![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 45. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
Hey,
I am thinking of quitting psych meds. I believe that my symptoms of severe anxiety may be controllable through other means, though I will have to be quite disciplined as I ride out the non-med period and change my lifestyle for the better.
With getting off Zoloft, and seeing a positive change there, and then feeling dopey again on Serzone (my old favorite), and Straterra,I'm starting to feel that it may be healthier for me to find other ways.
Admittedly, I have a chance that changing my thyroid treatment to a t4/t3 treatment (not just t4) will help my anxiety. So I may have more 'options,' just not technically psych related.
My intuition has been nagging me on this for awhile. I think that there may be another way out there for me.
Does anyone have suggestions for me? Did you ever quit meds and find another way? How do you get through those first couple of months when your brain's looking for the med?
Right now I envision lots of anxiety, counterbalanced with yoga, daily exercise, journaling prayers, and therapy. Plus keeping on top of my eating right.
Any hope for an anxious/ocd type off meds?
books :D
Posted by leeran on May 16, 2003, at 10:41:35
In reply to intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
"Did you ever quit meds and find another way?"
The only time period since age 37 (I am 44 now) that I was able to successfully go without meds was during the thirteen months I was doing yoga five days a week. You mentioned anxiety/OCD, words that my psychiatrist uses to describe me in our discussions of what medications are applicable in my situation.
I haven't done yoga for over a year because of hip problems (if you look at things holistically, it might have been due to all the fear that some people hold in their sacral region).
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I could do "this" (life) without medication. I'm not sure how old you are but my gut feeling is that it might be an easier journey to navigate if you are 40 or under. When you throw fluctuating hormones into the mix it seems like everything else is amplified (or that's been the case for me).
As I'm sure you're aware, there are natural alternatives, such as 5-HTP, Sam-e, St. John's Wort, that are readily available. I've also used Noni juice and a few days ago my husband mentioned that he noticed a big difference during the months when I was drinking a tablespoon of Noni every morning (I always forget to drink it first thing in the a.m.).
Re: Sam-e, I recently read on the Psycho-Babble board that continued use of that particular supplement can eventually result in raised homocysteine levels, so they recommend a Sam-e "booster" that helps keep that chemical (or whatever it is) in check.
Bookgurl, I wish you luck and peace with this decision! This subject is one that's close to my heart and I can fully understand the need to follow this path when your intuition is giving you the nod.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 12:20:25
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » bookgurl99, posted by leeran on May 16, 2003, at 10:41:35
> The only time period since age 37 (I am 44 now) that I was able to successfully go without meds was during the thirteen months I was doing yoga five days a week.
Hey Leeran, thanks for pointing out yoga. I'm surprised that it's effective for so many people. There is a yoga class at my gym, and I'm also looking for a course closer to my house so that I can do it more often.
Have you ever read "Yoga and the quest for the true self" by Stephen Cope? I was really impressed with the healing potential of yoga that I saw at the time, but had no extra cash for such things. Now I do.
I admit I'm scared more about the change and feeling things more intensely. But I'll give it a try -- and yes, hormone changes do make things harder.
Posted by mair on May 16, 2003, at 12:40:22
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » bookgurl99, posted by leeran on May 16, 2003, at 10:41:35
The first year or 2 that I was on meds I quit several times usually because I hated whatever I was taking at the time. Each time I went off, I'd feel this wonderful euphoria, which unfortunately didn't last all that long. When the crash came, as it inevitably did, I'd feel doubly depressed just for the reminder that I couldn't manage without all the pills.
I get periodic urges to quit now, although I've been on something pretty continuously for 8 years or so. Unlike you, my urge to quit generally doesn't come when I'm at my best, but rather is a rash impulse when I don't think my meds are working. What keeps me from taking the plunge are 2 things: 1) I have such a tough time getting used to a med or an increased dose of a med and I just can't bear the thought of going through that arduous process again; and 2) whether truth or old wives' tale, I'm of the impression that a particular med which has worked, may not work the second time around. There haven't been many things that have been particularly effective - I'd hate to run the risk that the few effective drugs I take (out of many many more tried) may not work if I go off them and then later have to go back on.
Your decision seems so much more positive - based on a feeling that maybe there are things you can do yourself to replace the drugs. That seems worth it if you really think you can stay with the program. I trust you'd talk this over with your doc and therapist?
