Posted by SLS on July 7, 2005, at 21:07:59
In reply to Re: fear of staying on effexor forever., posted by rabble_rouser on July 7, 2005, at 11:40:10
> enthusiasm to help (inspired by my own recent recovery)
It is difficult not to be enthusiastic when you feel you have uncovered an answer that works. It certainly demonstrates altruism. It is an attractive idea to think that this answer will work for everyone else as well. I often fall into that trap. I find that I must remind myself that there is a tendency toward overgeneralization, and that the first person I advise to exercise caveat when making suggestions to others is me.
IMO, the power of positive thinking and acquisition of positive energy will help just about anyone. However, each person has a unique upper limit as to how far such an approach will take them. As long as it is recognized that there are limits, as unexplored as they may be, sabotage can be avoided. It is sabotage to take personal responsibility for failure to accomplish what cannot be accomplished.
> acknowledged as it is that depression remains an undefined animal.
I do not acknowledge that depression is an undefined animal. I do, however, see that the English language uses a single word, "depression", to describe a multitude of phenomena. This is extremely counterproductive and only helps to misdiagnose, misprescribe, and misrepresent a true illness. If one uses the diagnostic criteria found in the DSM, one finds that depression is indeed a well-defined illness. For the most part, it works. People who need help will get help if it is used. People love to bash the DSM and the very idea that mental illness can be diagnosed at all. I find that this is underserved, and quite dangerous to the individual suffering from one.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:524331
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/524762.html