'recovery', or do believe in 'remission' (or both)?Objectively, having known others who have wrestled with the devil and
are now living somewhat full & productive lives, I belive 'remission'
is possible, albeit the word 'remission' conveys an attitude of fate.
To maintain a 'remission' would require constant awareness.Subjectively, see next response.
>
> 7. Do you believe you will recover/remiss? (is that the right term?)Shar wrote:"......to live with an attitude of honoring (instead
of offing) myself." Thank you Shar. Very wise. Honoring one's self.
Perhaps the essence of self esteem. If I could achieve that, I could
achieve anything. Do I 'believe'....? Sadly, no.Thanks Rach
hb
poster:harry b.
thread:41827
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/41868.html