Deadflow3r said:

Food,

Learn all you can about food and food additives and start eating as healthy as you can afford.

It has made a huge difference in my life.

I do not eat any white starches and very very little red meat and poultry.

I am still checking in with a psychiatrist regularly but they agree that I am doing just fine.

I was diagnosed as being bipolar, but the latest word is that I may not have been that after all.

Who knows????

Clearly all the chemicals and hormones in food does mess with peoples heads. The money that the large companies that market these "healthy" meals to us makes is astronomical. They have much to lose by America going back to cooking for themselves from scratch. They don't want us to know what their food additives are not only doing to our bodies but also our minds.

not to mention the harmful side effects of aspertame which is in almost all store chewing gums, as well as many low-sugar food items.

also many of today's pharmaceutical drugs have horrendous side effects, which create a need for additional medication(s) to squelch the first prescription's side effect (and on and on).

if you think it will help you, check out the side effects of prescribed medications.

RodeoSchro said:

Judging by the consequences my sister-in-law had when she went off her depression meds, I would strongly advise that you not go off them without seeing your doctor first.

If you don't liek what that doctor says, see another. If they both agree, listen to them.

Good luck and be careful.

RodeoSchro said:

alphastreet said:

joke about that all the time but I saw what it did to someone with a combination of other things and I'm really afraid of all types of drugs...I didn't even want to be medicated, after my breakdown 3 years ago and a hospitalization, they made me, all cause they thought I was going to kill myself and appeared high as a kite out of mania and told them I'm not going to do it though I was so afraid of my constant thoughts cause of the stress at the time

Please do not take that advice unless a doctor you trust tells you to do it.

Even if a doctor I trusted told me to do it, I would not. This is really, really bad advice, IMHO.

JustErin said:

kiasheri said:

u should try medical marajuana

Agreed.

It actually can really help with conditions like yours. Talk to your doctor about it.

Sorry, Erin, but I've got to totally disagree with you here. Suffering from incurable pain and an MD recommends MM? Maybe. For anything else, this is a really, really bad idea.

alphastreet said:

RodeoSchro said:

Judging by the consequences my sister-in-law had when she went off her depression meds, I would strongly advise that you not go off them without seeing your doctor first.

If you don't liek what that doctor says, see another. If they both agree, listen to them.

Good luck and be careful.

I think my psychiatrist is a quack that secretly wants to kill me, he already made a mistake with me years ago and I called him out for it, then he tried to give me something I didn't want/need and I called him out for it. Tried to switch to another one, he was even worse and very rude and disrespectful in general, so I just talked to the therapist and kept getting refills.

don't worry rodeo, I'm staying far away from alcohol and smoking, although sometimes I just want to numb away how I feel and empathize with those who actually do it...I know I could not stick to it socially cause I have addictive traits, so I just end up having comfort food, like a warm drink, and music does not make me high like before though I still like it, it's really changed and it is what it is, I have other ways to entertain myself

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I've been reading your posts here for years and I really think you need better help. If you'd like, I can send you a doctor recommendation (you're in Toronto, right?). orgNote me.

JustErin said:

I would stay away from the psychiatrists and stick with cognitive therapy.

Psychiatrists can and do practice CT.

Fonkyman said:

Marijuana can seriously fuck with your head and could be detrimental.

Exactly.

Ace said:

No, it's not.

Ace said:

They are pill pushers first and foremost.

JustErin said:

Ace said:

Sorry, Erin, but I've got to totally disagree with you here. Suffering from incurable pain and an MD recommends MM? Maybe. For anything else, this is a really, really bad idea.

No, it's not.

It's not necessarily a good one either

Ace said:

Fonkyman said:

Marijuana can seriously fuck with your head and could be detrimental.

Exactly.

I think it depends on the person. Some people can't tolerate it well while others can get a sense of wellbeing. Also depends on the strain or type of marijuana. Any bad effects I think would be temporary. One joint or weed-laced brownie won't kill you, it might help, but check with you physician first.

[Edited 10/30/12 16:31pm]

not planning on having any weed, don't worry and I do agree psychiatrists are drug pushers, which is why I didn't want them

JustErin said:

Ace said:

Sorry, Erin, but I've got to totally disagree with you here. Suffering from incurable pain and an MD recommends MM? Maybe. For anything else, this is a really, really bad idea.

