Hey I'm really excited to be back on this forum. I was a member a loooonng time ago, but I can't remember my login information so I figured I'd start a new. A little about me I guess. I'm 25, female (yes we exist on the internets), and I'm dual Psychology/Philosophy Major with a Pre-Medicine focus. I hope to be a psychiatrist (but that all depends on how I do on the MCAT next year lol fingers crossed it goes well). I got held up a bit in my education when I had to spend some time in the hospital for psychosis, but I"m on medication now and doing much better lol. I'm a huge fan of psychedelics. LSD in particular, but I don't discriminate. I think there's a lot of therapeutic value in the use of psychedelics, and hopefully things loosen up enough that I can explore that sometime in my career. Oh, and I"m more than friendly to the 420 Hmm...what else. I'm a member of the War Resistors League, and a card holding communist, I'm in a closed poly relationship that is amazing....oh and I"m an Atheist. Okay. That's me in a quick nutshell. I'm sure more about me will come out as I post around the forums.
Welcome back! Have you heard of the 'Anti-Psychiatry" movement, from the late '60's -70's? People like RD.Laing.I lived in one of the therapeutic communities that evolved from this movement and found it to be a very beneficial experience.Just suggest as you said you are wanting to be psychiatrist but have also experienced the other side of the fence.
I have heard of the movement actually, but I'm not sure where I sit in that camp. I agree that medications are usually more harmful than helpful, but I also have to draw on my own experience as a schizophrenic in recovery that without my medications I wouldn't be nearly as productive as I am now. I'm a believer that natural remedies should be tried first, but sometimes medication is needed to at least allow and foster the correct environment for recovery. I don't, however, feel lifelong medication is usually helpful unless it's a situation like mine with psychosis etc. Thanks for the welcome, and I'd actually love to learn more about the anti-psychiatry movement from someone with some first hand experience. Maybe you'll change my mind
As a recovering schizophrenic myself,I agree that medications are often needed.I lived in the "Arbours" (there will be info online I'm sure) community for four years.We cooked communally and had in-house art and movement therapy.Twice weekly house meetings to discuss practical matters but also problems relating to the dynamics of having six to seven residents all in various states of emotional/psychological distress.Also two sessions of off-site psychotherapy with professional therapist.The emphasis to some extent was on exploring conflict and issues directly,as reflections of previous family dynamics,so as to work through and understand origins of trauma as often having originated in childhood and formative years.There were often arguments,but never physical violence.Sexual relationships between residents were not discouraged,and the emphasis was mostly on understanding and resolution rather than apportioning blame and guilt. I can't say the the therapeutic community model is perfect,but personally it was a very important and meaningful experience for me in my life...It extends right back to the Therapeutae of ancient Alexandria in my mind.
Greetings OGurly...or is that welcome back? I've been here at HIP for 7 years and can't seem to remember your screen name. Hmmmm!
Hi OGirly.Hope I didn't scare you off.We also had many peaceful and loving times in the community,and cool crazy wild parties!
Hey. I think you will be a great asset to the forums. We really do need a doctor. Lots of crazies here. I can say that because I am one of the honorary crazies. Have fun.. :tree: :willy_nilly: :hurray: :cowboy:
Thanks for the welcome all! Oh, and I don't even remember my old username lol. If I happen to jog it somewhere in my memory I'll be sure to pass it along No, not scared off...just classes This semester is crazy so I don't have much time to spend on forums through the week as I'd like. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better, and maybe reconnect with some old friends
