Recovery or Remission?
Recently a visitor asked whether I had recovered from chronic depression. I’ve had very stressful periods, and would occasionally have low mood for a day or two. These do not come close to the type of depression I had experienced many years ago.
Cancer patients talk about remission more often than about cure. I think we can make a similar analogy with depression, at least I am very mindful of the low tides and how long I would be in a low state and how concerned I need to be. I have learned to tell the difference between response to a very stressful period or bad news - a “normal” state of depressed feelings - versus an abnormal state of depression. There seems to always be that depression “micrometastasis”, a dark seed of possibility waiting to come into full force if only it had the right combination.
For the time being, it looks like I am in remission.
The funny thing about depression is, because I have experienced how painful the depths of an abyss can be, I am thankful for ordinary things and boring days when nothing exciting happens. I am grateful I can connect with people without a wall around my heart (perhaps my mind). I am happy for being where I am today.
Topamax or Toprol?
Medication Confusion Alert Please make sure that when your doctor or pharmacist writes or fills your prescription for Topamax (topiramate) for epilepsy treatment or other unapproved use as prescribed by your doctor, that this is what you’re getting and not Toprol (metroprolol succinate). Toprol is used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. It may be useful to also remember these drug’s chemical, or generic, names when you go to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled. Taking the wrong medication can hurt you, especially when you have other health conditions or take other medications that can interact with either one of these medications.
TOPAMAX (chemical name: topiramate)
Marketed by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc.
What Topamax can look like (click on each dosage form to see the image)
TOPROL (chemical name: metroprolol succinate)
Marketed by AstraZeneca LP.
What Toprol can look like
When the Going Gets Tough (or Simply Stagnant)…
… you can choose to keep your vibrant light alive and strong inside.
(2005 Acrylic and Oil Pastels)