No, it's not.

Love ya, Erin, but you're so wrong here.

JustErin said:

Ace said:

Psychiatrists can and do practice CT.

They are pill pushers first and foremost.

No, some are a little overeager with the meds. But - as in every profession - not all are cut from the same cloth.

alphastreet said:

not planning on having any weed, don't worry and I do agree psychiatrists are drug pushers, which is why I didn't want them

A skilled psychiatrist will not recommend anything that they don't feel is necessary.

Why is it that, when we have a physical malady, we have no problem taking prescriptions, but some people get their panties all in a twist about head meds?

Ace said:

alphastreet said:

not planning on having any weed, don't worry and I do agree psychiatrists are drug pushers, which is why I didn't want them

A skilled psychiatrist will not recommend anything that they don't feel is necessary.

Why is it that, when we have a physical malady, we have no problem taking prescriptions, but some people get their panties all in a twist about head meds?

you're right, which is why I didn't understand why I was being recommended a newer anti psychotic over my mood stablizer when my second diagnosis was a little bit of ocd, for which I should get an anti depressant or anti anxiety if anything, but that only affects me sometimes depending on triggers, so I don't take anything for that though I have addictive/obsessive traits which can include lots and lots of dwelling and overthinking

NDRU said:

Definitely eat clean cut out processed foods.
If you can eat simpler things - fruits, veggies, meats, nuts and seeds.
That should definitely help with mood and lethargy, only thing is it might take some weeks to feel effects.
Get some gentle exercise and fresh air each day too.
But do what you can and don't stress.

I would not use marijuana - my sister who wasn't mentally stable to begin with went into psychosis after using for a few months, went cold turkey and repeated the experience next time she tried it again.

ZombieKitten said:

NDRU said:

^^^Yes. Before switching from a pill to pot, I would clean up as much as possible. Find out if you're allergic to anything, see what foods change your mood, exercise more, remove stressors from your life, maybe get off the internet if necessary, etc etc. Weed won't change any of those issues, if they exist.

I am definitely not anti-pot, but I would not prescribe it as a cure for your ills, when none of us have any clue what you are actually feeling.

Definitely eat clean cut out processed foods. If you can eat simpler things - fruits, veggies, meats, nuts and seeds. That should definitely help with mood and lethargy, only thing is it might take some weeks to feel effects. Get some gentle exercise and fresh air each day too. But do what you can and don't stress. I would not use marijuana - my sister who wasn't mentally stable to begin with went into psychosis after using for a few months, went cold turkey and repeated the experience next time she tried it again.

yep that happened to someone I know too that got off all of her meds for different things and took mj only and went crazy after that

Ace said:

But - as in every profession - not all are cut from the same cloth.

Ace said:

A skilled psychiatrist will not recommend anything that they don't feel is necessary.

You don't know who's 'skilled' and who's not though do ya and there's always the chance of misdiagnosis or bad recommendations of treatment.

Basically, I think if you can get well or stay well without medication of any kind, you should. If you have to lean on some meds as a temporary thing to help move you on, use them but the real problem isn't gonna go away just by taking meds. If anything, they'll add to the problem and so many are either heavily addictive, have bad side effects, or both.

This thread could go on forever as there's so much to it. It's not an easy fix and even when you think it's ok, you just never know if or when it'll kick in again.

Of course, we're all just chewing the cud, though well intended. You're better off seeing someone professional for some real help. Just hope you get a goodun.

I didn't want them, but couldn't function at all and when I weaned off the first time, it took awhile to feel raw emotions again without straight anger. I kept saying I'll manage without them no matter how many professionals were saying to take something, but it wasn't till I checked myself in I had to take something to calm down and was on it since so I blame myself for it and feel I'm in trouble whether I stay on them or wean off them, sometimes like I'm done and will lose the battle, and if I hear things like I'm just using them to run away often at home, I start believing it sometimes just as I've accepted I need something.

[Edited 10/30/12 18:58pm]

Ace said:

JustErin said:

Ace said: No, it's not.

Love ya, Erin, but you're so wrong here.

