Posted by Philidor on September 18, 2004, at 14:41:00
In reply to Re: How do you know when you are better? » Philidor, posted by Pfinstegg on September 17, 2004, at 18:30:34
I agree that the Beck Inventory is very helpful. It's particularly good as an on-going record to share with your pdoc.
Yes, I couldn't agree more! It's like a psychological "fever thermometer" that can give both you and your doctor some sort of objective evidence that you really ARE sick!
Far too many people (like maybe our Emily Elizabeth??) are inclined to think that there's really nothing wrong; it's just that this is Life, and Life sucks, always has, so you might as well accept it.
That's one of the funny things about depression (and believe me, I've been there---I mean WAY DEEP down there); it doesn't just cast a gloom on the present, but on your whole past. So that you can't even RECALL feeling any better than now.
And the truth is, my problems today are really no less serious then they were back when I felt so low. BUT THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT THEM---that's what's different!
Same with the good things, the things you used to enjoy so much, but don't anymore.
I like to say that depression is a loss of appetite for life. The menu hasn't changed. Your favorite restaurant is just as popular, the Linguine Alla San Remo that you were once so wild about, it's still the same.
So I suppose when you find yourself thinking about it and the wine and seeing Lenny (Greatest Waiter in town) and about going back there sometime, that's when you know you're getting better---know what I mean?
Phil
poster:Philidor
thread:390848
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/392344.html