No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

The story behind this is locked up even tighter than national security plans. How can there be absolutely NO leaks about what his problem is? I can't think of anything that would be so horrible as to keep someone from leaking it. We're speculating on this board that it's a confidence issue - is that based on anything at all besides a common sense sort of guessing process?

Thanks -

[steelsnis]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Yeah, it's pretty odd that there is no real talk of what went on with Sweed. I've read a bunch of stuff where reporters say mysterious things like "I've heard some things, but I won't repeat them here..."

Isn't that just making it worse? Now this from Colbert from the PG:

• On the mysterious illness that ended the 2009 season of wide receiver Limas Sweed: "That's something that will be addressed at the proper time and now's not the proper time."

I wonder if it's some sort of Anxiety issue, panic attacks, stuff like that. Let's just hope it's something that he can work through.

[stlrz d]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

HIPAA

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

HIPAA

Does HIPAA apply to people who are not giving care? I mean, clearly his docs, nurses, insurance companies (if they are even involved) can't talk about it, but I didn't think HIPAA had an binding obligation on reporters, man-in-the-street, etc. Or teammates.

[Shawn]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Yeah, it's pretty odd that there is no real talk of what went on with Sweed. I've read a bunch of stuff where reporters say mysterious things like "I've heard some things, but I won't repeat them here..."

Isn't that just making it worse? Now this from Colbert from the PG:

• On the mysterious illness that ended the 2009 season of wide receiver Limas Sweed: "That's something that will be addressed at the proper time and now's not the proper time."

I wonder if it's some sort of Anxiety issue, panic attacks, stuff like that. Let's just hope it's something that he can work through.

I think that's reasonable. You have to string together alot of things that have been said about him. Several of his teammates talk about his talent...then go on to say he just plays too much in his head. He is lacking to confidence right now. Generally though a coach will talk about confidence issues. Then this mysterious illness pops up.

Anxiety disorders generally manifest themselves in a person's early 20's. Until the person learns to deal with those feelings it can be a rough road. It wouldn't shock me a bit if this was the issue.

[phillyesq]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Without saying what it was, Bouchette confirmed in his last chat that it wasn't physical. I remember when Sweed joined the team at practice near the end of the season, the players were talking about how he was smiling and joking around. So I think the speculation that it was depression/anxiety/ or a similar mental issue

Whether or not the Steelers are actually precluded from discussing his condition by HIPAA (which I don't think anybody really understands, including those of us who have to deal with it on a daily basis), they've decided to respect his privacy, which I think is admirable.

[DukieBoy]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Just my 2 cents ...

There is some indication of possible anxiety or mood issues. If these conditions are diagnosed, the Steelers are giving Limas necessary respect and care. It is healthy to support Limas' control over what (if anything) is shared publicly, and when it is shared. Empowerment such as this may be essential to his adjustment and recovery.

Limas took a major beating for his drops, and in effect told to "man up". If "manning up" was effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders or Mood Disorders, then there would be less demand for prozac, paxil, xanax, psychotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, desensitization treatment, etc.

I'm remembering the frog practical joke in training camp, and his response to it. He has a phobia of frogs. Phobias are a common symptom of Anxiety Disorders.

Information about anxiety disorders and phobias here:
[url="http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917056-overview"]http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917056-overview[/url]

Like phobias are out of proportion to the real threat or risk, I think the ongoing criticism has been out of proportion. Is it time to let go of that, put it to rest, and give respect too? I think it will go alot farther to help him as a person and a player, and as an asset to the team, compared to simply telling him to man up.

[Shawn]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Without saying what it was, Bouchette confirmed in his last chat that it wasn't physical. I remember when Sweed joined the team at practice near the end of the season, the players were talking about how he was smiling and joking around. So I think the speculation that it was depression/anxiety/ or a similar mental issue

Whether or not the Steelers are actually precluded from discussing his condition by HIPAA (which I don't think anybody really understands, including those of us who have to deal with it on a daily basis), they've decided to respect his privacy, which I think is admirable.

Isn't that the truth...I work under it and still don't understand it. I certainly don't understand how it relates to those outside of the medical field.

[Shawn]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Just my 2 cents ...

There is some indication of possible anxiety or mood issues. If these conditions are diagnosed, the Steelers are giving Limas necessary respect and care. It is healthy to support Limas' control over what (if anything) is shared publicly, and when it is shared. Empowerment such as this may be essential to his adjustment and recovery.

Limas took a major beating for his drops, and in effect told to "man up". If "manning up" was effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders or Mood Disorders, then there would be less demand for prozac, paxil, xanax, psychotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, desensitization treatment, etc.

