NationStates Jolt Archive

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

Have you seen someone, got help? Took me months to when I got like that, and then once people were able to help it made it a lot better.

I know I don't know you, or anything about you, but that's what helped me. It'll seem like the hardest thing in the world to open up but if you're able to, it does a world of good.

Go to a Natural Museum if there's one nearby, look at all the displays and consider that everything in the universe that ever happened had to happen exactly the way it did for you to exist.

Only then can you realise that millions of years - why say millions when I could say...billions - had to pass, all sorts of wonderful, natural occurrences, mutations, butterfly wings flapping, all this....

...the result of which is you have depression.

That should knock you down enough to the point where the only way is up.

Hope that helps.

I tend to loathe myself and I know that whether I live or die, everyone will live on, move on, and promptly forget me. We are but cells in a body. And not very important cells. We live, we die, and life moves on. But you don't see me complaining or whining to a bunch of Communists, emos, and general freaks of nature, now do you? You'll either exit out of this phase of yours or learn to live with it as I have. Now shut up. Everyone has problems. Deal with it.

Christmas makes me feel like this every year.

Odd question, but ... have you found yourself worse on a morning, craving carbs, or spending all day in bed?

Rather, any of the above to a greater extent than normal? - just realised that sounds like a normal day for me ...

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

I hope you get things sorted out...in the meantime, remember, no matter how bad life is treating you, it's treating someone else a hell of a lot worse.

Odd question, but ... have you found yourself worse on a morning, craving carbs, or spending all day in bed?

Rather, any of the above to a greater extent than normal? - just realised that sounds like a normal day for me ...

No to all three, the spending all day in bad part is a normal phenomena thanks to my work schedule.

Are you like this, to some degree, around this time of year every year? If so you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. In any case, I think you should see a psychiatrist and possibly a psychologist to help you with your problem.

Yeah, figured. Just that my housemate has got SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) meaning she's right as rain in the summer and yet when the sunlight hours get fewer and the weather gets worse, you can literally see her crashing ... she's now got this funky alarm clock which wakes you up gradually with light over about half an hour, increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain when you wake up.

Oh well ...

Anything major happened in your life recently?

Are you like this, to some degree, around this time of year every year? If so you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. In any case, I think you should see a psychiatrist and possibly a psychologist to help you with your problem.

Lol ... need to learn to type faster/not get distracted so much ...

Just my 5 cents - Don't get yourself down because you have offended someone. Yeah, maybe it's not ok, but ANYONE could do this if he/she felt like you. Just like anyone is more likely to help or do something good to someone else if his/her mood is fine. You explained all in this topic, so situation is understandable for every reasonable person.

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

NSG helped me immensely when i was depressed at university. IRL i was paranoid about my friends laughing at me, plotting against me, talking behind my back, etc. but here i had friends i could trust, people i could talk to without getting impossibly nervous and paranoid.

good luck getting through this, just don't discount your 'cyber-life' too soon, eh?

just make sure you talk to people :fluffle:

I have a little experience with this sort of thing personally, so I'll say what worked for me, though it might not fit your case perfectly. What course of action depends on the reasons you are depressed. Whatever the reason, talking to someone - doctor, psychiatrist, counsellor or whatever could help you get some of the weight off your shoulders. Or talk things other with friends or family, if thats appropriate. And, as much as I am a hypocrite for saying this, having frequently NOT done this myself, distractions can often help in the short-term, though for anything over minor temporary depression its a good idea to see someone. Set yourself a task for the day, arrange to meet friends or something. As much as you don't feel like doing it, getting something done or going out can often break the cycle of feeling miserable, thinking too much, not doing anything, being miserable because of that etc. Its VERY easy to end up sitting around, overthinking things, making you more depressed and contributing to a vicious cycle.

As I say, much of this might be inappropriate for your case, but thats what worked for me.

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

did you ever think about getting laid ???

On a positive note, like drinking, somehow it affects you less as you get older in my experience.

Hmm, after my chemo finished a few weeks ago I slid in to a bit of depression. Not too fun.. For me the best way of picking myself back up has been to a) try and keep busy -- when I do nothing all day I tend to feel like shit. So doing things like taking my cousins swimming, going for a bike ride or even a bit of shopping with a mate, these all helped. b) spend time with some good close friends who know how hard I've had it over the past few months. Being able to laugh with these guys certainly made it easier. and lastly c) talking to someone about it all. And I mean really talking. It's always good to chat to someone you trust so you can get stuff off your chest.. It's really important. Anyway, good luck bud. Hope this helped.

Look get drunk, get laid (use a hooker if need be) and you will feel better.

Yeah, umm... No.

We've all grappled with depression at some point in our lives. I did. But I fought back against myself and rose above the darkness. Now i'm living a much happier life.

Yeah, umm... No.

it will work trust me.

it will work trust me.

This based on fact, personal experience, research ...?

it will work trust me.

No it won't.. Incase you couldn't quite work it out from my first post, I managed to get out of the depression doing the things I mentioned. Alcohol won't help, shit. How stupid are you? I mean don't get me wrong I love beer. I love beer lots. But I didn't get drunk while depressed -- recipe for disaster and more depression.

No it won't.. Incase you couldn't quite work it out from my first post, I managed to get out of the depression doing the things I mentioned. Alcohol won't help, shit. How stupid are you? I mean don't get me wrong I love beer. I love beer lots. But I didn't get drunk while depressed -- recipe for disaster and more depression.

if you get sex while drunk it takes you right out of the depression.

B-tan, do what you must to feel better. You seem to be an amazing guy and it would truly pain me to see you on this downward spiral. I wish you luck and I hope that, as soon as you feel better, we have you back on NSG. :)

if you get sex while drunk it takes you right out of the depression.

Oh... Of course. How silly of me for not doing that. :rolleyes:

Why do you think we care? You're blatantly looking for attention. Why don't you seek it out in real life?

Why do you think we care? You're blatantly looking for attention. Why don't you seek it out in real life?

I think that by admitting to attention-whoring already, this is less of an attention seeking project..

Why do you think we care? You're blatantly looking for attention. Why don't you seek it out in real life?