Also, I don't look at natural remedies, like Sam-e as being non-drug alternatives. You're still taking pills every day and even the natural remedies have side effects for many. I tried Sam-e for awhile but abandoned it because I didn't like the side effects, and found the drug to be just too expensive. Besides, insurance probably doesn't cover it.
Good luck
Mair
Posted by whiterabbit on May 16, 2003, at 14:18:46
In reply to intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
I strongly advise you to taper off meds ONLY under medical supervision. I tried quitting meds on my own and it was a nightmare. Here is what happens:
For weeks or months or years, the little neurotransmitters in your brain have been directed
and supervised by chemical cops, or psychiatric medication. When you stop taking medication, all hell breaks loose - you have a whole Los Angeles riot going on in your mind. Your brain cells will race around, confused and frightened, because suddenly there's no one in charge. You've removed all government, all authority, and turned off the
traffic lights. The result is anarchy.By that I mean confusion, insomnia, panic attacks, unrelenting anxiety, memory loss, paranoia, severe depression - every ghastly, hellish symptom you can think of. So, really, you shouldn't stop medication on your own. You need medical supervision to ward off these consequences.
-Gracie
Posted by Greg A. on May 16, 2003, at 14:25:53
In reply to intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
I have been on psych drugs for over 10 years now. I have been ill for a lot longer but refused to recognize it or seek treatment. (big mistake) I have stopped the meds a couple of times for significant periods and like mair, I tend to quit or want to when I am low or just feel the meds are not helping.
The concern that a medication that worked previously will not work or not work as well after re-starting it is a valid one. It happens to a lot of people. And also a med that stops working is unlikely to ever have the same positive effect if tried again in the future.
I quit and tried a naturopath one time. I went for 6 months and by the end of it I was a wreck. Deeply depressed and so anxious I could barely function. Starting again on I can’t recall which med relieved this in a month or so.
Then I had to go off meds when I had ECT. This would have been okay if the ECT had helped but it didn’t and what followed was the worst depression of my life. It has taken me almost 8 months to get out of it.
I exercise regularly when I feel well and try to keep at it when I don’t feel so well. It helps some but more so when the meds are stabilizing me. I try to eat well and avoid alcohol. I try to deal with stress better than I used to. It all helps – but for me I can’t do it without meds.
The theory is that the earlier mental illness is diagnosed and treated and the fewer relapses you have, the greater the chance of ‘complete’ recovery. For me, that puts me on the ‘lifer’ end of the scale.
Try no meds. You sound very positive in your outlook, but monitor it carefully and don’t fool yourself into thinking things are okay if they are not. Get your pdoc to help monitor things if you can. I had minimal side effects from stopping, but this is not true for all people. This can be very confusing as side effects of stopping and returning illness can all mingle together.Good luck,
Greg A.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 15:08:39
In reply to Don't do it alone, posted by whiterabbit on May 16, 2003, at 14:18:46
interesting analogy; it might help me to visualize the nerve cells learning direction on their own again.
as i'm experiencing memory loss and confusion _on_ meds, i feel safe getting off.
i _am_ remaining in touch with a pdoc, doc, and therapist during this time. my plm is that i feel it might be easier for _them_ if i go on a drug.
but, i'm willing to ride out the symptoms of withdrawal. i want to give it a few months (at least 3) to see if i can see improvement on my own.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 15:14:02
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by mair on May 16, 2003, at 12:40:22
>Also, I don't look at natural remedies, like Sam-e as being non-drug alternatives. You're still taking pills every day and even the natural remedies have side effects for many.
yeah, i don't want to keep taking more pills. i may try some st. john's wort/fish oil as i gear down, but that would be a short term (one month) solution while I get things in order.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 22:04:49
In reply to intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
these are 'supplements' i'm looking into to help me through this time. any suggestions; is this too many? anything i should avoid?
To cover basics:
Daily Antioxidant combo (A,C,E, Selenium, COQ10)
Multi-Vitamin (chromium, B's,including niacinamide, etc.)
B- 50 Complex
(is this too many B's?)For boosting energy, adapting to stress:
Ashwaganda
Cordyceps
Siberian Ginseng"Natural Anti-depressant"
1 Folic Acid
3 St. John's Wort (to taper off after a month)
3 Omega-3 (brain juice)"Natural Anti-anxiety"
4 Cal-Mag Citrate
1 Evening Primrose Oil (s'posed to help w/ pms)sleepytime help (to combat SSRI WD rebound insomnia).
Valerian RootThis will all cost about $120/month if I take it all every day.I'm working 3 extra hours/week to pay for it all.
other thoughts;
yoga for me, 3 x/week or during bad anxiety days (2 classes at my gym, 1 video)
exercise, biking 2x/week, swimming 3x/week
meditation or journaling before bed
volunteering 5x/month (with the GLBTC community ctr.)
joining writing workshop
.. . maybe go to a hypnotist to learn not to 'set off' my inner panic at driving in heavy traffic or sighting bloody news photos.
