Attitude adjustment needed

• 10-20-2009 7:32 PM

  In reply to Cita

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 13,494 Points 405

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact Several years ago, I shared with my pain doctor the difficulty I was having with being so down, and that it was getting progressively more difficult to get myself back UP again.  He first told me that I was NOT crazy, that chronic pain causes depression, explained how SSRI's work, etc. and gave me a script. I'm not sure what class of drug paxil is.  I know with SSRI's if you miss a day you do NOT notice a difference.  The meds need to build up in your system, and on the other side, you don't just stop taking them because you need to taper off...you might feel fine for a week or two and then, wowza! Trust me, I do not take pills if I don't have to, but sometimes, they are the best solution.  In my case therapy wasn't something that would help. What would I say?  Well gee, I used to go 90 mph 19-20 hours a day, and LOVED it, and now I'm a slug??  I was in constant pain, still am.  I suppose a doc could have helped me see some sort of benefits, but I was able to adjust my own attitude once the celexa kicked in. From what I've heard tho, Paxil would not be my happy pill of choice. A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,

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• 10-20-2009 7:54 PM

  In reply to glenmar

  Cita Joined on 12-13-2006 CT Posts 5,628 Points 850

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact  Yeah, Glenda, I do totally agree with you. There are some cases where medication is the best (only?) choice for normal living. And there have been plenty of studies showing that some people's brains just don't quite work like everyone else's, so SSRIs (etc.) make the brain chemistry more "like normal," and the person feels better. However, I do think that often our culture over-values a "quick fix," and pills are often being prescribed immediately instead of as a last resort. This causes a lot of problems for the people for whom the pills aren't the best option. Plus, sometimes there's a wonky adjustment period when figuring out the appropriate med/dosage, and while the body is getting used to them, and it seems cruel to put people through that if they don't actually need the pills. For most situations (chronic pain excluded), I think therapy first (combined with "normal" doctoring, like checking thyroid/hormone levels, etc.), and then psychoactive meds as the "next try." I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with taking meds if they help you, but if you can find something that helps instead of the meds, IMO that's a better (and safer) bet. But a good doctor/psychiatrist should be able to help you with whatever will work best for your particular situation :)

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• 10-20-2009 8:06 PM

  In reply to Cita

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 13,494 Points 405

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact I certainly hope I get to blame my abnormal brain on the pain! I grew up with a mom who grew up in the culture of mental illness equating with being "sick in the head", so enlightened as I like to think I am, it was a very long time before I told her about my happy pills!  And, I do agree that as a society we tend to look for the quick fix.   A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,

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• 10-20-2009 8:22 PM

  In reply to glenmar

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Posts 9,910 Points 655

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact I think going to the doctor is a good step. I know with me personally, sometimes I DO need an attitude change.  It's not depression, it's just me being a moody bitch.  Often when this happens, I drop everything and think of something to do to just get OUT, like go out for dinner, go to a movie, talk the dogs to the park, etc.  Most often when I get in these moods it's because I'm bored, getting stir crazy, feeling like all I do is work work and house work and need to just leave it all behind for a few hours and relax.   http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net http://www.schhmi.com

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• 10-20-2009 9:10 PM

  In reply to Liesje

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-28-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,046 Points 250

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact Liesje: I know with me personally, sometimes I DO need an attitude change.  It's not depression, it's just me being a moody bitch.  Often when this happens, I drop everything and think of something to do to just get OUT, like go out for dinner, go to a movie, talk the dogs to the park, etc.  Most often when I get in these moods it's because I'm bored, getting stir crazy, feeling like all I do is work work and house work and need to just leave it all behind for a few hours and relax. This sounds like me. When I'm bored, restless, haven't exercised, stressed, or am tired of routine I tend to get bitchy and pick little fights and get very snarky. I find that just getting out (movies, dinner, dog park, hike, bike ride, shop, etc) changes my mood very quickly for the better (especially the shopping ). I think going to the doctors is a great first step . -Stephanie blacklabbie.weebly.com Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel

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• 10-20-2009 9:53 PM

  In reply to glenmar

  Luvntzus Joined on 05-09-2006 Posts 4,201 Points 170	Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact I wouldn't call them happy pills as much as normal pills. I have a mood disorder and used to get super mad about the littlest things. What you're describing sounds more like a mood disorder than depression. Of course I'm not a doctor, but I definitely recommend going to one.
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• 10-20-2009 11:25 PM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  cakana Joined on 09-10-2007 Cathy in Northern CA Posts 9,453 Points 435

