Postings from September 1-15, 2000
REMEMBER THIS DAY!!!! HAPPY's got DSL!!!! ZOOOOOM!!! Dear Happy, Hi, I was just wondering what you suggest if someone can not afford counseling. Is there anything out there to help? I am not a big one for the medication they put you on anyway. Are a lot of the medications for OCD addicting? If myself and my husband have been living with me being the way I am for 10 years, don't you think that would be okay? Everyone has there little things, you know what I mean? We all can not be perfect. friends, Cindy Dear Cindy, In response to your first question, I would point out that there are clinics that charge people on a sliding scale, and most hmo's have some coverage for psychotherapy. If you had a toothache, you would find a way to see a dentist right away. Most people will allow themselves to suffer from mental pain because they afraid of being stigmatized, they are intimidated by the unknown or perhaps they have some skepticism about actually getting the help they need. Medications that are taken under the supervision of a psychiatrist rarely result in addiction. Whenever someone is prescribed a psychotropic medication, they should always find out about the possible side effects and interactions with other medications. This is true of course for all medications that a doctor may prescribe. Everyone does have their little things and nobody's perfect. Your first letter sounded to me like they were not just "little things" and that they were creating stress on you and your family. Perhaps the best way to judge whether or not you need help is to talk to your husband about it. Does he feel that these "little things" are ok or need to change? He may have some resistance to having you see a psychiatrist as well because of the cost and if that issue comes up, I would ask him to put cost aside. If you need help Cindy, get the help you need. That's what you would do for your kids. Do it for yourself too! happy(andhopingCindygetsthehelpsheneeds)shrink
Happy, Bubba has enrolled in night school .. he wants to get his G.E.D. He was VERY NERVOUS and asked me to PLEASE come with him the first night. So I did... The following is what happened. The teacher was talking about the supernatural. (That's MANDATORY for people who live in trailer parks you know.) He asked, "How many people here believe in ghosts?" Almost EVERYONE raised their hand.
The teacher
looked SHOCKED and said, "Son, all the years I've been teaching
this class, no one has ever claimed to have slept with a ghost. You've
got to come up here and tell us about your experience." JeWitch Dear JeWitch, So did bubba get his GED? I heard that the standards are not that high in Florida. happy(haschattedontheInternetwithlotsofghosts)shrink
Dear Happy, Although I might be confusing you by writing from a different email address, it is I, the 24 (now 25 - ack!) year-old female who found out she has venereal warts. Well, I did write a month or so ago to let you know that I hadn't told my boyfriend at his basic training graduation what I'd learned at my last doctor visit. There were just too many people around and we barely got any time alone. Suffice it to say that everything has gone wonderfully since my last visit. I drove out to see him where he is now stationed about 2 weeks ago. We talked about "us" for a bit, then I broke the news. I told him that I'd been in for my regular check-up and had had disturbing news. I said that I was concerned about his reaction based upon what he said in the past when I admitted that I'd been with someone who had genital warts. His reaction was much more positive than I could have hoped. I was completely honest; I told him that it had been very difficult for me to deal with on my own but that I had learned a lot about the HPV virus when I found out I had it and could answer most questions he might have. He asked a few, like would he be able to get tested for it now, how would he know he had it, etc . . . He sat and thought a bit. We talked a little more about it. He apologized for giving me the impression that he would react negatively. He said that he was sorry I'd gone through it alone. It doesn't really matter if you post this. I have no idea how concerned you are with the outcome of my situation . . . I just remember you saying for me to let you know what happened. I'm glad that you told me to go ahead and be honest, though. I had a few friends telling me that I should keep it to myself, that he'd never really know and I could hide it since I only get to see him every 2-3 months. Then, if it came up with him, I could "go to the doctor" and find out I had it, too. I understand the idea of trying to keep from causing him undo stress, considering his 180 in lifestyle and environment. But I thought this was deceitful and told my friends as much. He has every right to know, as would I if I were in that situation, and being completely honest was all I really had going for me. Thanks for your advice and I appreciate your taking the time to answer those first two questions. I might be back for more help in the future. :) Thanks again, Courtney Dear Courtney, Thank you for letting me know the outcome of your situation. I am glad things worked out the way they did. I think that your experience is a good lesson for many people that honesty is the best policy. Even if you had been dishonest and were able to get away with it as your "friends" suggested, your relationship would always have a dark cloud over it. You would always know deep down that you were dishonest with him and you would never know what his reaction would have been from telling him the truth. You are now in a win-win situation. You know that your boyfriend is a good and caring person, and you know that you have preserved your own integrity in the relationship. I wish the both of you the best of luck and hope you do write me in the future. happy(withagoodoutcome)shrink
