Has anyone ever been 'cured' by medication?
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"David LaRocca" <dglaro…@earthlink.net> wrote in message <news:L5vB8.591$Jk.197@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net>… > I think you touched on 2 important points: > 1) Staying close to God – When I’m weak, He is Strong > 2) My WILL to not let this destroy my life. I almost lost my wife > of 23 years (she was totally exhausted and fed up with this illness, and > although she loves me, she couldn’t live with me) and family to this awful > thing. It was at this point that I made up my mind that I was not any longer > going to allow this thing to totally control me. I’m currently not on any > meds., and I plan to stay that way. I realize from past experience (I’ve > been living with OCD for the past 36 years – that I know of) their are good > periods and bad periods (bad anxiety and depression, contamination fears > etc), and the period I am in right now is a semi-bad period symptom wise, > but I’m getting through it because I won’t let it destroy or control my life > any longer. I know medication has it’s place for some people, but I think > the psychiatric community has done us a tremendous disservice by forcing our > reliance on drugs (probably modivated by money), instead of empowering us > through CBT and other means to take back our lives without long term > dependence on medication. The only treatment that will work long term is > hidden within ourselves.
Although I agree it does suck to be dependent on meds for life, intrusive and haunting thoughts you can’t control and that make you want to put a bullet through your brain is far worse. I can personally attest to that. I tried to rid my mind (naturally) of these intensely disturbing images of the Savior and I could not. It got so bad I couldn’t even pray for help, because voices in my head were saying the most damning statements you could ever imagine during my prayers. I was also terribly ashamed of the evil thoughts I was having about Jesus Christ whom I supposedly loved and felt I didn’t deserve help from Him. I didn’t know it was ocd (or what ocd was), rather I thought I was posessed and my mind was just a "hand puppet" for some evil spirit. MediTation helped, but served as only temporary relief. Personally, I needed meds, willpower AND God’s help to get this far. I know you’re speaking from experience David, but I imagine you are in an elite minority that can overcome this terrible disorder without drugs.
Response:
rinkjustice wrote:
> Although I agree it does suck to be dependent on meds for life, > intrusive and haunting thoughts you can’t control and that make you > want to put a bullet through your brain is far worse. This is part of the problem with people with OCD – they want to ‘control’ their thoughts. The more you try to control your thoughts (eg. trying to push them out of your head) the stronger those thoughts become (‘the more you resist, the more they persist’ <– Generally, I hate catchy therapy mantras but, if I could, I would have this one chiselled in all around the interior of my skull). Learning how to think about ‘those thoughts’ differently and react to them differently is the goal of CBT. It’s (CBT) difficult because you really have to examine your on ‘thinking style’ which takes some practice and it’s difficult because you have to admit to yourself that part of the problem is the way you think (it’s humbling, I know.) and it’s difficult because you have to learn to think in new, healthier ways and it’s difficult because old thinking habits are hard to break and it’s difficult because sometimes you slip back into OCD-thinking without realising it and it’s difficult if other people in your life reinforce your OCD-thinking rather than your ‘new improved’ thinking and it’s difficult because you have to accept risk as a part of life and it’s difficult because you have to accept that the world is not black or white… Piece of cake anyone?
