Feb.15/12

Evening All,
   Sorry that I did not get a blog out last night. I had a VERY long day as I did a lot of driving, approximately 800kms in one day. I didn't get home until late last night at around 02:30 in the morning. Needless to say, I wasn't in the mood to sit down in front of my computer and type out some tired thoughts. Anyways, I am here this evening and raring to go. Couple of things on my mind tonight that I would to talk about. One of the things that is bothering me, well not bothering me, but on my mind. I am wondering if any of you have a family member, friend or even yourself who should be taking some prescribed medication for an anxiety disorder, depression, psychosis or being bi-polar.
   Are you or your friend/family member having some second thoughts about taking the meds? I think that there are a few misconceptions out there about medications. Now obviously I cannot speak for the bi-polar meds or the depression meds or anything else except for anxiety meds. If you recall, I wrote at the beginning of all of this, I was reluctant to take my meds for fear of becoming a zombie or something like that. I think that these misconceptions are very legitimate or real as we as a society have been exposed to Ritalin and those types of meds for "controlling" children or bringing down their hyperness. I am not here to say that they do or they don't do those sorts of things. But movies, media and TV perpetuate the "stereotype" of how these medicines will make you.
   I don't think that you should add to your stress or your anxiety by being afraid of taking them. The meds are made for a reason. In my case, my meds help to balance out the chemicals in my brain. Again, I am not a professional on meds, I am just giving my opinion from personal experience. If you are someone you love is not wanting to take the meds because of some sort of thinking of becoming a zombie; you do not have to take it forever. If you start to take one and you don't like the side effects from it, then stop taking it and try something different. Oh, don't listen to me and just stop taking it; consult your doctor. But, I am just here to say that that is NOT how the meds work. Some will make you sleepier and some might take away a sexual drive. Here's the kicker: Did you know that Tylenol has MORE side effects associated with it than some of these medicine's that are used to treat mental illness? It's true. Ask your doc to show you in their meds book.
   I know that I have talked extensively on anxiety here because it is all I know. But, I just wanted to tighten up some things I may have said on here. So, What is Anxiety? Everyone experiences some form of anxiety; however, anxiety becomes problematic when it is too intense, lasts a long time or interferes with day to day activities. Unfortunately, with the exception of traumatic events, it is very difficult to pinpoint specific causes of anxiety. There are a few different types of anxiety disorders to discern from as well.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD) -is the most common. It is an overwhelming worry or fear about things that might go wrong even with no signs of trouble.
Panic Attacks - are brief moments of intense fear. The physical reactions include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, shakiness, sweating, fear of losing control and wanting to run away. Panic Attacks can feel like a heart attack.
Phobias -are irrational and extreme fears related to specific situations, people or things. Most often the fear is about being harmed, losing control, having a panic attack or being embarassed.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders(OCD) -are unwanted, repetitive, intrusive thoughts and/or repetitive behaviours that can cause serious distress.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders(PTSD) -are an intense and lasting reaction to serious, life threatening events that have occured in the past such as violence, accidents or natural disasters.

   Just wanted to clarify a few things so that I did not lead anyone down the wrong road from some of my previous posts. The information that I posted here is from the Alberta Mental Health Board and not from my own mind. I hope you found this post somewhat informative tonight. Have a good one.
Shawn