Posted by Dinah on February 23, 2002, at 0:47:54
In reply to Re: I dont relate well to the mental health commun, posted by Anna Laura on February 22, 2002, at 23:05:42
Anna Laura put things very well and I agree completely with what she said.
Plus, you know, not all mental illness is depression. Anxiety often involves distorted thinking, what if thinking, etc. that can be addressed in therapy. And learning relaxation techniques often helps control the anxiety, minimizing the amount of medication needed.
And sometimes ruminations are involved in various disorders. With ruminations it helps immensely to have someone to talk to so that the ruminations lose some of their power. The thread above pointed out the importance of having someone with whom to share the forbidden thoughts. Someone who will understand and not overreact. Family members and friends are usually just not equipped to deal with this.
And sometimes there is fallout from mental illness that affects your quality of life. And it helps to have an objective outsider to sort those things out. You know, many people with other types of illnesses also seek out therapy. Cancer, AIDS, strokes - all these illnesses can also cause problems (frustration, anger, relationship problems) that can be helped by therapy. Why should "mental" illnesses be any different?
I don't think that many people any more think that therapy can be a substitute for medication - not since effective medications were discovered. Although certain types of therapy have a good track record with things like OCD and phobias. But therapy can be a life-saving adjunct to medication. Especially since medications are a long way from perfect. Medications just aren't sufficient in and of themselves for many people.
I do understand that you don't see the purpose of therapy. That comes through very clearly. And if it doesn't offer anything you need, that's fine. But I don't quite understand your anger. People who are depressed for other than purely "biological" reasons are in no less pain. What do you mean by "Woody Allen syndrome" and why does it anger you so? Can you imagine any reason for "mental health problems" other than whining self indulgence (which is what I am assuming you mean by Woody Allen syndrome - please correct me if I'm wrong) or "biological" depression. Can you see any other alternatives? Severe trauma perhaps?
I like you Old School and I enjoy your posts. I heard a request to understand in your post and I am trying as best I can to explain my perspective. Perhaps you could explain the parts of your perspective that I don't quite understand. Perhaps we will never agree on the topic, but perhaps we can come to learn something from each other, even if it's only learning to see things from another point of view.
poster:Dinah
thread:18721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020214/msgs/18730.html