I'm really not.

JustErin said:

Ace said:

Love ya, Erin, but you're so wrong here.

I'm really not.

I can't speak for other people but for me, I cannot function as a normal person when I'm high. Whatever I am feeling while I am smoking is magnified so if I'm depressed, I'm more depressed.

I can function on antidepressants.

Alpha, I totally understand and empathize with what you are going through. I decided about four months ago that I was no self-medicating anymore. I didn't seek out a doctor's advice before I did it and I am sure she would be deadset against me going off my medication. However, two things:

I am on ten other medications and am trying to get off the ones that won't save my life.

My antidepressants served to dull my pain and not not help resolve my issues. My trigger usually is a person, so I am doing everything I can to deal with that head on.

I would never suggest anyone do what I am doing but I am doing what I feel is best for me. In my opinion, you need to see a different doctor because it seems like you are on the wrong medication.

Fonkyman said:

You don't know who's 'skilled' and who's not though do ya and there's always the chance of misdiagnosis or bad recommendations of treatment.

I've recommended a very skilled doctor to alpha. And there's no shortage of information out there, these days, about specific therapists.

Basically, I think if you can get well or stay well without medication of any kind, you should.

That's a big "if" though.

If you have to lean on some meds as a temporary thing to help move you on, use them but the real problem isn't gonna go away just by taking meds. If anything, they'll add to the problem and so many are either heavily addictive, have bad side effects, or both.

Yes, meds alone won't do it; you need therapy, as well. I've had great success with Zoloft, which is neither addictive nor accompanied by bad side effects.

JustErin said:

Ace said:

Love ya, Erin, but you're so wrong here.

I'm really not.

Just so we're clear, you think the answer to depression is to smoke pot?

thanks again for the recommendation, highly appreciated

plus weed would be worse if it's bipolar instead of depression, though it says on the label not to drink or take anything, I get reminders anyway when going for follow up appointments

Ace said:

JustErin said:

I'm really not.

Just so we're clear, you think the answer to depression is to smoke pot?

No.

alphastreet said:

thanks again for the recommendation, highly appreciated

plus weed would be worse if it's bipolar instead of depression, though it says on the label not to drink or take anything, I get reminders anyway when going for follow up appointments

I smoked weed (and a little hash), here and there, in high school. Fucked me up bigtime. Some brains are just not equipped to handle that shit (and I'm told that the strains out there today are much stronger).

Sorry, I cannot endorse (non-prescription) drugs - including alcohol. Maybe that makes me "uncool". Whatever. Cool could be the most overrated thing in the history of, like, ever.

JustErin said:

Ace said:

Just so we're clear, you think the answer to depression is to smoke pot?

No.

So what are you saying, exactly?

P.S. Have you read your sig, lately?

Ace said:

alphastreet said:

thanks again for the recommendation, highly appreciated

plus weed would be worse if it's bipolar instead of depression, though it says on the label not to drink or take anything, I get reminders anyway when going for follow up appointments

I smoked weed (and a little hash), here and there, in high school. Fucked me up bigtime. Some brains are just not equipped to handle that shit (and I'm told that the strains out there today are much stronger).

Sorry, I cannot endorse (non-prescription) drugs - including alcohol. Maybe that makes me "uncool". Whatever. Cool could be the most overrated thing in the history of, like, ever.

exactly, I only did those very few times in my life back in high school....drank once when upset a few years ago though promised myself not to do it again cause I knew I was in crisis and kept my word, though I do want to numb away how I feel many times and have other plans in place to deal with that.

alphastreet said:

Ace said:

I smoked weed (and a little hash), here and there, in high school. Fucked me up bigtime. Some brains are just not equipped to handle that shit (and I'm told that the strains out there today are much stronger).

Sorry, I cannot endorse (non-prescription) drugs - including alcohol. Maybe that makes me "uncool". Whatever. Cool could be the most overrated thing in the history of, like, ever.

exactly, I only did those very few times in my life back in high school....drank once when upset a few years ago though promised myself not to do it again cause I knew I was in crisis and kept my word, though I do want to numb away how I feel many times and have other plans in place to deal with that.

I hope you aren't alluding to suicide. Please tell me you're not.