Postings from October 16-31, 2001
Date: October 31, 2001
Happy apologizes for missing last night's group. His personal matters lasted longer than he thought. He'll be back next week.
Dear Happyshrink, What are the treatment goals for a 15 yrs old sexual abuse female victim? MC Dear MC, The treatment goals would depend on what kinds of symptoms this girl displays. Most commonly, there could be symptoms of post traumatic stress, such as anxiety attacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, depression, etc. In some cases there could be behaviors such as self mutilation, obsessive-compulsive activities, withdrawal from friends and family, etc. The goals of treatment would be to reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Treatment might include medication, support groups and psychotherapy. Your question is very general and if you could be more specific I would be happy to go deeper into your question. happy(likestogodeep)shrink
Happyshrink, I think it was last year that Edna wrote you a letter with some of her damn trailer trash tips for you SNOW BIRDS thinking of migrating south when the cold weather sets in. Well, it's that time of year again and this year it will be ME giving you "Visiting the South" tips. Here goes ..... Some Hints for Tourists Visiting the Sunshine State. 1. Don't order filet mignon or pasta primavera at
Mike's Cafe. It's a diner. They serve breakfast 24 hours a day. Let them
cook something they know. If you upset the ladies in the kitchen,
they'll kick your ass. 9. Don't try to fake a southern accent. We
don't have an accent. Do NOT mention the past election as that will
incite a riot, and you will get your ass kicked. Enjoy your vacation and bring this list with you ... JeWitch Dear JeWitch, We New Yawkers call it soda too. New Joisey has such towns as Hohokus, Lodi and Weehawkin. Most of us like steak, ribs and pie. Many northerners fart, belch, and wipe our noses on our sleeves. We have to put up with tourists asking directions and complaining about the weather too. You may have Disney World, but we have Times Square. So you see JeWitch, we are all the same; angry, disgusting and pissed off. happy(GodBlessAmerica)shrink
Date: October 30, 2001
Happy is going to take a day off so he can tend to some personal business. He'll be back tomorrow. (Wouldn't want to miss Haloween!)
Date: October 29, 2001
Dear Happy, I want to thank you for responding to my letter. It means a lot to me. Since I wrote last, things have not changed much. All the feeling I had in my very first letter are coming back. My husband is still attending more funerals. They seem like they will never end. Because of what has happened I thought that he would take being home more and spending time as a family a little bit more seriously. I feel for him I really do, but I can't help the way I feel. I have currently seen a doctor in my area. He put me on Effexor. I have had bad headaches and am very tired and achy on the medicine. I really miss my husband. It seems like Sept 11 has made things worse. He has not been downtown in a while thank God. I just want to feel important to him. I would love to have family dinners again just the four of us. To me it seems he does not want to be home with us. I am used to being alone at night, but now I am scared all the time that something will happen to him. My nights are especially bad. My seven year old is having a hard time at night as well. Sorry I am rambling, but there is so much on my mind that I would like to tell. I hope to hear from you soon. Again thank you for your nice response. sad Dear sad, This is a very difficult time for you as well as your husband. Before September 11, you felt you had a right to feelings of being afraid, abandoned and unappreciated. Now you have to deal with the world seeing your husband as a hero and your needs being less important. No matter what anyone says, that's not true! His first obligation is to you and your family. Right now, you may not be able to change him, but you can do something for yourself sad. I would urge you to seek professional counseling. While I am happy to continue corresponding with you, I don't think it's enough. You need to meet with a face to face therapist and share your feelings. At some point you will need to confront your husband about what is going on with your marriage and your family life. You need to be strong enough to do that. Get the help you need now sad not only for yourself but for your kids and ultimately for your husband too. I will continue to be here as a resource for you and please keep in touch. happy(thereareallkindsofherosandmanyofthemaremoms)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, I have another idea about winning this war against terrorists: Take all American women who are within five years of
menopause - train We've had our children, we would gladly suffer or
die to protect them We've survived the water diet, the protein diet, the
carbohydrate diet, We've spent years tracking down our husbands or
lovers in bars, hardware Between us, we've divorced enough husbands to know
