RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (Full Version)

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LadyEllen -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 3:27:14 AM)

The whipping therapy becomes much more efficient when a patients receives the punishment from a person of the opposite sex.

The whipping therapy has not become a new discovery in the history of medicine. Tibetan monks widely used it for medical purposes too.

I wonder how much if any of the restorative effect is derived rather from the attention the patient is receiving than the beating itself? To have one's situation taken seriously, to be treated as someone worthy of having attention, to have others engaged interestedly in making one's situation better - these surely also have effects towards lifting mild to moderate depression?

Notwithstanding this, its interesting. Maybe I should open a clinic.

E





PrettyPaddles -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 1:00:15 PM)

About the only way that bdsm could cure depression would be if that depression were caused by a lack of fulflment in bdsm related desires.  That said, I've seen it do a damn good job as a symptomatic treatment, better than most medicines.  But that depends on the individual, and still doesn't treat the CAUSE. 



DesFIP -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 5:25:49 PM)

Wouldn't it be more effective on gays if administered by the same sex?



DesFIP -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 5:28:38 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Leatherist

All the medication and counseling in the world is not going to have a postive effect on someone who chooses to linger in a bad situation.


You're assuming that every depressed person is in a bad situation. I wasn't. I have a genetic illness that causes a problem with my brain chemicals. It's a chemical disorder, just like diabetes.



al2getherooky -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 5:40:19 PM)

i would not consider bdsm, or more specifically, s&m, as a cure for addiction; rather, i would call it a replacement.  god bless the pusher man!

proponents of meditation and oprah's latest darling eckhart cite, accurately, the peace and relief from obsessive thought and rumination that is offered by practices aiding one in "being in the now".  well, there is little that nails me to the present moment more effectively than thoughtfully administered pain.  the theatre of my mind goes dark, the cacophonic chorus goes quiet, white bursts behind my eyelids and oh yeah, nothing exists beyond now.  (this is all well and good, except for the fact that it fucking hurts.)

the aftermath is the sweet spot, for this contrary masochist who hates pain.  my own little opium factory working overtime to make me happy, stupid, blissfully and unquestioningly submissive, for a little while.


~a






midgetmafiosa -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 6:05:26 PM)

nuh uh. BDSM is tied into sex for me. if i am in a depressive episode, i shun that. and i certainly wouldn't have the energy or strength for emotionally taxing play. when taking a shower becomes an effort, trying to get into a domme or sub headspace would be outside the scope of my abilities. also, the pain inflicted at that point would be tantamount to self-harm, as has been discussed in other threads, and would not come from a healthy place. thank goodness for medication, at least in my case.



KCherry -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 7:01:34 PM)

Not much different than exercising or eating copious amounts of chocolate.



scarlettjinx -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/16/2008 9:17:57 PM)

I am considered bipolar with sever anxiety disorder. I can tell you, in my experience, nothing calms me down when I am stressed and panicy like being tied up and left alone. Works better than any medicine I have ever taken to make me mellow out. Although the effects are not long term, they usually last for about two days. I don't know why this helps me but it works everytime so I am not gonna argue with it



TechnoPagan -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/27/2008 12:13:46 AM)

While I don't see how an occasional flood of endorphins could cure depression, don't dismiss the value of taking a break from the darkness once in a while.

I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder about 23 years ago, but probably suffered from it since childhood.

A couple years back I was told I had 'refractory' depression. This is why the meds don't help much and after a while (a few months to a few years) lose effectiveness all together and I have to switch to something else. I also found out this is true of the majority of depression sufferers.

So I have to get whatever relief I can however I can.

Depression can spiral downward, farther and farther, making it more and more difficult to do the things that can help to alleviate the condition. Being able to take a break from the depression, even briefly can help you deal better with it. So, while not a cure, a very useful tool in fighting depression.

On the other hand, that time away from it becomes very seductive and can lead you to abuse whatever is giving you that break.

Now as for me, I'm a sadist, not a masochist, or even a switch. One interesting thing I've noticed about the difference between myself and the few masochists I've played with is that pain, and all the sensations associated with it (the pressure of the restraints, the sound of the cane cutting the air just before impact) brings them right into the moment. It centers them in their body in the present.

For me, pain and restraints make me "go away". Don't get me wrong. I can take a great deal of pain. But it makes me shut down emotionally.

On the other hand, inflicting pain on someone else, someone who gets an endorphine rush from it will give me a kinds of secondary rush. The more of a rush I can create within them, the more of a rush I get out of it.

I don't know if this is normal. I'm not the right guy to ask about 'normal'.



wandersalone -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/27/2008 7:31:11 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin
The question I asked on this was perhaps not clear, I do understand the mechanics of endorphin release when applied to depression, it's effects though are perhaps short lived, it is respite from the darkness of personal hell. Something which can be achieved by hard exercise, provided that there is the motivation  to do it, and whence started, continue and finish what you started, as failure to continue is as good as not starting at all.


What an effective therapist (or friend/family member) can do is help the person to set up tiny and achievable goals eg. walk inside your house for 5 minutes a day even though I know you would prefer to be laying in your bed.  It can often take people a number of attempts with therapy before they experience significant and ongoing changes however hopefully from each experience they learn a little more about taking care of themselves and get to experience more and more of those tiny glimpses into a new way of living.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin
May it be that to control depression, a person has to be treated for their own good when they cannot see it, as quite often depression warps the understanding.


