Suffering from psychological disorders :'(

fraser112

Sad thing is, fraser, I think you don't entirely get the profundity of your own empathy issues or just how much work you still have to do.

No kidding. I feel sorry for the kids his parents fostered. Such children are under tremendous stress already. I have a friend who's a clinical psychologist and s/he evaluates many foster children and it's a very tough job because so many are very messed up from abusive or neglectful parents and being shuttled from one home to another. It must have been lovely having the son of the foster parents thinking they were just whiny little brats who felt sorry for themselves.

No they got raised properly and loved, but they still got taught how to be good kids.
the parents of the 20 or so kids were just normal people who decided the world was aginst them,
Its easy enough to say hes a junkie shes a nutjob but no just normal people who beat and raped their own kids because they decided they were not responsible for what they felt and did.

TriciaZ944

Being diagnosed does not define who you are. Do some of us need medication to help us out, yes but that doesn't mean you are not someone who can accomplish great things in your life. I would suggest finding a counselor to talk things out with. This can also help with your weight loss journey. There are times when medication is appropriate and times when it is not. Medication doesn't need to be a permanent "fix" but for the time being if it helping then listen to your doctor. Find a good counselor, exercise, eat healthy, rid yourself of those who are negative around you, and try to remind yourself of the positives in life and see where it takes you. Good luck with your journey.

fraser112

Sad thing is, fraser, I think you don't entirely get the profundity of your own empathy issues or just how much work you still have to do.

No kidding. I feel sorry for the kids his parents fostered. Such children are under tremendous stress already. I have a friend who's a clinical psychologist and s/he evaluates many foster children and it's a very tough job because so many are very messed up from abusive or neglectful parents and being shuttled from one home to another. It must have been lovely having the son of the foster parents thinking they were just whiny little brats who felt sorry for themselves.

Also forgot to add a good point,
Its people like you that create these problems in children.

They have no idea what has happend to them is wrong,

Until some idiot decides to make a song and dance about whats happend to them. Oh youve been hurt your not normal causes more damamge to these kids than the event if the kids under 5.

Its sad but happens alot.

Simone_King

My dear here is some wisdom I learned through my own disabilities and other disorders.

Go beyond and rise above.

So, you have problems, and yes, it's hard. Nothing in life is easy and if you allow yourself to wallow in this..pit. You will only get yourself deeper in the said pit.

Be strong for who you are and what you stand for. Be strong because you are here. Be strong because you must. Yes it isn't easy to do. I know.

Depression gets us all. Yet, even then, there are a number of ways to get out of it. I understand how you feel. Lost and alone. Feel like bursting out in tears. All alone in the world no one to talk to.

You got a long road ahead of you but start by learning to love who you are. You have to, you are the only one, that can make that chance. Accept who you are.

Until you do that there will be no change.

Yet, I think you took a step by coming here. keep going and be strong.

As to TriciaZ944 said. She is right. This doesn't define you.

Just as my problems do not define me and what I can do.

Become a Phoenix. Because you can.


Note: Some of the words came from a High School teacter who's lessions I still use today.

FlaxMilk

Please ignore some of what has been said in this thread about being more disciplined or bringing problems on yourself.

However, do you have a good therapist to talk to? BPD in particular means that the solution is not as easy as medication *alone*. People with BPD are seriously hurting and have often been seriously hurt--I hope you aren't trying to go through this without the support of a good counselor or similar professional. (I apologize if you already said you see one.)

Best of luck to you--I hope things get brighter for you.

(I also am really sensitive to sounds, though not as bad as what you describe. Sometimes I fantasize about ways to control the sounds others make )

chachita7

One day at a time and rather than weight loss make it out to be healthy living... Exercising will help a bit with the depression side of things - embrace the thought of this being done for your self.

mathjulz

Its always nice to label everyone with these disorders and to drug them up, its a doctors default system.

Dont thing to yourself have a mental disorder , You just need better coping mechanisms to deal with life and you need to find that in your self not by taking the responsability of yourself with drugs.

Find a career you enjoy, get ride of people you dont like, realise you make yourself feel everything you feel, take up mediatation, find a religion or philosophy to deal with the world.