every trick there is JeWitch Dear JeWitch, I am all for fighting terrorism but some strategies are just too cruel and sadistic. happy(withtheplainoldUSMarines)shrink
Date: October 28, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, I have only tonight come across your website. I am writing from Ireland. I need someone to talk to. My mother is schizophrenic. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with this. I think this is the first time I have actually put that in black and white. I am an only child, and trying to manage this on my own. Our family GP, has suggested that it is time for my mother to be fully committed to residential care. She is only 46 years old. I am afraid to make such a drastic decision for her, but I am also afraid if I leave her alone, that she will not survive. I had to move out of home just after Christmas 00, because she was getting too aggressive. If anyone out there can give me any advice, please help me. I have no where else to turn. Yours hopefully, LI Dear LI, I know this is a very difficult time for you and there are no easy solutions. While I respect your family doctor's opinion, I would want to see your mother evaluated by a psychiatrist as well as know more about the medication (if any) she is taking. There are some people suffering from schizophrenia that may require long term institutionalization, however most individuals suffering from this condition can be treated effectively with medication. If you mother refuses treatment and her behavior is a danger to herself or others, you may have no other option but to have her committed for a period of time. Your mother may never be "normal" and your relationship with her may never feel fulfilling, but it is possible with the right medication and support systems, she can lead a "close to normal" life. This is an area I am quite familiar with as my regular job is the director of a 48 bed residential facility for chronically mentally ill women. Despite suffering from severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorders and bi-polar disorders, they are able to live in the community, go out unsupervised, work, attend day programs, keep medical appointments, participate in recreational events around the city, etc. I don't know if there are programs like that in Ireland but that could be an option for your mom if they do exist. In addition to getting the right help for your mother, you should also looking into getting some help and support for yourself. While you have come to terms with your mom being schizophrenic, there still must be voids in your life and feelings that are still unsettling. Look into support groups for the families of mentally ill in your area. I am at a bit of a loss because I don't know what resources are available in Ireland but I would urge you to research this. Please write me again LI. Tell me more about what you are going through and about your mother's condition. I will be happy to stay in touch. Good luck happy(needssupporttoo)shrink
Dear Happy, I am still trying to make money on Internet. I was thinking of marketing this new product to Middle Eastern countries. What do you think?
JeWitch Dear JeWitch, The success of this doll still depends upon what's under the veil. happy(goingbackunderthecovers)shrink
Date: October 27, 2001
I am writing to you for a friend of mine. She has a 3 year old daughter who is having some pretty horrific problems. The has been diagnosed with trichotillomania. She also has an extremely high tolerance to pain on her right side. She {the mom} walked in the other morning to check on her and she had cut herself all over her right side with razors.. She is only 3 yrs old and doing this to herself.. The child has been taken everywhere trying to get a diagnosis. No one can help. She also has no reflexes on the right side of her body. No one seems to want to help can u please help us show us some direction to go? CF Dear CF, Your friend's daughter may be suffering from a developmental disability such as autism. Often times, autistic children will hit themselves, pull their hair and bang their heads as a means of stimulation. They may appear to have very high pain thresholds as they will continue to physically harm themselves and seem almost unaware of their injuries. I don't know where your friend's daughter has been taken to, but I would contact the Health Department in your area and find out if there is an early intervention team that will go out and evaluate her. Children with developmental disabilities are usually eligible for these programs free of charge. If your Health Department is not able to help your friend, then I would contact a family service agency in your area. They may be able to refer your friend to an appropriate agency. Your friend and her daughter should not be denied the help they are entitled to. If need be, they should contact their state senator, assemblyperson, or other designated legislator. Don't give up. There is help out there. Use all the public resources out there to get it. Good luck and let me know what happens. happy(anInternetresource)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, Wanted to send you the VERY FIRST PICTURE I took with my new digital camera. I insisted that JeWitch drive my car home so that I could play with it immediately. Pretty cool huh ?? Edna