You're so out of place, mate. So out it's both sad and infuriating.

This based on fact, personal experience, research ...?

history man. US enter great depression.
We repeal prohibition great depression goes away.

history man. US enter great depression.
We repeal prohibition great depression goes away.

The US great depression has nothing to do with SaintB's emotional state. And it lacks importance.

The US great depression has nothing to do with SaintB's emotional state. And it lacks importance.

if it worked for the country it could work for him. though perhaps it might be the spiced wine talking.

if it worked for the country it could work for him. though perhaps it might be the spiced wine talking.

It might be the spiced wine. When one's drunk, idiocies come forth, pouring like excrement from one's lips. My advice is shut it.:wink:

It might be the spiced wine. When one's drunk, idiocies come forth, pouring like excrement from one's lips. My advice is shut it.:wink:

Heh, this.

It might be the spiced wine. When one's drunk, idiocies come forth, pouring like excrement from one's lips. My advice is shut it.:wink:

i still think the solution to the current economic crisis is to reduce alcohol taxes world wide and produce a subsidy for alcohol produces.

Are you alcoholic?

Look at the bright side, you want to be a comedian right? There is a large correlation between comedians and people with depression, many of the best comedians I can think of have or have had depression. Perhaps it's a sign of your potential comedic genius.

Get out of the house. Do something completely different and out of your comfort zone-you'll either find something new or realize that you are actually happy/satisfied/pleasantly content being in your own 'zone'.

Exercise also works well--followed by a nice sauna or steam bath.

Plan a vacation you have always wanted to take. Just researching it will stimulate interest and your imagination.

You're so out of place, mate. So out it's both sad and infuriating.

Huh?

Time to write some good lyrics/poetry/novels. Lots of artistic brilliance has come from people one step away from thirty sleeping pills in a glass of vodka.

Granted, a lot of terrible stuff too, but generally some sort of creative expression is a good way to help yourself feel better.

The way I got around it was firstly going to the gym a hell of a lot - made me feel good about doing something healthy if nothing else - and also forcing myself to be around my friends and people I trust to be there for me. There's nothing I wanted to do more other than curl up in bed and drift away from the world, but I knew only I could get myself out of the shit and I did. Believe you're gonna be okay and it'll come - it may take time, just keep believing.

Huh?

The guy's depressed and you call him an attention whore?

Internet forums are a poor place to come to get therapy.

Internet forums are a poor place to come to get therapy.

I don't expect anyone would get sympathy from you, especially not you.

I don't expect anyone would get sympathy from you, especially not you.

I'm full of sympathy for people in person - but not on the Internet. How little you know.

I tend to loathe myself and I know that whether I live or die, everyone will live on, move on, and promptly forget me. We are but cells in a body. And not very important cells. We live, we die, and life moves on. But you don't see me complaining or whining to a bunch of Communists, emos, and general freaks of nature, now do you? You'll either exit out of this phase of yours or learn to live with it as I have. Now shut up. Everyone has problems. Deal with it.

Jesus, no need to be a jerk about it.

Are you alcoholic?

no i dont go to meetings.


though some of my friends and family encourage me too.

sadly it was 8 am here when i was drunk posting.

I'm full of sympathy for people in person - but not on the Internet. How little you know.

How little I know of you, thank the gods for that.

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.



SaintB, you're right to recognize that you have a problem. Your description is detailed and precise enough to identify it. It's called depression, as you will know, and despite some silly replies here by those of a trollish disposition, it is a serious condition and needs to be taken seriously.

You've taken a very big step just by telling someone, even if you've "only" told cyber-people. May I suggest you do the same with someone in RL? Initially at least, it need only be someone you trust to keep it to themselves. If you have a friend or family member you can talk to, start there. (In one of my dark moments, I found one of my grandmothers was a paragon of patience and discretion, who could be told anything and trusted to keep it to herself.) I don't know what facilities you have in your part of Pennsylvania but in many places there are services like The Samaritans, who can provide an anonymous listening ear. They may not be enough to help you but talking to someone there can be enough to get you started. The real goal here is for you to feel comfortable enough to talk to a mental health professional if you are willing.

One other point: depression comes to some of us because of one or more specific events in our lives that tip us over; it comes to others of us because we're disposed to it by reason of our personal psychology, others of us become depressed because of aspects of our brain biochemistry; and in still others of us it's a combination. A mental health professional will be able to help you identify this and will know how to modify treatment in response. Now some specifics.

Several useful suggestions have already been made here but I'll repeat them along with a few other things.

1. AVOID drugs and alcohol as you would avoid a compound skull fracture. No matter what certain people here think, a real depression such as you have is not like a "case of the blues". Getting high/drunk/stoned screws with brain chemistry in ways that aren't good for depression.

2. Ditto the suggestion of meaningless sex. You've told us of your plummetting self-esteem. The usual pattern is that meaningless sex has a way of being interpreted by the truly depressed mind in ways that make self-esteem plummet even lower.

3. Exercise can be your friend. It alters brain chemistry and thereby mood in a very favourable way. But choose something enjoyable and realistic for your level of fitness, or the frustration of failing to do something unattainable could make you feel worse about yourself.

4. Scheduling diversions also will help you. Dumb Ideologies' suggestion of arranging to meet someone or to do some task every day is a good idea. Again, don't be too ambitious; pick a time and an activity for which you have realistic expectations of success. You're trying to avoid failing.

5. Let's do something right away for your self-esteem. You say you were deliberately offensive to someone in NS. If you haven't already done it, write a follow-up telegramme, short and simple and to the point. Apologize. Don't grovel, don't go on and on, just say (briefly) that you've been struggling with some things personally and you've made some errors of judgement, and you're sorry you took it out on them. Decide for yourself whether or not to point them to this thread; it isn't necessary but that's up to you.

6. Now, see your doctor about this. It's important to your well-being for your doctor to know of your situation, and for him/her to begin the process of finding what kind of depression you have. Also, your doctor should be able to point you in the direction of appropriate help.