. . .
thx for being there to listen, y'all
Posted by Dinah on May 17, 2003, at 12:39:45
In reply to what 'supplements' i'm looking into » bookgurl99, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 22:04:49
It sounds like you have a plan, and that's good. And if your therapist is monitoring, that's also good. I think maybe we don't always see things as clearly from inside, and it helps to have an objective eye.
I went off all my meds except Klonopin. And I'm not sure how it will work out. I'm beginning to have some little indicators that I may need my Depakote. (And fun indicators they are!) But I'm monitoring it.
I do know that sometimes it's hard to tell the effects of meds from your original symptoms. As long as you're doing it responsibly, and it sounds like you are, I think you're doing great.
Posted by WorryGirl on May 17, 2003, at 19:40:01
In reply to intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
> Hey,
>
> I am thinking of quitting psych meds. I believe that my symptoms of severe anxiety may be controllable through other means, though I will have to be quite disciplined as I ride out the non-med period and change my lifestyle for the better.
>
> With getting off Zoloft, and seeing a positive change there, and then feeling dopey again on Serzone (my old favorite), and Straterra,I'm starting to feel that it may be healthier for me to find other ways.
>
> Admittedly, I have a chance that changing my thyroid treatment to a t4/t3 treatment (not just t4) will help my anxiety. So I may have more 'options,' just not technically psych related.
>
> My intuition has been nagging me on this for awhile. I think that there may be another way out there for me.
>
> Does anyone have suggestions for me? Did you ever quit meds and find another way? How do you get through those first couple of months when your brain's looking for the med?
>
> Right now I envision lots of anxiety, counterbalanced with yoga, daily exercise, journaling prayers, and therapy. Plus keeping on top of my eating right.
>
> Any hope for an anxious/ocd type off meds?
>
> books :D
Good luck - I hope you find what works for you.
I am severely anxious and have thought that I'm going to have to get on meds to feel better, but haven't yet.
After reading your post it almost reaffirms my hope that I can somehow make it without meds.Liquor temporarily relieves my anxiety, but of course I feel 10x worse the next day.
Doing something I enjoy seems to help the most.
Reflecting in myself, how I perceive other people's moods to be makes me worse.Let me know how it goes, if you get off the med.
Take care
Posted by katia on May 18, 2003, at 15:32:25
In reply to what 'supplements' i'm looking into » bookgurl99, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 22:04:49
Hi Books.
you know if you feel you need to try this, then go for it (under the guidance and support of your therapist). I feel the meds may not be working IN PART because of your resistance to them. Give it a go. You can always come back on if you feel you need to with convinction that you tried life w/o meds.
Yesterday I did an all day Qi-Gong class. Wow! It felt sooooo great. very complementary to meds. Exactly what my body and soul needed. I'll continue it. Depression (to me) is so multi-layered that I want to start using the right med in conjunction with what I've already being doing (that wasn't totally working on its own).
good luck
katia
Posted by leeran on May 18, 2003, at 15:51:52
In reply to Re: what 'supplements' i'm looking into » bookgurl99, posted by katia on May 18, 2003, at 15:32:25
"Yesterday I did an all day Qi-Gong class"
Does this help balance the qi?
Posted by katia on May 18, 2003, at 16:07:07
In reply to Re: what 'supplements' i'm looking into » katia, posted by leeran on May 18, 2003, at 15:51:52
> "Yesterday I did an all day Qi-Gong class"
>
> Does this help balance the qi?I'm no expert after one day, but the movements, visualizations, breathing, and meditations on the whole get the qi flowing. And appart. where it flows, is where healing can happen. where it's blocked is where disease can occur.
For me, my body has been through an awful lot due to my mind; I just need to start paying more attention in that realm. It's seems pretty powerful the whole practice. Qi-gong is an umbrella term, like "dance". there are many different types.
katia
Posted by whiterabbit on May 18, 2003, at 16:56:04
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » bookgurl99, posted by WorryGirl on May 17, 2003, at 19:40:01
I've been considering whether to open my mouth about this and obviously, I've decided to butt in.
