What's going on here?
I write a column called "The Trouble With Spikol" for Philadelphia Weekly. It's often about my struggles with mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder and OCD. I was also diagnosed with dissociative disorder N.O.S.--which means I suffer from intermittent depersonalization and derealization. Blah, blah, blah--check the DSM-IV for more.
Here are the meds I take: Seroquel, Lamictal, Ativan, plus Melatonin for sleep. The meds have saved my life, though I need to add an antidepressant to the mix soon.
I want to write here in a quirky and penetrating way about what's going on with mental health in this country: medication issues, insurance coverage, stigma, prejudice, stereotypes, substance abuse, co-occuring disorders, diagnosis problems, legislation, psychiatry vs. psychology, electric shock therapy, new treatment options, and more. I'll also chronicle my own experience.
Comments
I have an 84 year old aunt who has schizophenia and I remember all my life how scared of her I was. Afterall, when you're six and watch your aunt lose it, alot, you decide to stay away from that lady.
My dad though, has always been her advocate. Because of his dedication to her well being she was finally diagnosed correctly and given the "right" prescribed cocktail. After that, I was able to enjoy a relationship with her.
Now my dad at the age of 81 is fighting another battle for her. She can no longer afford her meds and because my aunt lives a pretty independent life, without her meds the fear is that she'll disappear or hurt herself or god knows what. Your blog has given me a ton of resources that I in turn gave my dad (he doesn't do the computer thing).
Thanks for being here,
Mercy
Posted by: Mercy | February 4, 2006 10:59 AM
I remember Ativan. Man - that thing would be put out like a light.
Except when I was suffering from EXTREME anxiety - sometimes it wouldn't work at all!
Posted by: Kass | June 22, 2006 03:59 PM