7. If it's established that your depression is not "organic" (caused by your biochemistry) you're most probably going to be referred to a cognitive behavioural therapist or similar. If it is organic, you most likely will be given a combination of prescription medicine to control the organic problem and therapy -- again probably cognitive behavioural therapy or similar -- to help you to deal with the mental processes of depression.


One last thing: you've said you might not be back here for awhile. Despite that, plan for the future. Just in case you want to come back to NS, make sure you can. Either sign in from time to time to avoid your nation(s) CTE'ing, or keep a record of the password(s) so you can reactivate your nation(s) when you're ready. We'll be glad to see you back when you return.

I really hope you get the help you need. And remember: you have friends and others who care about you, both here and in RL. Stay in touch with people you want to; and ask everyone else to understand. Don't give up on yourself. Be well. There is life after depression.

I don't know if you're still around, but I do hope you get some relief soon. It's horrible feeling that way. I do care, you can TG me whenever you need to.

Humor is generally the only thing that helps me.

SaintB, you're right to recognize that you have a problem. Your description is detailed and precise enough to identify it. It's called depression, as you will know, and despite some silly replies here by those of a trollish disposition, it is a serious condition and needs to be taken seriously.

You've taken a very big step just by telling someone, even if you've "only" told cyber-people. May I suggest you do the same with someone in RL? Initially at least, it need only be someone you trust to keep it to themselves. If you have a friend or family member you can talk to, start there. (In one of my dark moments, I found one of my grandmothers was a paragon of patience and discretion, who could be told anything and trusted to keep it to herself.) I don't know what facilities you have in your part of Pennsylvania but in many places there are services like The Samaritans, who can provide an anonymous listening ear. They may not be enough to help you but talking to someone there can be enough to get you started. The real goal here is for you to feel comfortable enough to talk to a mental health professional if you are willing.

One other point: depression comes to some of us because of one or more specific events in our lives that tip us over; it comes to others of us because we're disposed to it by reason of our personal psychology, others of us become depressed because of aspects of our brain biochemistry; and in still others of us it's a combination. A mental health professional will be able to help you identify this and will know how to modify treatment in response. Now some specifics.

Several useful suggestions have already been made here but I'll repeat them along with a few other things.

1. AVOID drugs and alcohol as you would avoid a compound skull fracture. No matter what certain people here think, a real depression such as you have is not like a "case of the blues". Getting high/drunk/stoned screws with brain chemistry in ways that aren't good for depression.

2. Ditto the suggestion of meaningless sex. You've told us of your plummetting self-esteem. The usual pattern is that meaningless sex has a way of being interpreted by the truly depressed mind in ways that make self-esteem plummet even lower.

3. Exercise can be your friend. It alters brain chemistry and thereby mood in a very favourable way. But choose something enjoyable and realistic for your level of fitness, or the frustration of failing to do something unattainable could make you feel worse about yourself.

4. Scheduling diversions also will help you. Dumb Ideologies' suggestion of arranging to meet someone or to do some task every day is a good idea. Again, don't be too ambitious; pick a time and an activity for which you have realistic expectations of success. You're trying to avoid failing.

5. Let's do something right away for your self-esteem. You say you were deliberately offensive to someone in NS. If you haven't already done it, write a follow-up telegramme, short and simple and to the point. Apologize. Don't grovel, don't go on and on, just say (briefly) that you've been struggling with some things personally and you've made some errors of judgement, and you're sorry you took it out on them. Decide for yourself whether or not to point them to this thread; it isn't necessary but that's up to you.

6. Now, see your doctor about this. It's important to your well-being for your doctor to know of your situation, and for him/her to begin the process of finding what kind of depression you have. Also, your doctor should be able to point you in the direction of appropriate help.

7. If it's established that your depression is not "organic" (caused by your biochemistry) you're most probably going to be referred to a cognitive behavioural therapist or similar. If it is organic, you most likely will be given a combination of prescription medicine to control the organic problem and therapy -- again probably cognitive behavioural therapy or similar -- to help you to deal with the mental processes of depression.


One last thing: you've said you might not be back here for awhile. Despite that, plan for the future. Just in case you want to come back to NS, make sure you can. Either sign in from time to time to avoid your nation(s) CTE'ing, or keep a record of the password(s) so you can reactivate your nation(s) when you're ready. We'll be glad to see you back when you return.

I really hope you get the help you need. And remember: you have friends and others who care about you, both here and in RL. Stay in touch with people you want to; and ask everyone else to understand. Don't give up on yourself. Be well. There is life after depression.
This is some seriously good advice!!!

I have a little experience with this sort of thing personally, so I'll say what worked for me, though it might not fit your case perfectly. What course of action depends on the reasons you are depressed. Whatever the reason, talking to someone - doctor, psychiatrist, counsellor or whatever could help you get some of the weight off your shoulders. Or talk things other with friends or family, if thats appropriate. And, as much as I am a hypocrite for saying this, having frequently NOT done this myself, distractions can often help in the short-term, though for anything over minor temporary depression its a good idea to see someone. Set yourself a task for the day, arrange to meet friends or something. As much as you don't feel like doing it, getting something done or going out can often break the cycle of feeling miserable, thinking too much, not doing anything, being miserable because of that etc. Its VERY easy to end up sitting around, overthinking things, making you more depressed and contributing to a vicious cycle.

I endorse this - it's exactly what's getting me out of my depression.

if alcohol and sex doesn't do it get Prozac

Try these movies:

Grosse Pointe Blank: "They all have husbands and wives and children and houses and dogs, and, you know, they've all made themselves a part of something and they can talk about what they do. What am I gonna say? 'I killed the president of Paraguay with a fork. How've you been?'"

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: "She just saw me with another woman! You're French, you understand that!"

"To be with another woman, zat is French; to be caught, zat is American."

The Pentagon Wars:

Major General Partridge: "Just because the tests didn't turn out the way Colonel Burton thought they would, was no reason to suspect there was anything devious going on."
Madame Chairwoman: "I ask you General, filling the fuel tanks with WATER before a test to check the combustibility of those tanks, that wasn't devious?"
Major General Partridge: "If the tanks had been filled with fuel, there's a good chance the vehicle would have exploded."
Congressman #1: "Isn't that the point?"
Major General Partridge: "If the vehicle had exploded, we wouldn't be able to run additional tests!"

