Posted by Katie on May 5, 2002, at 20:44:03
In response to message Posted by ST on May 5, 2002, at 4:37:12
You asked. Do the SSRIs numb us? Yes, they do. Chemically that's what they are programmed to do. The positive is that we can pout things in balance and weigh up our feelings on things so as not to be overwhelmed. However, reducing the medication reduces our "protection" as such and we start to feel more. It's is like how some of us lose our sex drives on this medication, but once off it, it's back. That's a key description of how numbed we actually are.
I have reduced my Effexor XR from 150mg to 75mg in the last two days. I haven't felt physically that good, but mentally I am revived and happy to be taking control of my emotions without them being metered by my medication.
What gave me the strength to do this was a chance visit to a kinesiologist who shared with me the Dalai Lamas view on depression. The Dalai Lama believes that depression equals desire. If your desires are unfulfilled, especially after working your butt off to achieve them, then depression follows. However, if we practice acceptance of not reaching our desires at any one time, re-evaluating them and perhaps not putting so much pressure on ourselves then we may not feel the crushing weight of the blackness that can swallow us.
I am practising focusing on my goals, slowing down my desire to achieve them (i.e. not all at once!) and working diligently on them one step at a time. If I don't reach something, I want to first accept that, not sink into depression, and then I want to reassess it and put more positive energy into reaching something even better!This journey is just starting, I hope it's a success, but any feedback on my new view would be greatly appreciated.
Smiles to all, Katie
poster:Katie
thread:105220
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105220.html