Ped said:

My psychiatrist gave me myself and my life back.  Without them, I would be completely out of control or dead. 

Their diagnosis, which I don't perceive as a static, concrete label, is bipolar II disorder.  Bipolar II disorder arises with contributions from numerous biopsychosocial factors, which is to say that it emerges from biological (genetic & environmental) factors, psychological (largely childhood and emotional context) factors, and social factors (class, financial stress, economic mobility and so forth).  It is characterized by a persistently depressed state in which the individual is virtually incapable of experiencing joy or pleasure, except during periods of hypomania, which is an over-charged experience of joy and pleasure often presenting with irritability and distorted notions about oneself or one's abilities.

I'm being treated with two pharmaceuticals, both of which are somewhat unconventional for their application: mirtazapine (Remeron), and quetiapine (Seroquel).  Finding this successful combination was a long, painstaking effort involving numerous failed single- and dual-medication strategies, but because I stuck with my psychiatrist we eventually hit upon this winning combination.  These two medications, combined with psychotherapy and numerous environmental changes, constitute the reason why I am able to articulate any of this to you today, and why I've been able to compose, produce, and master an entire album of electronic music (in my signature).  Put quite simply, without this treatment I would be too depressed or too unstable to accomplish either task.

That being said, my life is far from perfect and rosy.  I remain shaky in my coping ability when it comes to stress, and struggle with my day-to-day life.  I have few relationships, because I simply cannot endure the complexity and pressure of numerous relationships.  That being said, I am far better off than I would otherwise be, and am standing in a position where I can choose positive directions.  For me, the field of psychiatry has been the difference between having a life of chaos and despair (or a life at all), and a life where I can savour some things.  From my point of view, this is an entire universe of difference.

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Ped said:

My psychiatrist gave me myself and my life back.  Without them, I would be completely out of control or dead. 

Their diagnosis, which I don't perceive as a static, concrete label, is bipolar II disorder.  Bipolar II disorder arises with contributions from numerous biopsychosocial factors, which is to say that it emerges from biological (genetic & environmental) factors, psychological (largely childhood and emotional context) factors, and social factors (class, financial stress, economic mobility and so forth).  It is characterized by a persistently depressed state in which the individual is virtually incapable of experiencing joy or pleasure, except during periods of hypomania, which is an over-charged experience of joy and pleasure often presenting with irritability and distorted notions about oneself or one's abilities.

I'm being treated with two pharmaceuticals, both of which are somewhat unconventional for their application: mirtazapine (Remeron), and quetiapine (Seroquel).  Finding this successful combination was a long, painstaking effort involving numerous failed single- and dual-medication strategies, but because I stuck with my psychiatrist we eventually hit upon this winning combination.  These two medications, combined with psychotherapy and numerous environmental changes, constitute the reason why I am able to articulate any of this to you today, and why I've been able to compose, produce, and master an entire album of electronic music (in my signature).  Put quite simply, without this treatment I would be too depressed or too unstable to accomplish either task.

That being said, my life is far from perfect and rosy.  I remain shaky in my coping ability when it comes to stress, and struggle with my day-to-day life.  I have few relationships, because I simply cannot endure the complexity and pressure of numerous relationships.  That being said, I am far better off than I would otherwise be, and am standing in a position where I can choose positive directions.  For me, the field of psychiatry has been the difference between having a life of chaos and despair (or a life at all), and a life where I can savour some things.  From my point of view, this is an entire universe of difference.

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Ped said:

>> While I applaud you for taking measures to improve your well-being, your first statement is a little concerning.

It's just the truth.


>> Reminds me of the alcoholics anonymous mantra "I am powerless against drinking", it removes all sense of responsibility for ones potential to make change for ones-self.

Following through with psychiatric care is an act of self-discipline and self-responsibility.  It's taking responsibility for one's mental health, and allowing qualified medical professionals to help me help myself.  It is the opposite of the AA mantra, "I am powerless against drinking." On the contrary, it says "I am not powerless against this condition, and with effort and help I can manage or overcome it."


>> When it works it works, but to say it is the only way is to ignore worlds of other possibilities.

Nobody said it was the only way.  In fact, other worlds and other possibilities were exhausted before I finally accepted that psychiatry (i.e., western medicine) was appropriate for me and my circumstances.

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Thanks for the clarification, however it is the truth as you see it.

The second bit seems like another reformulation of that mantra, "I am not powerless against this condition, and with effort and help I can manage or overcome it", could be followed by "through christ" and still be on point.

Not trying to be anti-pharmaceutical, just clear on interpretation.

I'm not a fan of the extremes of either "psychiatric drugs are the most effective way to treat mental illness" or "pharmaceuticals are all bad and you should just eat psychedelics to treat your problems".

My brother views his own treatment in a similar manner as you, I just don't think he explored other options seriously.

Always appreciate your insightful posts.