My Man Godfrey (original): "May I be frank? "
"Is that your name?
"No, my name is Godfrey. "
"All right, be frank. "

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

You have my deepest sympathies and best wishes for your recovery. As someone who suffers from long-term clinical depression, I have some clue as to what you are going through.

Ignore most of the idiots that will respond to this post with bad advice and/or a lack of empathy.

Do seek professional help immediately. It can be amazing how much better some medication or therapy can make you feel. (AND if your condiction is so serious that medication and therapy don't help soon, then all the more reason you should be in professional care.)

Look get drunk, get laid (use a hooker if need be) and you will feel better.

Classic failure to recognize the difference between the disease of depression and simply a bad mood.

Either that or such a bad attempt at humor as to be inexplicable.

Classic failure to recognize the difference between the disease of depression and simply a bad mood.

Either that or such a bad attempt at humor as to be inexplicable.

I pointed out that the Internet is a poor place to get therapy, and somehow, that advice was considered "bad".

It's a really bad place to come to get help.

I pointed out that the Internet is a poor place to get therapy, and somehow, that advice was considered "bad".

It's a really bad place to come to get help.

Two points: 1) your attitude seemed less than helpful making what may have been good advice seem like dickishness and 2) these forums are not entirely bad places to vent, seek help, and get advice -- not to mention interact however distantly with others -- all good things for depression.

Two points: 1) your attitude seemed less than helpful making what may have been good advice seem like dickishness and 2) these forums are not entirely bad places to vent, seek help, and get advice -- not to mention interact however distantly with others -- all good things for depression.

That's like saying MySpace is a good place to get help. Or that posting a webcam of yourself is a good thing when you're depressed.

There is no substitute for calling for medical services when you need help. If you're that depressed, it should be the first thing you do.

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

well, maybe u should see a proffessional. I also think it may be better if u dont start antidepressants right away. Exercise may help...

Exercise on par with drugs for aiding depression
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL96941220070919

Two points: 1) your attitude seemed less than helpful making what may have been good advice seem like dickishness and 2) these forums are not entirely bad places to vent, seek help, and get advice -- not to mention interact however distantly with others -- all good things for depression.As long as you can figure out how to differentiate between the two.

As for dealing with it, Saint B, seek professional help. You may not even be suffering from a full blown depression, but instead just "be sad". I had something similar, and meds tend to not help in that case, but neither we nor you are in any position to really be able to tell the difference, so find someone who can.

If you're clinically depressed, you'll need meds to correct whatever imbalance you've got. If it's "just sadness", it'll eventually pass (though it can take a while). What I did was create soundtracks of how I felt and listened to them.

If you're clinically depressed, you'll need meds to correct whatever imbalance you've got. If it's "just sadness", it'll eventually pass (though it can take a while). What I did was create soundtracks of how I felt and listened to them.


No, just read my post above. Antidepressants are controversial and overly overly prescribed. Exercise may have similar benefits to it. Even placebos.

Study: Antidepressant barely better than placebo
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/drugs/2002-07-08-antidepressants.htm

Proffessional advice is best but generally antidepressants are "last line of defense".

No, just read my post above. Antidepressants are controversial and overly overly prescribed. Exercise may have similar benefits to it. Even placebos.

Study: Antidepressant barely better than placebo
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/drugs/2002-07-08-antidepressants.htm

Proffessional advice is best but generally antidepressants are "last line of defense".

See, this is where Hotwife has a point. A single disputed claim in a USA Today article is not a good basis for making medical suggestions.

Leave the actual treatment of SaintB to the fucking professionals.

EDIT: BTW did you note that the article in your earlier post and the USA Today article directly contradict each other?

See, this is where Hotwife has a point. A single disputed claim in a USA Today article is not a good basis for making medical suggestions.

Leave the actual treatment of SaintB to the fucking professionals.

EDIT: BTW did you note that the article in your earlier post and the USA Today article directly contradict each other?

Screw that professionals are a waste of Money. saintb my dad is a pharmacist i will mail you some prozac

Screw that professionals are a waste of Money. saintb my dad is a pharmacist i will mail you some prozac

Greed, please, go back to intoxicate yourself with spiced wine. You make more sense inebriated.

See, this is where Hotwife has a point. A single disputed claim in a USA Today article is not a good basis for making medical suggestions.

Leave the actual treatment of SaintB to the fucking professionals.

EDIT: BTW did you note that the article in your earlier post and the USA Today article directly contradict each other?

Are you not reading?

"Proffessional advice is best but generally antidepressants are 'last line of defense'."

No they dont actually. 2nd study also admits that there is a statistical difference between control and treatment groups. They are just saying that its not as effective as people think.

Here's a different source:
http://www.apa.org/releases/antidepressants.html

Are you not reading?

"Proffessional advice is best but generally antidepressants are 'last line of defense'."

No they dont actually. 2nd study also admits that there is a statistical difference between control and treatment groups. They are just saying that its not as effective as people think.

Here's a different source:
http://www.apa.org/releases/antidepressants.html

1. Suggesting professional advice = good. Making advice as if you were a professional regarding antidepressants = not good. Got it?

2. Your "different source" is reporting the same study. Experts disagree with Kirsch et al's conclusions -- especially regarding whether an 18%-20% better result for antidepressants is significant or not. There are also several other criticisms of Kirsch et al's study. See, e.g., link (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20080227/antidepressants-no-better-than-placebo).

3. As to the alleged contradiction, your first source clearly said exercise and/or antidepressants were better than placebos:

In a study of 202 depressed adults, investigators found that those who went through group-based exercise therapy did as well as those treated with an antidepressant drug. A third group that performed home-based exercise also improved, though to a lesser degree.

Importantly, the researchers found, all three groups did better than a fourth group given a placebo -- an inactive pill identical to the antidepressant.

Screw that professionals are a waste of Money. saintb my dad is a pharmacist i will mail you some prozac

What dose?

What frequency?

Are you really advocating taking unprescribed pharmaceuticals as a way to help yourself?

