Define Rational
I remember in the early days of my nervous breakdown having the thought that I was going mad and life as I had known it to that point was over. Both Farmboy and my GP told me basically the same thing. “If you think you’re going mad then chances are you aren’t”. That was there way of telling me I wasn’t really going mad, even though I thought perhaps I was.
I wonder if the same principle holds true for rationality? Because right now I’m not sure how rational I’m being. Does the fact that I’m worried about how rational I am mean that I AM rational? Or is it an indication that the wheels are falling off the wagon.
When I first deliberated over whether or not to come off this particular medication, Kelley promised me she’d let me know if she noticed a change in my blogposts. How am I going Kell?
Lately I’ve been more teary than normal and struggling to cope with day to day life. And I can’t figure out if it’s a delayed reaction to my latest medication decrease or whether I’m just going through a rough patch at the moment.
I’m one who will often self doubt. Well, pretty much always actually. I know it’s not healthy. And I AM working on it. Or at least TRYING to.
The thing is, right now I’m really NOT SURE if my thought processes are rational. They might sound rational. But does that mean they ARE rational. And if they’re not, how will I know?
I mean, what is rational really? Is whatever our own reality is or appears rational?
I could go look up rational in the dictionary but I feel like just brain dumping my thoughts on you guys instead.
So, what do you think? How would you define/describe rational and how do you tell if someone is being rational or not?
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It’s a tough one. At the very least it is a good thing that you care enough to worry about whether or not you are being rational. Sorry I don’t have any answers, just wanted to let you know that I know how you are feeling :o)
I agree with Tamsyn. Rational people don’t wonder whether or not they are being rational. So you must be.
Because I’m such an expert on being rational. And sane……
At its simplest, rationality is logical consistency with observed reality. The human condition involves some aspects of irrationality (as none of us is wholly rational all of the time about everything) - however if you were truly irrational, you’ve done an amazing job in hiding it. Your own rationality can’t be proven to you from first principles, though it can be affirmed by external observation (which is a philosopher’s way of saying “if no one is calling you crazy, you probably aren’t”).
Rational cannot be defined, the same way that normal cannot be defined. Every individual is different and what’s normal or rational for some just isn’t for others. There are very broad guidelines and if you fit within those parameters you’re considered okay. The thing to notice is whether your current thoughts and behaviours differ slightly or greatly from what is normal for you. Wildly swinging differences would indicate a problem, slight differences would indicate an adjustment period where you need to take care and try to be calm, greater differences could indicate a need for external help, but not necessarily pills, as this could still be an adjustment, just a rougher one. Coming off meds is never easy. Going back on them is also a hard decision. My hubby is right at this moment stressing about whether or not he really wants to start his new type of low dose antidepressants tomorrow.
Lightening, you’ve got nothing to worry about; from a former psych nurse - you’re definitely rational
You might find it’s a combination of the decreased meds, a bottled up reaction to your parent’s non-acknowledgment of your birthday (as much as you’d like to not let it effect you), the caravan trip and planning that goes with it.
Take a deep breath and give yourself a few days off from housework, chores, etc and go hang by your ankles from the ceiling fan - or chandelier if you have one handy.
Soak in the tub, eat choccies in your dressing gown, read romances/thrillers/gossip mags/ how to spit roast a whole steer or tarot cards for the day
You’re ok, really.
You sound rational to me.
I don’t think you know you’re being unrational until way after you’ve been irrational.
If you notice you’re being irrational WHILE you’re being irrational, than the irrational bit is over and now you’re being rational.
Does that make sense?
I believe that the definition of rational means that you possess the ability to reason. You seem to be able to reason just fine but you are definitely worried about it and showing a lot of self-doubt. Forgive me for saying so, but you sound paranoid, not irrational. I wouldn’t be surprised if the medication is what is causing it. If you are this worried though, you probably shouldn’t be alone. Please, please, please have a friend or family member with you. Also you could call one of those nurse phone lines like Ask-A-Nurse to see if this a normal reaction to weaning off your meds.
You seem to be thinking rationally when I read your posting, you are processing and thinking everything through. I would possibly get medication checked and just see if there is something setting things off (I too would suggest having someone with you mainly because if you are having trouble with your thought processes then you might have trouble retaining what they tell you)
((( lightening )))
You are going through such a tough time right now, I wish I could pop over and make you a cup of tea and give you hug in person.
We have so much wisdom in this little community here - it just blows my mind!!!
Tamsyn - thank you. I guess that’s what I thought but then I think I am reacting rather emotionally to things that probably shouldn’t matter that much.
Sharon - many more emails from me and all rationality WILL go out the window!!! LOL.
Stuffy - you have such a philosopher’s brain you know!!!
I *think* I get what you’re saying (thanks for the lay-man’s terms at the end though).
River - I guess it’s the whole “bell curve scenario”. There are certain parameters that the bulk of the population fall within and then a few in outlying areas that *might* be considered less than rational. But then, who are we to judge what their reality is to them? I think I’m scaring myself with the way I’m tying my brain in knots here. LOL. Sending best wishes to your DH and {{{HUGS}}} to you because I know it aint easy on anyone.
Jayne - you crack me up!!! Score another one for my “142 laughs today”.
Hanging from the ceiling fan would indeed be funny (until it pulled out of the ceiling and ruined my house!!!!). Maybe rational but slightly over-emotional??? Not sure. Thanks for the reassurances.
Dina - stages of rationality. Yeah, I guess that makes sense. And being able to keep yourself in check. And important point. Don’t think I’ll make any life changing decisions right now though, just in case.
Teeni - isn’t paranoid a form or irrationality??? It’s okay, I have a VERY supportive husband who keeps an eye on me. Thanks for your care and concern though.
Katrina - yeah, my memory is shot right now. Oh well, good memory’s are over-rated. One more week until my dr’s appointment so I guess we’ll assess things properly then.
Marita - so do I!!! It would be AWESOME to have a cuppa together. Just the thought makes me smile.
Hi Lightening
I am not trying to sound trite but I think you might be just thinking too much both about your thinking and about everything else. Do more and think less. My husband has sufferd from depression since he had a heart attack at 37 (8 years ago) and the first few years were hell (for him, I am sure, but for us definitely) But now he has slowly brought himself of his medication and hasn’t taken a tablet for over two years.
…and any rational is over rated!!
Love & best wishes from Lizzie
as you have probably realised with your mad Ninja deducting skillz, I have had the post open in my browser for days… cause I wanted to be last.
Total certifiable nutjob. Just like the rest of us.
Smootches babe, the others are right. You know it.
I got your back bab, I will let you know if you are losing it
And Kelley just lost the game
Seriously though, its not like you dumped your husband, ran away, joined a religious cult and start taking cocaine in a bad moment.
I think it’s only the irrational people who never struggle with their emotions or thought processes.
I think only an irrational person would attempt to define rational closely - you gotta worry about them!
My grandmother used to say “the whole world’s mad save thee and me - and I am a little concerned about thee”.
Lizzie - I do indeed overthink things. It would seem that heart attacks are common for precipitating depression.
Kelley - and here I was thinking you were more than a little overworked with your own issues.
{{{HUGS}}} and thanks. 
Bettina - oh, but I did!!!
Just kidding. thanks. 
Jeanie - ROFLOL.