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Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 3 2015, 03:58 PM

So I know according to the National Association of Mental Illness 1 out of 4 Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness, whether it be an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia or any of the others.

I don't know what the statistics are for other countries. Perhaps international members can educate me?

I hope this can be a place where we can be brave enough to share our stories and support each other.

Usually we are only talked about if there's been a mass shooting or when people use the terms "crazy".

We are people, we have feelings and many of us just need some support. Whether it be therapy or medication or a combination. Or something completely different that works for us.



I am living with depression with psychotic features and I manage it with Latuda.

I have had one psychotic episode in my life and it happened when I was 24.

I was in the hospital for a week.

I am now back in school and volunteering.

I also see a therapist and psychiatrist to monitor my progress.

I also attend art therapy and social skills group.

I am still working on becoming more independent.

I am learning to not be a perfectionist and forgive myself.

Posted by: Emmagurd Jul 4 2015, 02:12 PM

The statistics are the same here in the UK. 1 in 4 will suffer some sort of mental healthy illness in the course of a year.

Talking about it really does help, although I know this is difficult, as I suffer with periods of anxiety myself. It seems to have gotten worse over the past couple of years. I work in retail, and I used to be completely comfortable dealing with the public. Nowadays, I hate it and it makes me feel so... awkward?

I, too, suffer with depression, although my doctors like to fob with off with "you're just having a bad day."

I tried to kill myself earlier on in the year. But, you know, it was "just a bad day". I'm doing okay now, though. I have my fiancé and he is the best thing. Can't believe I really was going to leave him. Silly of me, really.

I am proud of you Gryphaena, and I believe you can beat your mental health illnesses ^^

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 4 2015, 02:18 PM

QUOTE(Emmagurd @ Jul 4 2015, 12:12 PM)

Posted by: meownom Jul 8 2015, 11:12 PM

I suffer from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A lot of the time I just feel like there is nothing to do. But that doesn't make me lazy like a lot of people think. I'm just too tired or lack motivation to do anything. Stigma for mental illness is just so bad and a lot of people don't even try to understand it.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 8 2015, 11:27 PM

Yeah, sometimes my motivation wanes and it's like I have to exercise my willpower to do what i need to.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 28 2015, 12:22 PM

Are there any motivational or inspiring songs you guys like?

I like Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move" and "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World.

If they're supposed to be ironic or cynical and i never caught it, oh well.

Posted by: Gryphaena Sep 4 2015, 11:37 PM

So on August 25 of this year there was the first National March for Mental Health Dignity in the United States.

http://themighty.com/2015/08/16-voices-from-the-first-national-march-for-mental-health-dignity/

I am curious if there have ever been anything similar in other countries.

Edit: In the "turning your illness into something awesome" category: http://themighty.com/2015/08/how-this-woman-turned-her-depression-into-a-worldwide-movement-of-love-letters/

Posted by: Genocider Syo Sep 8 2015, 02:40 PM

I suffer from... a lot of things. Most prominently depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I'm also autistic, but I consider that somewhat of a separate issue.

I dunno. It's hard.

Posted by: Toxxik Sep 8 2015, 07:56 PM

I suffer alot too and have had alot of dark moments and I still face those everyday its hard being a page long list of diagnoses most doctors won't even touch my case and others have threw up their hands in frustation with how many different things I am and then sometimes the weirdest question I get asked is how did you survive it all? how the heck am I supposed to know

Posted by: Barbaracle Oct 1 2015, 09:41 AM

Hello! I'm Archer, and I have... a bunch of stuff. Depression (tho not as bad now as it used to be thankfully!), general anxiety, severe social anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, and possibly cyclothymia (mild form of bipolar). I've come a long way on some of these things compared to how I was fresh out of high school 5 years ago, and let me tell you -- high school was absolutely hell in the last stretch bc of brain stuff and I nearly didn't graduate -- but it's still something I will live with for a long time, if not forever.

It's nice to see a thread like this because my mental illness is important to me and my identity. I wish you all the best, as well.

Posted by: Gryphaena Oct 2 2015, 04:58 PM

I'm glad there are people using my thread. :]

Do you guys have any local resources you can use to go to school or get a job?

I'm fortunate.

I've been volunteering at the local Botanic Garden since February and applied for a job there.

I got hired Tuesday so I probably won't be around this site much anymore.

Posted by: Barbaracle Oct 3 2015, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Oct 2 2015, 05:58 PM)

Posted by: Genocider Syo Oct 5 2015, 09:38 AM

I'm working with my local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to find a job, and they're also providing me with resources to get through school.