You can get ride of all of these things but only from within your own mind

I'm sorry, but would you tell someone with asthma to exercise and they'll get over it? Or would you tell someone with diabetes that a proper diet will cure their problems? While both are good ideas and can help alleviate the conditions, I would hope you wouldn't tell them that life-saving medications are "a doctors default system" or "drug[ging] them up." Mental/psychological disorders are real, medical conditions. Sometimes medication is required to function or even survive. While this doesn't mean that you just take a pill and are all better, making someone feel guilty by telling them they are not "taking the responsibility of yourself with drugs" is like looking at a cancer patient and saying "you can cure yourself without the chemo (etc).

To the OP: I have to admit the ideas above can help. But please don't listen to anyone who bashes your condition and tells you that being medicated to be able to function is a cop-out. Also know that you are not alone. I have struggled with psychological disorders, both with and without medications. I have friends and family I have watched struggle. It's not always easy, but you can make it through.

I hope you have a good psychiatrist whom you trust, and a counselor to talk to. Like I said, medication may be necessary, but it is not the ONLY thing you do (just like a diabetic must watch what they eat as well as taking required medication). We develop coping strategies which are not always healthy, and we need to learn new, proper ways to look at life as the medication makes it possible. It is work, breaking old habits and forming new, but it is important to do! And then, as you develop a healthier outlook, it becomes a touch easier to deal with the weight as well.

sbravoco

Its always nice to label everyone with these disorders and to drug them up, its a doctors default system.

Dont thing to yourself have a mental disorder , You just need better coping mechanisms to deal with life and you need to find that in your self not by taking the responsability of yourself with drugs.

Find a career you enjoy, get ride of people you dont like, realise you make yourself feel everything you feel, take up mediatation, find a religion or philosophy to deal with the world.

You can get ride of all of these things but only from within your own mind

Truth, well said. I Was going to say pretty much the same exact thing. I have a serious issues with these 'labels' and people thinking the problems they deal with in life can be 'fixed' by some anti-drug. Life is a struggle because we are human beings. As said above, you need better coping mechanisms.. Next time you are thinking about getting some help, you should try a cognitive behavior therapist instead of a psychiatrist. Stay off the meds, they will ultimately enable you to never change or try to change to be the person you want to be.

you cant say that here man

'man' I believe I just did. When people put themselves out here on chat boards they have to accept not everyone is going to agree. They will receive support, criticism, and just down right negativity. If you or anyone does not want to read it, don't post your life issues online.

CarolynB38

Borderline Personality Disorder & Depression ,Misophonia

Now these two i have no idea why they are medical conditions, just a combination of poor social skills , poor mental disciplin.


All these condtions people forget are just bad patterns people have developed.
im not saying the suffering the op has gone through is any less because of it
but as i said most of these pretend illnesses as just bad behaviour patterns and repressed feelings.
No drug on the planet can fix that or doctor or shrink. Only the sufferer because they do it to themselfs.

So my point was the op is just reenforcing the blame the condition for my actions way of thinking,
As i found out this is the root of the problem.

I take it that, given your youth, you've not had the opportunity to meet many people who experience the kinds of difficulties associated with BPD? And I assume you're not very clear on the kinds of histories that tend to be associated with BPD? Because that's the only way I can begin to understand such inexcusable, bigoted ignorance. (And please let me stress that, as a reasonably well informed person, I have concerns about BPD as a construct - but that doesn't mean it's sensible to minimise or trivialise the distress associated with the experience of it.)

Your posts are quite incredible.

To the OP, please don't feel that the majority of people share such ludicrous, stigmatising and ill informed opinions. I'm sorry that your thread asking for help has drawn out such unwarranted nonsense.

My parents fosterd all through my youth so ive had 21 years of living with the self obsesses people who peddle these disorders.

But please explain to me which part of my post is not accurate? Im just trying to tell the op that by labeling herself with an illness as apossed to Just bad habit is a cop out. She needs to accept she is causing these feelings to herself.

