depression/doctors are nuts!

[liz28]

okay.
i swear doctors are getting PAID to shove drugs onto people.
after having blood work done and having everything be a-okay,
my doctor then goes on to say "ah yes. it must be depression. anxiety and bowel problems and depression are all one big bag".. so he gives me immediately some ZOLOFT samples after telling him i really have no desire to take meds...
(i should have you know i started seeing the doc because of the side effects of anxiety but not before coming down with something nasty after attending a wedding this past sept.. food poisoning maybe, no idea.. but it was traumatic enough and the bowel problems lasted a few months after....)

whatever happened to people dealing with stressful situations in life, or dealing with no sun for months on end... why is a blue season considered something horrific that you need medication for.

do doctors ASSUME that everyone wants a quick fix??
i am sort of angry about it.

do any of you take zoloft? does it really do anything for you?
just wondering.

[babygap5]

I agree with what you are saying, on all accounts. First, doctors are getting some sort of kick-back for the drugs they give out to patients (even though it hasn't been proven, I'm POSITIVE money is changing hands) so, the more samples that are given out, the more potential prescriptions can be written for that drug. Also, with regard to people wanting a quick fix, I think that we live in a society that is used to it. Take the internet for example, if you needed to find out the current exchange rate of the Euro, a few quick key strokes and you have your answer. If you get a cold, you take an cold pill expecting it to make you feel better faster than if you just suffered.


I'm not defending your doctor, but I do believe it is the norm. If you weren't happy with this doctor, go for another opinion. I've never taken zoloft so I can't comment on that. I commend you for seeking treatment and I encourage you to stick with it until you find a treatment that works best for you.

[shiva]

f***ing AMEN to that.


The last time my sister went to her general practitioner, they were trying to give her a prescription for anything. The doctor asked "Are you sure you don't need any prescriptions? Do you sleep okay? Any anxiety? Depression? Heartburn?" That's just WRONG! My friend is a medical assistant and she says it's crazy watching how the drug reps work. I thought it was about healing people, guess not.


When I took zoloft, I didn't think it did anything for my anxiety. My mom on the other hand loves it, But, you've got to wonder how much of it is the placebo effect.


The best I have ever felt is not when I am doped up and don't care about emet, but is when I am sooo pissed off at it that I feel like I could stomp on it's face. That is when the progress is being made, not when I could care less.

[liz28]

yeah its interesting. doctors, are interesting.
i had gone to about three in a 4 month period...
and they all had something completely different to say.. its INCREDIBLE.
the one before this guy
said that i was just experiencing the effects of a yeast infection, and not enough omega-3's. so he threw in some samples for whatever, i forget now, yeast killer drugs. even though i had never been tested for yeast. along withclaritin just for fun. (i said my throat hurt)...so he assumed i had allergies, though he didnt tell me to get get tested or anything.

i dont know. its unfortunate. i dont want to go crawling to health food employees either because i'm sure they're all getting their own perks from selling certain products to people.

its a whole big conspiracy! not sure what to do !

[mjewell]

okay.
i swear doctors are getting PAID to shove drugs onto people.
after having blood work done and having everything be a-okay,
my doctor then goes on to say "ah yes. it must be depression. anxiety and bowel problems and depression are all one big bag".. so he gives me immediately some ZOLOFT samples after telling him i really have no desire to take meds...
(i should have you know i started seeing the doc because of the side effects of anxiety but not before coming down with something nasty after attending a wedding this past sept.. food poisoning maybe, no idea.. but it was traumatic enough and the bowel problems lasted a few months after....)

whatever happened to people dealing with stressful situations in life, or dealing with no sun for months on end... why is a blue season considered something horrific that you need medication for.

do doctors ASSUME that everyone wants a quick fix??
i am sort of angry about it.

do any of you take zoloft? does it really do anything for you?
just wondering.

Liz - I don't take Zoloft but I do take Lexapro - same class of drugs. It helps me 100% and I know it is NOT a placebo. I respect not wanting to take meds, but for me my anxiety had taken over my life, so it was a good decision for me. I am back to normal now!


Just wanted to add my two cents.