Response:
I did not say that I am cured by a long stretch, I have been diagnosed with probably the most severe form of OCD, I could, if I let it get out of control be on total disability. I have bad intrusive blasphemous thoughts about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Their was a point in my life that I thought because of these thoughts I had committed the unpardonable sin. Well I thought through it and realized it was OCD, and now I don’t feel that way. At different times in my life I have been on medication, I was told by doctors’ that I would need the meds. for the rest of my life. I’ve been searching for a cure to this thing for a long time. What I came up with so far is their isn’t one (unless you are miraculously healed by God), it comes down to management. The way I manage it, is not with meds., I’ve read that meds. should be used short term in severe cases to stabilize a person, once stabilized that person should begin therapy (i.e. CBT) to address their problems for truly a long term management solution, meds. are not a healthy long term solution. In my own case I manage this thing by trying to be close to God, my own will to not let it destroy my life (it almost did, I guess I have replaced one fear with a stronger one of losing my wife and kids), and lots of physical exercise (even if I don’t feel like moving that day due to some depression). So far so good.. David "Ann R Quay" <ann.r.q…@virgin.net> wrote in message news:3CD78806.2000805@virgin.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> rinkjustice wrote: > > Although I agree it does suck to be dependent on meds for life, > > intrusive and haunting thoughts you can’t control and that make you > > want to put a bullet through your brain is far worse. > This is part of the problem with people with OCD – they want to > ‘control’ their thoughts. The more you try to control your thoughts (eg. > trying to push them out of your head) the stronger those thoughts become > (‘the more you resist, the more they persist’ <– Generally, I hate > catchy therapy mantras but, if I could, I would have this one chiselled > in all around the interior of my skull). > Learning how to think about ‘those thoughts’ differently and react to > them differently is the goal of CBT. > It’s (CBT) difficult because you really have to examine your on > ‘thinking style’ which takes some practice and it’s difficult because > you have to admit to yourself that part of the problem is the way you > think (it’s humbling, I know.) and it’s difficult because you have to > learn to think in new, healthier ways and it’s difficult because old > thinking habits are hard to break and it’s difficult because sometimes > you slip back into OCD-thinking without realising it and it’s difficult > if other people in your life reinforce your OCD-thinking rather than > your ‘new improved’ thinking and it’s difficult because you have to > accept risk as a part of life and it’s difficult because you have to > accept that the world is not black or white… > Piece of cake anyone?
Response:
Hey Ann, What you say is so right..I’ve never really thought about it that way..but everytime I try and push thoughts out of my mind, they multiply in their "badness" – can’t think of a better word – it’s late! 
I need to try repatterning my thinking better…I managed for some of my obsessions, but some are sooo difficult! C ya! ~Am~ xxx =) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This is part of the problem with people with OCD – they want to > ‘control’ their thoughts. The more you try to control your thoughts (eg. > trying to push them out of your head) the stronger those thoughts become > (‘the more you resist, the more they persist’ <– Generally, I hate > catchy therapy mantras but, if I could, I would have this one chiselled > in all around the interior of my skull). > Learning how to think about ‘those thoughts’ differently and react to > them differently is the goal of CBT. > It’s (CBT) difficult because you really have to examine your on > ‘thinking style’ which takes some practice and it’s difficult because > you have to admit to yourself that part of the problem is the way you > think (it’s humbling, I know.) and it’s difficult because you have to > learn to think in new, healthier ways and it’s difficult because old > thinking habits are hard to break and it’s difficult because sometimes > you slip back into OCD-thinking without realising it and it’s difficult > if other people in your life reinforce your OCD-thinking rather than > your ‘new improved’ thinking and it’s difficult because you have to > accept risk as a part of life and it’s difficult because you have to > accept that the world is not black or white… > Piece of cake anyone?
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This is part of the problem with people with OCD – they want to > ‘control’ their thoughts. The more you try to control your thoughts (eg. > trying to push them out of your head) the stronger those thoughts become > (‘the more you resist, the more they persist’ <– Generally, I hate > catchy therapy mantras but, if I could, I would have this one chiselled > in all around the interior of my skull). > Learning how to think about ‘those thoughts’ differently and react to > them differently is the goal of CBT. > It’s (CBT) difficult because you really have to examine your on > ‘thinking style’ which takes some practice and it’s difficult because > you have to admit to yourself that part of the problem is the way you > think (it’s humbling, I know.) and it’s difficult because you have to > learn to think in new, healthier ways and it’s difficult because old > thinking habits are hard to break and it’s difficult because sometimes > you slip back into OCD-thinking without realising it and it’s difficult > if other people in your life reinforce your OCD-thinking rather than > your ‘new improved’ thinking and it’s difficult because you have to > accept risk as a part of life and it’s difficult because you have to > accept that the world is not black or white… > Piece of cake anyone?
