Welcome to my bog! Check it out if you're interested in health care policy, neuroscience, and medicine as they relate to depression and other mood disorders.
I'm not a doctor, so please don't take anything I write as medical advice. Instead, I'm writing from personal experience. When I was 15 years old I developed a severe episode of depression. In the thirteen years since I've had several relapses, and tried a number of different treatments. Most recently, I experienced an episode characterized by OCD-type intrusive thoughts and intense guilt. In trying to control this new symptom, I was lucky to discover a medication that controls my illness better than any I have tried so far.
During this last episode I also began exposure therapy (normally used to treat OCD) which, combined with more traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, has restored my health almost completely. I have been very fortunate in my recovery, and on this page I want to share what I've learned from this life-changing disorder with others who are on the same journey toward health.
Professionally, I am a lawyer in Silicon Valley (Stanford Law '09). I'm very lucky to have recovered so that I can work. I would not be able to do so much without the amazing treatment I've received, and the support of my family. I am also very lucky to have excellent health insurance!
I am a daughter, a sister, and a friend to some wonderful people. These are all relationships that have all been tested during my tough times, but refined in the process.
Enjoy the blog, feel free to write me, and best of luck to you if you are in recovery!
Nina Poe
