Posted by Garnet71 on January 25, 2009, at 7:32:52
In reply to Endogenous Depression Caused By Lack Of Endorphins, posted by Phillipa on January 24, 2009, at 12:29:33
I've thought of this (aside from the science perspective) but mistakenly referred to dopamine when I mean endorphines. I'm not into the technical terms, and don't care to learn them right now.
I too feel a lack of endorphines. Yes, Phillipa, exercise is the best. Could you do the eliptical or exercise bike with your back problems? Swimming? The problem for other people is that they cannot get the energy to exercise because of the depresion. I've been there so many times. I'm back to exercising again.Sex makes me feel like I have endorphines in my brain. In fact, I stayed in a bad relationship - emotionally abusive - partly because the sex was so good and frequent (he had a very high sex drive). I think I was addicted to this person. I felt high around him, especially during sex. It is a physical feeling of euphoria in my brain. It has taken me so much to stay away from him. Every time I tell him to get lost, he slowly crept his way back into my life. I believe he was a narcissist and was very charming, sensual, and pretend sweet, and used sex to manipulate me. Enough already.
Food - like comfort foods and sweets and carbs make me feel like there are endorphines in my brain.
Rollercoasters, going fast in a plane, turbulence, little thrills - same thing.
Money - same thing. If I get to spend money on nice things, which is very rare, I feel 'happy'.
I used to feel endorphines when I listened to music. That joy has gone, but since I quit taking antidepressants,I noticed I am liking music again,but not as much as I used to.
It sounds pathetic, but really, I can feel a euphoria in my brain from these things. IT's a physical feeling that generates "happiness". I am assuming it is endorphines that cause the euphoric feeling - but I really don't know. I do know my body though, am very self aware.
Maybe this is behind addictive personalities. I don't know. I'm not addicted to drugs or alcohol gambling or sex - but I could easily become an alcholic - my father was one - I stay away. Or a compulsive gambler - I don't have money to gamble so again I stay away. I quit smoking. I do compulsive eating now - it used to be the only thing t stop the anxiety (when doctors wouldnt prescribe the apprpriate meds) - and now it seems to be a permanent problem.
I know true joy comes from within - but why these little highs? Does this mean I have an addictive personality, or do I lack endorphines in my brain? Don't normal people feel eurphoric at times?
poster:Garnet71
thread:875814
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/876033.html