quote:
We may be powerless over the effects of the addiction (biochemical stimulus and psycho-emotional patterns)
Of course we have power over those things, Phat.
The "psycho-emotional" is just "what we believe about ourselves".
We can work to change that, and the change can be dramatic. And it is ONLY the idividual that can change themselves. With knowledge and support, of course, but the individual is the only one with the power to change themselves.
I know this from first-hand experience.
The "psycho-emotional" is based upon the "biochemical", and (now this is the important part)
vice-versa.
Here is an example.
When I worked at Zingerman's we were required to smile, be cheerful, positive, fun and helpful to our customers. It was part of how "great service" was defined there.
Sometimes, I was tired, or troubled or just not in a good mood when I started a shift. Being cheerful and enthusiastic and fun was pure acting on those days.
I noticed a fuinny thing happening, though. It turns out that your brain doesn't really know the difference between
pretending to be cheerful and positive and fun and
actually being cheerful and positive and fun. I usually left work in a much better mood than I began it on the days I was down or moody at the start of my shift.
Are there people who have problems with brain chemistry that might benefit from pharmaceutical help? Yes.
Likewise, are there lots of people who go through major depressions and recover without any drugs or therapy? Yes.
I know, because both Zhimbo and I did it.
Both he and I agree that the absolute WORST thing to be told when you are feeling so helpless and impotent and lost is that you
really are helpless and impotent and lost.
That is because it is
wrong thinking.
It is just as wrong as a normal weight girl who thinks she is fat.
™ Version 4.2
