You bring up very good points in this blog. First of all, you bring up the point of how frustrating it was to dissect the Psychology Vs. Anti-Psychology debate. The arguments are very hard to wrap your mind around and when you finally think you understand something, it turns out you don’t. You try to bring an argument against one of Anti-Psychology claims and you get shot down with ease. Then you begin to think that maybe they got it right, because every question and every bullet you bring has what seems to be an intelligent explanation attached to it pointing towards the superiority of Anti-Psychology. However, this is precisely why all of us need to understand this debate.

As Chris has said, there are ways to poke holes in Anti-Psychology, but it takes knowledge (something all of you should be seeking in regards to psychology because you deal with a mental illness on a daily basis). The more information you have the more prepared you will be for the fight, but more importantly, like Emily said, you can decide for yourself.

Emily’s point about the third argument is valid. Prescription drugs aren’t necessarily good. Yes, the drug industry is out there to help you, but you must also understand that they are a business. They have to market and they have to make money to sponsor the research and pay the salaries of everyone that works for them. As a result, there can be a valid point regarding a dark spot on what many have come to see as the all powerful drug.

On top of that, drugs are also generic—they only come in one form. People on the other hand, have a wide variety in how certain biological pathways process these drugs, and as a result many people can experience serious side effects.

With all that said, my main point is to reiterate Emily. It is not fair to you to only know one argument, especially when it revolves around a large aspect of your life. Go out there and absorb knowledge, it is your responsibility because, like we always say, you are either dealing with your disorder or you aren’t. Gaining knowledge is a great way to begin and continue to deal with you disorder. However, do so with a cautious, questioning eye, if something doesn’t make sense or seems to real to believe ask questions to those you trust.

I hope this made sense. -Ryan

It’s Chris. It’s interesting that you talked about getting taken advantage of in your post. The one thing that keep recurring in our round tables is this fear of being taken advantage of or having thing get out of one’s control if a mood disorder is revealed. How do you think your situation in group tasks is related? And what do you think would likely happen if you really were to say “no”?

On the one hand, you could take the lower grade, knowing you’re a senior and already accepted to college. But people that set high markers of achievement for themselves (which I happen to know you do) simply can’t abide a low grade (which I think is actually a good thing). On the other hand, you’re saying “no” might stand down the group to pull more weight, but there is certainly no guarantee there. In a person that values achievement, that uncertainty can be quite literally painful to endure. It makes it less and less likely that the person might say “no”.

What are your thoughts?

I have a suggestion for a book, like you did with Janet Fitch’s Paint it Black. Maybe you can do a feature on it? It’s called Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, the author of Speak, the novel is YA and it’s about this girl, a senoir in high school, who’s dealing with anexoia and depression, hearing voices (her dead best friend who killed herself). Just a suggestion…I thought Anderson did an amazing job of giving an insight to those who deal with eating disorders, which usually has to do with some mental illness, and also the effect suicide has on other people after that person is gone.

Thanks, again for answering my comments from before.

Ashley.

It’s Emily here.

Following a schedule is still pretty hard for me, but what helps is that I have a specific notebook to write it, sort of like a planner. What I usually do is write the approximate times that I need to get certain tasks done. For example,

Monday, March 30, 2009

4:00 - 5:00—Chemistry homework

5:00 - 5:30—Begin English paper

5:30 - 6:00—Eat dinner

I think what helps me the most is that I give myself that approximate amount of time to get whatever thing I need to do finished. I don’t follow the times exactly because it would be incredibly hard to, but each time I finish a certain thing on my list I check it off and (as cheesy as it sounds) I feel more accomplished. This actually motivates me to continue my schedule and get more things done, but different things work for different people.

Hope I helped!

It’s Emily here. We’ll be putting the next show up by the end of the day today. It’s another teen round table show, this time on the issue of sleep. Hope you enjoy it!

Emily

I have a question, when is next episode of flipswitch?

Thanks.

Procrastination for me is exactly the same. I feel mine takes a life of its own. I try to set goals for myself and follow through - but, I never do. This coincides with my depression sometimes when I am terrifed to do anything, let alone homework. Projects with other people are the hardest since I have to interact with other people.

So, I’m asking what did your schedule look like? How did you manage your time? How do you keep to it…because it always falls through with me.

Thanks,

Ashley.

We learned from the episode Emily, you and I tried to do that sometimes we can’t even trust our parents, or we are at least afraid to.

I will expand this idea in my next blog.

I have nitices with Shane that days are never the same, he was taking to medications and I did find that his ODD became more aggressive in nature. With Moriah I am trying to find a DR who will be both causious and attenttive to her symptoms. A 14 year old is filled with Hormones that exaserbate the depression and the Bi Polar disorder, So allot of it is Hoemones and the reaction to medications on top of every thing else.

How are you holding up? I am worn out . I am currently looking for a support group. Do you have a partner that suports you in all you are trying to do for your daughter? My husband is a special man, but has allways been high funtioning or non funtioning, I found he was rarely on middle ground. I have since realized that he is Bi Polar. He needs to get help. I am trying to hold every one together. This is not working. I have faith which inables me to lean on God. The harsh reality is if my husband is not on board with the treatment of the children, which at times must be due to his own challanges. I then have beal with this by myself. not sn easy task’ pLEASE TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WALK THROUGH THIS. tHANKS YOU AND gOD bLESS

Now, when ever I’m depressed, I listen to this podcast, and I don’t feel so alone. It’s nice to have advice to listen to from people who understand.

Thank you so very, very much

Keep up the good work. I’m just trying to find a way to get my stubborn daughter to listen. The best way to conquer is to be well informed. Thank you for starting this podcast. I’ll be sure to let the couselors that we see know about it.

As far as meds go. Since my daughter is only 14 there are limited FDA approved meds out there for her. She’s already tried buspar, prozac, Lithium, Seroquil, Zoloft and Limictal. Not all at once of course, but in combos. Her behavior only worsened. She has since weened herself off all meds and seems to be doing better. For how long we don’t know. If she has a relaps we would like to enroll her into a long term facility in Maitlin, FL called La Amistad. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. Well, like I said keep up the good work and thank you for what you are doing.

I’ll definitely be listening to future episodes.