Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - maybe I do need anti-depressants

Martian · 09-25-2005, 09:49 AM

I don't think you need any medication here either. It's a habit in many first world countries and North America in particular to reach for the medicine cabinet whenever something isn't perfect and I think it's the wrong answer a lot of the time. That doesn't mean you couldn't get something prescribed, just that you can deal with this without a pill.

Start by cleaning up your apartment. You say it's not fit for human habitation, so make it fit. If you're sitting around in a sty you're going to feel bad, having a nice place that looks clean will go a long way to making you feel better.

And then start with visualization. A good friend of mine who happens to be a licensed therapist recommended this technique to me. Start telling yourself you're a good person and that you're likeable or whatever it is you want to be. Put post-it notes on the bathroom mirror. Get poster paper and make a banner to go over your couch. Stick a memo on the back of your door so you see it every time you leave the apartment. You're living alone right now I gather, so who's going to care? If you've got company coming you can take it all down and put it back when you're done. The point is to get yourself thinking that you are a certain way and the only way to do that is to tell yourself over and over until you believe. And once you believe it, it'll come true.

And, again as my theapist friend pointed out when I was skeptical, what have you got to lose? Worst case scenario is that nothing's changed and then what? You're exactly where you are again, no better or worse off, except that you will feel better because you're taking steps to change.

There's no easy answer here, including medications. I've known my share of bipolar individuals and the overwhelming feeling is when you're on those medications you don't feel like yourself anymore. They're powerful drugs, which are always going to have powerful side effects.

09-25-2005, 09:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	I don't think you need any medication here either. It's a habit in many first world countries and North America in particular to reach for the medicine cabinet whenever something isn't perfect and I think it's the wrong answer a lot of the time. That doesn't mean you couldn't get something prescribed, just that you can deal with this without a pill. Start by cleaning up your apartment. You say it's not fit for human habitation, so make it fit. If you're sitting around in a sty you're going to feel bad, having a nice place that looks clean will go a long way to making you feel better. And then start with visualization. A good friend of mine who happens to be a licensed therapist recommended this technique to me. Start telling yourself you're a good person and that you're likeable or whatever it is you want to be. Put post-it notes on the bathroom mirror. Get poster paper and make a banner to go over your couch. Stick a memo on the back of your door so you see it every time you leave the apartment. You're living alone right now I gather, so who's going to care? If you've got company coming you can take it all down and put it back when you're done. The point is to get yourself thinking that you are a certain way and the only way to do that is to tell yourself over and over until you believe. And once you believe it, it'll come true. And, again as my theapist friend pointed out when I was skeptical, what have you got to lose? Worst case scenario is that nothing's changed and then what? You're exactly where you are again, no better or worse off, except that you will feel better because you're taking steps to change. There's no easy answer here, including medications. I've known my share of bipolar individuals and the overwhelming feeling is when you're on those medications you don't feel like yourself anymore. They're powerful drugs, which are always going to have powerful side effects. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame