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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KellyT on November 21, 2002, at 12:15:13
I suppose I am new to the Psychiatric thing as I have been hospitalized twice and put on about 15 different meds. I have a problem abusing meds, even if they dont give me any kind of euphoric feeling. I have overdosed several times and I am at my wits end on how to handle the fact that I must struggle with this as long as I have to take meds to get better. I am currently taking nothing, and have been balancing on depression for about 2 weeks. What is a person like me to do? Must I take meds? Can I change my diet to improve my moods? Has anyone out there ever experienced anything like this before?
Posted by BrittPark on November 21, 2002, at 13:13:40
In reply to To Drug or not To Drug, posted by KellyT on November 21, 2002, at 12:15:13
I haven't been in your situation but many people on the board have. I have had recurrent depression for the last 20 years. Luckily for me psychopharmaceuticals have mostly worked. They might also work for you if you were to receive them in a controlled setting like a hospital. I know hospitalization is no fun, but they do manage to keep people from ODing. You didn't say but I'm assuming that your ODs have been suicide attempts. It is very important that whenever you seriously contemplate suicide that you get yourself to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
Meanwhile there are treatments other than drugs. There is CBT which works very well for some people. There is ECT which is daunting but considered to be one of the most effective ways of treating depression and related illnesses.
Whatever you do, don't go it alone. Get you family involved (if you can). Start seeing a psychiatrist (if you aren't already). Keep posting to PB. You can get a lot of support here.
You will feel better; it's just a matter of patience.
Britt
Posted by samenewme on November 22, 2002, at 8:54:06
In reply to To Drug or not To Drug, posted by KellyT on November 21, 2002, at 12:15:13
Whether you can get away without the meds is not something I feel qualified to comment on, but here are the things I do *in addition to meds* to control my depression:
Exercise--both aerobic AND weight training
Finding joyful activities and a regular social structure: for me this is Scottish Country Dancing, which gets me out of the house every week, gives me a group of friends to interact with, is aerobic, and is pots of fun.
Diet: I shoot for 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies a day, take nutritional supplements including fish oil (see Prevention.com for recommendations), and eat nuts every day.
Close friends: In addition to my husband, I have one friend I have an hour lunch with every week. We trade back rubs from time to time, talk, and e-mail back and forth. Close friendships are good for you.In other words, for me coping with depression is an entire lifestyle, and drugs are just a part of that. An essential part, for me, but your mileage may vary. I wish you good luck. Heck, as long as we're wishing, I wish you joy.
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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