To SaintB, go see a doctor. I put off seeing mine when I was depressed thinking I would sort myself out, I had 4 months of hell.

It might feel weak but sometimes asking for help is the strongest thing a person can do.

1. Suggesting professional advice = good. Making advice as if you were a professional regarding antidepressants = not good. Got it?


Well, I'm a psych student and some professionals do overprescribe. Still, proffessional advice is best. Got it?



2. Your "different source" is reporting the same study.


Yea, different source, same study, I assumed u didnt like a newspaper article.


Experts disagree with Kirsch et al's conclusions -- especially regarding whether an 18%-20% better result for antidepressants is significant or not. There are also several other criticisms of Kirsch et al's study. See, e.g., link (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20080227/antidepressants-no-better-than-placebo).

3. As to the alleged contradiction, your first source clearly said exercise and/or antidepressants were better than placebos:

In a study of 202 depressed adults, investigators found that those who went through group-based exercise therapy did as well as those treated with an antidepressant drug. A third group that performed home-based exercise also improved, though to a lesser degree.

Importantly, the researchers found, all three groups did better than a fourth group given a placebo -- an inactive pill identical to the antidepressant.


Thats what Kirsch says. As I said, "2nd study also admits that there is a statistical difference between control and treatment groups. They are just saying that its not as effective as people think." By 2nd study I meant Kirsch et al cause it was the 2nd study I cited.

What dose?

What frequency?

Are you really advocating taking unprescribed pharmaceuticals as a way to help yourself?

To SaintB, go see a doctor. I put off seeing mine when I was depressed thinking I would sort myself out, I had 4 months of hell.

It might feel weak but sometimes asking for help is the strongest thing a person can do.

start him on 20-mg/day.
Self medication is good. It has never done me wrong.

start him on 20-mg/day.
Self medication is good. It has never done me wrong.

Would you give him an initial double dose to kick start the effect or just start on the 20mg?

When would you check the efficacy of the dose?

At what point would you check that any lingering symptoms are biochemical and not psychological?

What are the effects of prozac on the body and what are the side effects?

Which of these side effects should he immediatly seek your advice about as his "doctor"?

Would you give him an initial double dose to kick start the effect or just start on the 20mg?

When would you check the efficacy of the dose?

At what point would you check that any lingering symptoms are biochemical and not psychological?

What are the effects of prozac on the body and what are the side effects?

Which of these side effects should he immediatly seek your advice about as his "doctor"?

Reason 91824 not to take medical advice over the Internet, and not to ask for it, either.

Would you give him an initial double dose to kick start the effect or just start on the 20mg?

When would you check the efficacy of the dose?

At what point would you check that any lingering symptoms are biochemical and not psychological?

What are the effects of prozac on the body and what are the side effects?

Which of these side effects should he immediatly seek your advice about as his "doctor"?

he is self medicating I am just offering to enable. if he doesn't like side effect change to other medication. if he needs more take more.

he is self medicating I am just offering to enable. if he doesn't like side effect change to other medication. if he needs more take more.

No, you are offering to commit a crime and risking your father's job into the bargain.

No, you are offering to commit a crime and risking your father's job into the bargain.

your right. I take back everything i said.


get the medicine on your saint B

Last I check cocaine does a wonderful job in blocking the re-uptake of dopamine.

On a more serious note, since you can't get a legal anti-depressant prescription, nor could you get a counseling session here on NSG, your best bet is to actually seek professionals. Being sad and chronically depressed are two different things. While sadness is usually a respond to things that happens in real life, clinical depression tends to be an ongoing mood with seemingly no rational reasons, usual caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. If you don't have any financial reason that is preventing you from seeking professional help, I will suggest you to do so.

Last I check cocaine does a wonderful job in blocking the re-uptake of dopamine.

On a more serious note, since you can't get a legal anti-depressant prescription, nor could you get a counseling session here on NSG, your best bet is to actually seek professionals. Being sad and chronically depressed are two different things. While sadness is usually a respond to things that happens in real life, clinical depression tends to be an ongoing mood with seemingly no rational reasons, usual caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. If you don't have any financial reason that is preventing you from seeking professional help, I will suggest you to do so.

the back door of Mexican pharmacies have plenty of anti depressants

No, just read my post above. Antidepressants are controversial and overly overly prescribed. Exercise may have similar benefits to it. Even placebos.

Study: Antidepressant barely better than placebo
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/drugs/2002-07-08-antidepressants.htm

Proffessional advice is best but generally antidepressants are "last line of defense".

As someone who has the unholy triumvirate of chemical education, a history of particiaption in clinical trialing, AND close contact with depression drugs, I can tell you that you are peddling horseshit.

In SOME cases, there is NO difference between placebo and antidepressant. In a lot of cases, there is a marginal difference, because the patient isn't exactly conformant to a 'depressed' state, and in some cases, antidepressants of the WRONG kind, are no better thanplacebo - possibly worse.

In the cases where the disorder is matched correctly to the drug, however, the reaction is visible and - to be frank - astonishing.

None of which is really covered in the glib little article you posted.

he is self medicating I am just offering to enable. if he doesn't like side effect change to other medication. if he needs more take more.

You realise, of course, that Prozac overdose can be lethal, and that an 'overdose' with that family of drugs could be at the 20mg level?

No - of course you don't, because you're churning out your own weight in stupid shit. Feel free to shut the fuck up.

Over the past few weeks my moods have been unstable, I have been ranging from detached, to unhappy, to hostile to others. I have tried not to let this flow from my real life into the cyber life (is that even a term?) but in the last few days I have fallen so low that I can't even keep my mood out of my behavior here on NS. I've been attention whoreing, trolling a little, and I have made some deliberately offensive comments via TG to someone. With my self esteem plummeting faster than GM's stock prices I find myself in need of some kind of respite, how I'll get that I don't know... perhaps I'll do something stupid. I bring this up because I am probably going to be staying away from Nation States for a while; weeks maybe months; and I figured I'd just let anyone who might actually give a shit know about it.