Dear Mr. Happyshrink, Every day when I look through my binoculars over at JeWitch's house, I can't help but wonder - how does she do it? I'm not normally the jealous type, but, well, she and her boyfriend seem to do "it" a lot and there's a lot of whipped cream, rubber and feathers involved. There's chasing, slipping all over plastic and Crisco. Sometimes, there's rope, hanging from the ceiling and things that look like rubber table legs and pool toys. I can look over there most any time and catch them at it - don't those people ever work? Now, let me tell you about my "routine" with Gilbert. He comes home after a hard day at the office (my Gilbert manages the housewear section of a Super K-Mart) and I have prepared one of his favorite meals, like chile pie with extra sour cream or maybe a nice batch of deep fried chicken. He'll watch TV and eat Tums for a couple of hours, then, it's "our time." Gilbert lets me know that he's ready by giving me a good swat on the fanny and grabbing at my shirt. He's so romantic that way. After a good 3 minutes or so of grunting and sweating, he's done. Gilbert says he don't like to go more than that cause he noticed that I wasn't breathing too good down there after that. He's thoughtful, too, my Gilbert. That's every Tuesday and Thursday. On Saturdays, he'll just be sitting on the couch watching a game and if I come sit next to him, pretty soon he'll just automatically reach over and push my head into his lap. It just comes natural to him, he says. Especially during halftime. I think she's unbalanced, that JeWitch. Do you think I should go have a talk with her? Mildred Thigpen Dear Mildred, Maybe your Gilbert could help her get a job at that Super K-Mart. She needs one you know and perhaps this one will last more than 3 months before she manages to piss off the entire company. (I figure that there is a lot of personnel in that store and it may take a bit longer for that to happen. If you think that JeWitch does weird things, you might want to buy a telescope and check out the action at Edna's. happy(noneedforCrisco&keepthatfeatherawayfromme)shrink
Dear Happy, It's late and I should be sleeping, but I can't. Not because of some big crisis or depression, but because of inner awareness, or awakening if you will, and I wanted to share it with you. As you know I have been going to school, seeing a counselor, a healer and reading as much as possible, and I think, no, I know I am beginning to understand a few things. This multi phased person is starting to come together and it's not scary any more, it's exciting. This aspect of myself I call Jimmy, mean, tough, angry, aggressive, is my strength. The part of me that can handle situations with sureness, without fear. It no longer needs a different name, it's me. You never met Sarah, but she is the child, that part of me that still loves to play, loves to look at things with wonder, and is capable of communicating with children on a unique level. I hold that part of me as very special, but no longer as a separate entity, just me. The smallest child, holds the fear, the rejection, aloneness. But that too is a gift. For with this I know the essence of those feelings and can be a stronger light for people who feel lost in those same emotions. Because I have been there. I am starting to feel free to accept all of those other parts as myself. Just me. And that's ok. There is no longer a need to be divided. I had also been a little disappointed in myself for not writing poetry any more, I love to write, but my heart hasn't been into it. Tonight I realized that my poetry in the past had been mainly focused on depressing things, sadness and grief. This is what I knew, so that's what I wrote about, but that's not me any more. I don't want to dwell in those things, I have moved on, but since I don't have the same experience or understanding of joy, and happiness yet, it is difficult for me to write about those feelings. So for now it is ok for me not to write poetry, but I know the time will come when I will write again. Happy, have a wonderful day, and to all my internet friends I send my love. Methos(takingtwostepsforwardandlovingeveryminuteofit) Dear Methos, Thank you very much for making me have a wonderful day. I miss you at Tuesday night chat but I'm really excited about what is happening to you. I know that you still have more to accomplish on your journey, but that light at the end of the tunnel is definitely getting bigger. Love, happy(likesthenewandimprovedMethos)shrink
Dear Happy, I wanted be in a tickling video or just be tickled like crazy how can this ever happen for me? I4 Dear I4, Sorry, I lost my feather but don't despair. The Internet is a great place to find idiots like yourself. Happy hunting. happy(cuchicuchicoo)shrink