I'll tell you which part of your post is not accurate. Depression is not purely bad patterns that people develop. Endogenous depression has nothing to do with psychological causes, hence the name. It is a biological disorder in the brain that results in an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Many people are depressed without knowing why. They feel they have no reason to be depressed because they have a good life and it doesn't make sense to be depressed. Yet they still suffer from depression. There are several physical medical conditions that cause depression, anxiety related disorders and misophonia and some of them are actually quite common! Granted, some types of depression may be a result of the person's attitudes, experiences and bad patterns but this is by no means always the case.

Even if in the OP's case your theory applies, she needs help and support not ridicule. She is young and has not yet had the life experience to be able to deal with such debilitating conditions. As the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties, it is often these young people who are particularly vulnerable. Here we have an early intervention plan for such young people so they can learn to deal with their conditions and still get the most out of their lives.

I'm truly sorry you cannot see how heartless you are being with your comments. I agree diagnoses are bandied around far too much and medication is prescribed too readily without getting to the bottom of the problem, but you are not the OP's physician (luckily!). You don't have access to her medical records, her history, her clinical tests etc so don't judge what you don't know. Each person is an individual and it is up to the medical experts and the OP herself what treatment will work best for her. Making such comments about your own views on mental health is not what the OP asked for and it is not helpful. If you want to start a debate find a more appropriate place for it rather than hijacking someone's plea for support and reassurance.

To the OP: Listen to all the lovely people on here who want to help and support you. Learn to tune out anything that isn't helpful that you come across in your life and take on board anything that you do find helpful. Working with your doctor, your family and friends will help you to get through this and you will find a lot of support on here. Wishing you all the best :flowerforyou:

sbravoco

Its always nice to label everyone with these disorders and to drug them up, its a doctors default system.

Dont thing to yourself have a mental disorder , You just need better coping mechanisms to deal with life and you need to find that in your self not by taking the responsability of yourself with drugs.

Find a career you enjoy, get ride of people you dont like, realise you make yourself feel everything you feel, take up mediatation, find a religion or philosophy to deal with the world.

You can get ride of all of these things but only from within your own mind

I'm sorry, but would you tell someone with asthma to exercise and they'll get over it? Or would you tell someone with diabetes that a proper diet will cure their problems? While both are good ideas and can help alleviate the conditions, I would hope you wouldn't tell them that life-saving medications are "a doctors default system" or "drug[ging] them up." Mental/psychological disorders are real, medical conditions. Sometimes medication is required to function or even survive. While this doesn't mean that you just take a pill and are all better, making someone feel guilty by telling them they are not "taking the responsibility of yourself with drugs" is like looking at a cancer patient and saying "you can cure yourself without the chemo (etc).

To the OP: I have to admit the ideas above can help. But please don't listen to anyone who bashes your condition and tells you that being medicated to be able to function is a cop-out. Also know that you are not alone. I have struggled with psychological disorders, both with and without medications. I have friends and family I have watched struggle. It's not always easy, but you can make it through.

I hope you have a good psychiatrist whom you trust, and a counselor to talk to. Like I said, medication may be necessary, but it is not the ONLY thing you do (just like a diabetic must watch what they eat as well as taking required medication). We develop coping strategies which are not always healthy, and we need to learn new, proper ways to look at life as the medication makes it possible. It is work, breaking old habits and forming new, but it is important to do! And then, as you develop a healthier outlook, it becomes a touch easier to deal with the weight as well.

Actually, it is nothing like saying 'you can cure yourself to a cancer patient'. Cancer, and psychological disorders are entirely different. Psychology is a new science, much based on theory. Any cognitive behavioral therapist will tell you so, we are dealing with humans behaviors and emotions. Behaviors and emotions are usually reflections or cause and effect. While yes in many cases drugs will HELP, but not cure. Drugs should only be used to help cope with the hard work that needs to be put forward to change your behaviors and thinking patterns, plus much more.

mathjulz

Its always nice to label everyone with these disorders and to drug them up, its a doctors default system.

Dont thing to yourself have a mental disorder , You just need better coping mechanisms to deal with life and you need to find that in your self not by taking the responsability of yourself with drugs.

Find a career you enjoy, get ride of people you dont like, realise you make yourself feel everything you feel, take up mediatation, find a religion or philosophy to deal with the world.