If you take nothing else from this thread, take the advice to see a professional asap. A lot of doctors will find a space for you even in a busy day, if you are waiting at the office doors at 8am (or whenever they arrive).

If you are depressed, it's not a show of strength to try to muscle through it.

Get seen, maybe get medicated. You can take stock of your life and start thinking about OTHER options later. Get help now.

You realise, of course, that Prozac overdose can be lethal, and that an 'overdose' with that family of drugs could be at the 20mg level?

No - of course you don't, because you're churning out your own weight in stupid shit. Feel free to shut the fuck up.

I'm curious about 20mg being lethal. My Doc started me on 25mg as the lowest dose? :confused:

I'm curious about 20mg being lethal. My Doc started me on 25mg as the lowest dose? :confused:

I don't know much about Prozac. I'm on Paxil, 10mg.

Life got you down? Go kill yourself, lol.

I don't know much about Prozac. I'm on Paxil, 10mg.

Prozac... my auntie is on it... she's always hyper. :eek:

Prozac... my auntie is on it... she's always hyper. :eek:

It makes you hyper?

I'm curious about 20mg being lethal. My Doc started me on 25mg as the lowest dose? :confused:

I didn't say 20mg is lethal. I said you can overdose on it, at 20mg. And that overdoses can be lethal.

Most Prozac treatments run between 20mg and 60mg, but that doesn't mean you overdose at 80mg - you COULD overdose at 20mg.

It makes you hyper?

It's an upper drug. A stimulant. Thus it perks you up... but makes you look insane. :confused:

It's an upper drug. A stimulant. Thus it perks you up... but makes you look insane. :confused:

Then I like Paxil. Paxil mellows me out.

Then I like Paxil. Paxil mellows me out.

Hmm... to be honest some people are trying to get prozac banned - it's been linked to some suicides.

Hmm... to be honest some people are trying to get prozac banned - it's been linked to some suicides.

Some people are trying to get Prozac banned because the vast majority of people don't understand how science works.

Prozac doesn't make people suicidal, as some news sources have suggested. It doesn't even increase the tendency to be suicidal. What it DOES do, is allow some people that are already suicidal but too mired in the physical symptoms of depression (lassitude, fatigue, etc) to go ahead and do it - because some of the effects of the drug kick in before others.

It will be a tragedy if Prozac gets banned. It will be a victory of ignorance over ability.

As someone who has the unholy triumvirate of chemical education, a history of particiaption in clinical trialing, AND close contact with depression drugs, I can tell you that you are peddling horseshit.


I find it unlikely that you have scientific background if u think that a review of 47 studies is "horseshit". There's disagreement, reasonable scepticism and then there is dogmatic rejection.


In SOME cases, there is NO difference between placebo and antidepressant. In a lot of cases, there is a marginal difference, because the patient isn't exactly conformant to a 'depressed' state, and in some cases, antidepressants of the WRONG kind, are no better thanplacebo - possibly worse.

In the cases where the disorder is matched correctly to the drug, however, the reaction is visible and - to be frank - astonishing.

None of which is really covered in the glib little article you posted.

Straw man. I never said antidepressants are totally useless. Why are you even quoting my posts and pretend to be answering to me?

I find it unlikely that you have scientific background if u think that a review of 47 studies is "horseshit".


You have no idea how much I really can't care any less about what you think about my scientific credentials. Your doubt is like ambrosia to me, given your apparent grasp of scientific rigour.


There's disagreement, reasonable scepticism and then there is dogmatic rejection.


And two psychologists 'reviewing' 47 pre-established trials should immediately be setting off alarm bells at the 'skeptic' level, at least.

Given no more information about the drugs, nothing specific about the trials, and no data on the 'patients' or how they were selected? The review should be taken with a pinch of salt. At best.

Given the fact that the 'illness' in this case, is depression, which can be extremely cyclically variable to start with, and that it is already established that some patients will only get 'good' reactions out of certain families of medication, the review interprets data that would be expected... as being a kind of flaw.

Their review is infantile. If a trial only trials one drug - you EXPECT a difference in response. To look at that statistic, ina collection of different trials for different drugs, and say that 'in more than half' the drug was uneffective, is ignorance.

The REAL problem isn't in the drug - it's in the doctors. Doctors prescribe for off-label illnesses. They prescribe for the sake of prescribing. As an easy approach. And patients are often no better - they tell their doctors they took a full course of meds, even if they didn't crack the cap.

If I were reviewing the data from those 47 studies, the FIRST question I would be asking, would be 'how were the patients selected'. My second would be 'how is the admission of medication being monitored'.


Straw man. I never said antidepressants are totally useless. Why are you even quoting my posts and pretend to be answering to me?

It's not a strawman. I didn't CLAIM you'd said 'antidepressants are totally useless'.

I saw where you had started off with nonsensical claims about the effectiveness of antidepressants, based on a six-year-old review, and I chose to suggest several already established, KNOWN reasons why the 'phenomenon' exists.

It's a response to your post. That doesn't mean you said every alternate word in the response.

Oookay...

I saw a therapist today, I can't really afford it but I found a free mental health clinic that I can go to for a few months at least. I am suffering from depression, but they doubt its caused by a chemical imbalance; more or less caused by stress. My course of treatment involves a particular diet (yeah, they have a diet for everything), and weekly therapy sessions. It was also recommended that I continue to partake in activities I actually enjoy. May seem odd but Nation States is on that list.

So, I am following Doctor's orders and sticking around Nation States, you people might just have to be a bit patient with me ;)


I am honestly grateful for the advice people offered, well the serious advice anyway; and most of you actually surprised me. I didn't expect much of a response, let alone 7 pages of responses. Thanks guys for making me feel somewhat included here.


Now what topic should I spam?

Best of luck and I hope for a quick return to balance in life for you!

Oookay...

I saw a therapist today, I can't really afford it but I found a free mental health clinic that I can go to for a few months at least. I am suffering from depression, but they doubt its caused by a chemical imbalance; more or less caused by stress. My course of treatment involves a particular diet (yeah, they have a diet for everything), and weekly therapy sessions. It was also recommended that I continue to partake in activities I actually enjoy. May seem odd but Nation States is on that list.

