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Mood Disorder Community
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TritonTitan
Starting Member
34 Posts Gratitude: 8
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Posted - 12/22/2009 : 14:32:31
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Hello, last year I was committed and given the diagnosis of major depressive disorder with psychotic episodes.
Two months after my discharge, I stopped medication and therapy on my own terms for many reasons.
My question: Since I am an unmedicated psychotic, how will my life be limited in terms of jobs, prospects, or future plans.
Currently, I do not suffer from depression. I've stated why I have my diagnosis in the coping with psychosis page. I'll go ahead and say I do not agree with it, and I know that reeks of denial. But that's what I feel. And there is no place more suited for honesty than here.
Like I know I won't be able to adopt children or own a firearm , but can I work in education, can I have a government job? Will I be rejected from grad schools or other jobs solely because of this? How will this limit my life in general?
No doctor or therapist was ever open and honest with me about this, so that's why I am posting it here. |
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bluewater_sweet
Amazing Member (1000+ posts)
1321 Posts Gratitude: 256
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Posted - 12/22/2009 : 21:47:08
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Hello T.T.,
Welcome to MT first of all!
My diagnosis was Bipolar I and rapid cycle. I am currently on disability because of it. The last year prior to me being put on disability, I had nine different employers. I wasn't able to hold a job long enough because of my major depression episodes mostly. I also just filed for bankruptcy earlier this year due to the mania affect on my finances. I am not here to scare you because there's lots of us that were able to find jobs and keep them too. I also have a Bachelor's Degree as well.
Most of us that have a job and keep it too are on stable medication. You'll find reading other's posts throughout the forum.
Good luck finding your answers,
Judy |
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brenda75
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)
3854 Posts Gratitude: 724
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Posted - 12/22/2009 : 22:09:41
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Good morning and welcome to MT. My profile has a my important info on there. I have an Associates Degree. I am going back to school in January for my BA. been married for 16 years and have two children. I don't think this would be possible without my meds and therapist. I'm sure you could do anything you set your mind to, but with your diagnosis it will be a hundred times harder not being medicated. Is there any particular reason you won't take meds? Brenda
See a need. Fill a need. (Mr. Big Weld)
Live long and prosper(Mr.Spock)
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hercules21
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)
5713 Posts Gratitude: 685
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Posted - 12/22/2009 : 22:19:09
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I think I remember your post - about the homocidal thoughts that you will never act on - and that soley leading to your diagnosis.
I won't comment on your not being on meds. Perhaps you are stable without them.
The answer to your question. On most employment checks they ask you "do you have a medical condition that could be aggravated by this work"
I answer no to this question because I know the work won't aggravate my condition. Hence I get hired. If you answer yes to this question you will have to have a discussion with them.
Schools are different they ask you about all your medical conditions - I got rejected once by avoiding the question - they said it was optional - so I avoided it. I think this was a red flag to them.
This is all the information I have |
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TritonTitan
Starting Member
34 Posts Gratitude: 8
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Posted - 12/22/2009 : 22:50:00
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wow thanks for the feedback guys.
bluewater_sweet --First, I wish you the best of luck with your career. for me. Currently, I am a full time student, but in the past I have no trouble holding a job as long as needed. So I guess that is a good sign.
Brenda-- I do not take meds for a few reasons. 1. It was impossible to function once I left the hospital. I had to spend at least 5 hours in bed (usually from 12 noon-5Pm) passed out from the meds, and life was not waiting for me to do that. or for that to weaken. 2. I was not able to get along with my psychiatrist in outpatient (or inpatient incarceration but that is different.) I couldn't trust him, so I stopped going 3. Most importantly, my father convinced me that I didn't have a mental illness, and I was misdiagnosed. And I think he's right. Even though it's kind of meaningless because according to my records I am. And good luck telling that to a psychiatrist that one of them might be wrong...and that you're father talked you into it (psych: you're father is a proud man, who cannot admit his son has a problem!) meh, that's what I thought it was at first, but I see it differently now. Esp after 9 depression free months with no meds.
hercules-- thanks for the info. As of now I am 100% stable, so yes I am good without meds for now. yes, I posted on the homicidal thoughts page. again, thank you.
I really hope that doesn't scare people that I have them. I hope that doesn't scare anyone. But every body has dark, twisted , unpleasant thoughts in their head. That is scientific fact. |
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CRS Fan
Starting Member
12 Posts Gratitude: 1
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Posted - 12/23/2009 : 15:23:47
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quote: Originally posted by TritonTitan
....last year I was committed and given the diagnosis of major depressive disorder.... ....I stopped medication and therapy on my own terms for many reasons.... ....Since I am an unmedicated psychotic, how will my life be limited in terms of jobs, prospects, or future plans.... ....Currently, I do not suffer from depression.... ....can I work in education, can I have a government job? Will I be rejected from grad schools or other jobs solely because of this? How will this limit my life in general?
