New Meds, Old Meds, No Meds

I suppose for some of us there is a perfect medication regimen that works steadily day to day, week to week, year in and year out.  But I fear many more of us do not find the perfect solution.  We experience side effects that are intolerable for one reason or another.  We miss the old zip in our lives, that hypomanic edge the meds have taken from us.  Or, even when we’re good little boys and girls and take our meds conscientiously, we still have episodes of mania and depression. 

There are many ways meds can disappoint, just as there are many valid reasons for taking them.  For most of us, some form of medication is vital to managing our lives, but they are just one piece of the story.  If we do nothing to manage our lives in other ways, the meds will most likely not provide the fix we’re looking for.

That’s one reason I think it’s just as important, if not more so, to deal with our psychological issues, our health issues, and the management of our daily routines.  It’s not very sexy to focus on going to bed and getting up at regular hours, getting enough exercise, and eating well.  But if we study ourselves, we soon learn what makes us tick.

I know, for instance, that I need to take a walk every day if possible.  When I neglect to get outside and get some exercise, I can feel the difference.  When I overeat or drink too much alcohol, I have trouble sleeping at night.  When I let negative thoughts take over my brain, I can slide too easily into despair.

We wish there were a magic pill we could take that would simply make us feel great, but life is more complicated than that.

Comments

[Jon]

Great post. I talk often to my pdoc about exactly this same topic.

[rose]

The URL is my oldest grandson Jason Owen. Some of my family is with me in Plymouth, NH this weekend as his sister is featured in a dance progam at the univirsity.
I was trying to remember the lastest thing you created but can't access my mail on this laptop. Will speak to you soon. Good luck.