So, I am following Doctor's orders and sticking around Nation States, you people might just have to be a bit patient with me ;)


I am honestly grateful for the advice people offered, well the serious advice anyway; and most of you actually surprised me. I didn't expect much of a response, let alone 7 pages of responses. Thanks guys for making me feel somewhat included here.


Now what topic should I spam?
First of all, good to still have you with us.
Then, congrats on your decision to seek out professional help.

I know that I had waited way too long before I did. Partly because I didn't know what was going on, partly because I didn't want to admit something was awry, and partly because I was far too depressed to even try.

Despite what some people here might say, spending time with interweb buddies can help you take your mind off things that cause you distress, and from the look of it (and from earlier discussions here I know) there are more than a handful of people who have had similar problems.

While that might or might not be helpful to your situation - at least you know that you're not completely alone and this might give you some comfort.

Just hang in there and keep going.

Oookay...

I saw a therapist today, I can't really afford it but I found a free mental health clinic that I can go to for a few months at least. I am suffering from depression, but they doubt its caused by a chemical imbalance; more or less caused by stress. My course of treatment involves a particular diet (yeah, they have a diet for everything), and weekly therapy sessions. It was also recommended that I continue to partake in activities I actually enjoy. May seem odd but Nation States is on that list.

So, I am following Doctor's orders and sticking around Nation States, you people might just have to be a bit patient with me ;)


I am honestly grateful for the advice people offered, well the serious advice anyway; and most of you actually surprised me. I didn't expect much of a response, let alone 7 pages of responses. Thanks guys for making me feel somewhat included here.


Now what topic should I spam?

here's to a speedy recovery! :) it is very good that you got out there and sought help. well done you :)

though, just to be grumpy, you seem to have gotten free mental health care WAY more quickly and easily than i could with the NHS. they told me there was a 6 month waiting list for a councellor, so i told them to forget it :mad:
i should point out there has been a lot of criticism over the NHSs' lack of provision for mental health, and lack of taking it seriously, so i hope it changes here soon. (that said my g/f was able to see a psychologist on the NHS, so it can't be bad everywhere) (oh and i could have gone private but couldn't afford it)

here's to a speedy recovery! :) it is very good that you got out there and sought help. well done you :)

though, just to be grumpy, you seem to have gotten free mental health care WAY more quickly and easily than i could with the NHS. they told me there was a 6 month waiting list for a councellor, so i told them to forget it :mad:
i should point out there has been a lot of criticism over the NHSs' lack of provision for mental health, and lack of taking it seriously, so i hope it changes here soon. (that said my g/f was able to see a psychologist on the NHS, so it can't be bad everywhere) (oh and i could have gone private but couldn't afford it)

I just happened to walk in on the one day the Psych at the free clinic was not particularly busy. I can only visit them for about 3 months.

I just happened to walk in on the one day the Psych at the free clinic was not particularly busy. I can only visit them for about 3 months.

well, still...... *grump grump grump*

*is grumpy this morning*

well, still...... *grump grump grump*

*is grumpy this morning*

Well grump on outta here! I don't need that kind of negative influence I AM in a manic state after all :D

Oookay...

I saw a therapist today, I can't really afford it but I found a free mental health clinic that I can go to for a few months at least. I am suffering from depression, but they doubt its caused by a chemical imbalance; more or less caused by stress. My course of treatment involves a particular diet (yeah, they have a diet for everything), and weekly therapy sessions. It was also recommended that I continue to partake in activities I actually enjoy. May seem odd but Nation States is on that list.

So, I am following Doctor's orders and sticking around Nation States, you people might just have to be a bit patient with me ;)


I am honestly grateful for the advice people offered, well the serious advice anyway; and most of you actually surprised me. I didn't expect much of a response, let alone 7 pages of responses. Thanks guys for making me feel somewhat included here.


Now what topic should I spam?


Congratulations and well done, SaintB. 3 months can be a sufficient amount of time if it's used well. The diet is more important than you think: depression is responsive to blood sugar levels. All the best with the therapy. Sessions can be a bit hard but stick with it, and don't be afraid to ask the therapist to explain what's going on if you need to.

Good that you can stay with NS! Now there's a banner for the sign-in page:
"NationStates -- it's good for you!"

You need go no further than right here for a topic to spam. After all, other people *glares at the Indri-ot in the corner* have done, and it's your topic.

Good luck, and now you know, there are some people here for you.

I don't want to be mean to you, because I've always thought you were a friendly contributor to discussions, but... I don't really think NSG is for this kind of thing. I have issues too. A lot of us do. Maybe you should get a livejournal. Although, staying away from the computer might help things. Having debates can spark anxiety, and being on the internet all the time keeps you up crazy hours. But, honestly, you need to seek medical treatment.

I don't want to be mean to you, because I've always thought you were a friendly contributor to discussions, but... I don't really think NSG is for this kind of thing. I have issues too. A lot of us do. Maybe you should get a livejournal. Although, staying away from the computer might help things. Having debates can spark anxiety, and being on the internet all the time keeps you up crazy hours. But, honestly, you need to seek medical treatment.

I started the thread to make a statement that I wasn't going to be on NS for awhile, in case people wondered... then instead of making another thread I just updated this one, no harm done right? And, I was brought up to believe its irrevocably rude to ignore well wishers. How about I get the thread locked or moved?

I started the thread to make a statement that I wasn't going to be on NS for awhile, in case people wondered... then instead of making another thread I just updated this one, no harm done right? And, I was brought up to believe its irrevocably rude to ignore well wishers. How about I get the thread locked or moved?

If people will just stop picking at it, it'll heal on it's own. :)

You have no idea how much I really can't care any less about what you think about my scientific credentials. Your doubt is like ambrosia to me, given your apparent grasp of scientific rigour.



And two psychologists 'reviewing' 47 pre-established trials should immediately be setting off alarm bells at the 'skeptic' level, at least.

Given no more information about the drugs, nothing specific about the trials, and no data on the 'patients' or how they were selected? The review should be taken with a pinch of salt. At best.