You can get ride of all of these things but only from within your own mind

I'm sorry, but would you tell someone with asthma to exercise and they'll get over it? Or would you tell someone with diabetes that a proper diet will cure their problems? While both are good ideas and can help alleviate the conditions, I would hope you wouldn't tell them that life-saving medications are "a doctors default system" or "drug[ging] them up." Mental/psychological disorders are real, medical conditions. Sometimes medication is required to function or even survive. While this doesn't mean that you just take a pill and are all better, making someone feel guilty by telling them they are not "taking the responsibility of yourself with drugs" is like looking at a cancer patient and saying "you can cure yourself without the chemo (etc).

To the OP: I have to admit the ideas above can help. But please don't listen to anyone who bashes your condition and tells you that being medicated to be able to function is a cop-out. Also know that you are not alone. I have struggled with psychological disorders, both with and without medications. I have friends and family I have watched struggle. It's not always easy, but you can make it through.

I hope you have a good psychiatrist whom you trust, and a counselor to talk to. Like I said, medication may be necessary, but it is not the ONLY thing you do (just like a diabetic must watch what they eat as well as taking required medication). We develop coping strategies which are not always healthy, and we need to learn new, proper ways to look at life as the medication makes it possible. It is work, breaking old habits and forming new, but it is important to do! And then, as you develop a healthier outlook, it becomes a touch easier to deal with the weight as well.

Actually, it is nothing like saying 'you can cure yourself to a cancer patient'. Cancer, and psychological disorders are entirely different. Psychology is a new science, much based on theory. Any cognitive behavioral therapist will tell you so, we are dealing with humans behaviors and emotions. Behaviors and emotions are usually reflections or cause and effect. While yes in many cases drugs will HELP, but not cure. Drugs should only be used to help cope with the hard work that needs to be put forward to change your behaviors and thinking patterns, plus much more.

Alright, I will admit I used an extreme example. But psychology is not "new." It is over 150 years old. Granted, the treatments now are much better than they were a century ago, but then so are cancer treatments.

Imagine having a medical condition. Because of it you can't get private insurance. If you are lucky enough to get insurance (maybe through spouse's work, that has proved to be easier), they tell you that you only get to see your specialist a few times a year. It certainly is not enough to deal with the issue. This is what happens with mental illness. Many people are afraid to even get diagnosed (and get the help they need) because of the major stigma that exists - in getting help, in the workplace, in even being allowed to drive. That is sad.

I never said drugs were the only answer. In fact, if you reread my post, you should find that I strongly recommended seeing a counselor to help in the hard work to change thinking patterns. I specifically said that you can't just take a pill and be done. But that doesn't make drugs a cop-out, or unnecessary.

fraser112

Borderline Personality Disorder & Depression ,Misophonia

Now these two i have no idea why they are medical conditions, just a combination of poor social skills , poor mental disciplin.


All these condtions people forget are just bad patterns people have developed.
im not saying the suffering the op has gone through is any less because of it
but as i said most of these pretend illnesses as just bad behaviour patterns and repressed feelings.
No drug on the planet can fix that or doctor or shrink. Only the sufferer because they do it to themselfs.

So my point was the op is just reenforcing the blame the condition for my actions way of thinking,
As i found out this is the root of the problem.

I take it that, given your youth, you've not had the opportunity to meet many people who experience the kinds of difficulties associated with BPD? And I assume you're not very clear on the kinds of histories that tend to be associated with BPD? Because that's the only way I can begin to understand such inexcusable, bigoted ignorance. (And please let me stress that, as a reasonably well informed person, I have concerns about BPD as a construct - but that doesn't mean it's sensible to minimise or trivialise the distress associated with the experience of it.)

Your posts are quite incredible.

To the OP, please don't feel that the majority of people share such ludicrous, stigmatising and ill informed opinions. I'm sorry that your thread asking for help has drawn out such unwarranted nonsense.

My parents fosterd all through my youth so ive had 21 years of living with the self obsesses people who peddle these disorders.

But please explain to me which part of my post is not accurate? Im just trying to tell the op that by labeling herself with an illness as apossed to Just bad habit is a cop out. She needs to accept she is causing these feelings to herself.

