Posted by Sean on October 13, 1999, at 13:04:17
In reply to The "false" well-being effects of antidepressants, posted by diane on October 12, 1999, at 22:38:20
> Just wondering if anyone else has had this experience. When I start taking a new antidepressant, I'm usually really aware of my total lifestyle. I'm keyed into my need for exercise, good sleep, good food, etc. So I'm taking care of myself. However, as the antidepressant takes effect, I start to pay less attention to my diet, my exercise, my sleep. I get lazy. So essentially, underneath the antidepressant effect, I'm not in great health. Over time the antidepressant stops working (or else my bad habits catch up with me) and when I wean off the antidepressant in order to start a new one, I suddenly realize how badly I've let myself go and I start walking again, eating well etc.
>
> Has anyone else been lulled into inactivity by the superficial sense of well-being you get from meds? Sometimes, it seems like I'm actually doing better in all areas of my life when I'm weaning off antidepressants or completely off them or starting a new one (which hasn't yet taken effect). It reminds me of addiction to drugs or alcohol. The same "use" of a substance to mask an underlaying problem. Any thoughts? DianeYes, on the SSRI's this happened more than once
and I quit because of it. I'm also a songwriter
and of the opinion that some phases of this thing called
"depression" are central to the things one
attends to in life. While others are barbecuing
and playing frisbee, I can often be found in my
studio working on an intense piece of music (if
I'm not too depressed.) On the AD's, I'm going to
be out playing frisbee or whatever.Granted, I'm happier and more socially "connected"
on the SSRI's to some degree, but am I more "alive"?
Hard to say. Melancholic personalities seem to be
able to focus the little energy they have into very
specific works.I struggle with this in ways that make my p-doc
roll his eyes sometimes. Depression is so
much more complex than one's serotonin levels. I
think the way we learn to compensate for these
feelings produces all sorts of interesting tweaks
in people. And let's not forget that there is a lot
to be depressed about on this here little globe in
space. I can't imagine a world where everybody is
on Prozac and chipper as all hell. That would be
the most depressing thing of all don't you think?A little bit of depression is good. Some essential
melancholia let's say. It stirs the soul, motivates
us to meaningful action, clarifies wheat from chaf,
gives us a bit of the "abyss" with which to measure
where we've come - and where we're going.I wish there was an easy answer to this one.
Sean.
poster:Sean
thread:13049
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/13086.html