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Chemically imbalanced people
I am not an expert on this.
But I have some life experience dealing with young and older people who are chemically imbalanced. Depression, violence and risky behavior are just a few of the symptoms when the imbalance — rather than brain — takes over a person's actions. The Donna DeWitt and Solon DeWitt tragedy is the latest example of this. Solon was fighting depression and Valley Fever at the same time. It shows up in far less publicized ways — suicides. Or crimes such as sexual acting out or theft that is totally out of character with the perpetrator. And frequently, it is people who have gone off the medication which is prescribed to keep them on an even keel. Talking to people in an imbalanced state is often an exercise in futility. The problem can strike the best of families. I know of one in which one of three children put the other two in life-threatening situations. No amount of love was able to change that. I was of the opinion in that case, it was way too hard to get residential help for the problem. I'm guessing this is a much bigger problem than people realize. Do you have any examples from your lives? Posted by Steve E. Swenson 36 comments from 15 users
1
posted by
anonymous
on Aug 25, 2006 at 11:21 AM
Posted by Drummel:
posted by
anonymous
on Aug 25, 2006 at 11:34 AM
I thought that imbalance only showed up the morning after? The hang over has not been cured, but for the other morning after regret, there IS a pill.
posted by
mattloch
on Aug 25, 2006 at 11:53 AM
I think the story yesterday about the guy that wanted hotels to remove porn movies is a great example of this.
posted by
blognroll
on Aug 25, 2006 at 01:42 PM
I just happen to be an expert on this and that's why I given up my day job (that, and the fact that I'm still not a rock star). People invariably accuse shrinks like myself of using people's psychiatric conditions to excuse their behavior. In some cases, they are right, but I think it's important to make a distinction between contributing factors and causes. It is important to study and to strive to understand factors that may have contributed to a particular action or behavior, particularily if we want to prevent such a devastating outcome from ensuing in another similar case.
posted by
dgrealish
on Aug 25, 2006 at 02:00 PM
OCD is not a behavior. People can overindulge, talk to themselves be irrational or addicted and not have OCD. I've heard many people say "yeah, I think I may have a little OCD". It doesn't work that way. I think as with anything, we tend to overuse Depression, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Bi Polar Disorder so much that we forget how serious they really are. If you've ever known someone who has OCD, Bi Polar Disorder or Turrets, you know it's no laughing matter. You'll know having a little OCD is like being a little pregnant. It can be frightening until its diagnosed. And it can be controlled in some cases without medication. But for those who need drugs, there should never be any stigma attached. Talk about Bigotry. People with these disorders can't help it anymore than a person can help their skin color.
posted by
antiextremism
on Aug 25, 2006 at 03:03 PM
I see examples of OCD on these very blogs all the time dgrealish. Odd Comments Daily. See...that was ne right there.
posted by
MyLefteFoot
on Aug 25, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Mocus
You were hiding behind the door the day God handed out human kindness, weren't you? No one said that outside forces should be blamed for this young man committing murder. He did it, no doubt about that. But, mental illness may have had a hand in why he claimed to be possessed by the devil. Do you think it's normal behavior for someone to kill their mother and themselves and claim that the devil is making them do it. That's called schizophrenia, my friend. A mental disorder. Someday, Mocus, you may to take the high road and cut somebody some slack. Someday you may become more Christlike and understanding of human foibles. Until then, you will just be Mocus. posted by
anonymous
on Aug 25, 2006 at 03:37 PM
No he wasn't hiding benind the door, he was the door, anyone with a head like his has to have a noggin made of wood.