[tabycat]

well I have IBS and anxiety problems, and I remember when I went to my
doctor for IBS stuff he was basicallylike I'll just have to put you on
some anti-depressants if it doesn't get better, and I was like what
about Zelnorm(specifically for IBS w/ constipation) oh well I haven't
been back to see that doctor

[crimgoddess]

okay.
i swear doctors are getting PAID to shove drugs onto people.
after having blood work done and having everything be a-okay,
my doctor then goes on to say "ah yes. it must be depression. anxiety and bowel problems and depression are all one big bag".. so he gives me immediately some ZOLOFT samples after telling him i really have no desire to take meds...
(i should have you know i started seeing the doc because of the side effects of anxiety but not before coming down with something nasty after attending a wedding this past sept.. food poisoning maybe, no idea.. but it was traumatic enough and the bowel problems lasted a few months after....)

whatever happened to people dealing with stressful situations in life, or dealing with no sun for months on end... why is a blue season considered something horrific that you need medication for.

do doctors ASSUME that everyone wants a quick fix??
i am sort of angry about it.

do any of you take zoloft? does it really do anything for you?
just wondering.

As Shiva put it- AMEN sistah!


God, now they even havethings like prozacfor children and animals! What, Fido is depressed because he lost his favourite chew toy so you drug 'im? Your child is sad because mommy or daddy doesn't spend enough time with them- the logical response? Drugs of course!


God, problems centering around thought processes aren't like a rash or fever- it's not like they can go away with simple medication. Between the western world's reliance on the 'quick fix' in terms of health and wellness, and socially constructing certain experiences as 'disorders' that LOGICALLY should be treated chemically, I think we as a society are heading up s*** creek without a paddle.


As someone mentioned- if I were you I would also check into getting another doctor. Like every profession, there are the good and the bad- it may take awhile, but it is possible to find someone who is more in line with your desires in terms of treatment. Don't feel pressured into going the chemical route if it doesn't make you comfortable! Not all psychs are modern drug dealers- minus the bling and bad caddy.


*amber*

[shiva]

My serious thoughts are... Eat healthy, drink water, excercise, take vitamins and become hormonally balanced.

Unfortunately you are right about the health food people.. It's all about money.. EVERYWHERE. It sucks.

[emetojackie]

My serious thoughts are... Eat healthy, drink water, excercise, take vitamins and become hormonally balanced.

Can't fault that one! [img]smileys/smilies_04.gif[/img]


I think its discraceful how peole can be put on anti-depressants from a drop of a hat but there we go..

[shiva]

Exactly!
Oh, you have PMS?? Here, try Zoloft! Or like my mom got on her coctail.. Menopause.
And medicating kids??? It's crazy.. nuts.

In one aspect, I am so appreciative and respectful of the medical community and on the other I am sickened. Why is there no balance?

[emetojackie]

more funding? more money? who knows.. maybe just an overload of complaints so they are using anything to deal with it!


My friend was put on anti depressants when she was just 14, just for going to the doctor saying that she was feeling a little unhappy.. dear god! and that they are giving out these meds with no psychiatric help! its a discrace!


I DO appreciate the medical community but there are aspects where i think WTF?!! [img]smileys/smilies_10.gif[/img][img]smileys/smilies_11.gif[/img]

[one who squeaks]

What, Fido is depressed because he lost his favourite chew toy so you drug 'im?

Antidepressants like fluoxetine and amitriptyline are actually used to
relax anxious or distressed animals. :} I think it can be quite an
effective therapy if the vet isn't dumb and doesn't hand out drugs like
candy. (On the other hand, most people don't have pet insurance and
have to pay vet bills out of their pocket-- probably deters crazies
from drugging their animals for no reason.)



Anyway, I was forced, and I mean FORCED, to take
antidepressants/antipsychotics when I was 15-16. My freak of a
psychiatrist thought it would solve all of my problems, and so did my
parents, apparently. Antipsychotic drugs are the nastiest things I have
ever taken in my life. :/ Together with maxed out doses of two
antidepressants, I was pretty messed up. In fact, I think they made me
crazier. 8D



Except in cases of children (who can't refuse drugs if their parents
are convinced they need them), I try not to fret over doctors handing
out a billion prescriptions. The true problem lies in those who don't
research their prescribed medicine or medical condition. In the end,
it's your choice whether or not you take the drug.

[redapple]

if you don't want to take the zoloft, don't take it. i've never
been on that, (just paxil and prozac), but i've heard good things about
it. do your own research on depression and if you think most
symptoms apply to you, maybe see a psychiatrist and try to treat it
that way? i don't consider antidepressants to be a "quick
fix"--most take at least a month for your body to get used to and then
you have to decide if it's helpful to you or not. also, having a
therapist would be a good second opinion on whether or not you should
be medicated. different ones work for different people, and i
feel that they're worth a try for the willing. if you don't feel
like it's necessary that you be medicated, just don't take the
prescription and try something else. as far as "does it really work?"
some people swear by antidepressants. you just have to find the
right one.

