Dennis Daze

Today my psychiatrist asked me whether I frequently felt bugs crawling on me. I say no, though it would occasionally happen, as I spent a lot of time in our basement and there a a few bugs around. Later (I think) I figured out what he thought. Many years ago, I did not bathe or shower enough, that is until about 1985. After that, till about 1994, I showered daily, but tried to keep my hair dry (as I had been told to at some time and I wrongly generalized.) Then I realized that problem and starred shampooing daily – which I now realize is perhaps a bit excessive. I had had hints that I had problems in these areas, but couldn’t understand till I was put on risperdol, which ultimately didn’t work for me (I went manic). I also had a problem with gas – which I think was caused by diet. Till about 1987 I drank quite a bit of beer. Then till 1996 I drank quite a bit of non-alcoholic beer. Then I switched to diet pop. None of these with a very balanced diet. Then about April 2008 I quit diet pop. And I have been progressively improving my diet. The initial stimulus was a free program from Lilly – “Solutions for Wellness”. I don’t think I followed it very well, but it got me started in the right direction. I have been improving ever since. I think it takes a long time to get those toxins out of one’s system – I no longer have a big problem with gas either – at least I think.

Now I have only had this psychiatrist about four years – he never saw me it the condition I have tried to describe to him. He must think that I am obsessive about cleanliness – hence his question. But, even if he does not realize it, cleanliness WAS once a real problem for me. Being, in the past, so often avoided by others for these things, still affects my confidence. Also, I think, some people I knew then, but now talk to only on the phone, have nio way to know I solved these problems.