Dear Edna, I guess that JeWitch's driving can even scare the heck out of Jesus. happy(I'lljustwalktodaythankyou)shrink
Date: October 26, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, I have been with my husband for 8 years and we are expecting our first child. This is good news because we have been trying for a very long time to have a baby. The bad news is that he expects me to quit my job and stay home. I don't want to do this and the subject of child care really never came up before. I have not expected his reaction and haven't had time to think about what to say to him. I want to continue to work through my pregnancy and do not want to take a lot of time off after the baby is born. He really can't take any time off because he works at an advertising agency in sales. How do I tell him this without sparking another argument. I want to be happy about our future and this is making it difficult. Any advice you have would be appreciated. Thank you. Jelly Roll Dear Jelly Roll, I don't know if there's a way to get through this without some conflict. Clearly, the two of you have different visions about how you see your future. You may need to consider marriage counseling if you can't agree. There is no right or wrong answer to what is best for kids. Plenty of working moms do a great job in both work and parenting. There are greater demands and more challenges though. Having a baby is something that the two of you decided to do together. Raising the child should also be a joint effort. Having an understanding about everyone's responsibility in raising a child is very important. Talk to each other about your feelings and needs. Get professional help if you need it. Don't expect these conflicts to go away by themselves. Even if you agree to quit your job and become a stay at home mom, there are consequence to your relationship. Work things out now Jelly Roll. Good luck and feel free to reply. happy(workingdad)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, Yesterday, while I was outside waiting for my water to heat near JeWitch's house, I heard her talking to one of her so-called "friends." It's funny, you know - she never comes over here to talk to me about anything. I think I could give her some pretty good advise. Like not to wear that awful purple hat with the orange and pink dotted dress anymore - what an eyesore! So here's what I remember - she says "My therapist told me that I could achieve inner peace by finishing the things that I started. So today I finished 2 bags of potato chips, a lemon pie, 6 Ho-Ho's and a small box of chocolates. I feel better already." I would have told her to cut it off after the Ho-Ho's. There's no following those, if you know what I mean. Well, I gotta go, again. Gilbert wants my world-famous batter dipped crawdads and bacon. Sincerely, Mildred Thigpen Dear Mildred, If you decide to stop at the Ho-Ho's, can I have the chocolates? I'll pass on the dipped crawdads and bacon even though they do sound delicious. happy(finishedhiswebpagefortheday)shrink
Date: October 25, 2001
Hey happy, I don't know if this question is stupid, but I was messing around on this Encarta CD Rom encyclopedia thing, and I was wondering---what is the difference between Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder? Thanks, Twitch Dear Twitch, Bipolar Disorder is a condition characterized by mood swings that can go from severe depression to mania or elation. The severity of this disorder can vary. This condition is believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance. It is most often treated through medication. Borderline Personality Disorder is a condition often characterized by self destructive and reckless behavior, dysfunctional relationships and provocative actions. People who are diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder may also suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Most often the causes for this condition is related to childhood abuse and sexual abuse in particular. Treatment for this condition may include Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other forms of psychotherapy can also be utilized to deal with the trauma of childhood abuse. Medication may be used to deal with the accompanying symptoms of anxiety and depression. Just a though; If you read the symptoms or indicators of just about any mental illness, you might find yourself having some of those symptoms even though you don't suffer from that illness. Your question wasn't stupid Twitch. Please feel free to ask more. happy(onlytwitchwhenI'mnervous)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, JeWitch finally got the pump fixed on her pool a few weeks ago .. I headed over to the Walmart and picked up a really fine looking T-back bathing suit and wouldn't ya know it .... the weather turned F**KING cold .. not COLD like you all get it in the North .. but it dropped into the mid 70's .. CHRIST .. Who can go swimming in that kind of weather .. So for the 2 weeks to follow .. 