[shiva]

To say that the patient needs to be responsibe for thier treatment is kind of ignorant. I mean, the general public considers these people the professionals and are going to listen to whatever they say. At some point these "professionals" have to take responsability and not prescribe for every little complaint. If that were the case, we would all be treating ourselves and writing our own prescriptions. I definitely think that it's important to talk to your pharmacist or research medications, but the last one I was on I was literally told not to research because my "mind was too influencable".


I dunno. It's all crap. I don't understand why doctor's aren't encouraging people to modify their lifestyles instead of forcing prescriptions on people.

[liz28]

IM VENTING! WATCH OUT!

i should add:

my current (new) doctor treats my (new)counselor.
my counselor suggested the doctor to me..
regardless, they are in cohoots with each other.
they have even discussed me and he asked her whether she wanted to go the cognital route, or meds..and SHES the one who suggested zoloft!

the worst part of this to me..is that you pick counselors because on their info sheets they say they treat with behavioral modification or attitude changes or thinking changes or blablabla.. and then the first thing that pops out of their mouth is .. "you need to take bla and bla"... i had only seen her once for an HOUR and shes telling my doctori need zoloft? she hasnt delved into me at ALL.

im not depressed, and if i am ... its cause and effect. you hit stressful points in your life and they bring you down. when the stressful points end, you go back up. im currently on the up but they dont care because they dont ask.
they just give me a generic questionnaire to fill out and then count up the numbers and say "OH CRAP LIZ... this paper right here says you're anxious and depressed!"

in fact, them telling me that im so depressed& anxious that i need meds sort of sickens me.. it makes me feel like "hey, maybe i SHOULD feel more sad and upset since i apparently am?".. its just absurd!

ive not met ONE SINGLE doctor or counselor or psychologist who truly delves into who you are. your personality. your past. your current. how you react to things how you feel about things. why you react certain ways. how certain things make you feel, and why.

its all a joke. but maybe i just havent found the right people.
the only progress ive made has not come from counselors or doctors..
its come from my own research, my taking this fear into my own hands, my own ways of relaxation and stress relief, and jesus, my faith.honestly.

drugs arent the answer. im absolutely convinced.
from what ive been reading about antianxiety/antidepressants..
most people on them just live a very JADED life.. nothing effects them.. they're just walking clouds with no emotion...they may not be anxious or sad but they're not feelin anything else either!

or they gain tremendous amounts of weight.
or it effects their bowels..or sex life..
or a plethora of other things.

why do that to yourself?
where are the professionals who want to be in it with you for the long haul? people who will take inventory on you. who want to CHANGE your way of thinking! change negative into positive.

im convinced WE(you as in you, me as in me) are the onlypeople who can really do it.
waging war on our minds.not losing the battle!
you CAN change your way of thinking.i believe it! anxiety comes from within you. YOU are making yourself anxious. YOU are causing yourself stomach problems. YOUhave allowed negative thinking to overtake you. take account for yourself and halt it! refuse to believe any of the negativity and WHAT IFS that come into your head! i just heard the other day that 99% of what happens in our life is in our heads..and only 1% of it is actually physical, meaning we're actually doing it.
isnt that interesting?!

[emetojackie]

you CAN change your way of thinking.i believe it! anxiety comes from within you. YOU are making yourself anxious. YOU are causing yourself stomach problems. YOUhave allowed negative thinking to overtake you. take account for yourself and halt it! refuse to believe any of the negativity and WHAT IFS that come into your head! i just heard the other day that 99% of what happens in our life is in our heads..and only 1% of it is actually physical, meaning we're actually doing it.
isnt that interesting?!

amen to that. I havent had much luck in the health sector, maybe we have both just found the wrong person.. I think thats discraceful with the connections will your councillor (sp?) and doctor. i can't beleive they are making you take quizzes to label you! and exactly what you said, by telling you negative things like that it begins to make you beleive them (which I guess is what they want, issuing more medication..)


I will not go in great depthmy dealing with the health sector (I was only about 12-13.. in a child and adolecsent unit).. but the way they dealt with things wasn't good, in the beginning I was considered as a nothing because I was too open about my feelings, then that went all down the pan when they realised I really wasn't a nothing and weren't sure what to do.. to only find out they had given me a psycologist with only a one year contract! yes - it takes one year to help someone with a serious phobia and serious depression [img]smileys/smilies_12.gif[/img]


Eat healthily, 5 fruit and veg a day, do some regualar exercise or go to the gym, take vitamins, drink pleanty of water, do something everyday that makes you smile.. the best road to recovery anyone can take!!