Hi Happy, I am a married 34 year old women with four children. In 1985, I lost my 19 year old brother in a car crash. I was pregnant with my 15 year old at the time. It was a very depressing time in my life. The same year I lost my grandfather (old age). I cried daily. In 1986 I was put on antidepressants to help with my depression and headaches. I was told I have symptoms of ocd. I have lived with this for years with no medication. I do not know if I believe that or not. I am the way I am, I do not like things touched (germs&dirt) big fear, the kitchen would be my worst area. No one is allowed to do anything in there, my husband does very little in there normally ask me. I am unable to leave the kids home alone, the fear of what might happen while I am away, or what is being contaminated. I set things a certain way, like an object or the dry knob and it must remain that way. I must always make sure the door is locked. Even though we have a dog that would not let anyone close to the door. It must be locked day and night. If someone is doing stuff in my kitchen, touching things, moving things or if I think I need to leave the kids, whatever....I get all flushed like I have a fever. I can feel my heart beating, give myself a headache, shortness of breath. This all seem pretty ridiculous, but I can not help my feelings. Is there something wrong with me or am I just being a bitch? Do you see this as ocd or is there some other problem? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Cindy Dear Cindy, Your symptoms do sound like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I am sure that it doesn't only make you anxious and unhappy, but your family as well. I would urge you to see a psychiatrist so you can be properly evaluated. There are medications that can reduce your symptoms and I would also suggest that you see a therapist. You are entitled to your feelings Cindy, but if those feelings and behaviors cause distress for you and your family, it's worth trying to change them. Please feel free to write me again. I hope you can get the help you need. happy(CindyisnotaBitch)shrink
Dear Happy, Edna's kids are so damn cute .. let me tell you about what I witnessed the other day when I was over at her trailer visiting .... We were in the kitchen listening to her (Edna's) son playing with his new electric train in the living room. She heard the train stop and her son saying, "All of you sons of bitches who want off, get the hell off now, because this is the last stop! And all of you sons of bitches who are getting on, get your asses in the train, cause we're going down the tracks." I think Edna was embarrassed and told her son, "We don't use that kind of language in this house. (Of course THAT is a lie) but ... she said ... "Now I want you to go to your room and you are to stay there for TWO HOURS. When you come out, you can play with your train, but I want you to use nice language. Two hours later, her DARLING son came out of the bedroom and started playing with his train. Soon the train stopped and we heard her son say, "All passengers who are disembarking the train, please remember to take all of your belongings with you. We thank you for riding with us today and hope your trip was a pleasant one. We hope you will ride with us again." Then he says; "For those of you just boarding, we ask you to stow all of your hand luggage under your seat. Remember, there is no smoking on the train. We hope you will have a pleasant and relaxing journey with us today." Edna began to smile, looking at me like .. "I guess I showed him who is BOSS." and then little Rusty added, "For those of you who are pissed off about the TWO HOUR delay, please see the bitch in the kitchen." JeWitch Ok. Enough of HER and that rotten little BASTARD son of hers ... I really wrote to tell you to PLEASE give everyone the address of my new website .. OK ??? Don't know if they can just click on this link below ... If not .. READERS: Get your asses over to my new site at: http://www.wwwomenonthewwweb.com Ok .. I can go to bed now .. NITE !! Dear JeWitch, I'm sorry it took me so long to respond to your letter. Some bitch delayed my train for over two hours by nagging her son. Glad I'm home now. happy(hecangotobednowtoo)shrink
Meta responds: Dear HappyShrink, Ok, I'll see if I can come up with some positive thoughts: 1. I live at least 500+ miles from Edna AND JeWitch. 2. Nobody is trying to steal my job. 3. I weigh less than Edna does. 4. I am doing the best I can. 5. Happy thinks I have a sense of humor. 6. Dr. Peabody thinks I have a sense of humor. 7. I have good taste in shrinks. 8. Even though I pissed of the phone company, they still replaced my phone line. 9. I can sling a bedpan like a pro. 10. My kids don't date OR drive yet. 11. My ex lives closer to Edna than I do. 12. Asking for help is a sign of strength. That's all I can think of right now. I have to go play homework police. Sincerely, Meta-Therapy (therapy about therapy) Dear Meta, Good list! You might be doing better than you think. By the way.... my kid dates and drives! happy(Waitingforparenthoodtoend)shrink
Dear Mr. Happyshrink, That JeWitch is a strange cookie. Oh, it's me. Mildred. Yesterday morning, while I just happened to be under her kitchen window I heard her talking about "porn flakes" and how she thought she could make a lot of money with them. Well, I hate to break it to her, she's such a genius, you know. That breakfast cereal thing has gone by, if you know what I mean. I don't know what she's up to, but I think she's invented some new kind of cereal. They were shooting a commercial for it today. I was just looking that way by chance with my binoculars, and I seen her - top all naked and everything - sittin' all pretty as you please on her kitchen table - couldn't see the whole thing, though, cause she kept movin' up and down but she was licking a spoon. I guess she musta had some of those porn flakes in a bowl. I got news for her - they're never gonna show that on TV. She's not gonna sell one blessed box like that! All that movin' around - I don't think it's good for digestion! Mildred Thigpen Dear Mildred, JeWitch's new er.... business venture may not get to TV but it is already on the INTERNET! to access it, go to:
Whether or not you're into flicks or flakes, you'll love the site Mildred. It's not just for breakfast anymore! happy(passthemilkandsugar)shrink
Dear
Happyshrink, Have you ever heard of Parental Alienation Syndrome? What is it? What happens? Why would children need to be in family counseling? Thanks Just Curious Dear Just Curious, Parental Alienation Syndrome is a condition that can occur during divorce and more specifically, child custody disputes. The behaviors exhibited by the child include anger, acts of verbal and sometimes physical aggression and an ever growing hatred towards a targeted parent without a valid reason. This syndrome is often triggered by one of the parents "brainwashing" the child into believing that the other parent is evil or has inflicted harm upon the family. The child will often create his/her own distortions once the groundwork had be set. It is very important not to confuse this dynamic with cases where a parent has actually been abusive or neglectful and the hostility is justified. Parents who precipitate this syndrome by promoting the hatred of the estranged spouse can do it in both active as well as passive aggressive ways. A parent may fail to give the child messages that his/her other parent called them, thus making the child feel neglected by the other. The parent may also engage in distortions about the other parent as well. The degree to how much this is conscious or unconscious behavior on the part of the conspiring parent can vary. Some parents can convince themselves that the other parent is evil and truly believe that to be the case even without any proof or real indications. Often during the divorce process, one of the parents may start criticizing the other's parental competency. Without the ability to be critical of the person for being and inadequate spouse, (That's already been determined and acted upon) the issue of parenting becomes the source of criticism. Any act is fair game to criticize. This can increase the hostility towards the estranged spouse and result in a distorted and often unfair view of their parenting skills, devotion and reliability. Those are the seeds that can grow into parental alienation syndrome. Children who develop this syndrome rarely change their view of the targeted parent even when allegations are proven to be false. It is one of the truly awful dangers of divorce and should be avoided at all cost. People involved in bitter divorces need to realize that while your Ex may have been a bad husband or wife, that doesn't automatically make them a bad parent. They do their child great harm by defaming the other parent even if you don't like some of the things they do. In some cases, the brainwashing can backfire and cause the child to resent the conspiring parent. I hope this answers your question Just Curious and I would be interested in getting some reactions from people in such situations. happy(givepeaceachance)shrink Dear Happy, My boyfriend and I were in bed together the other night and I asked him, "Are you a pedophile? "OH MY GOD !" he said. "That's a big word for an 13 year old!" Sure am glad momma insisted I finish Junior High school before dropping out. Lucy Gail Dear Lucy Gail, Your boyfriend may or may not be a pedophile. The guy you were dating 4 years ago was a pedophile. I wonder if he's out of prison yet? happy(amindisaterriblethingnottohave)shrink
Dear HappyShrink, I suppose If I found your opinions negative and thoughtless, I would have taken this site off of my "favorites" list a long time ago, unless, of course, I really am trying to be a martyr...Hmm, I'll have to think about that one. Anyway, I spent 9 consecutive Tuesday nights in a depression group last fall (run by Dr. Peabody) and I understand the concepts behind: "you can change how you feel by changing your thoughts." and so on from the RET school. What I can't seem to get is how to put this into practice. I am never aware of the negative twist my thinking puts on everything until I can look at it with 20-20 hindsight. People have even accused me of doing it deliberately in order to pick a fight (for the sheer fun of it, I suppose). On my worse-off days, I am bombarded by intrusive thoughts that I can't seem to turn off. Some of the more popular ones lately are, "What do you want from me? (addressed to God, or to whomever from which the most recent unreasonable request of my time has originated), 'I can't do this anymore." and on down the spiral to more self-destructive thoughts from there. I can also waste a lot of time mentally reciting things I SHOULD have said, or recalling word for word conversations with the shrink, the boss, the minister, the ex-husband or the ex-'s wife etc....recalling all of Dr. Peabody's various cell phone, pager, office and voicemail numbers (just in case), mentally writing letters to the children's boneheaded principal, to Dr. Peabody, to Ann