Have you been talking to Gregory again?
Response:
In my own case I manage this thing by trying to be close > to God, my own will to not let it destroy my life (it almost did, I guess I > have replaced one fear with a stronger one of losing my wife and kids), and > lots of physical exercise (even if I don’t feel like moving that day due to > some depression). So far so good.
That’s got to be one of the most intelligent comments I’ve ever read. Absolutely right on the money David. I just wish I did the same thing before it was too late. rinkjustice
Response:
I was on Prozac for about a year in high school, then stopped taking it because I didn’t like taking medication (thought I could handle things on my own). The symptoms came back after about six months. Now I’m back on meds, and have made my peace with the Prozac. The benefit I get from it (95 percent relief from symptoms) far outweighs any (small) risk. Best, Otis
Response:
Otis Ocean wrote:
^^^^^^^^^^ What a great name!
Response:
> I was just wondering if medication has ever actually ‘cured’ someone with > OCD, or if it has to be taken for the rest of your life. > Thanks
Being obsessive compulsive for me seems to be a genetic disposition that is who I am, for better or for worse. Although Effexor has quieted certain intrusive and persistant thoughts, I’m still an obsessive compulsive person. Always have been, always will be. In my case, it seems workouts have usurped my other obsessions (for now) which I suppose is the lesser of two evils. It’s strange, I’ve always known there was something different about me (how I seemed more "motivated" about certain things than other people) but it didn’t really hit me that I had a serious problem until my wife left me! For me, nothing will cure my disorder except my own will to change and to stay close(r) to God, something I’m apparently not ready to do. My obsessions have have a certain value. They fullfill a need and pander to my insecurities (my divorce is kicking the snot out of my self-esteem). But that doesn’t change the fact they are excessive and create distance between me and the ones I love. Can anyone relate?
Response:
I think you touched on 2 important points: 1) Staying close to God – When I’m weak, He is Strong 2) My WILL to not let this destroy my life. I almost lost my wife of 23 years (she was totally exhausted and fed up with this illness, and although she loves me, she couldn’t live with me) and family to this awful thing. It was at this point that I made up my mind that I was not any longer going to allow this thing to totally control me. I’m currently not on any meds., and I plan to stay that way. I realize from past experience (I’ve been living with OCD for the past 36 years – that I know of) their are good periods and bad periods (bad anxiety and depression, contamination fears etc), and the period I am in right now is a semi-bad period symptom wise, but I’m getting through it because I won’t let it destroy or control my life any longer. I know medication has it’s place for some people, but I think the psychiatric community has done us a tremendous disservice by forcing our reliance on drugs (probably modivated by money), instead of empowering us through CBT and other means to take back our lives without long term dependence on medication. The only treatment that will work long term is hidden within ourselves. "rinkjustice" <rinkjust…@rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:1544bf13.0205050726.4bfb101e@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I was just wondering if medication has ever actually ‘cured’ someone with > > OCD, or if it has to be taken for the rest of your life. > > Thanks > Being obsessive compulsive for me seems to be a genetic disposition > that is who I am, for better or for worse. Although Effexor has > quieted certain intrusive and persistant thoughts, I’m still an > obsessive compulsive person. Always have been, always will be. > In my case, it seems workouts have usurped my other obsessions (for > now) which I suppose is the lesser of two evils. It’s strange, I’ve > always known there was something different about me (how I seemed more > "motivated" about certain things than other people) but it didn’t > really hit me that I had a serious problem until my wife left me! For > me, nothing will cure my disorder except my own will to change and to > stay close(r) to God, something I’m apparently not ready to do. My > obsessions have have a certain value. They fullfill a need and pander > to my insecurities (my divorce is kicking the snot out of my > self-esteem). But that doesn’t change the fact they are excessive and > create distance between me and the ones I love. > Can anyone relate?
