I started out in crisis mode in a hospital with the doc on call (an excellent one). After diagnosis and discharge back home two counties away, I was "integrated" into the county mental health clinic system. Nine months later, the clinic doctor referred me back to my original diagnostic doctor in private practice. Sure it's an hour drive, but well worth it to hear him say "How are your meds doing? Do we need to change anything? It might sound strange to take it like that, but if it works for you, I'm happy". We've kept many of the same meds over the last year, but have tinkered with dosages and **timing**. I can't stress what a difference it makes to take 100mg of Zoloft on odd days and 150mg on even days. Or instead of 300mg Seroquel all at bedtime, split 100 into 50/50 throughout the day; I like noon and 5pm.
It's never perfect, but I like feeling like I'm making the perfect soup for my brain.
Angie
Hello John,
Your article was very interesting and thought provoking.
I just wondered what was up with the term, "chick magnet". I thought the word "chick" was used as a derogatory term to describe women who are sexually attractive and/or appealing. When did it become acceptable to use that term again, especially in a highly regarded forum such as this?
Just asking the question,
Kay
Hi John,
True, the word chick is used in all of the instances you mentioned. When assigned to themselves, such as the Dixie Chicks, it is not degrading as the women have a sense of humor about what they call themselves and THEY have decided that it is okay - it is not someone else's choice of what to call them.
When used in your example of John Alexander, I can't help but shed the feeling that it is a derogatory term - or maybe a term that is best used in the privacy of one's own home, such as the term babe. When used in an article such as the one you posted, it feels somewhat belittling. And anyway, how do you know that Alexander Hamilton was such a fan of the ladies? That was an intersting tidbit that I had never heard of before. Also, I couldn't help but wonder at the significance of that statement in context with the article that you wrote. What relevance does it have to John Alexander being educated about his theoretical treatment and his ability to discuss it with his psychiatrist?
I guess I didn't understand the rationale for including it in the article. I got the feeling that Mr. Alexander was quite the ladies' man. I missed the point in there somewhere. And if it was a relevant point, why not say something like, "he was a ladies' man" or "the women adored him"? I would have gotten the point, without feeling like there was some kind of putdown to women.
And John, there is never an end to the discussion. Even if someone wants it to end, discussions have a way of taking on a life of their own. As you and I both know by now . . . . .
Kay
Hi John!
I did read the last sentence of your reply to me, on this latest post. You said "End of discussion." Drop it.
Hmmmmmm, that brings up some interesting thoughts - both literal and figurative. I take it you want me to "drop the discussion" about "chick magnets". You do have a commanding presence about you, and I suppose it would be in my best interests to "drop it". Of course, I could become facetious and say "drop what"? This glass that I am holding? My head that is barely awake, sitting at this computer? Or, more figuratively, you want me to "drop the conversation". You want it to end. You basically are telling me to "shut up".
Once again, I find myself in a position in which I am being told - by you - what to do. While I simply make suggestions to you, I find that you make demands of me. How interesting is that? What is it about you that gives you the right to tell me to drop anything? Nothing that I fear or feel I need to follow, I am sure.
Or, perhaps you did not read my last sentence to you, John. These discussions can take on a life of their very own. That does seem to be true, in many cases. This is but an example of that statement.
And, once again, I find you avoiding the topic at hand - that using words like "chick magnet" is to put down women in some way, albeit in a very subtle way - so much so that most people would not give it a second thought.
Time to get ready for work. I hope you have a pleasant day. I know I will!
Warm thoughts and best wishes,
Kay
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Brilliant, well writen story.
We must talk to our pdocs and they must listen. We're not all the same, we know ourselves, and deserve the listening ear of our physicians. I'm Blessed with a pdoc who trusts my judgement. Not everyone gets that.
A dear friend of mine is in a nursing home re-hab unit, because her docs didn't listen to her and they were too stupid and uninformed to properly treat an 84 year old woman. I'm hoping the damage done is reversable.