Hello TritonTitan. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder this fall. I never thought this could happen to me. I have always worked and am proud to "bring home the bacon" for my wife who also suffers from mental illness. 3 years ago, I had my second lifetime depression in the last 10 years (I self medicated for 17 years prior to getting clean from drugs and alcohol 10 years ago). After being stable for 9 months, I went off of my antidepressant. At that time, I was using 20mg of Prozac and 25mg of Trazadone as a sleep aid (I did remain on Trazadone as a sleep aid and this has been increased to 75mg over the last couple years). Fast forward to this fall, and I now have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. I currently am taking 50mg of Prozac and 75mg of Trazadone and am just starting to stabilize ! This has been the longest depression I have ever suffered in my entire life. Usually I begin to stabilize after 1 - 2 months but NOT this time. I am now convinced to continue taking my medication indefinitely as I don't want to risk another major relapse. I have to give up my current job because I am unable to return due to job stress. I have not been limited by jobs because it is illegal to ask if I have mental illness, but as Hercules21 mentioned, "The answer to your question. On most employment checks they ask you 'do you have a medical condition that could be aggravated by this work'....I answer no to this question because I know the work won't aggravate my condition. Hence I get hired." Schooling is a different story. In my case, I am going to go back to school for a Community Mental Health Worker or a Psychiatric Nurse (this really depends on the funding/loans available to me). Being a mental health consumer will actually be an added bonus for this type of profession. As far as Educational or Governmental professions go, I am unsure. I would never want to go through another dark relapse and therefore I have made a decision to stay on meds. If a particular med is not working, then there are many others medications that may also work. My wife's Schizophrenic journey has been brutal over the last 2 years and she is just starting to stabilize after 9 anti psychotic meds were used. My wife often gets the rare and unreported side-effects and therefore the numerous med changes. I know it is hard to find a trustworthy practitioner, however, they are many out there and networking (within forums like this) may be helpful. I hope this gives you additional insight. Best Regards,
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TritonTitan
Starting Member
34 Posts Gratitude: 8
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Posted - 12/23/2009 : 15:39:26
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CRS Fan, Thanks for the input. You know is it normal for doctors to start people on low doses and work toward higher ones?
when i was in the hospital everyone told me I was super severe, and if I thought otherwise I was minimizing my condition. EVen the shrink who sent me there, said I was the most severe case she had ever seen. And all I could think was the most severe case you ever seen only needs 20 mg of prozac?
Well, I've been feeling kinda lousy the fast 3 days, but even Dilbert feels lousy before the holidays. and you can quote me on that.
Also, it's good to know they aren't allowed to ask if I have a mental illness on applications. Mine has never limited my performance. I am a student, and I always go to class...sometimes I'm on the Dean's List , almost always above a 3.0 otherwise. And I've held jobs for over a year in the past. So I'm not too concerned with performance. |
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CRS Fan
Starting Member
12 Posts Gratitude: 1
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Posted - 12/23/2009 : 22:32:28
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quote: Originally posted by TritonTitan
You know is it normal for doctors to start people on low doses and work toward higher ones?
And all I could think was the most severe case you ever seen only needs 20 mg of prozac?
Hello TritonTitan.
Back in the day, psychiatrists used to prescribe very high doses and then work back from there. Nowadays psychiatrist usually work up from the lowest effective dose. Medications affect people in very different ways and side effects can be extremely bothersome and uncomfortable.
During my first medicated depression, I began rationalizing picking up drugs again after 7 years of abstinance. Using for me is life or death so this is dire thinking in my books. At that time 20mg was an effective dose.
More recently I have gone back on medication. This depression has been more about hopelessness, lethargy, and very low self confidence (I am typically an extroverted and gregarios person). I am currently on 50mg of Prozac and I am just stabilzing after 4 very long months.
Stuart SELF PROFESSED FRESHWATER AQUARIUM GURU |
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stigmastomper (inactive)
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
24317 Posts Gratitude: 1940
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Posted - 12/24/2009 : 08:27:37
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welcome trito triton.
maybe self employment ,self education over the net are options?
before you decide your nuts search you.tube.com for mind control videos / documentaries. also check out chritians against mental slavery.com or org |
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TritonTitan
Starting Member
34 Posts Gratitude: 8
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Posted - 03/26/2010 : 22:44:01
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My update:
It's been 14 months since I stopped taking meds (my decision), and stopped seeing the psychiatrist. This has been one of the best decisions of my life.
I am considering going to a different psychiatrist to challenge my diagnosis. This is a bad idea, but I might do it anyway.
I have experienced no Major Depression at all in this time. Most of that is due to my lifestyle, which mostly,I love. I've only been depressed for maybe one afternoon every now and then because of issues such as:
I failed two tests in a row last fall.
or Some people really hurt my feelings with insults.
Things that aren't surprising to depress a person.
I do experience some homicidal ideation, but that is not an intention of desire to harm anyone. It's only a daydreaming mind process. There is no premeditation for harming others.
Overall, things are awesome, and I proudly say it's because I gave up meds and did not accept the fact when some stupid doctor told me I was a monster.
I am not a freak. I am just someone who went through a confusing time, and that time is over. |
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warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
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warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2021 : 07:44:12
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warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)
112498 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2021 : 12:21:08
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