S10.E06: Michelle's High School Reunion

[JunebugTx]

The difference in form between Cindy and Michelle was obvious to me and I am not an expert "exerciser"....her movements were sloppy compared to Cindy; 

 

I have not watched an episode of this show in quite some time, but I did watch the clip of her working out.  Watching her with those weights only made me think that she had no real idea what was supposed to do with the weights and she wasn't getting a very effective workout.  I am by no means a gym rat, but I have been doing a barre workout for the last few months, and even I have figured out how to control the weights when using them.  She didn't appear to have any control over those weights.  

[Vaysh]

I'm just watching the episode on Youtube and did I just hear Jessa saying that she never knew her mother had a pet tarantula? I knew her mother had a pet tarantula! Does Michelle not communicate with her children at all? If she told the outside world that she had an unusual pet like that, why wouldn't she tell her own kids about it?

[Wellfleet]

I'm just watching the episode on Youtube and did I just hear Jessa saying that she never knew her mother had a pet tarantula? I knew her mother had a pet tarantula! Does Michelle not communicate with her children at all? If she told the outside world that she had an unusual pet like that, why wouldn't she tell her own kids about it?

 

That is odd, isn't it? Both my parents often told us about their childhoods, all the fun they had as kids, in high school, Dad's days in the Army. "Olden days stories" I called them. I used to ASK for them, but then I have a big mushy spot for history, the past etc. My Dad once told me "Wellfleet, sometimes I think you'd LIVE in the past if you could..." I think he was right.

[floridamom]

What I find ironic is that Michelle was recounting how she defended her right and ability to climb trees like the boys did, and compete with them. She, IMO,, was a typical 1980s teenage girl who has been brought up to believe in herself and her abilities. She seemed to believe and have been taught that she could stand up to the "boys" in life and have a competitive chance in the professional world...SOOOO, she thinks that was now wrong? She absolutely denies all of her own daughters that opportunity to be the best they can be according to where their hearts, minds and abilities lead them in life..How awful for her to stifle those young women into submission...After all, women 100+ years ago, fought, prayed for and even died for the right to be considered adults in their own right...She should be ashamed of herself, if you ask me.

Oh, and Georgia, thank you for your response and clarification about your attire when working out. I appreciate that.

[Barb23]

I'm just watching the episode on Youtube and did I just hear Jessa saying that she never knew her mother had a pet tarantula? I knew her mother had a pet tarantula! Does Michelle not communicate with her children at all? If she told the outside world that she had an unusual pet like that, why wouldn't she tell her own kids about it?

Like another poster said it's just amazing that Joy & the other kids thought it was fascinating that MEchelle had a life & knew people before getting married & having kids. Since Boob & MEchelle don't seem to have any friends they have known most of their lives & hang around with (not including Fundy families that I consider acquaintances not true friends) the kids may think this is out of the ordinary. After all they aren't allowed to have any friends out of the Gothard or Fundy loop. It is drilled into their heads that their siblings are their friends. I know we don't see everything on TV, but the kids have never been shown with "the kid from down the street" who for many us became a good or lifelong friend.

[AmyFarrahFowler]

I couldn't sleep and TLC is re-running this show. I have just one question (being serious here)~

 

Is it only my imagination or is Nutchelle high? The look in her eyes and her manner of speaking is undeniable. Very noticeable in her TH's.

This is the only show that I have watched of the current season. Probably the only one.

[Jellybeans]

I couldn't sleep and TLC is re-running this show. I have just one question (being serious here)~

 

Is it only my imagination or is Nutchelle high? The look in her eyes and her manner of speaking is undeniable. Very noticeable in her TH's.

This is the only show that I have watched of the current season. Probably the only one.

I am thinking antidepressants. They can take a while to get used to. I still look high. And my manner speaking is different.

[jmt111]

I couldn't sleep and TLC is re-running this show. I have just one question (being serious here)~

Is it only my imagination or is Nutchelle high? The look in her eyes and her manner of speaking is undeniable. Very noticeable in her TH's.

This is the only show that I have watched of the current season. Probably the only one.

Funny, my daughter and her college friends think the same!