70 this and 70 that .. Today .. 70 something .. BUT .. it is not a lost cause .. MONDAY it will be back up in the 80's and so I am going to lay out at JeWitch's pool and get me a nice suntan .. YES I KNOW .. I am supposed to go to work on Monday .. but I am calling in to work. Gonna tell them I have Anthrax .. I think that is about the only excuse I haven't used this year. Edna Hoppenstetter I mean .. Pearl Montague (someone I work with might read this web page and they will tell my boss that I am telling a lie about the Anthrax thing.) PS .. When I go back to work .. what am I supposed to do . .cough, sniffle, scratch ?? What the hell are the symptoms of Anthrax (healing from) Dear Edna, Even when you aren't sick you cough, sniffle and scratch. Besides, Anthrax is a wimpy disease compared to some of the bacteria that's bubbling up from your cesspool. If you are going to lie about being sick, why not try something more convincing like a brain tumor? Then tell them it causes you to forget stuff, become disoriented and lose control of your impulses. Then you will really have a good excuse for being a lousy employee. happy(headfeelslikeIhaveabraintumor)shrink
Date: October 24, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, My mother, who is 76 years old, has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She has been living alone and her doctor is not giving my brother and I enough information to try to help her decide if she should continue to stay by herself. Right now her worst symptom seems to be getting lost, but since either my brother or I take her to her appointments and out shopping, it usually is not a problem. Do you know anything about this disease and have any advice on what to do? MJ Dear MJ, Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes deterioration of both mental as well as physical functioning. There is no cure for this condition, however there are medications that can slow the deterioration process. In it's early onset, symptoms can be very subtle such as forgetfulness. One can have "good" days and "bad" days. It is important that a person suffering from Alzheimer's has a support system such as you and your brother. As time goes on, she may need a home care aide and may eventually need to move into some kind of assisted living community. There is no way to predict a timetable for this. I would try to have a meeting with your mother's doctor and get all of your questions answered. If her doctor doesn't is not as helpful as you would like him to be, you might want to have your mother see another physician for a second opinion. It may not change anything but at least you can get your questions answered. Good luck MJ and let me know what happens. happy(needsasecondopiniontoo)shrink
Dear Happy, We done had a cold front move in an' it got downta 55 degrees last night and its gonna git down to that again tonite. So all the boys havin' their head shaved were cold with just a doo rag. So on the way home tonite , they all got new cowboy hats. Black hats. Dui, My Earl, Bubba an' Snake all walkin' inta the What Not with new black hats. Whatta site! The best o' the Orlando trailer parks all lined up on them bar stools, all drinkin' drafts, all thar buttcracks showin', all loyal ta each other, thar President fightin' the terrorist war a long ways off, an' all havin' thar lovin' waitin' at home. Life is good. Gind Rinker Dear Gind, I heard that there was some other guy at
the bar with the guys. Here's a picture : happy(GOYANKEES)shrink
Date: October 23, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, Can anxiety be genetic, or pass down somewhat to children form parents? Please give me web site also to read info on answer if you can. thank you. Michael Dear Michael, There can be a genetic component to anxiety. Environmental factors can also contribute to this condition. In order to really understand how and why anxiety exists in a specific individual, they should see a psychiatrist for an evaluation. One of the best resources to find out about anxiety as well as communicate with others who suffer from anxiety or panic attack is Anxiety Disorder Association of America (ADAA) web page. To access it, click here. There are lots of articles, bulletin boards, resources and chat groups. I am sure you will find it informative. Good luck Michael. happy(getswhatheneeds)shrink
