T
ThornGenX
Guest
I suffer from frequent depression among other things and am a practicing Catholic trying (with God’s grace) to make progress on the spiritual path.
I too have been to AA and it really wasn’t for me. There are 12 step programs for enhancing spirituality. They occasionally have them at our spiritual life center. That might be good because I think the 12-step format has some merit. My only problem is that, at the meetings I attended I got tired of hearing the same long winded people tell slightly different versions of the same stories over and over.I have done the AA thing and the biggest turn-off is the lack of a true faith bond. By this I mean a Catholic/Christian faith geared group. AA works for some like my brother however I would like one geared to like minded people. Is this a selfish thing? I am really tempted to ask my Priest if this would be a possibility. I am new to the faith so I may need to grow first before taking such a big leap. Not to hijack the thread but does anyone have any insights they may care to share?
I remember taking at ojne point in my life anti anxiety medication that was not even prescribed to me. I twice took more than one and, seemed according to co-workers, so tired and down, and talking in excess. Is this almost similar to being on an alcohol high? Though I kinda remember behaving normally, (in other words one would not do what one would normally not do anyway), People did ask “why do you look so tired”? Why are you so down??? Or “wow, you sure were a real grouch.”Interesting question. Interesting discussion.
My better half is suffering from major depression and anxiety as a result of having tapered off of Benzodiazapines. I can’t really judge what effect it’s having on her spiritual life at this point, but I know it’s having a positive effect on mine.
Thanks, but I think I took more than one and they were not even prescribed.Hi, misericordie,
Well, I can’t tell you what happened to you, but I
can shed some light on medication, based on
10 years experience of taking meds.
There are side-effects with some meds.
I once was prescribed one that made me feel what’s
called hypomanic…meaning, I talked non-stop,
had all this energy, but couldn’t focus it to
get anything done, felt I needed only a little
sleep, thoughts racing 100 miles an hour…
a perfectly awful experience.
Needless to say, I called the doctor after 3
days of this and came off that medication.
The one I take for depression sometimes makes
it hard for me to keep my eyes open during the
day, and sometimes causes insomnia for me.
[that’s what I’m doing on the computer at this
hour EDT] Fortunately, I’m retired, so I can
sleep in if necessary.
The thing about meds, to me, is to work closely
with the physician to try to find the medication
that works best, with the least side-effects.
I’m sorry that you had such an unpleasant
experience. Hope this helped a little.
reen
yupI remember taking at ojne point in my life anti anxiety medication that was not even prescribed to me. I twice took more than one and, seemed according to co-workers, so tired and down, and talking in excess. Is this almost similar to being on an alcohol high? Though I kinda remember behaving normally, (in other words one would not do what one would normally not do anyway), People did ask “why do you look so tired”? Why are you so down??? Or “wow, you sure were a real grouch.”
I also took BENZODIAZ. in these cases. Wow, what a dangerous medication!! My God, it literally must do soemthing in the brain. Yes, later that night, I remeber vomiting and feeling dizzy/neusea.
Can someone really enlight me on this? What was happening to me on the above examples, from the “look so down” comments" etc etc. etc.???
Thanks.
Thanks for bringing this insight. I have a theory that those of us who have endured suffering and illness have more empathy toward others. And having a “childlike faith” is a wonderful place to be. For many persons with serious mental illness, God is the only thing they rely on to relieve their suffering. They know only too well that solutions from man is not enough.Most certainly someone with mental illness can have a valid and good spiritual life. I have noticed that it is often those who have the simplest child-like faith who are closer to God. I see so much sincerity of heart in Schizophrenic patients that is brings joy to my heart and makes my job worth while. If you take time to talk with someone who has a serious mental illness, you will see that most are very intelligent. But what they usually lack is the pretentiousness that you see in so many so called “normal” people. I truly believe that the seriously mentally ill have a closer connection with God that seems to come naturally (and I’m not referring to delusions). A kind word or smile from a seriously mentally ill patient is more of a blessing to me than a compliment from my supervisor. :tiphat:
Reen -Dear Karen Anne,
I mourn for your loss and pray that God has given
both you and your daughter peace of heart.
reen