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message <news:3cd3007a$0$18843@hades.is.co.za>… > Thanks for your input. I’m afraid to start with this stuff. > "Lisa" <lisapri…@earthlink.net> wrote in message > news:79yA8.1433$jy3.53@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net… > > I took Anfranil back in 1990 – 1994 (less two pregnancies) and I was > > probably 95% OCD-free. I stopped the Anafranil and was med-free for about > > 2.5 years and managed to also remain OCD / anxiety-free for that long too. > > I was amazed. In 1996 the OCD and anxiety started to return most likely > due > > to pregnancy. All of my symptoms returned fairly quickly and then I had > to > > start on zoloft. My last run with zoloft was from 1999 – 2001 and again I > > was doing quite well until I just quit taking the med in September 2001 > > while I was vacationing on Balboa Island, CA. I kept forgetting to take > the > > darn pill so I figured I’d just stop it all together. This time the > anxiety > > attacks and OCD reappeared in only a couple months time. I was hoping I’d > > never have to take any meds again but I can’t function normally if I > don’t. > > So, as of May 1, 2002 I’m back on zoloft. > > Lisa > > "Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message > > news:3cd26b93$0$18845@hades.is.co.za… > > > Hello group > > > I was just wondering if medication has ever actually ‘cured’ someone > with > > > OCD, or if it has to be taken for the rest of your life. > > > Thanks
Janet, No cure, but much relief. I’ll stay on prozac for life. Gary
Response:
I took Anfranil back in 1990 – 1994 (less two pregnancies) and I was probably 95% OCD-free. I stopped the Anafranil and was med-free for about 2.5 years and managed to also remain OCD / anxiety-free for that long too. I was amazed. In 1996 the OCD and anxiety started to return most likely due to pregnancy. All of my symptoms returned fairly quickly and then I had to start on zoloft. My last run with zoloft was from 1999 – 2001 and again I was doing quite well until I just quit taking the med in September 2001 while I was vacationing on Balboa Island, CA. I kept forgetting to take the darn pill so I figured I’d just stop it all together. This time the anxiety attacks and OCD reappeared in only a couple months time. I was hoping I’d never have to take any meds again but I can’t function normally if I don’t. So, as of May 1, 2002 I’m back on zoloft. Lisa "Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message
news:3cd26b93$0$18845@hades.is.co.za… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello group > I was just wondering if medication has ever actually ‘cured’ someone with > OCD, or if it has to be taken for the rest of your life. > Thanks
Response:
Thanks for your input. I’m afraid to start with this stuff. "Lisa" <lisapri…@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:79yA8.1433$jy3.53@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I took Anfranil back in 1990 – 1994 (less two pregnancies) and I was > probably 95% OCD-free. I stopped the Anafranil and was med-free for about > 2.5 years and managed to also remain OCD / anxiety-free for that long too. > I was amazed. In 1996 the OCD and anxiety started to return most likely due > to pregnancy. All of my symptoms returned fairly quickly and then I had to > start on zoloft. My last run with zoloft was from 1999 – 2001 and again I > was doing quite well until I just quit taking the med in September 2001 > while I was vacationing on Balboa Island, CA. I kept forgetting to take the > darn pill so I figured I’d just stop it all together. This time the anxiety > attacks and OCD reappeared in only a couple months time. I was hoping I’d > never have to take any meds again but I can’t function normally if I don’t. > So, as of May 1, 2002 I’m back on zoloft. > Lisa > "Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message > news:3cd26b93$0$18845@hades.is.co.za… > > Hello group > > I was just wondering if medication has ever actually ‘cured’ someone with > > OCD, or if it has to be taken for the rest of your life. > > Thanks
Response:
Hello group I was just wondering if medication has ever actually ‘cured’ someone with OCD, or if it has to be taken for the rest of your life. Thanks