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact BlackLabbie: Liesje: I know with me personally, sometimes I DO need an attitude change.  It's not depression, it's just me being a moody bitch.  Often when this happens, I drop everything and think of something to do to just get OUT, like go out for dinner, go to a movie, talk the dogs to the park, etc.  Most often when I get in these moods it's because I'm bored, getting stir crazy, feeling like all I do is work work and house work and need to just leave it all behind for a few hours and relax. This sounds like me. When I'm bored, restless, haven't exercised, stressed, or am tired of routine I tend to get bitchy and pick little fights and get very snarky. I find that just getting out (movies, dinner, dog park, hike, bike ride, shop, etc) changes my mood very quickly for the better (especially the shopping ). I think going to the doctors is a great first step . I'm the same way and I do think that sometimes self-care is the best remedy. Figure out what it is that fills that need for you and then do that for yourself. Exercise works most of the time for me but sometimes I need to just check out with a good book or mindless tv. I do agree that checking things out with the dr. is a good first step. ~ Cathy ~

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• 10-20-2009 11:31 PM

  In reply to scrubsfiend

  BEVOLASVEGAS Joined on 07-11-2006 Texas Posts 7,945 Points 940	Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact scrubsfiend: Are there happy pills for control freaks? I'm not sure if there are "happy pills" for control freaks, but I know of a few other things that can help.  Well, short term at least.... Amanda
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• 10-21-2009 9:36 AM

  In reply to mileysfurlessmom

  sharismom Joined on 09-10-2007 mid-Michigan Posts 3,204 Points 30

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact mileysfurlessmom:  He prescribed me "happy pills" aka zoloft and quite honestly, I've been happy ever since. My mood did change drastically. Yes, they are addictive. I've tried coming off them twice now and I just can't do it. The minute I stop, my attitude comes back in full swing. I I will disagree that Zoloft is addictive.  I have taken it for about 12 years and all the material I've read says it is not.  It is a leveling med, which means you have to take it regularly to get the maximum benefit.  You cannot just stop it, you have to be weaned, because as the levels drop, the way the serotonin in your brain has worked with the meds changes.  Before Zoloft, the serotonin was not being properly processed in the brain, which was why the symptoms of depression became more obvious.  If you have true, chronic depression, you will likely never process serotonin correctly.  I had taken Zoloft for about 2 years, then was off for a year due to my divorce and no insurance.  Many of my depression symptoms returned during that year, but when I started Zoloft again, the symptoms disappeared more quickly.  I do have low-grade chronic depression which has been treated very successfully with meds and therapy.  I don't have any noticeable side effects from taking it, even after all these years.  I don't flip out if I miss a dose or two.  Long term, yes, but Zoloft is not a drug meant to lift your mood immediately.  It's not an upper. Paxil was the first med I was given.  I had horrible night sweats and was unable to attain orgasm, so I was then switched to Zoloft.  Not every med works with everyone's body in the same way.  Zoloft fit my chemistry perfectly. This is not to say that I think meds are the only way.  I was helped tremendously by a complete program.  Sometimes depression is situational and it won't be a lifetime thing.  However, it is not always a matter of my own attitude or just snapping out of it.  I exercise regularly and have for about 15 years.  I have chronic depression and it will never completely go away.  I also have PTSD from things that I witnessed and suffered, which greatly contribute to my mood disorder, but the meds and therapy has helped me manage these things.  And yes, depression is a mood disorder. Only you and your doctor can evaluate your situation and find what works for you.   Tina

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• 10-21-2009 10:48 AM

  In reply to Cita

  auburn2932 Joined on 09-13-2007 Camp Hill, PA Posts 409 Points 35	Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact Maybe a chemical inbalance?  I'd see a Dr. Bonnie Blue Belle April - Feb. 2, 2000 - Dec. 11 - 2007 If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane I'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you home again.
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• 10-21-2009 5:31 PM

  In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

  scrubsfiend Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW Texas Posts 1,221 Points 200

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact BEVOLASVEGAS: scrubsfiend: Are there happy pills for control freaks? I'm not sure if there are "happy pills" for control freaks, but I know of a few other things that can help.  Well, short term at least.... Do share! Amy "A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog" - Charles Doran I live by the motto Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should. Wish others did.

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• 10-21-2009 6:52 PM

  In reply to scrubsfiend

  oranges81 Joined on 10-13-2007 BC Canada Posts 3,617 Points 250

  Re: Attitude adjustment needed Reply Contact  Thank you!! I'm seeing the doctor next week so I'll keep you posted!   scrubsfiend: BEVOLASVEGAS: scrubsfiend: Are there happy pills for control freaks? I'm not sure if there are "happy pills" for control freaks, but I know of a few other things that can help.  Well, short term at least.... Do share!   I'm all ears! LOL ~Kitty Train early, train often, train with no pain The most powerful feeling is the knowing you belong, and you are right were you should be It’s Love when you can watch them love another person, smile and say “I’m happy for you” when inside you want to die. "...you will be positively the most fearsome pirates in the Spanish Main." "Not just the Spanish Main, love. The entire ocean. The entire world. Wherever we want to go, we'll go. That's what a ship is, you know. It's not just a keel and a hull and a deck, and sails, that's what a ship needs. But what a ship is, what the Black Pearl really is...is freedom." Jack Sparrow "Why is the rum gone??" - Jack Sparrow

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