Given the fact that the 'illness' in this case, is depression, which can be extremely cyclically variable to start with, and that it is already established that some patients will only get 'good' reactions out of certain families of medication, the review interprets data that would be expected... as being a kind of flaw.

Their review is infantile. If a trial only trials one drug - you EXPECT a difference in response. To look at that statistic, ina collection of different trials for different drugs, and say that 'in more than half' the drug was uneffective, is ignorance.

The REAL problem isn't in the drug - it's in the doctors. Doctors prescribe for off-label illnesses. They prescribe for the sake of prescribing. As an easy approach. And patients are often no better - they tell their doctors they took a full course of meds, even if they didn't crack the cap.

If I were reviewing the data from those 47 studies, the FIRST question I would be asking, would be 'how were the patients selected'. My second would be 'how is the admission of medication being monitored'.


Did u read the journal article?



It's not a strawman. I didn't CLAIM you'd said 'antidepressants are totally useless'.

I saw where you had started off with nonsensical claims about the effectiveness of antidepressants, based on a six-year-old review, and I chose to suggest several already established, KNOWN reasons why the 'phenomenon' exists.

It's a response to your post. That doesn't mean you said every alternate word in the response.

It's silly that you calll it nonsensical. It has a certain empirical basis and many psychologists agree (according to APA news article). And according to that same article, everyone agrees that more research is needed to establish the efficacy of antidepressants.

How about I get the thread locked or moved?

No, don't...

Anyway, I hope you get better.

Some people are trying to get Prozac banned because the vast majority of people don't understand how science works.

Prozac doesn't make people suicidal, as some news sources have suggested. It doesn't even increase the tendency to be suicidal. What it DOES do, is allow some people that are already suicidal but too mired in the physical symptoms of depression (lassitude, fatigue, etc) to go ahead and do it - because some of the effects of the drug kick in before others.

It will be a tragedy if Prozac gets banned. It will be a victory of ignorance over ability.

Prozac is the only antidepressant I've used that has had a positive affect on me. I get swelling, shaking legs, tremors, hyperactivity, and sensitivity to alcohol from it but it still works.

It makes you hyper?

Yes, it can. It's a side effect.

I didn't say 20mg is lethal. I said you can overdose on it, at 20mg. And that overdoses can be lethal.

Most Prozac treatments run between 20mg and 60mg, but that doesn't mean you overdose at 80mg - you COULD overdose at 20mg.

Spouting crap, I see.

It's an upper drug. A stimulant. Thus it perks you up... but makes you look insane. :confused:

No, it's not really a stimulant. It's an SSRI.

Prozac is the only antidepressant I've used that has had a positive affect on me. I get swelling, shaking legs, tremors, hyperactivity, and sensitivity to alcohol from it but it still works.

I've known several instances of a story much like this, or close to. Sometimes it's (just about) the only thing that works, sometimes it's the only thing that is consistent (a friend of mine was on Effexor for a while, but the effectiveness decreased quite rapidly).

Spouting crap, I see.


???

I've known several instances of a story much like this, or close to. Sometimes it's (just about) the only thing that works, sometimes it's the only thing that is consistent (a friend of mine was on Effexor for a while, but the effectiveness decreased quite rapidly).

I'm supposed to be on Effexor...

???

Claiming you can OD on 20g Prozac without even referencing a source sounds a little like you're "spouting crap", ie. talking shit.

I'm supposed to be on Effexor...


I've seen the same reaction in a couple of people with Effexor - it starts out good (and I mean, quite spectacularly good, in some cases), with minimal side-effects - and turns into little or no efficacy, with increasing side-effects.


Claiming you can OD on 20g Prozac without even referencing a source sounds a little like you're "spouting crap", ie. talking shit.

If you are sensitive (or allergic) to a drug, or if a drug has a bad reaction with another drug you are taking, or even some other chemical you've ingested (alcohol being a classic example)... you can overdose at a level even BELOW the 'minimum' dosage.

With Prozac, you can actually get adverse reactions even from taking ibuprofen. So - someone OD'ing on Prozac, even at the 20mg dosage, is not an unwarranted consideration.

Why is flame thread still allowed? :S

I've seen the same reaction in a couple of people with Effexor - it starts out good (and I mean, quite spectacularly good, in some cases), with minimal side-effects - and turns into little or no efficacy, with increasing side-effects.

One person I know said it was great, one person it's done nothing for except cause twitches.



If you are sensitive (or allergic) to a drug, or if a drug has a bad reaction with another drug you are taking, or even some other chemical you've ingested (alcohol being a classic example)... you can overdose at a level even BELOW the 'minimum' dosage.

With Prozac, you can actually get adverse reactions even from taking ibuprofen. So - someone OD'ing on Prozac, even at the 20mg dosage, is not an unwarranted consideration.

What you're talking about are allergic reactions, drug sensitivity, drug interactions, adverse effects and side effects.

An overdose describes the ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than are recommended or generally practiced.

What you're talking about are allergic reactions, drug sensitivity, drug interactions, adverse effects and side effects.

An overdose

One definition of 'overdose' is exceeding a prescribed or usual amount, but it's not the only one:

Example: Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: over·dose
Pronunciation: -vr-ds
Function: noun
: too great a dose (as of a therapeutic agent) <an overdose of exposure to the sun -- Morris Fishbein>; also : a lethal or toxic amount (as of a drug)

A dose at which lethal results are attained is an 'overdose', even if it's lower than the 'prescribed' or 'usual' dosage.

Hmmm....

As a medical professional I find the advice in this thread disturbing.

Hmmm....

As a medical professional I find the advice in this thread disturbing.

Good thing I listened to my Therapist first :)

One definition of 'overdose' is exceeding a prescribed or usual amount, but it's not the only one:

Example: Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: over·dose
Pronunciation: -vr-ds
Function: noun
: too great a dose (as of a therapeutic agent) <an overdose of exposure to the sun -- Morris Fishbein>; also : a lethal or toxic amount (as of a drug)

A dose at which lethal results are attained is an 'overdose', even if it's lower than the 'prescribed' or 'usual' dosage.

Considering we're talking in medical terms here, I'm certain that's not the definition you should be using.