But than I don't want even think what mucus would be off the drugs, but have no fear as his connection Rush stays out of jail, he is good. Might Muc? posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Aug 25, 2006 at 03:56 PM
Oh my god mucus, that one made me laugh. What's wrong with meeeeeeeeeeeee.
posted by
blognroll
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:09 PM
First of all, I don't typically engage in dialogue with anyone, conservative, liberal or otherwise, who displays disrespect. I try to ignore it, or, if it goes too far, I report it. As for your response, dgrealish, you are correct. OCD is not a behavior, per se, but it is manifested in myriad behaviors and there are contributing factors, whether those be historical antecedants or genetic predispositions (or some combination of nature and nurture). The point I was trying to make is that while ignoring potential contributing factors is not in society's best interest, using these contributing factors to excuse behavior is problematic at best. Regardless of what may or may have not contributed to a person's reprehensible behavior, that person still needs to be held accountable for his/her actions. Sometimes facing the consequences actually can actually amount to a cure, or can at least be instrumental in redirecting the person towards a more stable lifestyle. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:11 PM
I don't know, Moke; you're lending some first-person credence to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. ;-)BTW, I thought it was my insane heterosexual lifestyle that made me a liberal. :-) posted by
MyLefteFoot
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:19 PM
I think Mocus is channeling Daffy Duck when he writes his stuff. I have to wipe the spit off my screen to read his posts.
posted by
anonymous
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:21 PM
How did you guess muc, that is me that drives Norris Road, am I in trouble? You sure know alot of drug terms are they on loan from god as with Rush ?
I really believe that anyone of our fine Bakersfield citiizens would have more to fear from you muc, than from any other imbalanced lady in this great city. You are very dishonest muc, even about your sexuality, oh I know that you are as straight as the Ridge Route was on old 99, but than I understand mucus, don't get excited I am not going to offend Bruce and kiss you. Booo, just testing the left wing loony factor. posted by
TomW
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:39 PM
Mocus, seriously, you should look for some help. I haven't been here that long, but for you to lash out like this in a post about mental instability shows that you really need to talk to someone. If you want to start engageing in serious discussion, now is the time. Anger is not a primary emotion. You're either scared or hurt by something serious, and you need to find a way to step back from the rage. posted by
blognroll
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:48 PM
From what I know about TomW, he's a smart man. I would listen to his advice. I should also mention however that I'm not taking any new patients at this time :) posted by
anonymous
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:55 PM
Wealth and bad taste, I love it, thanks muc, but we already knew.
posted by
TomW
on Aug 25, 2006 at 04:55 PM
Sorry, Doc. Didn't mean to imply I'd want to throw you under the bus.
posted by
blognroll
on Aug 25, 2006 at 07:33 PM
No problem, Tom. I've also taken a couple of semesters at the school of hard knocks where they taught me how to dodge traffic :)
posted by
anonymous
on Aug 26, 2006 at 09:16 AM
Mocus talks tough, but really it's a psychological condition brought on by the fact that his wife wears the pants in the family. He has to find an outlet to badger people without actually having to look them in the eye when doing so. It's a condition called Huevos by Proxy. I mean, after all, does this guy look like he would actually talk all that doo doo to your face???
www.moparts.org/moparts/carshow/2001/User2/mocus1 .html posted by
Dallas76
on Aug 26, 2006 at 10:37 AM
There is a walkway with a door. All these mental help ppl can never truly understand the hell we go through. Cause they cant get on the other-side of that CLOSED door. I too like Erik refuse t take medication after being told i'm bi-polar, have ADD and suffer from anxiety/depression. Life really is an everyday struggle. Often times a struggle to survive, to keep going. To not go off the deep end. Like I told these psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists- unless to go through it, you'll never understand whats on the other side of the door. You have to be one of us. My subconscious telling me God hates me, to kill myself and get it over with, false reasonings like if I we're to do it, my family would get over my death and can move on, but now and all this time they suffer with me. If i'd just "do it" they can eventually move on. I think like this. I truly believe there will come a time when it does happen. It's been so close. Even