[AkathisiA]

Its not my fault I hate the way it makes me feel. If I keep stress down and don't drink Im O.K

My last drinking episode resulted in my first stay at an abusive hospital. I was awake for days in "mania" again I guess. Energy way up, no sleeping then anxiety on a scale of 1-10 I was at 15 when reality became nothing but a memory.

I went to the hospital for alcohol detox knowing those meds would allow me a sleep cycle and these manic crazy symptoms would go away.

I was not willing to be a victom of psyhciatry again, having spent to many years a slave to docs and pharmacy and side effects with no result.

This abusive place - locked doors, naked check + squat and caugh on intake.... wanted me to take drugs again 800mg seraquel ! trileptal ! haldol !

I had to put up a real fight, and couldent leave until long after they saw I was right. The symptoms went away with a few sleep cycles like I told them.

I now Know the truth about psychiatry:

Psychiatric disorders are not medical diseases. There are no lab tests,MRIs, brain scans, X-rays or chemical imbalance tests that can verify any mental disorder is a physical condition. This is not to say that people do not get depressed, or that people can’t experience emotional or mental duress, but psychiatry has repackaged these emotions and behaviors as “disease” in order to sell drugs. This is a brilliant marketing campaign, but it is not science.

Hey docs and hospitals Don't treat us like criminals !

Take the time to know your rights about coerced medication google up psychiatric living will....

Im crazy as a fox, but med free and heathy as a horse.

been to an abusive hospital ? tell your story

[allme]

Originally Posted by AkathisiA

Its not my fault I hate the way it makes me feel. If I keep stress down and don't drink Im O.K

My last drinking episode resulted in my first stay at an abusive hospital. I was awake for days in "mania" again I guess. Energy way up, no sleeping then anxiety on a scale of 1-10 I was at 15 when reality became nothing but a memory.

I went to the hospital for alcohol detox knowing those meds would allow me a sleep cycle and these manic crazy symptoms would go away.

I was not willing to be a victom of psyhciatry again, having spent to many years a slave to docs and pharmacy and side effects with no result.

This abusive place - locked doors, naked check + squat and caugh on intake.... wanted me to take drugs again 800mg seraquel ! trileptal ! haldol !

I had to put up a real fight, and couldent leave until long after they saw I was right. The symptoms went away with a few sleep cycles like I told them.

I now Know the truth about psychiatry:

Psychiatric disorders are not medical diseases. There are no lab tests,MRIs, brain scans, X-rays or chemical imbalance tests that can verify any mental disorder is a physical condition. This is not to say that people do not get depressed, or that people can’t experience emotional or mental duress, but psychiatry has repackaged these emotions and behaviors as “disease” in order to sell drugs. This is a brilliant marketing campaign, but it is not science.

Hey docs and hospitals Don't treat us like criminals !

Take the time to know your rights about coerced medication google up psychiatric living will....

Im crazy as a fox, but med free and heathy as a horse.

been to an abusive hospital ? tell your story

Your story has come at a funny time for me as I haven't had my seroquel for a few days. I took an over dose of zopiclones and diazepam so had to go to hospital and kept under observation for 24 hours...anyway, I only got home yesterday and felt great. I feel great today, I was able to wake up without that 'groggy' feeling and I kind of get what you are saying. I am fully aware that I am in a mild hypomanic state now, however, I am closely observing my behaviour and somewhat keeping it under control.

HOWEVER, although you have decided to go this way and although I am kind of getting what you are saying, there are others here that are sensitive to suggestion and very vulnarable. So...IMO, what you are saying is not healthy as alot of ppl here are going through a hard time and what you are saying, again, IMO is quite controversial. You have every right to your opinion, but I get the feeling you are somewhat saying, 'hey guys, you dont need meds or hospitals'. Although there are no 'tests' there is enough data and research to validate medication, hospitals, therapy etc.

But of course you have EVERY right to state your opinions etc and thank you for doing so....but just be aware, alot of us here are sensitive to suggestion. On the other hand, alot of ppl here also have their own minds! I just dont want any of my friends here to feel confused and question their treatment.