Dear Happyshrink,You know .. I hate working mornings .. These idiots interrupt me all day long, and it pisses me off the most when I am listening to Howard Stern on the radio. Like Thursday .. I was listening to Ozzie Ozborne .. some fat ass wanted to know where the toiletries are . OH NO .. not good enough to point.... I have to walk her half way there .. get back just in time to hear the end of his interview (had a quick smoke in the bathroom) and they were just wrapping it up when I got back ..I didn't know Ozzie was in the Beatles. OH .. and then Howard was talking a few days ago about ladies with camel toes. Remember ?? I used to work in ladies shoes here at Walmart .. I never heard of camel toes .. Well, I suppose you have to go to a specialty shoe store when you got camel toes. Is that anything like bunions ?? Or is it worse ???EdnaDear Edna, Ozzie wasn't a Beatle. His son Ricky used to sing with some of the Beatles years back though. Who the hell would have figured that Harriet would have let him go on the Howard Stern show? Live and learn. happy(avoidingthecameltoequestionentirely)shrink
Date: October 22, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, My son in-law is 16 years old. He is diagnosed as a borderline case of autism and moderate retardation. He's been using Haldol for over 10 years intermittently. He developed seizures for the last year. Could this be related to Haldol? Please answer. MAS Dear MAS, First let me say that I am not a medical doctor and I would suggest you consult with a physician specializing in adolescent psychiatry to answer your question. Haldol is usually not given to individuals with seizure disorders however I am unsure if it can cause them. There are side effects such as tremors, dizziness, blurred vision and sleep disturbances. Haldol has several uses. It can be used to treat a variety of psychotic disorders, it can be used to reduce involuntary movement for people suffering from Tourette's Syndrome and it can be used to treat children with severe behavioral problems. Perhaps your son-in-law (I think you mean step son) was given this medication for childhood behavior problems which is not uncommon for kids with autism. At this point I would make sure that he is fully evaluated medically and psychologically. You family's input is also very important for an effective treatment plan. Good luck and please feel free to write me again. happy(nevershyaboutgivinginput)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, We've been notified by the Walmart security that there have been 4 suspected terrorists working at our store. Three of the four have been apprehended. Bin Sleepin, Bin Loafin, and Bin Drinkin have been taken into custody. Security advised us that they could find no one fitting the description of the fourth cell member, Bin Workin, in the store. Police are confident that anyone who looks like he's Bin Workin will be very easy to spot. Edna Hahaha. I told a joke as good as any JeWitch could have !!! Dear Edna, You told it even better than JeWitch. She's been slipping lately because she been spending all her time looking for "Waldo." happy(
Date: October 21, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, My problem is this and I hope you can help me. I have fallen in love with a wonderful man. But he is also a Vietnam Veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disease. When ever I feel he is getting closes to me he pulls back and cuts off all communication. My question is how or what do I say to him to convince him it is alright to have a relationship with me. He is in both group and individual therapy, I want to have a relationship with him and am willing to do what I have to but I can't get through to him. Can you help me at all? R Dear R, Many people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have difficulty developing intimate relationships. The loss of fallen comrades on the field of battle can make someone avoid becoming close to others for fear that they will lose them too. That is just one of the dynamics that may be operating in your boyfriends mind. Soldiers learn to suppress feelings so they can continue to function in an arena where their life and the lives of others can be jeopardized by feeling too much. After soldiers return home from war, it takes some time for them to overcome their trauma and allow themselves to experience feelings of safety and intimacy. People suffering from PTSD are not able to make this transition even after many years. Individual therapy and groups are the treatments of choice. By attending groups as well as individual therapy, your boyfriend is doing what he needs to do to deal with his condition R. All you can do is be supportive of his efforts. There is no guarantee that he will ever feel safe enough to experience trust and intimacy. He has been suffering from PTSD for at least 26 years and there aren't any quick fixes. Your love and reassurance are all you can do but it may not be enough. If things are unable to change for him, you may need to think about moving on. Sometimes love isn't enough to sustain a healthy relationship. Good luck R and let me know how things are going. happy(wisheshehadsomequickfixes)shrink
Dear Happy, Was thinking again .. maybe the problem is that most of my dating .. relationships .. marriages etc .. have been out of my religion .. so I got to thinking .. Maybe I should look at the Temple's Want Ads .. here are my choices.
BUT WAIT ... I saved some of the ads for you too ..