I'm remembering the frog practical joke in training camp, and his response to it. He has a phobia of frogs. Phobias are a common symptom of Anxiety Disorders.

Information about anxiety disorders and phobias here:
[url="http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917056-overview"]http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/917056-overview[/url]

Like phobias are out of proportion to the real threat or risk, I think the ongoing criticism has been out of proportion. Is it time to let go of that, put it to rest, and give respect too? I think it will go alot farther to help him as a person and a player, and as an asset to the team, compared to simply telling him to man up.

Anxiety, panic disorders are unusually cruel. They are considered one of the most painful experiences that one can go through. Think about someone holding a gun to your family's head...they are about to die...you are about to die. Imagine that fear. Then imagine it...just sitting on the couch. You feel that way...just because. It comes from nowhere and alot of time has no real basis in reality. It's a dysfunction of the fight or flight...and many people never fully regulate it.

The strongest method is desensitization in my opinion. Usually the fear revolves around dying, health or even failure. Teaching Sweed...that first he is healthy and nothing is physically wrong with him...then helping him deal with that wave of adrenaline.

When you are on a roller coaster...that fight or flight sensation is interpreted as fun. Sitting on the couch...not so much. It's interpreted as impending doom. You have to redirect these thoughts and teach him to out think the disease. It takes practice, exposure, time and skill but one can get so good at mastering the anxiety he/she can actually use that adrenaline to improve performance and concentration. Will he get there? Who knows. What I do know is he is VERY talented. I really hope for his sake he is able to make this disease his byotch.

I'm in the great minority with my thoughts on this but I believe drugs only get in the way. While there are extreme cases where daily medication is needed most do not need it to get better. Meds tend to calm some of the effects but get in the way of the individual learning to think their way out of the anxiety prison.

I hope the Steelers are getting him proper help.

[DukieBoy]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Well said, Shawn.

[Jooser]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Anxiety, panic disorders are unusually cruel. They are considered one of the most painful experiences that one can go through. Think about someone holding a gun to your family's head...they are about to die...you are about to die. Imagine that fear. Then imagine it...just sitting on the couch. You feel that way...just because. It comes from nowhere and alot of time has no real basis in reality. It's a dysfunction of the fight or flight...and many people never fully regulate it.

Shawn, only speaking for myself, but that's EXACTLY how I felt going into the fourth quarter of nearly every game last season! OMG!

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Anxiety, panic disorders are unusually cruel. They are considered one of the most painful experiences that one can go through. Think about someone holding a gun to your family's head...they are about to die...you are about to die. Imagine that fear. Then imagine it...just sitting on the couch. You feel that way...just because. It comes from nowhere and alot of time has no real basis in reality. It's a dysfunction of the fight or flight...and many people never fully regulate it.

Shawn, only speaking for myself, but that's EXACTLY how I felt going into the fourth quarter of nearly every game last season! OMG!

yes, watching Tyrone Carter, Ryan Mundy and William Gay trying to cover people will do that to you...

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Anxiety, panic disorders are unusually cruel. They are considered one of the most painful experiences that one can go through. Think about someone holding a gun to your family's head...they are about to die...you are about to die. Imagine that fear. Then imagine it...just sitting on the couch. You feel that way...just because. It comes from nowhere and alot of time has no real basis in reality. It's a dysfunction of the fight or flight...and many people never fully regulate it.

Shawn, only speaking for myself, but that's EXACTLY how I felt going into the fourth quarter of nearly every game last season! OMG!

Yes, and I found drugs (or at least beer, I think that's a drug) to be of great help with these panic attacks!!

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

Anxiety, panic disorders are unusually cruel. They are considered one of the most painful experiences that one can go through. Think about someone holding a gun to your family's head...they are about to die...you are about to die. Imagine that fear. Then imagine it...just sitting on the couch. You feel that way...just because. It comes from nowhere and alot of time has no real basis in reality. It's a dysfunction of the fight or flight...and many people never fully regulate it.

Shawn, only speaking for myself, but that's EXACTLY how I felt going into the fourth quarter of nearly every game last season! OMG!

Yes, and I found drugs (or at least beer, I think that's a drug) to be of great help with these panic attacks!!

beer is the choice of drugs for me as well..

[DukieBoy]

Re: No new news but ... surpise no leaks about Sweed's problem?

It's not the falling down that makes us fail...It's the staying there.
Vandiver/Lee


Here's hoping Limas gets back on his feet (and all you beer fans, too)