Posted by Pfinstegg on May 23, 2005, at 23:41:26
In reply to What are my rights?, posted by Camille Dumont on May 23, 2005, at 22:38:08
I think you are definitely within your rights not to take the APs. You have given them a good try, and, if the positives outweighed the negatives, you wouldn't be asking this question here. I think it would be affirmative for you, and probably instructive for your doctor, if you told him exactly what you've told us. The APs can be tremendously helpful- intermittently, or short-term, especially, but, as you know, there are some real threats to one's well-being with them. If you are schizophrenic, then they are really necessary, but for you, it can always be a choice. Gaining weight, developing unhealthy blood lipids and diabetes are the main physical dangers. The one you mentioned- feeling too evened out, and sort of losing your feelings and passions- is not something which a doctor is apt to think is important- but it is. Also, that sounds like a very healthy part of you!
I'm just wondering- do you have a therapist? If you have a good one, whom you can see over a period of years, you really can grow beyond being schizoaffective, if indeed you are now, and have the life you really want. Lots of people have been able to do that-I'm sure you can, too! It is a long-term endeavor, but what could be more worthwhile?
I'm not sure how it works in Canada in terms of long-term therapy aimed at real inner change. It may be easier to obtain that in the US.
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poster:Pfinstegg
thread:502033
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050521/msgs/502082.html