[wing]

You have many reasons to be angry, A. I'm sorry for your bad experiences. (((((A)))))

There is evidence that our brains are wired differently, and researchers are continuing to discover chemical reactions that are different in our nervous systems. There are many neurological illnesses that cannot be tested for, only diagnosed by symptomatology.

I understand your need to lash out against those who have been callous and insensitive during your treatment. I'm concerned that you will self-destruct by seeing things in such all or nothing terms. Using alcohol and drugs are self-medicating, looking for the same result: a relief from pain.

I encourage you see a psychiatrist when you feel stable so that you can discuss how your treatment can be handled as an outpatient, safely.

((((((((((A))))))))))

[Phoenix_1]

I've had nothing but good help from my doctors, T's, and hospitals. I was hospitalized in 2007, then did 4 weeks of outpatient group therapy. Again this summer I did 7 weeks of outpatient therapy at "Day Hospital". Both times the RPN's and my pdoc were great.

My soon-to-be-ex husband told me he was BP (he said). I believe that he had a personality disorder too. I believe he was anti-social. He was very abusive. He broke the law constantly - he has 140 convictions going back to 1970. He drove with no driver's licence and you want to talk about road rage - he personified it. He was married 4 times before and only told me about 1 marriage - he also didn't tell me about his other 4 kids. The 2 kids I did meet were sorry cases. His daughter was out of control, and his 6'4" 300 lb. son was terrified of him. In 9 months we were evicted 3 times because he paid everything with NSF cheques. I still owe money to utilities because of his NSF cheques (he put everything in my name because the utilities refused to hook him up). Where the money went I have no idea. I left when he threatened to kill me. Our marriage lasted 9 months. My soon-to-be-ex hated psychiatrists and refused to take meds. His life is an ongoing disaster. I wonder what would have happened if he was medicated and under a doctor's care? Would everything have turned out differently for him (and me)?

[allme]

Originally Posted by wingin'it

You have many reasons to be angry, A. I'm sorry for your bad experiences. (((((A)))))

There is evidence that our brains are wired differently, and researchers are continuing to discover chemical reactions that are different in our nervous systems. There are many neurological illnesses that cannot be tested for, only diagnosed by symptomatology.

I understand your need to lash out against those who have been callous and insensitive during your treatment. I'm concerned that you will self-destruct by seeing things in such all or nothing terms. Using alcohol and drugs are self-medicating, looking for the same result: a relief from pain.

I encourage you see a psychiatrist when you feel stable so that you can discuss how your treatment can be handled as an outpatient, safely.

((((((((((A))))))))))

Yes, I also agree I really do wish you well, and I should have also added I am also sorry for the bad time you had

[SunAngel]

I hated the way Seroquel XR made me feel. I was so numb and blah. However, I am one of the people out there who needs meds. to help me with my symptoms. My pdoc upped my Abilify to the max. 30 mg dose and took me off the Seroquel XR and I don't feel blah anymore.

There are ways around that blah feeling you speak of. People just need to talk to their pdocs about how they are feeling while on the meds, like being numb, no sex drive, etc.

Taking meds. is a very personal thing and if you can go without meds., that's your decision, but there are so many people out there who do need meds, and I for one am one of them.

I understand how you feel about pharaceutical companies and pdocs in general because they are all out there for money. However, we do have to come to the conclusion that it's the only thing available to us to control our symptoms. They study these meds. and they work.

They correct the chemicals in our brains to make our symptoms so much less.

So I am an advocate for taking meds. I think meds. cut down on the suicide rate for people with MI's. I see so many people who go off of their meds. and end up killing themselves.

I was currently in a very serious manic episode and I escalated into psychosis, so it is not fun one bit. Meds. helped me calm down to a nearly normal mood.

So yeah, I am a firm believer in taking meds. to help control our symptoms.

I've had excellent care from my doctors and have been hospitalized numerous times. My hospital experience was always positive. Yes, it was a locked ward and a skin check was required, but it was because it was a dual diagnosis facility treating both psychiatric and chemical dependency patients so those measures were required for the safety of all patients. It was not a big deal, just a safety precaution. They doctors, nurses, and techs at the hospital were caring and supportive. All medications I took were explained and voluntary. I was kept safe and was stabilized.