I think it's a mistake for you, WorryGirl, to have the impression that all medication is bad and no medication is good. I don't think you should be so determined to "somehow make it without meds." If you're really miserable and have been for quite awhile, try to keep an open mind about medication instead of saying, "No thanks, I don't want a life-jacket, if I can't make it to shore on my own I'd rather just drown."
What's the point of that?I have a friend who's mother is obviously bipolar.
I recognize many of the symptoms from my own illness, the signs are pronounced and classic. Sometimes she's too depressed and hung over to get out of bed for days. Other times, even though she's in serious financial trouble, she'll go on wild spending sprees, maxing out credit card after credit card. While she's fairly stable most of the time, she can get totally out of control, and often her family has to pick up the pieces.Still, this woman doesn't want to rely on daily medication. She proclaims that she's managing to live without it, which is true, but she's paying a very high price for her stubborness. Her kids have forgiven her a thousand times for calling at 2:00 am in a manic rage, but they truly resent her for making them so miserable. She can't keep a job and the bank is about to take her house.
Her life is a terrible mess but at least she's not relying on medication, by God, she's getting by without it.I know this is a dramatic example and may not apply to you in any way. Like Greg, I realize that I need psychiatric medication because the unmedicated Gracie is one sick pup. Your circumstances might be different, and you are following a traditional practice in medicine by first applying a "conservative" approach - psychotherapy. But if psychotherapy doesn't help enough, do consider medication - don't rule it out completely.
-Gracie
Posted by leeran on May 18, 2003, at 18:01:03
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » WorryGirl, posted by whiterabbit on May 18, 2003, at 16:56:04
"I realize that I need psychiatric medication because the unmedicated Gracie is one sick pup."
I realized that Lee is one sick pup without - just within the last two months. And I'm still paying the price (meaning, trying to get myself back out of the abyss).
Although I was one of the first ones to post a response on this thread, I want to make sure that I make it clear that, although going "med-less" is my "fantasy," it's simply not a possibility as I've gotten older (i.e. over forty). I do understand the attraction and it continually haunts me, but it isn't something I would try again. i.e. I like peanuts in the shell, but inevitably, they make me ill a few days later. Of course, the longer I go without eating them the memory of feeling lousy fades away - but the result is ALWAYS the same upon giving in to temptation. As my husband is wont to tell me (when I lament the "on meds/off drugs" dilemma): "Why did the man finally stop beating his head against the wall? Because it felt so much better to finally stop for good."
I definitely don't advise dropping any medication cold turkey (unless it's one that stays in your system for 24 hours or less). I took a nosedive when I went off of Wellbutrin SR (due to a misunderstanding) in late March.
I just wanted to make sure that my original post wasn't implying that you should consider a route that could be detrimental to your health. I did go without Prozac for several months while doing yoga - however, we had a family crisis of sorts, and no amount of yoga could have gotten me through that time (and it didn't - it's when I stopped going and eventually had to go back on medications).
Whatever you decide to do - best wishes.
Posted by WorryGirl on May 18, 2003, at 19:26:05
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » WorryGirl, posted by whiterabbit on May 18, 2003, at 16:56:04
> I've been considering whether to open my mouth about this and obviously, I've decided to butt in.
> I think it's a mistake for you, WorryGirl, to have the impression that all medication is bad and no medication is good. I don't think you should be so determined to "somehow make it without meds." If you're really miserable and have been for quite awhile, try to keep an open mind about medication instead of saying, "No thanks, I don't want a life-jacket, if I can't make it to shore on my own I'd rather just drown."
> What's the point of that?
>
> I have a friend who's mother is obviously bipolar.
> I recognize many of the symptoms from my own illness, the signs are pronounced and classic. Sometimes she's too depressed and hung over to get out of bed for days. Other times, even though she's in serious financial trouble, she'll go on wild spending sprees, maxing out credit card after credit card. While she's fairly stable most of the time, she can get totally out of control, and often her family has to pick up the pieces.
>
> Still, this woman doesn't want to rely on daily medication. She proclaims that she's managing to live without it, which is true, but she's paying a very high price for her stubborness. Her kids have forgiven her a thousand times for calling at 2:00 am in a manic rage, but they truly resent her for making them so miserable. She can't keep a job and the bank is about to take her house.
> Her life is a terrible mess but at least she's not relying on medication, by God, she's getting by without it.