I'll tell you which part of your post is not accurate. Depression is not purely bad patterns that people develop. Endogenous depression has nothing to do with psychological causes, hence the name. It is a biological disorder in the brain that results in an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Many people are depressed without knowing why. They feel they have no reason to be depressed because they have a good life and it doesn't make sense to be depressed. Yet they still suffer from depression. There are several physical medical conditions that cause depression, anxiety related disorders and misophonia and some of them are actually quite common! Granted, some types of depression may be a result of the person's attitudes, experiences and bad patterns but this is by no means always the case.

Even if in the OP's case your theory applies, she needs help and support not ridicule. She is young and has not yet had the life experience to be able to deal with such debilitating conditions. As the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties, it is often these young people who are particularly vulnerable. Here we have an early intervention plan for such young people so they can learn to deal with their conditions and still get the most out of their lives.

I'm truly sorry you cannot see how heartless you are being with your comments. I agree diagnoses are bandied around far too much and medication is prescribed too readily without getting to the bottom of the problem, but you are not the OP's physician (luckily!). You don't have access to her medical records, her history, her clinical tests etc so don't judge what you don't know. Each person is an individual and it is up to the medical experts and the OP herself what treatment will work best for her. Making such comments about your own views on mental health is not what the OP asked for and it is not helpful. If you want to start a debate find a more appropriate place for it rather than hijacking someone's plea for support and reassurance.

To the OP: Listen to all the lovely people on here who want to help and support you. Learn to tune out anything that isn't helpful that you come across in your life and take on board anything that you do find helpful. Working with your doctor, your family and friends will help you to get through this and you will find a lot of support on here. Wishing you all the best :flowerforyou:

How can they prove the chemical imbalance is not the result of the depression and not the other way round?

sbravoco

Its always nice to label everyone with these disorders and to drug them up, its a doctors default system.

Dont thing to yourself have a mental disorder , You just need better coping mechanisms to deal with life and you need to find that in your self not by taking the responsability of yourself with drugs.

Find a career you enjoy, get ride of people you dont like, realise you make yourself feel everything you feel, take up mediatation, find a religion or philosophy to deal with the world.

You can get ride of all of these things but only from within your own mind

I'm sorry, but would you tell someone with asthma to exercise and they'll get over it? Or would you tell someone with diabetes that a proper diet will cure their problems? While both are good ideas and can help alleviate the conditions, I would hope you wouldn't tell them that life-saving medications are "a doctors default system" or "drug[ging] them up." Mental/psychological disorders are real, medical conditions. Sometimes medication is required to function or even survive. While this doesn't mean that you just take a pill and are all better, making someone feel guilty by telling them they are not "taking the responsibility of yourself with drugs" is like looking at a cancer patient and saying "you can cure yourself without the chemo (etc).

To the OP: I have to admit the ideas above can help. But please don't listen to anyone who bashes your condition and tells you that being medicated to be able to function is a cop-out. Also know that you are not alone. I have struggled with psychological disorders, both with and without medications. I have friends and family I have watched struggle. It's not always easy, but you can make it through.

I hope you have a good psychiatrist whom you trust, and a counselor to talk to. Like I said, medication may be necessary, but it is not the ONLY thing you do (just like a diabetic must watch what they eat as well as taking required medication). We develop coping strategies which are not always healthy, and we need to learn new, proper ways to look at life as the medication makes it possible. It is work, breaking old habits and forming new, but it is important to do! And then, as you develop a healthier outlook, it becomes a touch easier to deal with the weight as well.

Actually, it is nothing like saying 'you can cure yourself to a cancer patient'. Cancer, and psychological disorders are entirely different. Psychology is a new science, much based on theory. Any cognitive behavioral therapist will tell you so, we are dealing with humans behaviors and emotions. Behaviors and emotions are usually reflections or cause and effect. While yes in many cases drugs will HELP, but not cure. Drugs should only be used to help cope with the hard work that needs to be put forward to change your behaviors and thinking patterns, plus much more.

