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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cadburyhesychasm on October 9, 2018, at 20:14:52
Hello, taking a cue from my Greek Orthodox christian faith, it is said that imagination is the lowest function of the soul. When praying, unlike practices of modern or catholic christian groups whom we don't consider actual christians due to theological differences, we focus on avoiding imagination and any pictures or anything that comes to the mind, only giving weight to the words. It is believed that imagination causes prelest (delusion).
I believe for whatever reason that my imagination centers of my brain are irregular, because I have a problem with excess depressed imagination, it is causing me to feel that no one loves me, which may be true but should not be a cause of extreme grief in me because I know in my heart that all people want someone a friend who loves them deeply and is always there and instead of expecting this from others, I should strive to be that person for others but this imagination of no one loving me is crippling me inside and torturing me minute to minute, day and night, every single day. That I have ptsd may be a factor. And I have seen that I also fantasize too much, what I can't get in reality I fantasize about it becoming a bit involved in this fantasy.
I don't know the difference or relationship between imagination and fantasy. But, anyway, I was wondering if there are good free (or on scribd) resources about pharmacotherapeutics that affect the centers in brain responsible for imagination and fantasy and how they modulate it, what changes come from their effect on various transmitters, transporters, receptors, etc. in specifically imagination-related centers and effects specifically on imagination.
Maybe with me instead of a depression disease causing aberrant imagination, it might be an aberrant imagination that is the root of depressed and agitated states.
Any thoughts and input appreciated.
Posted by baseball55 on October 10, 2018, at 18:17:38
In reply to Imagination and fantasy . meds, posted by cadburyhesychasm on October 9, 2018, at 20:14:52
Generally people think of fantasies as imagining extended scenarios starring yourself. These can be harmless (thinking about going to the beach tomorrow) or exciting (thinking about the date tomorrow with someone you think likes you) or upsetting (playing out scenarios of getting even with people).
That's weird about your religion though, because imagination, while it can be negative and harmful, is how humans have been able to change their environment. Someone imagined how nice it would be to have indoor plumbing and figured out how to make it a reality. Someone imagined what it would be like to have information and our fingertips and came up with the worldwide web and google.
> I don't know the difference or relationship between imagination and fantasy. But, anyway, I was wondering if there are good free (or on scribd) resources about pharmacotherapeutics that affect the centers in brain responsible for imagination and fantasy and how they modulate it, what changes come from their effect on various transmitters, transporters, receptors, etc. in specifically imagination-related centers and effects specifically on imagination.
>
> Maybe with me instead of a depression disease causing aberrant imagination, it might be an aberrant imagination that is the root of depressed and agitated states.>
> Any thoughts and input appreciated.The basic idea if CBT is that aberrant thoughts cause depression, so we need to learn to identify and control negative imaginings and thoughts that make us unhappy and, usually, have no basis in reality (people hate me; I' can't do anything right; I will always be alone; he must hate me since he gave me that weird look). CBT therapists teach you to challenge these thoughts. It is very effective in relieving depressions that are strongly associated with negative thoughts.
Posted by Schlepo on October 20, 2018, at 21:25:32
In reply to Imagination and fantasy . meds, posted by cadburyhesychasm on October 9, 2018, at 20:14:52
It seems apparent that you're mistakenly applying the concept of "prelest" to the social sphere, when it is supposed to be limited to the spiritual. Fantasizing that you're close friends with God or that people should consider you a saint would be an appropriate form of prelest. Just fantasizing about being popular and successful in your community is not, but it seems like you're using a repentant mechanism that would be appropriate for prelest against your social fantasies.
A pious man who committed the prelest of thinking he's a saint would possibly repent by admitting that no one should treat him as such. By imagining that no one loves you, you're punishing yourself for having fantasies of the opposite. But since your fantasies I'm assuming have nothing to do with God or the church, that doctrine of prelest shouldn't apply,and you have nothing to repent for. Excessive fantasizing does have some issues of its own, maybe even within the church, but they don't belong under such an extreme doctrine as prelest. No community would be able to live that way.
I don't know if Paul's letters are part of Orthodox scripture, but you may be able to find some comfort in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
This is the end of the thread.
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