Guess there is really no difference between them and the Goyum I usually hook up with ... JeWitch Dear JeWitch, I have an idea on how to solve all your dating problems. Lets have an on-line contest. The most clever and original letter to happyshrink wins a date with you. What do you think? Right now, the front runners are Judiblueye, St. Theresa, Edna and Windnwillows.......hmmmm they're all women! Well, would considering dating the same gender? happy(interestedinthatorphanlady)shrink
Date: October 20, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, My boyfriend (hereafter referred to as The Sociopath) came home on the 10th. In the course of 5 days he disappeared for 24 hours, got caught in several amazing lies, spent time chatting with The Drug Kingpin of the nearby city, and resumed his previous habit of removing money from my wallet. When I asked him to leave, he accused me of "getting me back here so that you could have power over me so you could put me out when I have no where else to go." I don't really need a reply, Happy. I guess I am just wondering why my life can't be like everyone else's. Sincerely, Judi PS I'm having my locks changed tomorrow. PPS I've come across letters The Sociopath received while in rehab from at least 2 possible replacements for me, so I don't think he will be homeless for long. Dear Judi, The good news in all this was that it only took 5 days to realize he was the same old sh**head (I prefer that term to sociopath even though it's not clinical) that went into rehab a couple of months ago. Now you can get on with your life. I'm not sure everyone else's life is so great either Judi. You have a great sense of humor, a strong will, a survivor mentality and a pretty decent therapist (not to mention a happyshrink). That's better than a lot of people. Thanks for sharing your life and your humor on this web page. happy(inthenextlifehopestobeapatient)shrink
Dear Happyshrink and Other Readers, I usually don't forward these but this one is
particularly frightening to me.... Reports indicate that an organized groups of alligators are planning to rise up into unsuspecting American's toilet bowls and bite them when they are doing their dirty business. I usually don't send emails like this, but I got this information from a reliable source. It came from a friend of mine living here in the No Names Trailer Park and is dating this girl whose brother knows this guy whose wife knows this lady whose husband buys hotdogs from this guy who knows a shoeshine guy who shines the shoes of a mailroom worker who has a friend who's drug dealer sells drugs to another mailroom worker who has Anthrax and works in the CIA building. He apparently overheard two guys talking in the bathroom about alligators and came to the conclusion that we are going to be attacked. So it must be true. Edna Dear Edna, I just hope that the TV networks don't get wind of this story. Next thing you know there will be special investigative reports on how terrorists can inundate our poorly protected sewage system with alligators. Each network will try and outdo the other on informing the public where they can buy alligators, raise them and strategically place them in our sewage system. Thank God we have freedom of the press! What would life be without these stories? Maybe life might be a little less stressful. happy(willingtogiveupalittlefreedom)shrink
Date: October 19, 2001
Hello Happyshrink, I've never written a doctor about this before so please take me seriously. I'm a 23-year old male and I think I have Attention Deficit Disorder. All the symptoms matched up. I smoke marijuana at least 7 times a day but, I work like a dog and get everything I need to get done. The marijuana makes me concentrate a lot better and suppresses some major mood swings I'm constantly having I don't like the fact that I have to do it but, I can't help it. What kind of doctor could analyze it if I had this? Do you think I might have it? Please write me back soon. Thank you for your time. RN Dear RN, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) among adults is one of the most overlooked and under diagnosed conditions. While it is certainly possible that you suffer from ADD, clinical depression or another mood disorder is something I would consider first. It may seem like marijuana helps you to concentrate better but more likely it lessens your depression or stabilizes your mood swings. Smoking marijuana seven times a day sounds like an addiction to me. Even though there may not be a physical addiction, emotionally you believe that you need it to function and that is an even more powerful addiction RN. I would urge you to see a psychiatrist and get evaluated. The psychiatrist may refer you for testing so that ADD can be considered. What the psychiatrist will undoubtedly tell you though is that you have to give up the marijuana. This may seem like the answer to your problems but it will get worse as time goes by. All your arguments that pot smoking is good for you is denial of a serious condition RN. Get the right kind of help you need so you can live a normal and drug free life. Please feel free to write me again and let me know how you make out. happy(leadingadrugfreelife)shrink