Landers, to HappyShrink, to Dr. Drew or whomever. It is hard to see how to change the thoughts when I can't even turn them off half of the time. I have managed to pare down the most destructive thoughts to a minimum, but there are always a few that sneak by when I'm having a rough moment, or day, or week. I don't have any intention of acting on them, and basically find them at complete odds with my values, goals and beliefs. I am working very hard at taking care of my family, saving for their (I hope) educations, fixing up my house and so on. Why can't I get my head to get with the program? Sincerely, Meta-Cognition ( it's not just for breakfast anymore!) Dear Meta It sounds to me like you have been able to change the way you think. It's just taking a lot longer than you would like it to. What is sometimes hard to accept is that it took us 20, 30, 40 or more years to develop our behaviors and thought patterns, and changing them doesn't happen overnight. The important thing is that you are aware of your destructive thought patterns and you are trying to stop them from occurring. Some days you will be more successful than others. Over time you will reduce the self destructive thoughts. I do have one suggestion though. It might be nice to replace some of those negative thoughts with positive ones. Here are a few I can think of: "I'm still surviving!" "I'm pretty smart." "I'm pretty funny." "After everything I've been through, I can handle anything." "No matter what, I still have a sense of humor." "I haven't pissed off happyshrink yet!"
Maybe you can come up with a few others. I'll be happy to print them Meta.
happy(I'mstrongenoughI'mgoodenoughandbygollypeoplelikeme)shrink\ Dear Mr. Happyshrink, JeWitch gave me this address in case there was an emergency and said that you could help me. Well, there's been a doosy and I thought you would let me know what to do. Oh, I'm her new neighbor, Mildred. Hi. Yesterday she had that Edna Hoppenstadder and what, 15 kids or something, over to the house for swimming. She's got that big pool now - thinks she's block queen or something like that. Oh, well, she's ok most of the time. Anyway, we got some pretty big bugs down here - I warned her, but she's just a smarty pants know-it-all, that JeWitch. Is that her real name? Seems kinda funny to me. Well, she had one in the pool that had to be the size of a Lincoln Towne Car. Ain't that how you spell that in the car - "Towne"? Why's there that "e" at the end? Hmmmm. Don't know. Anyhow, I just watched as those kids disappeared one by one - the screaming was just awful! Woke Gilbert right up. Oh, you don't know him either. He's my "significant other." (We ain't married). The last thing I heard was that Edna hollering "For God's sake! Would you just grab the damn skimmer Witchie??!!" I warned her. It's been pretty quiet and I'm a little worried. Think I ought to go check? Mildred Thigpen Dear Mildred, Don't you worry. JeWitch is an excellent swimmer and she should be able to rescue all the big bugs in her pool. They make mighty fine eating for her tortoises, which reminds me of something I should warn you about. If the tortoises get loose and you feel something frisky running up your thigh in the middle of the night..... it's probably not Gilbert. happy(runforyourlives..it'stheneighborfromhell)shrink
Dear happyshrink, When having some family problems, who do you go to see, a psychiatrist or a psychologist? I need someone to talk to and help me with a certain problem. Thanks cr Dear cr, I would suggest that you see a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists can have degrees in psychology, counseling, psychiatric nursing or social work. You might also want to consider someone who specializes in family therapy or counseling, if your family is having problems. If you are in school, you can speak with a school counselor to get a referral for a therapist. You can also contact your local community center, mental health clinic or family service agency. If it is determined by the psychotherapist that you need a psychiatric consultation or evaluation, he/she can assist you in that process. Its good that you have recognized that there is a problem and you are interested in seeking help. Getting help when we need it is one of the really important things we need to learn how to do. It's not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength. Good luck cr and let me know how things turn out. happy(andnotafraidtoaskforHELP)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, Last week, all of us on fourth floor at the nursing home challenged the third floor to a big slap fight. Not to worry--it wasn’t brutal or anything--just a couple concussions and some people’s false teeth got knocked across the room. We’re going to have to institute a "no canes" rule though. And people with walkers will have to be excluded as well. All they do is play defense. You should probably know too that I’m sleeping with several of the men on the second floor. There’s Samuel, who’s 93 and in and out of ICU a lot and then there’s Edgar, who when he is not raving about the End of the World, is pretty decent in the sack. I’m not looking for anyone to replace my children's father. I just needed a little filler between "Wheel of Fortune" and reruns of; "Murder She Wrote." You take care. I’d ask you to come and visit me when you take your vacation, but I know men have trouble asking for directions and this nursing home where my kids stuck me is in the middle of nowhere. Sadie Dear Sadie, I can see where your daughter Edna gets her..... er.... um.... personality and joie de vie from. (I think that's French for "hot to trot." happy(won'tevengotoMapQuest.com)shrink
