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Thought for the day -Imbalances
Many folks attribute their anxiety, panic or other related problems to a "chemical imbalance." In one sense, this MUST be true because there is a lot of chemistry in our feelings; in fact, we could argue that it is "all about" the chemistry. Put another way, if our chemistry were different, we'd feel better. That's all true enough -but also a POTENTIALLY dangerous way to think about it. Here's why:
Let's say that we're crossing the street when we see a speeding car zip around the corner, careening this way and that, and we are in the path. What happens? Answer: our adrenalin shoots up and we have a "get outta here quick" response. Result: our fear -panic, even- saves us from near certain injury or worse. Did we suffer an "imbalance?" Yes, we DID, in the sense that the "normal chemistry" changed very quickly and scared the dickens out of us. But, it also saved us. The imbalance worked for us. On the other hand, when the imbalance is felt, but we can see no immediate reason for it, we say it is "imbalanced," meaning, really, inappropriate to what our senses our telling us. But that doesn't mean, necessarily, that everything is really "OK." The chemistry might be triggered by emotional or psychological material which is churning away in the back of our minds. Our senses can't find any reason for the anxiety, but those hidden conflicts still pump the chemicals out.
Perhaps there is some physical reason within our bodies that is really the cause. I won't go down the list -but that possibility is why we get all those tests to rule out some physical process as the culprit. Not a bad idea. If no such cause is found, we may write it off to a "chemical imbalance," as though the chemistry just changed for no reason at all. Fix the chemistry and fix the problem with medications or diet or herbs or supplements, right?
Not exactly. It would be great if we knew, down to the very last molecule, exactly what our "normal" chemistry should be at any given time, because then we could reproduce it in a lab, bottle it, and sell it from vending machines! But, we DON'T know the formula that well and besides, it is always fluctuating and is somewhat different from one person to the next. Bummer. Alas, it is the brain itself which is the chemist. What we are left with are more "brute force" methods -the medications we take and other things we ingest. These can nudge our brains in such a way that we might start pumping out the right stuff on our own, or at least feel calmer, more confident -or whatever. And, as well know, sometimes it works pretty well -and sometimes it doesn't. Regardless of how well or poorly a medication works for us, it is by no means the same stuff we cook up on our own. And thus, we should not think of any medication as being a "pill form" of what we make on our own. The danger is in thinking of our psycho-active drugs as though they are "vitamins," direct replacements for what's missing in our brain juice.
All of which is to say that an "imbalance," while true enough, can be as much an effect (a result) of something as it is a cause. By the same token, we take an aspirin to lower a fever that makes us sweat and feel sick. But the fever ITSELF is the result on an underlying cause, such as the flu or an infection. The asprin doesn't cure the flu or clear up the infection. Our bodies do that. That aspirin helps us feel better so more of our own resources can be marshalled to bring about the "cure." By the same token, the relief we experience from medication should be used as an opportunity to do the "head-work" that will enable our chemistry to become self regulating, so we can be "ourselves" once again.
Just a thought.
Let's say that we're crossing the street when we see a speeding car zip around the corner, careening this way and that, and we are in the path. What happens? Answer: our adrenalin shoots up and we have a "get outta here quick" response. Result: our fear -panic, even- saves us from near certain injury or worse. Did we suffer an "imbalance?" Yes, we DID, in the sense that the "normal chemistry" changed very quickly and scared the dickens out of us. But, it also saved us. The imbalance worked for us. On the other hand, when the imbalance is felt, but we can see no immediate reason for it, we say it is "imbalanced," meaning, really, inappropriate to what our senses our telling us. But that doesn't mean, necessarily, that everything is really "OK." The chemistry might be triggered by emotional or psychological material which is churning away in the back of our minds. Our senses can't find any reason for the anxiety, but those hidden conflicts still pump the chemicals out.
Perhaps there is some physical reason within our bodies that is really the cause. I won't go down the list -but that possibility is why we get all those tests to rule out some physical process as the culprit. Not a bad idea. If no such cause is found, we may write it off to a "chemical imbalance," as though the chemistry just changed for no reason at all. Fix the chemistry and fix the problem with medications or diet or herbs or supplements, right?
Not exactly. It would be great if we knew, down to the very last molecule, exactly what our "normal" chemistry should be at any given time, because then we could reproduce it in a lab, bottle it, and sell it from vending machines! But, we DON'T know the formula that well and besides, it is always fluctuating and is somewhat different from one person to the next. Bummer. Alas, it is the brain itself which is the chemist. What we are left with are more "brute force" methods -the medications we take and other things we ingest. These can nudge our brains in such a way that we might start pumping out the right stuff on our own, or at least feel calmer, more confident -or whatever. And, as well know, sometimes it works pretty well -and sometimes it doesn't. Regardless of how well or poorly a medication works for us, it is by no means the same stuff we cook up on our own. And thus, we should not think of any medication as being a "pill form" of what we make on our own. The danger is in thinking of our psycho-active drugs as though they are "vitamins," direct replacements for what's missing in our brain juice.
All of which is to say that an "imbalance," while true enough, can be as much an effect (a result) of something as it is a cause. By the same token, we take an aspirin to lower a fever that makes us sweat and feel sick. But the fever ITSELF is the result on an underlying cause, such as the flu or an infection. The asprin doesn't cure the flu or clear up the infection. Our bodies do that. That aspirin helps us feel better so more of our own resources can be marshalled to bring about the "cure." By the same token, the relief we experience from medication should be used as an opportunity to do the "head-work" that will enable our chemistry to become self regulating, so we can be "ourselves" once again.
Just a thought.
I've been up sice 1 am, so this is the middle of my day! I have to remember that the rest of the world is just waking up ;-) I would love to hear your thoughts on the difference between being "cured" or being "recovered". I have yet to find anyone, except for Linden ;-) , that claims to be "cured" of anxiety. The real success stories are those people who can proudly proclaim that they are "recovered", that still experience times of anxiety, but recognize it exactly for what it is, grin and bear it, and don't let it interfere with their daily life. Is there really such as thing as being "cured"? I feel that explaining the difference between the two would help those people who are just beginning their battle with anxiety, or are stuck like I was, recovered with months of peace from anxiety, then hit a bump in the road, and wonder if it would ever go away once and for all. I'd be interested in your take on it!
Feel well today? Oops! The reminds me -I've got to change my mood! Thank you for the kind words. I will attempt to do a daily "Thought" until I run out of thoughts -that should get me to Tuesday, anyway. And I would be happy to receive ideas for thoughts, should anyone care to send them along.
What you have posted here hit the nail so squarely on the head that it is scarey! You should get paid for the time and effort you invest in this forum! I too look forward to reading all of your posts as you have a way with words not to be rivaled. And something that I've noticed about the information and advice you post here is that it all has the common theme of "it's all in your head", but you always take the time to explain each aspect of this fact in full detail and with strong, encouraging, and comforting words! You truly are a treasure! Thank you friend, I hope you felt well today!
Cori
Cori
You are something!!! Your mind is fabulous!!! Whenever I get on this forum I look for your name. You just are very gifted. Nana
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