Alright, I will admit I used an extreme example. But psychology is not "new." It is over 150 years old. Granted, the treatments now are much better than they were a century ago, but then so are cancer treatments.

Imagine having a medical condition. Because of it you can't get private insurance. If you are lucky enough to get insurance (maybe through spouse's work, that has proved to be easier), they tell you that you only get to see your specialist a few times a year. It certainly is not enough to deal with the issue. This is what happens with mental illness. Many people are afraid to even get diagnosed (and get the help they need) because of the major stigma that exists - in getting help, in the workplace, in even being allowed to drive. That is sad.

I never said drugs were the only answer. In fact, if you reread my post, you should find that I strongly recommended seeing a counselor to help in the hard work to change thinking patterns. I specifically said that you can't just take a pill and be done. But that doesn't make drugs a cop-out, or unnecessary.

I understand how long the study of psychology has been around, and yes it IS a new science. I agree, it is difficult to receive help and I do think people should seek help. However, my issues stand on drugs. I agree with you that you can not just take a pill and be done. It is hard work to change yourself, I personally never said drugs were a cop-out. I think many people who are diagnosed with conditions do not fully understand what should/needs to be done in order to make progress; and in some cases the diagnoses makes the matter worse. People marry their labels and live by them.

ninpiggy

The purpose of diagnoses are for treatment purposes. That does not always mean medications. However, for disorders such as Bipolar disorder (and for the record, once a person has a manic episode, they no longer meet the diagnostic requirements for Major Depressive Disorder or Dysthymia; they will always have the dx of Bipolar Type I, II, or Cyclothymia from then on out - sorry it makes me cringe when people say they have both Bipolar Disorder and Depression) there is often a genetic and biochemical component. The fact of the matter is, medications have been extremely helpful in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In the case of OCD, brain scans often show enlargement of the temporal lobes. Varying quantities of serotonin also make the obsessions and compulsions decrease, sometimes stopping completely for some people. It's important to know whether someone has (for example) MDD vs. Bipolar (Type, I, II or Cycl) because certain antidepressant medications used for MDD can trigger manic episodes.

Again, the point of having diagnostic criterions and "labels" is so that people can receive the proper treatment. Not all treatments work for certain disorders. And medication is not always the answer. Research studies have shown that a combination of medication and talk therapy are the most beneficial for treating mental disorders.

To the OP: Hang in there. Keep reaching out to those who support you. Find a local support group. Keep seeing a licensed mental health professional.

CarolynB38

Borderline Personality Disorder & Depression ,Misophonia

Now these two i have no idea why they are medical conditions, just a combination of poor social skills , poor mental disciplin.


All these condtions people forget are just bad patterns people have developed.
im not saying the suffering the op has gone through is any less because of it
but as i said most of these pretend illnesses as just bad behaviour patterns and repressed feelings.
No drug on the planet can fix that or doctor or shrink. Only the sufferer because they do it to themselfs.

So my point was the op is just reenforcing the blame the condition for my actions way of thinking,
As i found out this is the root of the problem.

I take it that, given your youth, you've not had the opportunity to meet many people who experience the kinds of difficulties associated with BPD? And I assume you're not very clear on the kinds of histories that tend to be associated with BPD? Because that's the only way I can begin to understand such inexcusable, bigoted ignorance. (And please let me stress that, as a reasonably well informed person, I have concerns about BPD as a construct - but that doesn't mean it's sensible to minimise or trivialise the distress associated with the experience of it.)

Your posts are quite incredible.

To the OP, please don't feel that the majority of people share such ludicrous, stigmatising and ill informed opinions. I'm sorry that your thread asking for help has drawn out such unwarranted nonsense.

My parents fosterd all through my youth so ive had 21 years of living with the self obsesses people who peddle these disorders.

But please explain to me which part of my post is not accurate? Im just trying to tell the op that by labeling herself with an illness as apossed to Just bad habit is a cop out. She needs to accept she is causing these feelings to herself.