Dear Happy, I just read your site today for the first time. While on Zoloft for depression (I burned out all of my Seritonin learning how to be a teacher!), I had no feelings at all. When I would go off of it, it was like really bad PMS everyday. My doctor finally gave me Wellbutrin and I have to say that the bad things about Zoloft aren't there and the good things of it are. I am also more energetic and focused. My question is: how long do people take anti-depressants. If I go off or even forget one pill, I get weepy and sometime darn-right cranky. Signed: Happy if I have my pill Dear Happy if I have my pill, I have known people to be on antidepressants such as Wellbutrin for years without any major side effects. This may vary from person to person. You should be aware of all the side effects of Wellbutrin as well as the the precautions that and report them to you doctor immediately, if they should occur. Check with your psychiatrist if you feel you might be experience the following: *Side Effects: This medication is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue and blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation or trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive or drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction to this drug occurs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rash and itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Precautions: Before taking Wellbutrin (bupropion) tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor; heart, liver or kidney disease, an eating disorder or any mental conditions, diabetes, if you have any allergies, including drug allergies or if you intend to quit smoking. Because of the possibility this drug will make you dizzy and affect coordination, do not drive or operate machinery until you get used to the drug's effects. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking bupropion may increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Interactions: Before taking bupropion tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medications you may use especially MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, selegiline, furazolidone), levodopa, theophylline, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), seizure medications, sedatives, ritonavir, tranquilizers/psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), other antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), salicylates (e.g., aspirin, salsalate), isoniazid, chlolinesterase inhibitors (e.g., tacrine, donepezil), morphine,adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine) and narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine). Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with this drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription drug labels for caffeine. Consult doctor or pharmacist. A certain product used to help quit smoking contains bupropion. Do not take that product while using this one. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. *From Parson's Medical Drug Reference 4.5 During the time you take Wellbutrin the dosage may also need to be adjusted. At some point your psychiatrist might try and see if you can remain without depressive symptoms while taking a lower dosage. For the moment "Happy if I have my pill, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! happy(almostbrokebutnotquite)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, Help me figure this one out. After my favorite Shrink was laid off and before the less expensive replacement-shrink threw in the towel and called my HMO and convinced them to outsource my treatment with Shrink #1, I encountered several people at the Behavioral Health Center as well as at the case management dept. of the HMO who felt it was necessary to inform me as follows, "Oh, (insert shrink's first name here), I've known him for years. He's a friend of mine." Am I nuts (don't laugh, please) or was this an especially cruel thing for these people to say to one of their clients who was struggling with trying to cope with attachment to a therapist presumed to be no longer available, and trying to adjust to a new one? Were they really that thick? It seemed to me that they were adding insult to injury, for no good reason. I need an impartial point of view on this one. Sincerely, Ruminating Yet Again! Dear Ruminating Yet Again, I would consider the behavior as perhaps unprofessional, inappropriate and maybe thoughtless. I don't think it was intended to be cruel. Keep in mind that these individuals for most part are not mental health professionals (although even some professionals can say thoughtless things at times). I believe that you do have a problem with being overly sensitive to what people say Ruminating Yet Again. If you are looking for an insult, you can find it in just about any that anyone says. One of the things you might want to work on in your therapy, is to stop zeroing in on the negative side of every life experience. I am the first one to agree with you that managed care really sucks and is more concerned about money than people. I also believe that there are people who work in managed care that really do try to be helpful even if bureaucratic policies and procedures get in their way. If all you see in life is the negatives, then that's what you will feel, Ruminating Yet Again. I hope you don't consider my opinions thoughtless or negative. I enjoy your letters and feel they have great value to others who experience life as you do. You are not alone. Believe me you are NOT ALONE! happy(neveraloneaslongashiscomputerisworking)shrink
