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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 8:28:42
I am new to the group, and wondering if anyone else has the same problem. I live in an isolatd area, and have no vehicle, so I cannot get to a shrink. As most of you probably already know, there is this dogma where a shrink feels that they have to actually watch you squirm while you talk in order to treat you, so internet therapy is out. My only recourse at this point, is to find a support group. So here I am, looking for someone to talk to who might have some insight on my problems. I have depression, anxiety, OCD, and a couple other afflictions. Would anyone care to talk to me?
Posted by partlycloudy on January 17, 2005, at 12:18:29
In reply to Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 8:28:42
Welcome to Babble, Surely! I share your depression and anxiety, have a smidgen of OCD and have suffered from panic attacks in the past. You will find many of those who share in what you're experiencing.
There are some very good resources out there for different disorders. I've read many of them. "Feeling Good" by David Burns is a great book and has checklists and exercises to help those with anxiety and depression.
Are you taking any medications at the moment - and has your doctor recommended therapy?
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 16:37:48
In reply to Re: Isolation » Surely, posted by partlycloudy on January 17, 2005, at 12:18:29
> Welcome to Babble, Surely! I share your depression and anxiety, have a smidgen of OCD and have suffered from panic attacks in the past. You will find many of those who share in what you're experiencing.
>
> There are some very good resources out there for different disorders. I've read many of them. "Feeling Good" by David Burns is a great book and has checklists and exercises to help those with anxiety and depression.
>
> Are you taking any medications at the moment - and has your doctor recommended therapy?There are no psychiatrists in my area. My doctor has tried many anti-psychotics, but my system will not tolerate them, or many other kinds of meds. I take Xanax for the anxiety, but I'm on my own for the most part. That's why I went looking for a support group. I have already read everything I could find about mental illnesses, and I am always looking or updates, so I'm not lacking in information, I just need a kind soul to talk to. Perhaps to help me find some perspective.
Posted by Jai Narayan on January 17, 2005, at 18:41:27
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 16:37:48
Hi, Surley,
my name is Jai Narayan.
I welcome you to psychobable.
As partlycloudy has shared we have a lot of very interesting people who would be open to chat with you.
Are you ready to check out all the boards?
If you have questions about your Therapist....
Psychology would be a good place to start.
Or if you have questions about your meds. Psycho-Babble is the place to go to.
This is a community full of people who are sharing about their struggles and joy.
I love this site, it feels like home to me.
I share everything.
On this site you are no longer alone.
I came here over a year ago and haven't left.
Jai Narayan
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 19:05:33
In reply to Welcome to babble....:), posted by Jai Narayan on January 17, 2005, at 18:41:27
> Hi, Surley,
> my name is Jai Narayan.
> I welcome you to psychobable.
> As partlycloudy has shared we have a lot of very interesting people who would be open to chat with you.
> Are you ready to check out all the boards?
> If you have questions about your Therapist....
> Psychology would be a good place to start.
> Or if you have questions about your meds. Psycho-Babble is the place to go to.
> This is a community full of people who are sharing about their struggles and joy.
> I love this site, it feels like home to me.
> I share everything.
> On this site you are no longer alone.
> I came here over a year ago and haven't left.
> Jai NarayanThank you for responding, but as I have already stated, I live in an isolated area where the nearest psychiatrist is over 50 miles away and I have no vehicle, and I cannot tolerate medication. So those boards would be useless to me.
I am not sure what to do within this board, so since you have been here for so long, perhaps you could suggest a course of action? I have asked for someone to talk with. Is that the correct proceedure, or do I go to another board to talk?
Posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:06:50
In reply to Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 8:28:42
Welcome!
Is there absolutely no way to get into an area with a shrink? could you get a lift from someone? I am not famliiar with small towns but would there be a support group you could locate in your area? This must be very difficult. Have you tried effexor? It kindof has a bad rep (side effects) I think but I think it is good for depression and anxiety.
Rain
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 19:34:07
In reply to Re: Isolation » Surely, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:06:50
> Welcome!
> Is there absolutely no way to get into an area with a shrink? could you get a lift from someone? I am not famliiar with small towns but would there be a support group you could locate in your area? This must be very difficult. Have you tried effexor? It kindof has a bad rep (side effects) I think but I think it is good for depression and anxiety.
> RainHi Rain,
If I could answer yes to any of your questions, I would not be here. I even went to NIMH to look for resourses, and found none. I am intolerant of most medications, which really sucks. I've tried every anti-psychotic on the market, but I cannot tolerate them. First I get a sick feeling all over, and have to lay down. That is quickly followed by vomiting, and cold sweats. And I get the shakes for days after I cease taking them. The only medications I seem to be able to tolerate are Neurontin, and Xanax. Neurontin for the Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet. I have had cancer twice, and have lost 5 organs, the last was my right kidney to renal cell. I have high blod pressure which is under control with a beta blocker, and marginal cholesterol. But I have a healthy heart, and I plan to keep it that way. Last spring when my car died, I weighed a whopping 243 pounds. Well, I put my fat behind on a bike and started riding. At first, I thought it would kill me. I thought I was out of my mind. I rode a mile and had to stop 5 times to rest. But I kept on. I rode every day, and by the end of the summer I had lost 35 pounds, and I feel better physically than I have in 10 years.
Posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:34:57
In reply to Re: Isolation » Surely, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:06:50
sorry my post sounded repeptitive. I read the otehr posts after writing to you. Would there be any psychologists? social workers?
In any case I think your best bet would probably be to search your diagnoses on the psychobabble board (its about drugs) and see what otehr people are taking and then maybe discuss those options with you doctor.
As for support in general, you can get it all over the place here. it sounds like psychology is where you might find the most help right now. Am i being of any help? i hope i understood properly.
take care
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 19:39:54
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:34:57
> sorry my post sounded repeptitive. I read the otehr posts after writing to you. Would there be any psychologists? social workers?
>
> In any case I think your best bet would probably be to search your diagnoses on the psychobabble board (its about drugs) and see what otehr people are taking and then maybe discuss those options with you doctor.
>
> As for support in general, you can get it all over the place here. it sounds like psychology is where you might find the most help right now. Am i being of any help? i hope i understood properly.
> take careThank you Rain,
I will try to find the psychology board.
Posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:44:31
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 19:34:07
>If I could answer yes to any of your questions, I would not be here.
sorry, i know it is frustrating to have to repeat your self. Where i live there are so many doctors I can't imagine how it would be.
>I have had cancer twice, and have lost 5 organs, the last was my right kidney to renal cell. I have high blod pressure which is under control with a beta blocker, and marginal cholesterol.
I am so sorry that sounds awful!
> Last spring when my car died, I weighed a whopping 243 pounds. Well, I put my fat behind on a bike and started riding. At first, I thought it would kill me. I thought I was out of my mind. I rode a mile and had to stop 5 times to rest. But I kept on. I rode every day, and by the end of the summer I had lost 35 pounds, and I feel better physically than I have in 10 years.Thats amazing!
So I just want to clarify. you are not interested in finding drugs to help?
you are looking for a support group to talk to people?
As i mentioned in my other post I would try the psychology baord, you can talk about anything bothering you, get advice, etc.Again I apologize if this is a stupid question, would you ever move? It sounds like you are really struggling and a psychiatrist could be a great help.
Posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:47:12
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 19:39:54
im pretty new here as well so I know it can be confusing. scroll down at the bottom of the page it will have a link to a bunch of boards, social, students, psychology etc.
Posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:53:48
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:47:12
Surely,
I thought I should explain, a little late, that you are more than welcome to ask questions here, it is just that there are tons more people on the other boards to see your posts and give advice etc.
Rain
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 20:01:07
In reply to Re: Isolation » Surely, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:44:31
> So I just want to clarify. you are not interested in finding drugs to help?
> you are looking for a support group to talk to people?
> As i mentioned in my other post I would try the psychology baord, you can talk about anything bothering you, get advice, etc.
>
> Again I apologize if this is a stupid question, would you ever move? It sounds like you are really struggling and a psychiatrist could be a great help.I would give anything to be able to find a drug I could tolerate. I live on a fixed income, and I live in assisted housing. There is a several years long waiting list to get into housing in the city. Being old doesn't get you any consideration. LOL
Thank you, I will go to the other board.
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 20:02:19
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:47:12
> im pretty new here as well so I know it can be confusing. scroll down at the bottom of the page it will have a link to a bunch of boards, social, students, psychology etc.
Thank you, that helps.
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 20:03:23
In reply to Re: Isolation » rainbowbrite, posted by rainbowbrite on January 17, 2005, at 19:53:48
> Surely,
> I thought I should explain, a little late, that you are more than welcome to ask questions here, it is just that there are tons more people on the other boards to see your posts and give advice etc.
> RainThank you Rain, I appreciate that.
Posted by partlycloudy on January 17, 2005, at 20:10:25
In reply to Re: Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 19:34:07
You've been through quite a bit, Surely. I hope you find that Babble is a good place to share your experiences. I have found that this place is full of good and caring people. You won't, however, find therapy itself offered here, as it's not allowed. There are still plenty of advice and opinions!
Posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 23:12:06
In reply to Wow! » Surely, posted by partlycloudy on January 17, 2005, at 20:10:25
> You've been through quite a bit, Surely. I hope you find that Babble is a good place to share your experiences. I have found that this place is full of good and caring people. You won't, however, find therapy itself offered here, as it's not allowed. There are still plenty of advice and opinions!
I understood that I couldn't find therapy here, but I did say that I am just looking for a kind person to talk to, to gain some perspective, and maybe even a little comfort from the storm, as it were.
I have been told by Rain that I should try the psychology board, so I'm about to go there, and see if anyone will chat with me.
