Posted by pedr on September 29, 2009, at 8:49:27
In reply to Re: meds and emotional numbing, posted by bulldog2 on September 28, 2009, at 9:59:53
I think there are 2 strands to this thread
a) atypical's initial question:
> Does anyone else feel this way on Nardil or any other medication? Does it effect your relationships?
b) whether it's a good or bad thing that meds change our personalities.In response to a) yes, it has hugely affected my relationships. Most people think I am now more 'Pete' than before. My parents think I am 'doing really well', as does my wife. However since my self-loathing is less frequent and intense and my confidence is higher (not high, mind), I stand up for myself more, I am more assertive. My wife has interpreted this as me being more combative and petty. She's so wrong she doesn't know it (that's a joke). So in general for me, it's been a very positive experience but it has indeed changed 'me', whatever 'me' does and does not entail. As for the sex drive, it seems as though I am trapped between a rock and a hard place (no pun intended) - either I have no libido due to feeling loathsome and depressed or I have no libido due to the Nardil. Feh.
As for b) I couldn't agree more with bulldog2. We, as human beings have a right to be healthy and well. Many people know and like 'the depressed Pete' I am told. Now that I'm improving and changing, some of them will like me less in all probability. Some will like me more. It's not black&white. If someone finds me less likeable, that's a shame and it's regrettable but it pales in comparison to the sheer agony of being chronically depressed and wanting to be dead. End of story.
Pete
This is a very interesting thread!
poster:pedr
thread:918572
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090921/msgs/918944.html