[crimgoddess]

I completely agree with you Liz. I hate it when people say they 'cant' do something because of their phobia- this phobia doesn't physically prevent you from doing anything, you put your own barriers on your activities. I think we all need to realize sometimes that we give this phobiathe power to dictate what we do- this isnt some physical tangible thing that is beyond our control- we allow it to take control. The upside of this is that if we put it there, and allow these damaging thought processes to take over- we can also take them away.


And Liz- there are some good docs/counsellors out there.....and I know it can be an extremely frustrating process to find one that is in line with your treatment goals and how you want to achieve them. Don't give up the good fight! Doctors are kind of like men- you have to kiss a few before you find one who isn't a complete waste of space.


*amber*

[wraxy]

Its funny that you mentioned all of this, the same thing happened to me. I am not an anxious person at all in most aspects of my life, I would even go as far as to say that I was quite laid back. However, for the past couple of years, this phobia has made me very dependant on Gravol. I take it all the time to make sure that I don't get sick. Obviously this drug is not meant to be used in this manner, and I began to get concerned as to what effects this was having on my body. I went to my family doctor who I have been seeing since I was nine, to figure out if I should see a psychiatrist or something. Right off the bat he tells me that I have obsessive compulsive disorder and that I should start taking Paxil right away. If indeed I am obsessive compulsive, why would you subsitute one drug for another? I trust his opinion, so I tried it. When I go to get my precription, the pharmasist immediately starts talking to me in a hushed voice, (I suppose so he doesn't stress me out, after all, I must be depressed) how embarrasing! I took it for a little while, but it did nothing to help me with my gravol addiction, I still took it if I felt the least bit sick. The only thing it did do is lower my sex drive much to my husbands disappointment. As it turns out, I have bowel issues and also gallstones which caused me to feel nauseous all the time, but that wasn't addressed until I ended up in the hospital. Anyway, long story short, who do you trust for the right opinion? I am at a loss as to what to do about this...

[shiva]

It's about time I am reading this on here. I seriously thought I was the only one who didn't want to be medicated. I am so appreciating reading these posts because I was thinking I was the crazy one.

But, it is all within us, isn't it?
I mean, we've allowed our minds to create this mental mix up. We can un mix it. It's hard work. Why would any educated doctor think that it can be done much easier with medication. I kinda feel medication gets in the way. Why take the edge off? I think it's healthy to get pissed off at this emet thing we have. If we get mad enough, then maybe we will finally say "enough is enough" and take control over our lives.

I have a question.. Why do you all think that doctors choose to medicate? I have my theories, but I haven't really decided on one. I've thought to myself.. "they must be in cahoots with the drug companies/being paid off or something". Or, "if we are medicated, it makes their job easier." Anyone have any other ideas?

[crimgoddess]

Wraxy- about the gravol thing....the more you take it the less effective it is. So, if you are genuinely sick and take it, it probably won't do what it's supposed to because your system has become accustomed to it. Have you considered trying ginger capsules? I get really bad motionsickness, and don't like having to take a gravol every time I get into a car because it makes me sluggish. I find that the ginger really settles the stomach- it's even being used in trials with chemo patients with successful results in helping with nausea. Maybe give it a try next time you reach for a gravol- it does work, trust me


Shiva- I understand completely where you are coming from. I cringe everytime I read that someone is on meds for this- but isn't actively pursuing treatment. Or when there is a post about a new med that someone is taking and others are going "hmmm....maybe I should give that a try". This isn't a physical problem- it's a mental one, and I don't understand the logic of pumping chemicals into your body when the root problem isn't physiological. It's kinda like banging your knee and putting a bandaid on your elbow. I also agree with you aboutnot using drugs to take the edge off- I think that is a one way ticket to complacency. If youcan take a pill to get ridof the anxiety that this phobiacauses- then what's your incentive to try and beat it?


As for why doctors choose to medicate- I think it has become indoctrinated into western medicine as the primary option. When medicine moved from being women-centred modes of healing to a male-dominated field of science, the answer to every illness, both physical and mental, was viewed asresolvable via science. Couple that with our society evolving into one that is focused on the quickest and easiest solution to every problem (from fast food to plastic surgery), and we have a dangerous combination. Supply and demand. Society dictates that quick and easy is the way to go- and different corporations involving medicine have capitalized on this and created billion dollar industries which fit this demand. I'm not sure it's really the fault of the individual doctors involved- I think the reliance on meds have become so ingrained in both medicine and society that many believe that this option is not only best, but what people want. And I'm assuming it would be hard professionally to go against this mold.


And, of course,new 'disorders' are socially constructed, and medications are created to deal with them. It's the never-ending vicious cycle.


*amber*