Sam
JHarper33(AT)aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 3/31/99 8:18:55 PM EST, 74541.2151(AT)compuserve.com writes:
>
> > what he called a chemically
> > induced depression, whatever that means
>
> Hi Robert~
>
> Just a quick comment here -- I once heard this explained something like so: we
> have a certain amount of "coping chemicals" in the brain that usually can keep
> up with the ebb and flow of life. But sometimes something overwhelming or
> sustained comes up and the body just can't keep up with the production of
> these chemicals that are needed in greater amounts, or for longer times, than
> usual. I think, in the tape I heard about this, the speaker said in the "old
> days" when it was severe enough to be called a "nervous breakdown", about the
> only thing the patient could do was rest until the body's chemical production
> could catch up. These days scientists have isolated some of these chemicals
> and they are available in prescription form to help get the brain chemistry
> back where it needs to be. So, in that regard, it is no different in principle
> than giving insulin to a diabetic whose liver can't produce enough. (I'm
> writing this from memory and haven't listened to said tape in a while, so if
> I'm off base, someone feel free to correct me.)
>
> I understand your wife's reluctance to take those kinds of prescriptions,
> though. Some have done very well on them (and I understand in many cases it is
> only needed temporarily), but it is scary to think about taking something that
> will affect your brain. A very good book about someone who dealt with this is
> A Joy I'd Never Known by Jan Dravecky, who became clinically depressed during
> her husband's (pitcher Dave Dravecky) bout with cancer and arm amputation.
>
> Barbara H.