I just wanted to add that since I had stopped associating with JW's, the pressure, I felt while in the truth, just went away. So far, I have had no abnormal episodes for years, now. I don't know if there is a coralation but there is hope!
more2C
Manic depression/bipolar disorder
by ChimpGirl 22 Replies latest watchtower medical
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larc
My mother was manic depressive. She had her first episode when she was 28 years old and was hospitalized on several occasions. She had her last episode when she was 43. At that time she was put on lithium and never had another episode again. (Lithium cures about 70% of those who take it.) Since my mother was a Witness all her adult live, and was cured, I don't attribute her illness to the religion. Manic Depression appears to be genetic and affects about 3% of the population regardless of their religious preference.
Clinical depression is another matter. It can be percipitated by negative environmental factors, of the kind so well described by our new poster. Some get better by just leaving the religion. Others may need therapy and/or antidepressents. Both work, but Cognitive Behavioral therapy has a higher, long lasting cure rate than antidepressants. Drugs act quicker, within 2 weeks, while therapy takes several months, so drugs may be necessary at first, but may be discontinued later, in some cases. For information on the ideas behind Cognitive therapies, see the thread here entitled, "10 nutty beliefs." It can be found by using the search function at the top of this page.
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Introspection
I was thinking about the genetic factor too. One sister (who thought she's one of the annointed) from the hall I used to go to had what she herself diagnosed as bipolar/manic depression, and the psychiatrist she saw after she reached this conclusion diagnosed her with hypomania. I used to visit with her a lot and from what I can recall it isn't something she's had all her life, so I wonder about the psychological dimension of it all. Incidentally, she also suffered from an autoimmune disorder and even her therapist who was also a witness suggested that she look at the psychological aspects regarding her general health.
As far as something for clinical depression, if needed I would look into a nutritional supplement called S-Adenosyl Methionine or SAMe. It's supposed to act faster than some pharmaceutical antidepressants. Here's a link to an article with references, as usual you'll want to do your homework: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag97/april-report97.html
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Introspection
BTW ChimpGirl, for what it's worth I was depressed for several years, and although I sought biological solutions, in the end it was clear that it was psychological, or atleast non-genetic. In any case, I'm not depressed anymore. Everyone's experience is atleast slightly different of course, but I guess if nothing else we can say we've all suffered..
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larc
Intro,
Because the woman you mentioned didn't always have the illness, does not mean that the illness does not have a genetic base. The age of onset for both schizophrenia and manic depression is between the ages of 18 and 30. Both illnesses have a strong genetic component. As I stated before, my mother became ill at the age of 28. A child or young adult can look and act perfectly normal until the onset of these tragic illnesses.
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ChimpGirl
Hi there
I've read Unquiet Mind and found it very encouraging. My JW mother has read it, too, so it's nice that she's showing an interest. Have also got Kay Jamieson's Touched By Fire about manic depression and the artistic temperament. Seems I'm in pretty good company - just gotta wait for signs of genius to manifest now! :-) -
ChimpGirl
Thanks for your positive reply, Waiting. You sound like you're attracted to bipolars! Well, we can be kinda fun when we're up! :-)
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ChimpGirl
Hi there More2C.Thanks for the book recommendation - I'll check it out soon as I get off this board. I couldn't agree more about informing and educating yourself. I have anti-psychotic meds to take on an as-needed basis and both I and my husband are getting pretty good at spotting when it's time to pop one. Messed up on Friday though - tried to set fire to a cardboard box in the front room then when upstairs and cut my arm up, first time in months. I think next time hubby might just realise that trying to set fire to things probably isn't a very healthy sign!
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ChimpGirl
Yeah, Larc, I guess you're right, thanks for sharing your experience. I suppose part of me is still in denial and/or looking for an explanation as to why this has happened to me. I guess the Jdubs just caused collateral damage - I was punished for being ill, in effect - and then I caused myself more damage by rampaging through life with a variety of wild mood swings. I used to think that an okay thing about the JWs was that they provided a haven from reality for those who can't cope with it, but I am now convinced that the close scrutiny of members and controlling tactics over their minds and lives are enough to induce paranoia and guilt in the sanest individual. They hold people in the cult through fear, and that ain't healthy. Praise be we're out of it!!!
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ChimpGirl
Hi Introspection, thanks for your reply. Current research suggest that bipolar is like a genetic time bomb waiting to go off, and can be precipitated by stressful life events. Like living in fear of the end of the world, maybe? :-) There's also a high degree of co-morbidity with bipolar (co-existing conditions) including psychological disorders, some of which are caused by the coping strategies we evolve during our lifetimes. I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist - getting me diagnosed took years becauase my psychological profile is such a disaster, that that alone was enough to explain some of my behaviour. It don't explain raving psychosis, though. Whoops!