Quote:
|
Originally Posted by noahfor
I wrote the following things a while back, and I no longer feel as bad as I did, but I'd still like to hear what you have to say about it.
|
The feelings and experiences you described sound like a genuine "Major Depressive Episode." Most people who ask for help with depression only experience mild- to moderate-severity depression. Few people understand what true Major Depression is all about. It sounds like you do, and I'm glad that you're feeling better.
There are a couple of meds that are relatively new that have shown promising efficacy in depression: Lamictal (a GABA-ergic agent), and Seroquel (an atypical antipsychotic). Many docs are learning to use these adjunctively with SSRI's in an effort to get better efficacy with true Major Depression.
Having said that, understand that you are at continued risk for another Major Depressive episode. While you are feeling better, you have the opportunity to give structure to your life and to revamp your mental approach to life in such a way that you are better equipped to stave off future episodes. I'm not going to preach to you about how to change your attitude or outlook, but suffice it to say that one's attitude shapes and frames emotioinal experiences. It takes work, inner strength, and support, but learning how to minimize the impact of the world around us on how we feel, and taking personal responsibility for creating a life that will make us happy, are crucial skills to acquire. I hate to use a cliche', but there is nothing outside of us that will make us happy with ourselves. If we look for external sources of happiness and satisfaction, we will always be disappointed.
You have been through one hell of an illness, and I salute you for your resilience.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Tuft
This may be slightly off topic, but I'm an aspiring neuroscientist toying with the idea of medical school. I'm not sure what specific field I want to go into, but possibly behavioral neuroscience or neuropsychology. Any suggestions? How was your medical school experience? Why did you go into psychiatry and not another similar field?
More on topic: what negative behavioral effects (depression, lethargy, stoicism) might be triggered by birth control?
|
Unless you are passionately compelled to pursue more esoteric, narrow, and academic career paths, forget about behavioral neuroscience and neuropsychology. There are limited career opportunities with graduate degrees in these disciplines, and there is vicious competition for the opportunities that do exist. I tried out the academic life, and I found it stifling, homogenized, and somewhat divorced from reality, so I am biased on this subject.
Medical school is a decent career path. It's hard work and long hours and crippling to your social life, but it is rewarding in many ways as well.
As for the question about birth control. . . any medication that alters hormones has the potential to affect mood.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sultana
Stoicism is a negative behaviorial effect?
Stoicism can be triggered by birth control?
Huh.
|
Stoicism is DEFINITELY a negative behavioral effect when triggered by a bad date, but I've never tried birth control pills before.