Posted by Stacers on January 19, 2005, at 3:49:39
In reply to Re: Wow!, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 23:12:06
Hey, I am new to this site as well. I can relate to the anxiety/panic disorder. I think at times I can also become a little OCD if I allow my anxiety to get out of hand. I have been a lot happier since my doctor put me on effexor. Now I feel I have better control. I wish I didnt need to take anything but right now it's helping. I am not sure anymore if this is a disorder I was born with or if it's because of all the crap in my past.(best friend murdered,ex husband abused me, stalked me) but I must say.... reading others experiances helps to know I am not alone. At my worst I feel I am "going crazy" "losing control" feels like I am alone and that these symptoms are just me. Its nice to know I am not alone....
Posted by saw on January 19, 2005, at 8:09:04
In reply to I'm new too, posted by Stacers on January 19, 2005, at 3:49:39
Hi Stacers
No, you are not alone. We all share a common understanding of each other. You have obviously been through a great deal and your past has undoubtedly aggravated your situation. I know the feeling of going crazy and losing control only too well. And I agree that feeling like that makes one feel alone.
As for your thread below, no doubt skipping 2 days is having an effect on you. I am an ex effexor user. (Didn't work for me due to weight gain).
I am sure you will start to feel better once you are taking your med again.
Welcome to Babble
Sabrina
Posted by alexandra_k on January 20, 2005, at 4:05:55
In reply to Isolation, posted by Surely on January 17, 2005, at 8:28:42
Hey there. I read your post over on psychology then thought I'd catch up with these ones too.
It can be a bit confusing to find your way around to start with. I guess it took me a while to figure it out, and I still learn new stuff about the boards all the time.
Glad you didn't give up on them / us though.
I don't find that medications do a lot for me. They make my p-doc feel a lot better, but that is about it really. So I don't bother to take em. Don't get me wrong, if something worked for me then I would take it. But different medications seem to have different effects for different people and sometimes it can take a long time of trialing different things (and putting up with the side effects) to find out what works best for you. If you wanted to share about your medication experiences or wanted to ask a question about medications or wanted to read about other peoples experiences (both positive and negative) then the main 'Babble' board is the place to go.
I am sort of not really in therapy at the moment. Can't find anyone in my region to treat me. Sometimes I find the psychobabble board hard because people talk about their therapists there a lot. But it is helpful reading about strategies that peoples therapists have suggested etc. Therapy isn't offered there, but we do advice etc. Just that we aren't qualified and you don't have to pay :-) Best taken with a grain of salt I suppose...
The social board is great for just having a chat.
The faith board is there for sharing your spiritual / religious views. The writing board is there if you are feeling creative at all... You can talk about exercise and healthy eating etc on the health board. there are loads of boards. And of course you can stay here and babble too..Even without adequate therapy / medication I find that the boards have helped me immensely. I have improved. One can improve without all that stuff (though I appreciate it can be really really hard).
Nice to meet ya.
Posted by Surely on January 21, 2005, at 8:15:18
In reply to I'm new too, posted by Stacers on January 19, 2005, at 3:49:39
> Hey, I am new to this site as well. I can relate to the anxiety/panic disorder. I think at times I can also become a little OCD if I allow my anxiety to get out of hand. I have been a lot happier since my doctor put me on effexor. Now I feel I have better control. I wish I didnt need to take anything but right now it's helping. I am not sure anymore if this is a disorder I was born with or if it's because of all the crap in my past.(best friend murdered,ex husband abused me, stalked me) but I must say.... reading others experiances helps to know I am not alone. At my worst I feel I am "going crazy" "losing control" feels like I am alone and that these symptoms are just me. Its nice to know I am not alone....
I can relate to the nastiness in your past. I was abused horribly, in unimaginable ways, by both of my parents. It didn't turn me into an abuser, because even as a small child I knew it was wrong. It sent me in the opposite dirction. I am hyper-sensative to pain of any kind, and I do think that is the reason for my mental problems. Although I probably inherited a lot of those nasty genes from my parents. LOL. I'm OK until I start getting all philosophical, then I start wondering if I'm existing just for the sake of existance, and stuff like that. Eeek!
Posted by Surely on January 21, 2005, at 8:52:30
In reply to Re: Isolation » Surely, posted by alexandra_k on January 20, 2005, at 4:05:55
>
> Even without adequate therapy / medication I find that the boards have helped me immensely. I have improved. One can improve without all that stuff (though I appreciate it can be really really hard).
>
> Nice to meet ya.
>
Hi Alexandra,Thanx for all of the great information. Strange as it amy seem, just having found this group has had a calming effect on me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all of you.
I do write fan fiction; one of the things I do to escape myself for a while. And I like to escape into the netherworld of the information stream. (Surf) LOL
As for medication. I find that I cannot take most of it. I'm just thrilled peachy that I can take Neurontin, because while my feet hurt a lot most of the time, I remember clearly how badly they hurt before I started taking it, and I do not want to go back to that.
The only time I felt normal in my life was the 3 years I was using meth. No monsters in my mind. It was the most wonderful time of my life, and all it took was everything I had. Not a wise decision, but it's very tempting to self medicate. I understand why people do it, but it's not a viable solution. Actually, I don't think there is one. LOL
Anyway, thank you for responding, I appreciate that,
Surley
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