Posted by dove on May 4, 2002, at 14:27:31
In reply to Re: Stupid from drugs or from depression? How can , posted by Uppendown on May 3, 2002, at 20:57:04
I have really only one point to make, which doesn't oppose yours, but does recognize the difference between broad and narrow.
These psychotropic meds will and do cause very serious side-effects, and these uncomfortable symptoms are often suffered by people throughout a good amount of time. I would counter this with the fact that the people I know who have schizophrenia *hate* their meds which cause them to be "flat" and often zombie-like, but they cannot function *whatsoever* without them. We would not recommend the discontinuation of these meds based on their unpleasant side-effects knowing that they will do themselves or others more harm without them.
For me, meds--even the ones I have found unpleasant--have kept me from doing myself bodily harm as I had done in the past without them. I hope to one day be med-free, but I also want to raise my family, remained married, be able to function on some sort of social degree; and not have scars all over my body, nor be hospitalized due to lame ODs, nor have mental and nervous breakdowns in my front yard.
Right here, right now, the meds are vital, and I cannot--will not battle another 10 years of bleeding misery and death without them. But my respect goes to you for your perspective, insights, and the gracious manner in which you expressed them. They were/are thought provoking and a good counterpoint, that aided me greatly in cementing my own view on my current med-taking =o)
dove
poster:dove
thread:13717
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105059.html