is anyone here a scientologist?

One of the reasons I haven't taken psychotropic meds is about the same as that first quote from Patti. Someone I know who takes antidepressants told me that it didn't change anything. The same things still bothered her, she just didn't care as much. My reaction is much the same as yours. I dissociate enough without meds to separate me from my feelings even more. I guess it might be necessary for someone who is overwhelmed by their feelings and can't distance themselves enough from them.

I agree with you that I believe there is wisdom and truth in all belief systems. There is something that we can learn from everyone.

I very much agree with Rapunzel's last statement. very well said!

Tom Cruise dancing on Oprah's coach may have motivated me to explore scientology for a while to SweetCrusader. And then again when Brooke Shields' got into the fire. And just this past week Anderson Cooper went at a scientologist over the med issue. Seems always in the media so yea, I wanted to know more too.

I was given books and CD's and introduced to Dyanetics but like Nowheretorun it got pretty heady before I got into the meat of it. It was also a while ago and my memory for the details is pretty blurred.

As for the topic of meds or no meds.... its a very personal decision. It requires careful research either way. Careful monitoring of any threatment option. With or without meds in the equation.

For me I've had mixed success and will continue to persever without meds unless my functioning digresses again and medication is deemed necessary for a season of time.

Blessings of wellness to all........

I found this on part of the subject:

there is the idea of engrams. According to Hubbard, our brain is made of a reactive mind; in it are engrams which “Consisting primarily of moments of pain, unconsciousness or emotional loss” (pg.10). Through Scientology people can eliminate their engrams and reach a state known as Clear. During this state people are able to reach a higher level of intelligence and health. In fact, Hubbard goes even further to say some individuals are even able to reach such a state as to exhibit supernatural abilities.

Just with this introduction, any scholar would ridicule at these ideas as I am. Freud explained a concept similar to Clear in his writings. He mentioned that through the process of cleaning out one's memories a person is able to feel healthier. Hubbard could be making a connection with that. However, Freud never mentioned supernatural abilities. Apart from this Hubbard mentions a type of machine used to clean out those memories. This machine is known as a anagram machine. At this point most people disregard Hubbard's ideas. After all, how could a machine be used to clean out someone's memory. The scientific proof of such a machine has not been heard of by most scientists and therefore loses credibility in the eyes of the public.

This concept of engrams could be something out of a science fiction movie but nothing more. With all this in mind, I believe that the ruling of recognizing Scientology as a religion was incorrect and many would agree with me that this case should be revisited and looked at from all points of view not just from the limited bits that non scientologists were able to pick out.
http://www.relijournal.com/Religion/Scientology.64512