>
> I know this is a dramatic example and may not apply to you in any way. Like Greg, I realize that I need psychiatric medication because the unmedicated Gracie is one sick pup. Your circumstances might be different, and you are following a traditional practice in medicine by first applying a "conservative" approach - psychotherapy. But if psychotherapy doesn't help enough, do consider medication - don't rule it out completely.
> -Gracie
Thanks, Gracie. I would never consider you to be butting in.I have had a fear of meds (mostly a fear of dependency on the meds more than the meds themselves).
I am starting to believe that I am going to need them, though, and it will be something I bring up to the p-therapist. One thing she said that made me feel better already about calling her was that if she felt I needed something more or that someone else might be able to help me more, she would refer me to them.
I didn't bring up manic-depression on the phone, just my social anxieties, bulimia and GAD, but I'm going to have to bring it up. I've been blaming these mood swings on PMDD, too, but the reality is, my swings are getting continually more damaging and worse. I had something traumatic happen to me 3 weeks ago (unrelated to my moods) that I won't go into here, but since that time I've swung into one of my worst depressions. And my husband is barely speaking to me this past week (because of my dire mood). There has been too much going on at home, I haven't had enough support and I'm falling to pieces. Socially, I feel emptier and lonelier than ever. My husband used to try to be sympathetic but he's lost all tolerance for my tearful longings now.
I've put on another 5 lb. and when I mentioned doing some heavy-duty dieting for a week, he actually said, without realizing what he said, "I'd rather have you fat then dieting". Then he caught himself and said, "Of course, I think you look great and don't need to diet". Just one more douse of gasoline and I'll be calling 911 (just kidding - I shouldn't joke about it but that's sort of how I feel).
I am nervous, but kind of looking forward to my therapy session. It's in the pretty part of town, too!
Yes, I've been miserable, but there is hopefully some hope. Have meds made a big difference for you? How do they affect your manic rages?
I hope you don't mind me asking, but when people meet you for the first time do you seem pretty normal (this ? probably sounds strange)? Does it take long for people to know you have a mood disorder? Or is it something that really only those close to you notice and feel?
I ask this because I wonder if, socially, being medicated might help me.
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 18, 2003, at 20:43:57
In reply to Re: what 'supplements' i'm looking into » bookgurl99, posted by katia on May 18, 2003, at 15:32:25
> Hi Books.
> you know if you feel you need to try this, then go for it (under the guidance and support of your therapist). I feel the meds may not be working IN PART because of your resistance to them.Hmm, you just gave me an idea about what my therapist and psychiatrist may think when I make this announcement.
I'm not resistant to meds; I've been on them for 3 years running. If I didn't have life-impairing side effects, I'd still do it.
Being off meds is becoming hard, btw. I'm having flashes of anger and feeling really emotional, in conjunction with dizziness. I hope it balances out real soon.
books
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 18, 2003, at 20:55:32
In reply to intuition is telling me to quit meds, posted by bookgurl99 on May 16, 2003, at 1:25:19
I am just starting to have moments of normal brain feeling.
On the plus side, my positive feelings are more intense. I've having more 'fun,' talking more, am caring more than I did on meds.
On the down side, I'm having bouts of dizziness, more migraines (daily), and bouts of intense anger. I'm also somewhat surprised to feel the intensity of panic when I'm faced with an uncomfortable situation. (I have a few anxiety triggers.)
I had a _major_ fight with my partner today. On one level, it's an important discussion, but on another I behaved irrationally (threw something), which I have _never_ done before, and I'm sure she's fearful of having another 'productive discussion.' I don't think this would have happened on meds. I'm hoping it's a passing thing. On the other hand, on Zoloft, the discussion would not have been brought up at all because I would have been so easily pacified.
*sigh*
books
Posted by Dinah on May 18, 2003, at 21:53:19
In reply to how it's going -- 2 days off, posted by bookgurl99 on May 18, 2003, at 20:55:32
The first little while is the worst. It settles down after about a month or so. The question is if it settles down enough to be bearable. Only time will tell. Make sure you keep a mood log to bring to therapist.
Posted by whiterabbit on May 18, 2003, at 22:05:56
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » whiterabbit, posted by WorryGirl on May 18, 2003, at 19:26:05
Medication has made all the difference for me. Although my therapist has been a big help - she's given me the courage to deal with my dissolving marriage, and it feels so good to have this wonderful person in MY corner, on MY side - no amount of therapy or analysis would have been able to completely overcome the chemical imbalance in my brain. Although I was able to "get by" for many years without medication, I was growing increasingly unstable without treatment. About 3 years ago, a traumatic incident pushed me right over the edge, and I began to deteriorate fast. Although I worked as long as I could, it became obvious to everyone that there was something very wrong with me, and I finally quit my job before I was fired. My behavior was erratic, bizarre and sometimes dangerous. I was hospitalized three times, and went right back to the business of trying to drink and drug myself to death each time I was released. Nobody thought I was going to make it, including me. I didn't even want to "make it", I just wanted it to end. I was very sick.