Ethically I do not know how many people would treat a person who it not there voluntarily.  My understanding of involuntary admissions is that it is more about keeping the individual and others safe during a crisis and giving time to provide a diagnosis rather than commencing any kind of therapy.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin
As sure as hell, medications are fraught with difficulty, expensive to boot and sometimes of negligible effect, save to create dependance and other  undesireable side effects.


This can be true sometimes however they can in particular instances be very effective for people, especially when coupled with some sort of psychological intervention.  I find it interesting that there is still a fairly widespread perception that taking psychiatric medication is something to be ashamed of or to apologise for yet we accept that people take medication daily for diabetes and hypertension.  What is the difference?

I don't think I have answered your question have I? [:D] Yes whipping etc could definitely be effective as a short term aid for people however I doubt that it would by itself lead to any sort of long-term 'cure'.  The research seems to point to a mix of medication and psychological intervention including cognitive behavioural therapy (when the person is ready to participate) as being the most effective methods of producing long term improvement (which often has nothing to do with being 'cured').  If a person experiences a psychological benefit from bondage or pain etc I think it is fantastic that they are able to imcorporate this into their lives. [:)]



impossiblesub -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/27/2008 8:04:21 PM)

 Simple - if something is bothering you - fix it. If you can't fix it - leave it. Of course, if you can't fix it or leave it your only option may be professional help. Of course, if you don't know exactly what is bothering you you may need counseling. Some people do have chemical brain imbalances.
In my experience many psychologists are full of crap. I know people who have been on medication for years who never needed it, or who should be off medication by now.
That of course for many is the idea. They get you hooked on medication so they get their $100 a week visit.



impossiblesub -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/27/2008 8:44:11 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TechnoPagan

A couple years back I was told I had 'refractory' depression. This is why the meds don't help much and after a while (a few months to a few years) lose effectiveness all together and I have to switch to something else. I also found out this is true of the majority of depression sufferers.



Just curious. Do you use tobacco? I don't know anyone who does that is depressed.



impossiblesub -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/27/2008 9:09:21 PM)

By the way, I do not think ill of anyone who goes to a psychologist. I just think ill thoughts of a bunch of either inept or unscrupulous psychologists.



wandersalone -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 12:08:15 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: impossiblesub

Simple - if something is bothering you - fix it. If you can't fix it - leave it. Of course, if you can't fix it or leave it your only option may be professional help. Of course, if you don't know exactly what is bothering you you may need counseling. Some people do have chemical brain imbalances.
In my experience many psychologists are full of crap. I know people who have been on medication for years who never needed it, or who should be off medication by now.
That of course for many is the idea. They get you hooked on medication so they get their $100 a week visit.


Hi Impossiblesub, psychologists can't prescribe medication, it is psychiatrists who are able to do that as they are doctors so I am not sure how or why a psychologist would see a benefit in encouraging a person to take medication or not to take medication for that matter.



PrincessEllie -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 8:03:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Belladonna30
I suffer from panic attacks and I tend to be wound very tight. A good spanking or flogging helps me re-center and I can move on.

I'm the same way. I have social anxiety disorder, but now that I have been with my Dom for nearly a year, I haven't had anxiety or panic attacks in ages. BDSM in general, not just the physical side of things, curbs my anxiety. Just being around my Dom makes me feel comfortable.



angelikaJ -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 8:16:11 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: impossiblesub

Just curious. Do you use tobacco? I don't know anyone who does that is depressed.



Interesting theory; but there are many depressed people who use tobacco.



Phoenix2raven -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 9:00:38 AM)

 I believe it is a possibility if the Dom has working experience in the substance abuse field. The Dom would need to use behavior modification coupled with motivational interviewing techniques. Depending on the severity of the submissives addiction i.e. substance abuse vs substance dependence. The other obvious factor would be how much denial the submissive has and if they were pre contemplative or contemplative about their problem. All of this would be a moot point if the submissive had both addiction and mental health problems simply because you cant treat the addiction unless you treat the mental health and vice versa. Not to mention any Dom who wanted to take on the task of doing that would need to have a huge amount a patience. I also believe that this may set up a unhealthy codependency which could result in a very bad dynamic between Dom and sub.       



Corvidae -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 11:43:11 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: KCherry

Not much different than exercising or eating copious amounts of chocolate.

Quite true... I know someone who "jogged" their way out of depression... she started running, which releases endophins, and made her feel better. Now she goes jogging every day to help manage her mood.



Vendaval -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 3:31:27 PM)

"The dungeon is the not the place for therapy!"  

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

It is with interest I came across a controversial but possible cure for depression and addiction, that involving the application of beating and torture to release endorphin receptors to create a wealth of happy feelings.

http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/90/360/15176_whipping.html

Myself not being particularly experienced in cures of this nature, I ask of others here, their thoughts on this subject.




impossiblesub -> RE: BDSM as a cure for depression and addiction (4/28/2008 4:25:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: angelikaJ

Interesting theory; but there are many depressed people who use tobacco.



Depression as a result of chemical imbalance or otherwise? I know there is actually an antidepressant named bupropion which acts on the nicotinic receptors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupropion



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