now, in my "right frame of mind" I can wish it we're over. We get tired. Have homicidal and suicidal thoughts. It crosses my own mind nearly everyday. Your mind dont shut down, it's hard to sleep. Hard to make friends. Personally I have two, that I call friends. You become haunted, unable to control your thoughts, emotions and desires. Your outside yourself. Solon, would know this feeling. Many do. When they hospitalized me they tossed a pill down my throat.... all this pill did was steal my emotions.... I wasn't happy, sad, excited, mad.... no feeling.. a zombie. I'll never let another man do that to me. Never. Im the same, educated Dallas that used to post on here. But even then, life was a daily fight for life, some take the flight. I scare myself. I see myself from a third person perspective, from across the room. Scared, alone, nervous, anxious.... all these feelings , mad, sad, and happy... can change in a single heartbeat. And they do. Love and hate. It's tiring. There is no doubt in my mind at least half the problem with Solon was the medication and I wouldn't suggest anyone to ever begin taking it. I been warned by a doctor if I begin to take it, its for "life." Not until I simply "feel better." I never picked up the prescription. wal-mart can keep it. I guess my point is this. We need help. Im so damn hurt, sick and angry..... depressed, that this kid suffered the way he did. There is no worse feeling in this world then that of hopelessness, forsaken, loneliness. Someone has got to reach out better. There has to be better understanding and treatment for Gods' sake. Solon is just one of so so so so many. Depression kills. All these things do. Where is our help besides them wanting to cram a chemical pill down our throat?! I'd rather die then have them take away my feelings and emotions. And looking at the suicide rate here in America.... I guess i'm not really alone after all. As for Solon and his mom, my prayer is that they are resting in the light of Gods' marvelous love, at the feet of Jesus. Love each other, a simple smile could change a mind, and save someones life, ..it's happened. Just a simple smile from someone i'll never see again, never even knew. It's weird, and it's hard to grasp. We're not psycho, Nor crazy... we just 'feel' stronger and cant control thoughts desires, emotions.... it's hard, but I believe it can be mastered- somehow. If I can see myself from across the room and see my own signs and symptoms, can I not too learn to control them with out medication? I think im starting to ramble... I dont know... i dont even know why im writing.. Othertimes, we do things .. we cant control, and its like being possessed. Just like Solon said. Your not yourself, doing things you dont even remember doing. Like being controlled by something else? No self control... been there. Will again.... I guess ive learned to except that truth... I believe God knows our hearts, even mine. As messed up as I may be, i guess if I make it or not, either way i fought the good fight. I tried. So did Solon, he didnt lose... and really i dont expect any of you to ever understand that. In a family of our own. But still loved my He whom created us ... i hope. All we ever really have is hope, lose that, lose your life.... Ya know, the bible says Jesus provides rest for the weary... i wonder.... where is mine? does a man have to exit first? to get that peace? Sorry to be so open, but this story depresses me... the whole thing does. it didnt have to be this way.... but no one will listen.. ILAD Dallas posted by
dgrealish
on Aug 26, 2006 at 10:47 AM
Sorry ericbako, the behavior you describe is a symptom of the condition. And yes they can take medication, eat better, exercise all the things you mention, but that doesn't make the condition go away, it simply eases the symptoms.
posted by
dgrealish
on Aug 26, 2006 at 04:50 PM
I understand what you're saying Erik, but without extensive treatment and/or medication, these behaviors can't be controlled. It's difficult for anyone whose never lived with someone with OCD to understand, but they can't stop anymore than you can stop being Erik. Of two people I know with OCD, one is highly functional without medication. But there are times when it becomes apparent to close family members that the OCD is gaining in the battle. Usually these are highly stressful times and they pass when the stress passes. It is none the less heartbreaking. The second person could not function without medication. Unless you have OCD or someone close to you has it, people don't recognize the fear behind the obsession that drives the compulsion. Jack Nicholson did a wonderful job displaying it in As Good As It Gets. As funny as some of those scenes are, watch it as if you're the character. It's a whole different perception. And Leonardo Di Caprio was amazing in The Aviator. That gives you some idea of the reality of the disease. Can you imagine if Howard Hughes had been treated instead of hid away and used. What a brilliant mind gone to waste. BTW, people with OCD are usually above average in intelligence.