Dear Happy, The boys was at the What Not Friday a jawing with the other wrasslers after work, doin' damage to their paycheck, when they realized that Gizzard twarnt there. Tubbs the bartender sayd he been called ta war in Affgis.....Effginnitan....ah a long ways away, cuzzin' they cain't ketch Osmamma. So the boys, My Earl, Snake, Bubba an' Dui came up with a sure way ta git sombody ta turn in Osmamma. They is a thinkin' that 5 million bucks ain't gonna work all by itsef. After all, there is only so much sand ya can own. So they telled me to run this by you an' see what ya think. Iffen the President, are hero, would offer these here desert people an' their famlies a plane ride ta Orlando and give'm a new doublewide on a corner lot, an a swimmin' pool, an' a million dollars fer tellin where Osmamma isa hidin', the boys wood take'm rite in and make'm feel like home an' make'm a member o' the wrasslin' team. They could buy the drinks an' Gizzard could come home. Wouldn't miss the November tournament. An' the kids in the park could learn ta swim. Gind Rinker Dear Gind, Are you sure that you are not already working for the CIA? With Americans like you, Earl, Snake, Bubba and DUI, Osmamma ain't got a chance. happy(Ohbeautifulforspaciousskies)shrink
Date: October 18, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, I have been taking Imiprimine for three years. For the past few months I have been questioning whether I should still be using it. It took me a long time and a lot of therapy to admit that I needed medication. I wonder now if I could function without it or if antidepressants are a life-long necessity. I have not discussed this with anyone because I am afraid disagreements would be blamed on my not being medicated. Can someone who once needed medication eventually wean themselves from it? Or am I eternally in need of it? JB Dear JB, Some people can eventually stop taking antidepressants. A lot depends on the nature and circumstances of your depression. This should always be done under the supervision of a physician and preferably a psychiatrist. More than likely, the process will begin by reducing your dosage and seeing how you do over a period of time with less medication. If that seems to work, then going to an even lower dosage or eliminating meds altogether can be considered. I urge you though to speak with your doctor about this. You also can get a second opinion if you don't agree, but don't do anything on your own without medical support. It's not worth the risk JB. Good luck and let me know how you make out. happy(whenpeoplecangetoffmeds)shrink
Dear Happy, Got written up at work for something I said .. had to sign a paper .. gonna put it in my PERMANENT RECORD .. along with some of the other things they included in that PERMANENT RECORD, things they say that I have also said .. Made a copy for you. 1.
I can see your point, but I still think you're full of sh*t. 2.
I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce. 3.
How about never? Is never good for you? 4.
I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public. 5.
I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way. 6.
I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter. 7.
I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.. 8.
I don't work here. I'm a consultant. 9.
It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying. 10.
Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again... 11.
I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid. 12.
You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers. 13.
I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don't give a damn. 14.
I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth. 15.
I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you. 16.
Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of
view. 17.
The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist. 18.
Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental. 19.
What am I? Flypaper for freaks!? 20.
I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant. 21.
It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. 22.
Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial. 23.
And your crybaby whiny-ass opinion would be...? 24.
Do I look like a f*ckin people person? 25.
This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting. 26.
I started out with nothing & still have most of it left. 27.
Sarcasm is just one more service we offer. 28.
If I throw a stick, will you leave? 29.
Errors have been made. Others will be blamed. 30.
Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed. 31.
I'm trying to imagine you with a personality. 32.
Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1? 33.
Too many freaks, not enough circuses. 34.
Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it? 35.