Edited March 22, 2015 by jmt111

[AmyFarrahFowler]

I am thinking antidepressants. They can take a while to get used to. I still look high. And my manner speaking is different.

I have taken antidepressants for many years. This is not adjusting to a new medication or dosage change. 

 

It appears to me that she is taking benzodiazepines. Her eyes and slow responses are a dead giveaway.

[GEML]

Any medication affects different people differently. I know people who act very oddly on antidepressants, and some who only act "normally" with benzodiazepine and vice versa. There's a reason why mental health treatment is so difficult to treat and involves a lot of trial and error, not only with a medication, but also dosage.

I'm honestly not sure if Michelle is taking anything or her body is simply reacting to normal aging/non-pregnancy and she's not doing that well, and she's using all of her "good" energy/effort for filming and "resting" during the other times.

[Wellfleet]

IMO, Me-chelle is definitely on medication currently - my guess would be a tranquilizer. I would not be surprised to learn that she's been taking one thing or another since the laundry room collapse. Maybe not the same drug all that time, and no idea if she continued with it during her pregnancies, if there ARE mood-altering drugs that can be safely-taken during pregnancy. But she definitely has that glazed-over look some medications can produce. 

[AmyFarrahFowler]

Any medication affects different people differently. I know people who act very oddly on antidepressants, and some who only act "normally" with benzodiazepine and vice versa. There's a reason why mental health treatment is so difficult to treat and involves a lot of trial and error, not only with a medication, but also dosage.

I'm honestly not sure if Michelle is taking anything or her body is simply reacting to normal aging/non-pregnancy and she's not doing that well, and she's using all of her "good" energy/effort for filming and "resting" during the other times.

I guess at this point it's a matter of opinion. I took benzodiazepines for about 4 years. I recognize her slurring and actions from video and pictures of myself during that time. I cannot say what, for certain but she is taking something and it is too strong for her. I think it was given to her by a Dr to deal with her "season of life". You know, the season where she isn't the center of attention of anymore.

[floridamom]

I haven't noticed Michelle's slurred speech. Where was that speech noted?

Yes, I agree that the laundry room episode was the start of her situation and she probably was prescribed "something" to help her deal with an overwhelming life..that's why she's living her life on a tufted pillow and everyone does everything for her....just not dealing with the problem, IMO, just enabeling it.

[Jellybeans]

I take benzos too. At night, when I go to bed. I have the option of taking them during the day. My antidepressant is very potent for most and I sometimes appear as if I have had one too many beers.

Antidepreessants are not happy pills. Many people take mild anti depressants and don't really have trouble but the ones for major depressant disorder can make you appear drunk, crazzy and more until your body adapts. That can take a long while.

I do feel for her. Can't snark on depressed people, I know what it feels like.

[graefin]

But she definitely has that glazed-over look some medications can produce. 

I think being brainwashed and belonging to a cult can produce that look also.

[AmyFarrahFowler]

I haven't noticed Michelle's slurred speech. Where was that speech noted?

Yes, I agree that the laundry room episode was the start of her situation and she probably was prescribed "something" to help her deal with an overwhelming life..that's why she's living her life on a tufted pillow and everyone does everything for her....just not dealing with the problem, IMO, just enabeling it.

I noticed it during this episode in her TH's. Admittedly, this is the only one that I have watched of the current season. Was wondering if anyone has made the same observation.

 

I take benzos too. At night, when I go to bed. I have the option of taking them during the day. My antidepressant is very potent for most and I sometimes appear as if I have had one too many beers.

Antidepreessants are not happy pills. Many people take mild anti depressants and don't really have trouble but the ones for major depressant disorder can make you appear drunk, crazzy and more until your body adapts. That can take a long while.

I do feel for her. Can't snark on depressed people, I know what it feels like.

Please don't misunderstand. This is in no way snark. I am concerned she is on too high of a dose of whatever she might be taking.

What is the laundry room incident. Is it on one of this season's shows?

[Jellybeans]

i think she has a mental problem,still undiagnosed as far as we know. I find it sad. My family is unstable and I stay away from them for my own sake.

