Posted by Todd (63.10.27.179) on July 31, 1999 at 08:26:24:
In Reply to: Re: Way out on a limb posted by Claudette on July 30, 1999 at 19:52:31:
My dear Claudette-
Forgive me for not stating my thoughts more clearly. I don't think clusters are in any way immune to depression, or other emotional maladies (you must remember at least a few of my vents!).
What I meant to say was that it seems to me, based upon nothing more scientific than reading the board every day (okay, 3-4 times/day) and about 25 hrs of discussion at drummers (x avg 4.3 ppl=107.5 CHr Hrs)that somehow most seem better able to 'cope' with the depression.
When I was first diagnosed in '85, my neuro responded to my concerns about the side effects of sansert by telling me about a chronic CH patient he had. Not sure I actually believed him, but in the back of my mind I've always worried that I might turn chronic someday. I suppose on one level I had told myself that if that ever happened, I'd rather slip the surly bonds of earth than deal every day.
Since then, I've met all the chronics here-and 3 of them in person. I've seen how E handles it by focusing on the enjoyment she can find in painfree periods; how Mom handles it through sheer will of character; and how drummer handles it with the most delightfully irreverant approach to all of life, except Ste. Laurie and the 2 little saintettes.
Just to add fuel to the fire, I wonder if adversity and emotional trials encourage some to express their creativity---it's not that creative people are prone to depression, but that a certain way of handling depression results in creative output.
KTSSU
T