Gabi, your anecdote about your husband going mad only after you told him he was no longer on the drugs reminds me of R.D. Laing’s famous quote something to the effect of the schizophrenic is playing at being mad to avoid being held responsible for a single coherent thought or idea. Or this one: “They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game. If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game.”
I’m following this exchange between Alex, Samruck2 and Gabi and find it fascinating. My son is currently in a very difficult transition period, and I take a lot of heart in what Alex writes. I’m impressed with Gabi’s ability to express what is going on with her and her husband (and I “get it” too). Samruck2, I’ve been familiar with Alex’s comments on this site for several years. Alex is the last person, IMO, who would seek to silence people like us.
Abou Ben Adhem
By Leigh Hunt
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:-
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
‘What writest thou?’ The vision raised its head
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered ‘The names of those who love the Lord.’
‘And is mine one?’ said Abou. ‘Nay, not so,’
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said,’I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.’
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Great story. I’m amazed that polypharmacy is still alive and well despite all the evidence to the contrary that has been around for years. I’m wondering what other treatments/practices you are following to help ensure a safe landing. Best wishes for a return to complete health!
Dan was a wise soul. My profound condolences on your loss. Thank you for speaking out.
Great post. Good initiatives. May I suggest that the Foundation consider a “family” bucket. Families function as 24/7 psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers. Most people going through extreme states begin doing so while they are the most dependent on us, those in the 15 – 25 age group. Many of us perform our function poorly because we are untrained in the art of good communication in stressful situations, leading to poorer chances of recovery for the family member. Families are the elephant in the room. We can make or break recovery. Work with us.
Thank you Monica for your dedicated efforts to educate people about psychiatric drugs and their withdrawal effects. You have a wonderful philosophy of life. I like the fact that you illustrated one part of your journey with photos. It’s a very helpful way to show that real people are impacted by psych drugs. Patients are aware, but doctors needs to be more aware that the medications they prescribe have consequences to self esteem, employment prospects, and ability to live life to its fullest.
Gabi, your anecdote about your husband going mad only after you told him he was no longer on the drugs reminds me of R.D. Laing’s famous quote something to the effect of the schizophrenic is playing at being mad to avoid being held responsible for a single coherent thought or idea. Or this one: “They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game. If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game.”
I’m following this exchange between Alex, Samruck2 and Gabi and find it fascinating. My son is currently in a very difficult transition period, and I take a lot of heart in what Alex writes. I’m impressed with Gabi’s ability to express what is going on with her and her husband (and I “get it” too). Samruck2, I’ve been familiar with Alex’s comments on this site for several years. Alex is the last person, IMO, who would seek to silence people like us.
Abou Ben Adhem
By Leigh Hunt
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:-
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
‘What writest thou?’ The vision raised its head
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered ‘The names of those who love the Lord.’
‘And is mine one?’ said Abou. ‘Nay, not so,’
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said,’I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.’
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Great story. I’m amazed that polypharmacy is still alive and well despite all the evidence to the contrary that has been around for years. I’m wondering what other treatments/practices you are following to help ensure a safe landing. Best wishes for a return to complete health!
Dan was a wise soul. My profound condolences on your loss. Thank you for speaking out.
Great post. Good initiatives. May I suggest that the Foundation consider a “family” bucket. Families function as 24/7 psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers. Most people going through extreme states begin doing so while they are the most dependent on us, those in the 15 – 25 age group. Many of us perform our function poorly because we are untrained in the art of good communication in stressful situations, leading to poorer chances of recovery for the family member. Families are the elephant in the room. We can make or break recovery. Work with us.
Thank you Monica for your dedicated efforts to educate people about psychiatric drugs and their withdrawal effects. You have a wonderful philosophy of life. I like the fact that you illustrated one part of your journey with photos. It’s a very helpful way to show that real people are impacted by psych drugs. Patients are aware, but doctors needs to be more aware that the medications they prescribe have consequences to self esteem, employment prospects, and ability to live life to its fullest.