She reminds me of my aunt, minus 19 kids. Not sure if the kids make that much difference. My aunt is a Michelle clone. It is scary to see. She claims to talk directly to God and has Godly powers.

Amy, I didn't think you were snarking. :-)

[Sew Sumi]

I wrote this in the JB/M thread, but it bears repeating here: they believe that depression and other mental disorders are from Satan and can be prayed away. They believe that medications are a "crutch" and barring you full access from God's will for you. So no, she's not on meds. Their  janked-up belief system could definitely screw up a loved one sometime down the line (if it hasn't already). Who knows what's really going on behind all of those "keep sweet" smiles? :/

[Wellfleet]

I wrote this in the JB/M thread, but it bears repeating here: they believe that depression and other mental disorders are from Satan and can be prayed away. They believe that medications are a "crutch" and barring you full access from God's will for you. So no, she's not on meds. Their  janked-up belief system could definitely screw up a loved one sometime down the line (if it hasn't already). Who knows what's really going on behind all of those "keep sweet" smiles? :/

 

I disagree about the meds. I think Me-chelle has probably been taking something for quite a while, at least as long as the show's been running. What's that been, about 10 years? Maybe a truly desperate Boob has found a way to justify meds in her case and is making an exception. But totally agree about the "who knows" part. I think, if the whole truth about the Duggars and their sweet happy baby-filled little world is ever known, we could be looking at something really twisted. There are just far too many things that are weird or just plain "don't add up." If it looks like a duck etc... 

[Barb23]

I think being brainwashed and belonging to a cult can produce that look also.

Don't forget her baby talk voice which seems to get worse each episode.

[parisprincess]

I don't understand why the Duggar girls have to side hug each other when Michelle gave frontal hugs to both Cindy when she arrived at the house, and the lady who was at the door at the reunion.  Also, the girls can't even touch the guys while courting and yet Michelle sure did a lot of touching with that guy at the reunion.  I'm surprised JimBob didn't take her hand off him and step between them like he did when Derrick put his hand on Jill's shoulder in Nepal.

[GinnyLee]

I couldn't sleep and TLC is re-running this show. I have just one question (being serious here)~

 

Is it only my imagination or is Nutchelle high? The look in her eyes and her manner of speaking is undeniable. Very noticeable in her TH's.

This is the only show that I have watched of the current season. Probably the only one.

 

You're probably right. My brother has watched only 1 of these shows with me, Jill's wedding, and after 5 minutes the first thing out of his mouth was, "That woman's crazy!" And it wasn't because she had 19 kids, it was because her hair was flopping around on her head as she spoke and her eyes were all bugged out.

[GinnyLee]

I noticed it during this episode in her TH's. Admittedly, this is the only one that I have watched of the current season. Was wondering if anyone has made the same observation.

 

Please don't misunderstand. This is in no way snark. I am concerned she is on too high of a dose of whatever she might be taking.

What is the laundry room incident. Is it on one of this season's shows?

 

I believe the laundry room incident in question was in one of the earlier season's when Michelle reflected on all the duties she had as a new mother. She commented on having to do laundry constantly, at like 1 a.m.,  and she felt like it was pushing her over the edge. I think it was Season 2 or 3 or something but she was reflecting back at a time when she may have only had 5-6 kids. It was before the older girls were old enough to help out and well before the time Grandma Duggar moved in.

[BradandJanet]

I believe the laundry room incident in question was in one of the earlier season's when Michelle reflected on all the duties she had as a new mother. She commented on having to do laundry constantly, at like 1 a.m.,  and she felt like it was pushing her over the edge. I think it was Season 2 or 3 or something but she was reflecting back at a time when she may have only had 5-6 kids. It was before the older girls were old enough to help out and well before the time Grandma Duggar moved in.

 

Yes. And Michelle takes the most logical action for someone overwhelmed by a flock of children. She goes on to have 14 more. 