Happyshrink, Been reading your page daily and I wanted to write and give a little message to two of the people who having been writing to YOU for years now. Edna and JeWitch. I hope the two of them are doing well. I know the two are in transitionary times right now--JeWitch, with her messy divorce and Edna, with her perpetual unemployment. Just remember, you two, the Good Lord never gives you more than you can handle. Be thankful that you are not starving or your bodies aren’t riddled with disease or flies aren’t crawling up your nose like they are on those third world people on TV. The Good Lord must know those people have some really broad shoulders because He really loads it up on them. As for you two, He probably figures that marital disharmony and vocational failure are about all you can stand. He’s good at figuring people that way. Marge Dear Marge, Thank you for your words of spiritual enlightenment. I'm sure that it will be the topic of conversation tonight at the Dew Drop Inn. happy(baaaaahahahahahahahaha)shrink
r responds to her dream interpretation: Dear Happy, Thank you, Happy, that was just the prompt I needed. I have been doing a mid-life soul search, and perhaps that was the exposed nature of my investigation/examination. We have had quite a bit of activity "raining down" on us, and I haven't spent much useful time reflecting on all the stirrings. The animals might be the instincts, urges, the natural, gut level me. So here they are washed up at the lowest point, the sewer settling ponds where the heavy stuff settles and everything gets neutralized. Since I am in the restaurant (a place to be fed) I am protected from them, but can see them clearly. They need attention. There are walkways so I don't have to fall down in the muck to get to them (but I didn't go out in the dream). The South American Indian man may be my masculine side. (In "real" life, I work in an office and am questioning whether I belong there. But I have felt that way about every job I had! Still, I feel like I am not measuring up, too klutzy, hard as I try, some important details get past me, numbers slide around infuriatingly. I am grateful for the work and the pay, I like all the people which is probably a miracle, but I feel out of place.) That masculine side, if I have this right, is the part of me that is supposed to go out into the world and get the job done with authority, assertiveness and real effectiveness. My animus is small, and out of place here. Where would my symbolic husband be happy? Outside, with plants, animals, and children. He would be hunting, making things, singing, praying, dancing, swimming, and probably not asking so many questions about life, but accepting the gift that it is. (Hey - I'm a liturgical musician on the weekends, and love doing all that stuff - but my hunting is in the library!) Now, is it possible to find a job where I can be outside, with all that? I failed as a teacher assistant in an inner city school too. (I can't discipline a classroom - I probably told you all that years ago.) I guess my next question for my psyche is how to put this wisdom into real life. If you have any insight here, it would be most welcome. Thank you. Hope your vacation is, was, and will continue to be deeply satisfying to your body, mind and spirit. r Dear r, My vacation was productive and I am happy to be back. You dream may indicate the need to move on with your life. I don't know what job or endeavor would be satisfying, but I believe that deep down you know the answer. Find the answer and go get it! happy(alwayslookingdeepdown)shrink
Hello Happy. I did something drastic this past Tuesday. I dyed my hair really, REALLY black. I don’t know that it looks that good but I got sick of people always calling me an empty-headed blonde. Guess what? The bartender at The Dew Drop Inn here in Orlando asked me out last weekend! His name is Dwayne and he started bartending here about a month ago after he got thrown out of the Navy. He says he likes the Dew Drop Inn a lot better then the Navy because here you can harass a woman or pinch her ass or do whatever you want and no one even mentions the word "court martial". My job in the Wal-Mart shoe department is going okay. I almost quit the other day though because our store manager, Mr. Shepherd, asked us to count all the shoe boxes in our department. I thought that was asking a lot. If I’d have known this job was going to require doing a lot of math, I’d have become a cashier or something. Well, I hope my friend Stella is enjoying being a widow. I mean, it’s a drag that her husband’s dead and all but now that he is, she can sleep with as many men as she wants and she won’t even go to Hell for it! Love, Edna Dear Edna, When Stella's husband was alive, she got first hand experience about what hell would be like. I am sure she will not make that mistake again. Dwayne may not be perfect but he sounds like prince charming compared to Bubba. Speak to you soon. Love happy(hopeIdon'tgotohell)shrink
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