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Emotional healing feedback and discussion

On this page, I'll post feedback and discussion that pertains to emotional healing and well being, most recent notes first.

Wellbutrin question -- From Bonnie W., Bainbridge GA on 2 May 2007 (posted Wednesday, May 2 2007).

I am taking wellibutrin for depression and I have seemed to be more paranoid since I started taking it. Is that common. I have only been taking it for 1 week.

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Dear Bonnie,

Occasionally people do become more irritable, cranky, or paranoid on Wellbutrin. You should check this out with the physician who prescribed it. If severe, you may want to hold the Wellbutrin until you check with your doctor.

---Jim Gagne, MD---

Finding 12-step meetings -- From Esther in Minnesota on 2/27/07 (posted Tuesday, February 27 2007).

From: Esther, Minnesota

I have only been to 2 meetings (Alanon). Both meetings ended with the Lord's Prayer. This is a denominational prayer which would be exclusive to some people. I am at a minimum agnostic. I do believe in finding the power within oneself to be better.

I will visit more groups. Do you know of any groups in Minneapolis and suburbs that are not so religious? Is there a site I can access that would give me more info on different groups? Do I have to just go to lots of meetings?

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Dear Esther,
Roughly 40% of the people who attend 12-step groups are atheist or agnostic. You are not alone! Virtually everyone who works the steps must learn to empower their spirituality, which I feel strongly is a universal human potential. Spirituality is not the exclusive property of any particular belief system or religious tradition. Be picky and work to find the expression of your spirituality that is appropriate for you.

EVERY 12-step group is unique, because there are so few rules in this universe. Imagine that you were wanted to find a social club and started visiting various groups. Chances are, you'd have to visit ten clubs to find one where you felt comfortable.

Some 12-step groups have a heavy religious focus, and some very little. That said, winding up with the Lord's Prayer is a traditional 12-step activity. Your best bet is to visit 10-20 groups. Expect to feel comfortable in some and uncomfortable in others. You can find a local meeting calendar (a list of various meeting times and locations) at most meetings.

---Jim Gagne, MD---

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Last updated Fri, Nov 25, 2005

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