But...ta-dah! Here I am today, thanks to the miracle of modern medical science. Medication dragged me, kicking and screaming, right from the edge of the abyss. Today, the only way you can tell that I'm "medicated" is because of the dramatic improvement in my personality. Fifty years ago, I would have ended up lost and forgotten in some filthy asylum. Now, I function like a "normal" person much of the time, thanks to medication. Although I don't always use my powers for good instead of evil - and who does? -
I have a much better grip on reality, MUCH more control over my emotions, and I'm not so dark and dreary all the time. Not hopeless.Discuss your fears with the therapist
so that if you do want to try medication, it won't be so scary for you. You could start with a small dose of an anti-depressant, which you won't be able to "feel" - SSRIs are generally not mood-altering or tranquilizing. In fact, their effects are so subtle and so (unfortunately) slow, you may become discouraged. You do have to be patient.Good luck to you dear, you've taken the first BIG step of asking for help. It takes awhile to make your way out of the woods, but you're on the right path now.
God bless-
Gracie
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 19, 2003, at 23:57:47
In reply to Re: intuition is telling me to quit meds » bookgurl99, posted by leeran on May 16, 2003, at 10:41:35
Hey,
I did an 1-1/2 long yoga class today. I thought it would be very 'relaxing,' but it was quite difficult! The instructor was a sweet, older German lady who is Kripalu certified and has 25 years of experience.
The session was intense! Sweat poured down my body as I tried to hold the positions. Every one else in the class looked like professionals from the cover of Yoga Journal; I was the stumbling klutz who needed extra help.
But I really liked it. I felt 'blissed out,' afterwords, better than any drug. The intensity of the session, with many balance poses requiring strength and deep breathing, helped me feel that yoga is a genuinely spiritual practice, if done the right way.
I'm going to try to practice at home, as I cannot afford to pay $9 every day, but this is great.
Posted by leeran on May 20, 2003, at 9:24:53
In reply to yoga class! » leeran, posted by bookgurl99 on May 19, 2003, at 23:57:47
Hi!
That sounds great! I'm thinking of testing my hip and going back . . . I really miss yoga (your post has inspired me).
Is there a Bally's Fitness near you? We're members there (after a couple of years the monthly fee drops to $14 a month and yoga classes are $2.00 each - used to be free, darn it!).
The instructor at Bally's was (IMO) excellent. Very focused on form. Had been to India several times.
Keep us posted! After awhile, you'll probably find that your favorite position is "corpse" pose (it's intriguing to discover how deeply you can go into a meditative zone in a room full of people in a busy gym).
Posted by bookgurl99 on May 29, 2003, at 12:30:41
In reply to Re: what 'supplements' i'm looking into » bookgurl99, posted by Dinah on May 17, 2003, at 12:39:45
i'm taking sjw, because i noticed some anxious symptoms creeping in. i'm working on 'relabeling' and changing the ocd-type symptoms, but want some help.
after taking sjw for a week, i feel totally wonderful! i thought this was supposed to take longer to kick in. i _am_ having one typical ssri side effect of lots and lots of dreaming. but other than that, i'm nice, happy, and in a really good mood. i hope it lasts.
books
Posted by ST on May 30, 2003, at 3:14:51
In reply to taking saint john's wort, posted by bookgurl99 on May 29, 2003, at 12:30:41
I'm glad you're doing yoga-it helps so much with almost everything! About Saint John's. I did some informal research when I was considering that and SAM-e. I found that most people feel no different from taking SJW, but that SAM-e has helped people tremendously. I've been on SAM-e for about 8 monnths and it's made a big difference!
Good luck,
Sarah> i'm taking sjw, because i noticed some anxious symptoms creeping in. i'm working on 'relabeling' and changing the ocd-type symptoms, but want some help.
>
> after taking sjw for a week, i feel totally wonderful! i thought this was supposed to take longer to kick in. i _am_ having one typical ssri side effect of lots and lots of dreaming. but other than that, i'm nice, happy, and in a really good mood. i hope it lasts.
>
> books
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