[truthtalk2014]

I don't understand why the Duggar girls have to side hug each other when Michelle gave frontal hugs to both Cindy when she arrived at the house, and the lady who was at the door at the reunion.  Also, the girls can't even touch the guys while courting and yet Michelle sure did a lot of touching with that guy at the reunion.  I'm surprised JimBob didn't take her hand off him and step between them like he did when Derrick put his hand on Jill's shoulder in Nepal.

It's simple. MEchelle is hoping to catch a new baby from one of the guys at the reunion.  No one has to know.  Shhhhh!!!  

 

Shall I escort myself to the prayer closet?  

[xtwheeler]

I wrote this in the JB/M thread, but it bears repeating here: they believe that depression and other mental disorders are from Satan and can be prayed away. They believe that medications are a "crutch" and barring you full access from God's will for you. So no, she's not on meds. Their janked-up belief system could definitely screw up a loved one sometime down the line (if it hasn't already). Who knows what's really going on behind all of those "keep sweet" smiles? :/

While I think this is an accurate reflection of their beliefs aside seen them expressed, I'm not convinced that they walk the walk. Her taking mediation wouldn't be the first time we saw them acting hypocritically compared to what we think their beliefs are. Also, I'm not sure they've ever spoken explicitly about this themselves. It might be one of those areas where they're quietly a bit different from the Gothard hard-line.

All that said, she's clearly goofy. Whether that is an indication that she needs meds or is on them, I do not know. But there's definitely a screw loose in that woman. (I actually do mean that with no judgment - - I'm quite well medicated myself.) It does make me sad to think of what good they could do by addressing it and speaking up. They could help a lot of other fundies and others by addressing the topic. But who am I kidding?

[JoanArc]

 

Yes. And Michelle takes the most logical action for someone overwhelmed by a flock of children. She goes on to have 14 more.

 

Well, all she did was have them, not raise them.

[Jellybeans]

another reason i think she is on meds is because of the way she walks. she is young but she walks very slow for her age. When I started on my antidepressants, I found my walking speed had dropped considerably. I have MS but this is not a relapse. It is meds. So come stand by me Michelle, let's have a race. lol.

[Wellfleet]

another reason i think she is on meds is because of the way she walks. she is young but she walks very slow for her age. When I started on my antidepressants, I found my walking speed had dropped considerably. I have MS but this is not a relapse. It is meds. So come stand by me Michelle, let's have a race. lol.

 

Never noticed this before but it's true. Me-chelle has a very odd gait, which I guess I chalked up to the goofy skirts and footwear. But none of the girls have it.

[DangerousMinds]

I think her pelvic floor muscles gave out long ago.

[ginger90]

Osteoporosis comes to mind.

[JoanArc]

Bladder issues, and diapers too.

[Readalot]

If I met MEchelle in person I'd love to ask her "why do you talk to everyone like they are a three year old?" "Do the younger kids ever call you Mom?" "If you had to pray to have a heart for children why did you continue to have kids?" and these are the easy questions lol. But I might feel a little bad if the questions caused her to go off the deep end.

[Barb23]

another reason i think she is on meds is because of the way she walks. she is young but she walks very slow for her age. When I started on my antidepressants, I found my walking speed had dropped considerably. I have MS but this is not a relapse. It is meds. So come stand by me Michelle, let's have a race. lol.

Maybe she decided to slow things down when she realized she was the one who doesn't have to be the Mom to chase after kids, run after them out the door, etc. like a regular mom does. She has J'slaves for that. I just can't picture her rushing out the door with a bag slung over her shoulder, cup of coffee in one hand (well she has that down pat, Lol), lunchbox in the other & loading the kids in the van like so many harried mothers do each day.

I have bad knees & walk with a cane most of the time but I'm sure we could both beat her in that race Jellybeans!

[Obsidian]

I'm new on this forum, and to the eye-opening (closing?) world of the Duggars. But if I only post once, I think reiterating this gem from Michelle will be enough of a public service. (I also noted that she said she used to struggle with self-worth. I really can't tell whether the struggle is over because she has become confident with her enormous worth, or because all such notions were squished out of her by her wonderful husband and new religious beliefs.)

 

"Life's too short to never have a chocolate chip cookie, but you need to be wise in how you do that."

Edited November 14, 2015 by Obsidian