I have a psychiatric illness (if you don't like the word illness or disease, feel free not to use it, but the doesn't change the reality of your condition). I take medications which generally keep me stable so I can be a good wife and mother, I can work full time, and I can get the most out of my life as possible. Without medication I spiral into suicidal depression and my life is in danger. I choose to live as healthy a life as I possibly can.

I have not been coerced into treatment. I have made the CHOICE to live.

Just because they haven't come up with the sciences yet to observe it, it doesn't mean it's not there. A disorder is a disorder when it seriously causes problems for your functioning in any area of your life. You don't need a test to know if you're having a hard time coping with your life.
Not only are there a lot of others out here who would potentially destroy their current stabilising treatment upon reading something as controversial as this, but there are also others like me who would kill for just one normal day if I was able to get medication or treatment.
While I entirely agree about pharmaceutical companies & think theyare all scam artists for the most part, the entire world would be suffering in some way if it weren't for medicine. People with cancer would be falling off the charts left & right, people with parkinsons or lupus or ms or arthritis would be running around in such severe pain that they would probably be killing themselves in the streets...
I'd prefer a little corruption in the face of true relief. It's only humane, really. Not to mention, just because you feel in a state enough to stop your medication, it doesn't mean that the pharma companies will just say "Oh sorry, my bad, didn't mean to give you guys problems" & just stop what they're doing. The truth will always come out &, in due time, everyone has to pay for their dishonesty.

[venusss]

So I am an advocate for taking meds. I think meds. cut down on the suicide rate for people with MI's. I see so many people who go off of their meds. and end up killing themselves.

well, would they kill themselves if they never went on psychmeds again; I heard it was going off drugs and booze that killed Amy winehouse... shall we advocate cocaine and wine too?

also meds are not the only thing that works. Some may be sensitive when people suggest meds don't work. some of us are sensitive to med pushing.

to OP... it is your choice and yours only. you carry the responsibility. au natural way is possible for many, but one has to be careful.

and I believe there is major spiritual component to MH. Until that is adressed, there will be many suffering souls. we dehumanized world and now we push pills so people can deal with it better.

[allme]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

So I am an advocate for taking meds. I think meds. cut down on the suicide rate for people with MI's. I see so many people who go off of their meds. and end up killing themselves.

well, would they kill themselves if they never went on psychmeds again; I heard it was going off drugs and booze that killed Amy winehouse... shall we advocate cocaine and wine too?

also meds are not the only thing that works. Some may be sensitive when people suggest meds don't work. some of us are sensitive to med pushing.

to OP... it is your choice and yours only. you carry the responsibility. au natural way is possible for many, but one has to be careful.

and I believe there is major spiritual component to MH. Until that is adressed, there will be many suffering souls. we dehumanized world and now we push pills so people can deal with it better.

Hey Venus! I don't think ppl are pushing meds but ALOT of us need them and the comments made by our new friend could possibly cause some ppl to question their own medication which may well be very much needed. Its not what our new friend is saying...but more of 'how' it was said. I am feeling pretty good right now so not speaking out of frustration or anger or anything like that, I am just concerned for my other friends here who could possibly be thrown into turmoil. Or maybe not, but in any case, I know from my own past that such things said have sent me into an oblivion questioning my whole treatment and it wasn't healthy for me.

Much love to you and I am happy for you that you are able to function without them!

[SunAngel]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

So I am an advocate for taking meds. I think meds. cut down on the suicide rate for people with MI's. I see so many people who go off of their meds. and end up killing themselves.

well, would they kill themselves if they never went on psychmeds again; I heard it was going off drugs and booze that killed Amy winehouse... shall we advocate cocaine and wine too?

also meds are not the only thing that works. Some may be sensitive when people suggest meds don't work. some of us are sensitive to med pushing.

to OP... it is your choice and yours only. you carry the responsibility. au natural way is possible for many, but one has to be careful.

and I believe there is major spiritual component to MH. Until that is adressed, there will be many suffering souls. we dehumanized world and now we push pills so people can deal with it better.