I'll tell you which part of your post is not accurate. Depression is not purely bad patterns that people develop. Endogenous depression has nothing to do with psychological causes, hence the name. It is a biological disorder in the brain that results in an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Many people are depressed without knowing why. They feel they have no reason to be depressed because they have a good life and it doesn't make sense to be depressed. Yet they still suffer from depression. There are several physical medical conditions that cause depression, anxiety related disorders and misophonia and some of them are actually quite common! Granted, some types of depression may be a result of the person's attitudes, experiences and bad patterns but this is by no means always the case.

Even if in the OP's case your theory applies, she needs help and support not ridicule. She is young and has not yet had the life experience to be able to deal with such debilitating conditions. As the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties, it is often these young people who are particularly vulnerable. Here we have an early intervention plan for such young people so they can learn to deal with their conditions and still get the most out of their lives.

I'm truly sorry you cannot see how heartless you are being with your comments. I agree diagnoses are bandied around far too much and medication is prescribed too readily without getting to the bottom of the problem, but you are not the OP's physician (luckily!). You don't have access to her medical records, her history, her clinical tests etc so don't judge what you don't know. Each person is an individual and it is up to the medical experts and the OP herself what treatment will work best for her. Making such comments about your own views on mental health is not what the OP asked for and it is not helpful. If you want to start a debate find a more appropriate place for it rather than hijacking someone's plea for support and reassurance.

To the OP: Listen to all the lovely people on here who want to help and support you. Learn to tune out anything that isn't helpful that you come across in your life and take on board anything that you do find helpful. Working with your doctor, your family and friends will help you to get through this and you will find a lot of support on here. Wishing you all the best :flowerforyou:

How can they prove the chemical imbalance is not the result of the depression and not the other way round?

In some cases it is as you say, but not always. You'll have to ask the scientists who research this stuff if you want detailed answers to such specific questions. I am just repeating what I have read and been told by specialists in the area. I am a physicist, not a psychiatrist, so I can't give you the exact correct answers myself. I'll be sure to ask though. I presume in some cases they can see the physical damage on an fMRI or PET scan, but logic suggests that if someone suddenly suffers from depression with no apparent cause or stress or trigger then it is unlikely to be reactive depression. However someone who suffers a reactive depression will then often end up with a chemical imbalance as a result of this. Doctors also believe that those medical disorders that cause depression do so by altering the way the brain works, thyroid disease being one of them. If T3 isn't able to get to the receptors in the brain, and if it affects the way the cells in other organs work so neurotransmitter and hormone production is affected, there will be changes in brain function including depression. Autoimmune diseases are another example where various tissues all over the body, including the brain, are attacked by the body's own immune system.

As I say, this is not really the place for such a debate. If you are truly interested in looking at the other side of the coin I suggest you do some reading around. I don't want to debate this any further as this thread is getting out of hand.

threnners

IIm talking about the general lets label every spoilt child as having a condition.

If I had a dollar for every time some clueless *kitten* said my ADHD son was "spoiled" I could take a nice vacation.

justaspringhaze

I dont get why your so angry about this? Do you have some proof showing these disorders actualy exist?

It's called the DSM.

choochoobell

Bump for later

ninpiggy

I dont get why your so angry about this? Do you have some proof showing these disorders actualy exist?

It's called the DSM.

Actually, it's called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR).


eta: This is just me being snarky. I love the DSM-IV-TR. I kind of geek out about it, really.

meerkat70

There seems to be a lot of confusion on this thread.

genetics and quantum physics are also new sciences. So what? Did that really seem a good argument when you wrote it down?

In most countries, psychologists cannot and do not prescribe. So all these worries about 'psychologists' dishing out drugs seem a tad unfounded. It's a good idea if you want to seem sensible on a thread about psychological issues to be a bit clearer on which professions do what...

People appear to be discussing a really broad range of mental health issues as if they were somehow equivalent, and as if it were meaningful to lump them all together. There's a world of difference in the lived experiences of BPD and depression.

DSMIV will be superseded by DSMV very, very soon. And if we want to get our knickers in a knot about anything, really, the DSMV is something to be anxious about. That said, it remains a simple fact that, whether we medicalise / diagnose or not (and I prefer not to), suggesting someone just shake themselves up and 'get over' their mental health issues, or that exercise or meditation will miraculously fix such difficulties, is naive at best and harmful at worst.