posted by
Dallas76
on Aug 26, 2006 at 10:06 PM
Hi Erik, Long time no see or hear? This is Dallas...I just hope somehow, someday there is some kind of true relief for us. It is misery. It affects not only the person but those around you too suffer. Its a living hell we are forced to endure, less we exit or are forced pills and medication in which I oppose. I dont know, actually Im confused to a point with the whole thing. Interesting what the other guy/gal said... they had a hard time diagnosing me because im "high functioning" and "smart and intelligent." Flattering, but still unimpressed with their feeblemindedness (SP). Im much more intelligent then they, at least about that issue, I think? No? Oh well... Call me Erik, you have my number? You did... See ya cupcake. >:-) *kiss kiss* Dallas posted by
steveeswenson
on Aug 26, 2006 at 10:13 PM
Dallas,Good to hear from you again. Thanks for sharing. Took a lot of guts. The reason I posted this blog is because too many people are faced with medication that makes them inhuman or the chance of being inhuman without the medication. The suffering within goes unnoticed until it erupts into a Solon incident. posted by
Dallas76
on Aug 27, 2006 at 12:14 AM
Steve/Erik:Thanks. I got to the place to where its not that I 'dont care' but have to be 'less concerned' with ..umm... I dont know. I just have to be open, I always have been as you know, with my thoughts, I hold nothing back. I appreciate you and your concern with this occurrence with Solon, yet another brother I didnt get the honor of meeting. I do take these things to heart and seriously, maybe even overboard, but thats dallas. It does affect me. Because I really believe these things can be prevented, maybe not all of them, but some, at least. When they gave me that pill when I was in the hospital on a '5150' because i tried to strangle a guy at a gay bard for staring at me and because he wasn't my type... it happens though. I was on my low, for a very long time, a non-stop two months. Lost my job "until I am on medication and stable" hence, I will not go back because what they did was not only unfair, immoral and unethical (because you dont lay a guy off because of his mental illness, knowing he may lose his home, car etc...which did not happen by the way.) I just think since I was a great employee at their own admission, they should have stood by me instead of adding the extra stress. It was plain wrong. But the pill they gave me in the hospital did remove my emotions and cause me to feel 'nothing' unhuman. I could not live a life like that. I am talking with professionals and getting help, but medication is not an option, it freaks me out. Cognitive? Is that the word? Not sure, cant remember, but im going to try it... not sure I know what im talking about but a picked up a couple books that teach what Erik was talking about. Mastering it yourself per se. With support groups, help of friends/family etc. I wish I could tell you both more, but I really dont *laugh* know what im talking about. But its a 'proven' alternative to drug use/medication. Maybe I could talk you or Erik into going to my first support group meeting with me. Sorta, guide me a bit, im scared. I talk too much, i always have. Nothing new. I have to get into a more personal relationship with you Erik. Not being perverted, but.. reaching out? I dont know. So many thoughts, emotions and feelings drives me insane!! GOSH! Im so sick of myself sometimes, its sad when you cant cope with yourself. Im tired of caring what people think of me. And yes Erik I understand about battling with ones sexuality. But i have pretty much come to deal with it and come to terms. Though I do like girls as well, but we'll talk later about that...I better go. Im lame... getting mad at myself for being laaaaame.... im the biggest nerd i know. No one will go with me, i'll just go myself, but if you you guys change your mind let me know. You can email me, if you wanna. bye for now... Dallas posted by
Dallas76
on Aug 27, 2006 at 12:21 AM
Sorry i just got mad i didnt mean to ... not mad at you guys but mad at me for being s.t.u.p.i.d. im sorry.dallas posted by
Dallas76
on Sep 2, 2006 at 02:47 AM
I agree Erik. Im reading a book written by a Doc. It's an alternative to pill popping. It's called "cognitive therapy." It's helping I guess. But why does my sex drive get so damn high? It's cool, but it drives me crazy too. Off topic... depression is a killer as it has been said. I know its really bad at times, but like I said if I see my own signs and symptoms i can too learn to control it. You're always encouraging, and sincere- I appreciate it. I know my battle has been long and hard, but i can and will overcome. And I agree with you when you say I have to love myself ect... but in a twisted mind (and I keep notes of my thoughts etc..) I actually felt in my sufferings during a "low" that I had to love myself enough to "let myself go" by means of taking an exit. I was actually talking myself into and trying to convince myslef that "if I did love myself, i'd kill myself and end this pain and life long torture." It's odd, life threatening, and very scary. Being in my right frame of mind- I realize this. But nonetheless...thats why I feel my days are limited. Im scared and I aint got any help. Or, maybe I just "feel" all alone in this fight. I dont know bro... but thanks for your kind words.Dallas posted by
Dallas76
on Sep 2, 2006 at 08:45 PM
I agree with the last post by Dallas..Dallas posted by
anonymous
on Sep 2, 2006 at 11:08 PM
Geez another clan love fest, where are you goung to burn the next cross.