Venus, I do know that you are unmedicated, but there are plenty of people who need them. I escalated into psychosis, and meds. brought me back to reality again. If you don't experience the symptoms harshly, then I think it's great that you can go without meds. I would give my right arm to be able to go unmedicated, but I cannot do it. I hate to take a bunch of pills everyday, but I know they help me, so I have to take them.

[Melinae]

Originally Posted by SunAngel

Venus, I do know that you are unmedicated, but there are plenty of people who need them. I escalated into psychosis, and meds. brought me back to reality again. If you don't experience the symptoms harshly, then I think it's great that you can go without meds. I would give my right arm to be able to go unmedicated, but I cannot do it. I hate to take a bunch of pills everyday, but I know they help me, so I have to take them.

I agree with Venus, but I also agree with you SunAngel. I think that the essence of what the OP and Venus are suggesting is that we should all think critically about the brain-altering synthetic meds we are ingesting.

p.s.: It is wonderful to know that your medication is helping you (and others on this thread).

I agree with you Melinae. I think we should definitely be more aware & knowledgeable of what we're taking into our bodies. Even though I'm miles away from being properly medically treated, I've done as much research as one person can via google in order to find out what I could potentially be taking into my body once I can afford a professional. But my BP is very severe with psychosis, not even to mention my various medical problems. I'm a strong proponent of holistic medicine, but I've gone through everything I can with very minimal success, & some people's needs/severity just require it. It's not for everyone & it disgusts me genuinely how there are people out there with an ache or two here, a bit of dissatisfaction with their life, & split ends & their doctors prescribe them 50 different medications for it. My Mother has lupus & herniated discs & her doctors, instead of treating her problems, just gave her pain medications. She really screwed her life up over a narcotic addiction just because her doctors were unintelligible, lazy bastards who knew they could reel someone else into the big pharm industry.

[Sophia57]

I also don't take meds, unless I am under a lot of stress. I was med free for 6 years, till my dad almost died, and then I took Clonazepam for 2 days.

My question to Ak, is - if you don't take meds, how are you going to control your bipolar? I also have very bad experiences from hospitals and meds side effects. But I found a book on some very practical things I could do, and I have been very consistent and that is the reason I am able to stay off meds.

I exercise hard daily. I play flute for fun and relaxation. I eat organic and whole grain foods. I take Omega Oils which help the brain. I have a good relationship with God in Jesus Christ. I have a loving family and friends who support me and help me. I also mood track and track what I am doing daily.

It isn't on the computer, just some spread sheets, and I am able to keep the symptoms mostly under control. BUT if things got bad, I would not hesitate to take meds. I get SAD in winter, and take a bit of Wellbutrin (a very tiny bit or I would go manic) to take the edges off the depression. This summer has been a hard one, but I am going back to basics, and I'm feeling normal - which is usually slightly hypomanic.

Just some hints for anyone who wants to try and cut down their meds. But do it with your pdoc, and always have some back up meds, if things go too high or low. And if you have tried it and it does not work, I think we should be glad we have meds, or we would all be in asylums, like in the old days.

[Yoda]

hello and welcome to psychcentral

I have been in psychiatric hospitals and in my experience it was a cross between a prison and a zoo.

I have been on meds, this one, then that one, trying to find one that helped me and some of them had unpleasant side effects. But my doc found the mix of meds that helps me and I have been stable for four years. I understand your frustration of taking meds that not only do not help but they have side effects that make you feel worse.

I hope you find psychcentral community helpful.

[BlackPup]

Welcome to pc.
I have always hoped to live off meds but the reality is that at the moment I need them. Hope that you can find some balance without them.

I used to feel as you do, then..... I went into a very, very scary bipolar psychosis. I thought I would lose my mind. I was on the verge. I thought everybody was in on it (my psychosis) even my family. I didn't sleep or eat for 5 days and lived on cigs and coffee. I ended up in the hospital (first time ever) and took all the tests after a couple nights of sleep and I know it is real. Most ppl don't go w/o sleep like I have all my life at one time or another. This was the first time it was a mixed state followed by psychosis, usually they are partying binges full of fun and excitement. This on the other hand was terrifying.

I am sorry for the way you have been treated and hope you find what will make you happy.