Sunday August 29, 2004
It's way too early to expect any changes in my head as a result of the newly prescribed chemicals, but I was kind of hoping...
Yesterday I succumbed to an irrestistible urge to nap in the afternoon. But managed to get up and walk the dog (I'm dog sitting this weekend for my roommate) on time - both last night and this morning. And I didn't feel all dragged out, either - well no more than is to be expected on a rainy Sunday.
Actually, it felt a bit 'normal' albeit from a distant time, to be walking quiet city streets with a canine companion.
I've been (naturally) somewhat interested in news related to my current mental challenges and happened upon some new findings the other day. Thought I'd share them with whomever is still reading this blog of mine.
This recent press release Depression Traced to Overactive Brain Circuit from the National Institute of Mental Health lends support to and opens the possibility of further study of the genetics underlying the tendency to depression.
Interesting I thought.
0) { ?>I still think that you should be applying for ODSP. I sure wish I did --- years ago. If one needs help with the paperwork, and you are fortunate to find one, there are good support groups and advocates out there. Having no income coming in while depleting your entire savings while suffering makes matters worse, in my opinion. At least while on ODSP, one can then from a more supportive framework position oneself for future employment without jeopardizing medication, etc. in the meantime. Meanwhile, many great people are continuing the fight to make ODSP a better, more dignified program accessible to people that should be having it.
Posted by: Frank at August 29, 2004 02:11 PMI'm pretty determined to be fully functional in the not too distant future and so not inclined at the moment to classify myself as permanently disabled.
My doctor (the one that gave me the damaging anti-biotics!) suggested ODSP a while back but when I talked to the ODSP front line desk occupant in person, I was informed it would take 6 months to approve. Given my liver damage was expected to heal within 6 months, this didn't seem worth the hassle.
There are other considerations as well, namely that I am extremely blessed to have the financial and emotional support of someone very dear to me. My understanding of the ODSP regulations are that any supplemental support would be cause for disqualification and/or reductions in benefits.
Until something is determined that proves otherwise, I am going to be doing everything I can to gain employment which will, I believe be the best therapy for my head and life at this point.
Being dependent upon others for financial support is a not insignificant stressor for me. Much greater is the stress of having nothing useful to which to apply my mind and energy. During the worst of the liver problem, I was resigned to just getting myself healed. Now that the liver is on its way back, I'm ready to get on with more of my life.
Getting my head functional again through medication is the first step in landing and keeping a job in my field (software development).
With luck, that will happen soon. Tech seems to be starting to pick up again.
Posted by: janice at August 30, 2004 10:41 AM