What is this forum/social group about?

[DonDaBoomVape]

I just prepared a reply for the Ask the Experts forum to a post by a smoker/potential vaper with Cerebral Palsy. In addition to addressing her e-cig question, I wanted to refer her to a forum relevant to her condition. [Her question and my reply will appear in ATE probably today or tomorrow.]

I had had the impression that this forum's focus was mental health issues (and I have always shied away), but a quick browse of some of the posts here seems to indicate other medical issues being addressed. So I went ahead and pointed her here.

However, mental health issues are not irrelevant for me, but (unlike Leaford) this is not something I reveal to others. I had been reluctant to even click on the visit link to the social group, where I now see: "A group for people with disabilities/long term health problems."

So I just joined the social group and now ... here I go: Since childhood, I have been hypersensitive to criticism and disapproval. I have experienced depression and bouts of crankiness throughout my adult life. It wasn't properly diagnosed until about 20 years ago: Bipolar II, i.e., a milder (thank goodness) atypical form of manic-depression. The mania comes out as irritibility and flashes of anger, rather than bouts of hyperactivity, glee, "king of the world," and shopping sprees*. The depression expresses itself as unearned guilt (and exaggerated despondency to earned guilt) and lethargy. Fortunately, no suicide attempts or even anything more than vague contemplations.

* Although I did overindulge in vaping purchases this past week (~$150 total), but I have a sense that one or two other ECF members may do this on occasion. (And it is Christmas time, right?)

The good news is that the second medication prescribed about 15 years ago (Zoloft and Trazadone) has been marvelously effective: 90% of the time I am A-OK! [The first medication, Parnate, was somewhat effective, but I hated and was fearful of all its restrictions: cheese, aged meat, wine, Novocaine, etc.] So, unless I am very tired or stressed, I'm a happy guy, who will not bite your head off. [And even prior to medication and when exhausted or under stress, I've never been physically violent. So, fear not!

BTW, my wife, Sheryl (a non-vaper), has Multiple Sclerosis. As her "caregiver," I have another reason to hang out here. I'm looking forward to it!

 

[SudokuGal]

Welcome to the group. There's not too much activity here, but it is a nice place to be able to "vent."

 

[suhrim21]

yes welcome. My stepmother is diagnosed bipolar and manic depressed and I forgot the 3rd one.

 

[Mary Kay]

The Bi-Polar diagnosis is a hard pill to swallow (no pun intended for once) But at least it helps explain things! My grandma had that and host of much worse problems that were not diagnosed until she was elderly. Here in the south she was ecentric..odd, and had "Spells"
At least now we can find something to help.
On a forum you really do open yourself up to a lot of criticism, the good thing is that you can walk away until you can handle a calm reply. I tend to have a very short temper (mostly when my blood sugar goes too high or low or my B.P. jumps.) At those times I am very glad I can just click the forum off until my brain overides my fingers.
You are most welcome here. As stated it's a great place to vent! maybe someone can give their views on M.S., The ups and downs associated with that condition must be haed on you both. My friend who has had it for years..just hides out when she can't cope, scares us all because she cares for her elderly father.
I will P.M. you with the password for the private area, if you want it.

 

[JoJoBaby]

Looks like we have LOTS in common !!! Thanks for sharing !!! I have had quite the journey with my bi-polar and one day I'll post it.

 

[JoJoBaby]

Looks like we have LOTS in common !!! Thanks for sharing !!! I have had quite the journey with my bi-polar and one day I'll post it.

Errrr...this is directed to DonDaBoom

 

[Mary Kay]

Jo, I am sure Don appreciated that. We all have our problems, it's nice to know when you feel like you can't handle one more dratted thing, there is someone who will listen.
This forum got me through a few of the worst months in my life. They just let me talk (I am very good at just talking..lol) They posted a few comments that meant more then they will ever know and I managed to hold on.
If anyone one else needs that brand of kindness..know we are here for you!

 

[catlvr]

Wow Don thanks for your post. I always knew I suffered from some kind of depression and your symptoms describe what I've been going through to a tee. I've always been reluctant to taking pills and have been trying to get a grip with this on my own but it's not working and the older I get the worse it's getting. I'm going to be taking to my doctor and give some meds a try. Thanks again for posting Don I feel better already! This forum ROCKS!!!!!

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Looks like we have LOTS in common !!! Thanks for sharing !!! I have had quite the journey with my bi-polar and one day I'll post it.

Errrr...this is directed to DonDaBoom

Yeah, I got that. Sorry I haven't revisited this thread for awhile. I very much appreciate your post. Intellectually I know that I'm not alone, but it is nice to have that personally reinforced. Please don't hesitate to PM me to chat about our respective journeys at any time, JoJo.

Wow Don thanks for your post. I always knew I suffered from some kind of depression and your symptoms describe what I've been going through to a tee. I've always been reluctant to taking pills and have been trying to get a grip with this on my own but it's not working and the older I get the worse it's getting. I'm going to be taking to my doctor and give some meds a try. Thanks again for posting Don I feel better already! This forum ROCKS!!!!!

catlvr, definitely talk to your doctor* and get some meds! With modern pharmacology, there is no reason to suffer (for most of us). There is so much public misunderstanding about mental health issues. For years, I attributed my symptoms to a character flaw – quite counterproductive. And true medications are not addictive uppers and downers, but correctors of our flawed biochemistries.

* Ideally, that should be a specialist, i.e., a psychiatrist. [For too many people, seeing a psychiatrist means "getting your head examined," "you've got a screw loose," "you're crazy." It's not. My wife developed a rash recently; she went to a dermatologist, then an allergist. Same thing.] They are much more knowledgeable and can work with you to prescribe the correct medication (or combination of meds; I take three). It can require some experimentation.

I've emphasized the pharmacological treatment. However, I don't denigrate talk therapy. It's just that, without the meds, it usually is not fully effective. It wasn't for me.

That note to JoJo about PMing me applies equally to you, catlvr, and to anyone here who wants to.

MaryKay, your ongoing support is deeply appreciated!

 

[Mary Kay]

Don, you are a very generous man! I had many in my family with mild bi-polar (if thats even possible) to severe paranoid Schizophenia and everything in between. It seemed to run in my mothers family and every generation had several people in it that had severe problems. I thank goodness I was adopted! If even one of those people including my sister, mother and grandmother had had a decent evelauation..everyone would have benifitted. Grandma was put in homes and even sent to chattahoochee..the most notorious mental institution in Florida. Mom was told to start SMOKING to calm her "nerves"..at 16! She was given drugs to keep her calm most of her life..all of it was habit forming and personality changing. My sister just had one "spell" after another and it ruined her short life.

Need to add Chattahoochee isn't like that anymore. I did some reading because a member here works there..it is very highly rated now!

getting real help is the only path out of the dark. We get one go round..unless you believe in reincarnation, in which case I want to come back as a 6' blond! Make the most of your life and learn to embrace the pills and therapy.

We all have problems and ..those "kind" of days. This picture was in my Senior yearbook! I still get comments on it 40 years later! I was playing with the kids in my child care class..BTW! I hope it makes you feel..hmm..better!