God, good old home week. Erikbako, your flock is growing, white sheep only right? posted by
Dallas76
on Sep 2, 2006 at 11:45 PM
anonymous:Erik is my friend. Such good friends in fact, he has wet dreams of me each night. Sorry steve, no PC from Dallas. Love ya though! Dallas posted by
Dallas76
on Sep 6, 2006 at 10:19 AM
??huh?? You calling me a black sheep? I dont get it. Now I have to be mad at you, Erika! Im lost in this blog, I cant get out, dont know my way out to everyone else, so I'll just stay in here... rot away, by myself... Dallas posted by
anonymous
on Sep 19, 2006 at 03:03 PM
I was on anti-depressants for quite sometime and last year, I tried to commit suicide TWICE! I was just so sad. I thought it was depression but it wasn't. I think depression is a trend. Just because one is sad, doesn't mean they are depressed. I was going through a divorce, living alone in a town away from my family, and just not happy. I don't believe the medication caused me to attempt suicide...it was my life. I have a relative who had suicidal thoughts and wasn't on anti-depressants. Could this be genetic? Anyway, I don't really know why I'm talking about this, I just want people to be more understanding and sympathetic towards others. It must be nice to be perfect as some people seem to think they are in this blog. The only reason I would never do it again (b/c on occasion I think of it) is that I'm afraid if I don't succeed, I'll end up in a mental hospital forever. The second time I was in the hospital, I didn't know if I would get out. I was so scared. I'd rather live and face life's challenges than live in a hospital the rest of my life. I'd rather die. Thanks for letting me spill my problem. Mocus, seriously, try to be more considerate and think of others feelings. Anger doesn't get you anywhere. posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 19, 2006 at 03:34 PM
There's a difference between depression and being depressed, and yes, I believe there is a genetic component.. I can assure you that nobody on this blog is perfect, Anny, least of all me. There's a great quote/rule of thumb to describe what clinical depression is like: if you knew for a fact that there was a magic wand on the windowsill across the room that would solve all your problems...and it's too damned much trouble to get up and cross the room to get it....that's what clinical depression feels like. Hope you found someone you could talk to about "life.". Sometimes antidepresants lift the depression just enough to let someone make the attempt they've been thinking idly about. That's why it's so important to be monitored when you'fre first starting them. But a recent study indicated that the three months immediately prior to starting antidepressants are more dangerous, suicide-wise, than the three months after. . Mocus is an odd duck, especially considering his profession. I truly believe he doesn't realize just how badly he makes his "side" look. From a political standpoint, I hope he never "wises up," but when he attacks people on these blogs he can do real hurt. posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 19, 2006 at 04:59 PM
Keep in mind also that it's just as important to be monitored when you stop taking them. There is a period of withdrawl that can be very hard and can lead to suicidal thoughts or worse. It really depends on the duration you're taking them, and the dose. I had a friend that got monitored while detoxing. It was pretty rough. Anon, I wish you the best of luck. Life can be very hard if you aren't ready to deal with it. RF, what's his profession? I don't dare even guess. posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 19, 2006 at 05:06 PM
Really rather not say, Pete. But you'd be *HORRIFIED.*
posted by
anonymous
on Sep 20, 2006 at 09:56 AM
Thanks RF and Pete for your kind thoughts and words. I do feel better now...things are looking up.
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