Chaos, panic, & disorder - my work here is done. 36. I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks. Love .. JeWitch Dear JeWitch, They could have saved a lot of time at human resources with just writing down two words, "YOUR FIRED!" love, happy(butyoucanstillcollectunemployment)shrink
Date: October 17, 2001
HI HAPPYSHRINK, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE MEDICINE CALLED SOLIAN COULD BE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION OR A PERSONALITY DISORDER. MY BROTHER HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED THIS DRUG WHICH IS FOR SCHIZOPHRENICS. HE DOES NOT SHOW MANY OF THE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA. FOR EXAMPLE; HE DOES NOT HAVE HALLUCINATIONS OR DELUSIONS. ON THE OTHER HAND HE SEEMS VERY WITHDRAWED FROM SOCIETY AND CLAIMS HE CANNOT FEEL THE FEELINGS AS NORMAL PEOPLE SHOULD. HE SPEAKS OF SUICIDE FROM TIME TO TIME AS HE SEES NO POINT IN BEING IN THIS WORLD IF HE DOES NOT ENJOY IT. RIGHT NOW HE IS TAKING XANAX, SEROXAT (PAROKSETIN) AND SOLIAN. CAN YOU SAY WHETHER HE IS SCHIZOPHRENIC FOR SURE OR GIVE ME A REASON WHY HE WOULD BE PRESCRIBED THIS MEDICATION CALLED SOLIAN? THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE. EA Dear EA, Solian is not a drug I am familiar with. It is not currently being used in the United States and the company that manufactures it is in the Philippians. I was able to review a monograph on line and it is clearly used for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, this does not confirm that your brother is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Sometimes psychiatrists will prescribe anti-psychotic medications for conditions like major depression with suicidal ideations. Hallucinations and delusions are not the only criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. His sense of detachment from others could also be an indication of schizophrenia, but you would have to speak with your brother's psychiatrist to confirm any diagnosis. It would be good for your family to speak with your brother's psychiatrist so you can know best how to be helpful to him. Good luck and let me know what you find out. happy(wantstoknowbesthowtobehelpful)shrink
Dear Happy, Well, this week we had a big yard sale in the front of the trailer park. Everybody brought real good stuff ta sell. People come from all roun' ta buy ar stuff. I selled bunch o' Harley's outgrown little clothes, xsept the ones I just cood not part with. Ya no, the motorcycle leathers an' the the leperd tites...stuff that I put in the box with her baby book. Anyway, we all make nuff for ar truck payments and Mary any Harry Balzack traded 1/2 thar table of sex toys fer 2 o' them pot bellied pig babies. Mary said we is all gonna start a new bizness here at the park. She sayed them Muslin people won't die nexta a pig so we is gonna raze pig babies fer ever airplane. I nevr wooda thought o' that. But ya gotta giv it ta that Mary, she be smart. Top o' that, she held a raffl at 25 cents a tiket to pick the trailer the pig babies were gonna live in. Thelma won the male an' that slut Edna took home the feemale to the No Name Park. She figgered feedin it from the dump section behind the park wood be free. Mary promist Harley cood have the first baby pig. Gind Rinker Dear Gind, I'm going to have to have a long talk with Mary. She should know more than anyone that there are more than enough pigs in Florida. happy(oinkoink)shrink
Date: October 16, 2001
Dear Happyshrink, I live in a very small town, which it's very hard to find a job in. A few years ago my little boy got taken from me I only get to see him every other weekend I also have a little girl whose father never pays his support. I have to pay. I did drive a semi, but had to come home to take care of my daughter. now I can find no job, my child supports not getting paid, and I'm afraid. SB Dear SB, I don't blame you for being afraid. Clearly, you can't get out of this situation by yourself. I would urge you to check out social service agencies in your area that can help you with concrete services, financial support and emotional support. Even in small towns, the county you live in has programs that help struggling families. You may need to travel a bit to access these services but its well worth it. You should also go to family court and get them to garnish the wages of your daughter's father. The courts are pretty good about that and they can track him down anywhere in the country. It may take some time for that to happen, but the longer you wait, the longer it will take. Right now life may seem so overwhelming, you may not feel like doing anything. The depression you may feel can be very overpowering and paralyzing. If you feel that way, get some help through your family doctor or have the social service agency you seek out refer you for counseling. The task of putting your life back on track falls on your shoulders SB but you don't have to do it alone. Get the help you need now. Please let me know how you are doing. happy(tryingtolightentheload)shrink
Dear Happyshrink, Dear JeWitch, What do you mean, "For Women Only?" happy(don'tforgettheReese'sPeanutbutterCups)shrink
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Happy
Halloween
Looks like a good addition to the group. Let's not forget that the Yankees
are in the World Series again! Yes life is very good Gind.