Posted by: Aragarthiel Oct 16 2015, 03:17 PM

I was diagnosed as bipolar when I was fourteen, though I suspect that was incorrect since those issues cleared up the moment I moved away from my toxic grandmother. I've never been officially diagnosed with anything else but I have severe anxiety issues and struggled with depression for most of my teenage years. I also have something called Resistant Eating Disorder, which is similar to picky eating but much more extreme in that even though I want to try foods, I often gag at just the thought of it (for example, I'd love to learn to like steak, but any slab of meat whether it be ham, turkey, or steak makes me want to puke). Fortunately, I'm working on it, veggies are more tolerable to me when put on things like tacos or subs and I'm better able to try new foods.

I think my biggest issue is that as someone with mental health problems, everything I do is chalked up to "you're crazy." If I'm woken up after only three hours of sleep and snap at someone, I need to "get over it." If I tell someone not to get mushrooms on a pizza, I'm told I need to try new things (mushrooms are one of the foods I just don't like, they don't make me gag). There's a difference between having an issue and being an issue and people like so much to make it the latter.

I know my anxiety's going to become an issue when I get out of college and start looking for jobs. I simply can't project the kind of confidence needed to get a job, and mental health services in my area are incredibly lacking. I actually chose a field where I won't have to interact with the public very much just so I'll be able to function.

Posted by: Mars Adept Enten Oct 22 2015, 01:25 PM

I actually have ADHD and autism, but thanks to my meds, I'm much better than I used to be. I used to beat up other kids for teasing me, and other such stuff. And I had to deal with rather lax school staff unwilling to do anything about my issues. I ended up being homeschooled before being reintegrated back into the public school system, which didn't really end up all that much better than it was before my homechooling. But the Internet and a support group near where I live have made me much more social and outgoing. I think the Internet has helped as it doesn't rely entirely upon facial contact, which I tend to have trouble with. I also have a nice psychologist who has helped me deal with my issues for a long time (although now he's on indefinite hiatus thanks to some arthritis, so I'm seeing a new psychologist who's equally as nice.)

Posted by: Gryphaena Nov 8 2015, 10:12 AM

Oh, I realized I forgot to mention that I am on the autism spectrum as well.

Too bad I didn't get diagnosed before I turned 18 or I could have had help from our Regional Center.

I'll still be around a bit, checking in once a week.

I hope everyone is all right. :]

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 2 2015, 10:04 PM

So the director of my local Regional Center blamed the shooting at another Californian Regional Center on mental illness.

Here are some mental illness facts to counteract his unfortunate ignorance.

http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/myths-facts/

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 30 2015, 04:32 PM

I hope no one is feeling lots of stress from the holidays!

I was feeling some stress on Christmas Eve which resulted in the jaw pain I get before sleeping.

Would any of you like to share how your stress exhibits itself in your body?

Posted by: Aragarthiel Dec 30 2015, 09:28 PM

I get tired a lot. I suspect my mental health issues are the reason I tend to need 10-12 hours of sleep a night, and sometimes even then I still need coffee. If I've been crying a lot I get insane pressure headaches from my eyes that last for a couple days, and those make me want to sleep too.

I came over here mostly to talk about a friend of mine. I've known him for going on ten years, and he's been the best support I could ask for. When I started dating my husband he knew I was in therapy but now, five years later, he chalks everything up to me being crazy. I'm planning on leaving him when I get the chance, but for now my sanity is being saved by that friend of mine.

I nearly had a breakdown a few nights ago. I was feeling particularly worthless, and he stayed up late to talk to me and keep it from turning into a full breakdown. It ended with mixed results but I realized, I wish everyone with any sort of mental health problem could have a friend like him. He doesn't make me feel crazy, which is the really great thing. People like that are so rare. It's so easy to assume that everything I do has a basis in my anxiety, depression, or whatever other issues someone thinks I have. Instead, he talked to me like a person. I can't remember the last time I was that close to a breakdown and wasn't told to either "get over it" or "suck it up."

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 30 2015, 10:33 PM

@Ara: It's great that you have a true friend there. :]

My support is my family right now, although my dad once made a jab at my autism which didn't feel very nice.

Posted by: Aragarthiel Dec 30 2015, 11:42 PM

My family's never been close, and the ones who are I never get to see anymore, sadly. That's why I'm glad I get to spend time with family for New Year's, I always feel so comfortable around them.

Posted by: Ichimatsu Dec 31 2015, 05:03 AM

Due to my depression I'm completely exhausted in every aspect all day, but due to my ADHD I can't ever settle down and sleep. I'll go to bed at 3 or 4 in the morning and wake up at 9, and even when I get a normal nights rest I still wake up feeling completely drained. I guess it's a sort of exhaustion that I've gotten used to, but it sort of stinks for people when they hang out with me, since I sorta become the boring and grouchy one in the bunch.

I've had depression for a very long time and my parents refused to ever listen to me until it started effecting my school life. Even then I had to practically fight for my life just to get the help I need and have them consider getting me the medication that I need. I'm not longer in therapy even though I'm sure I should be, and even though it's been months since I first talked about it, I still do not have medication, which is what I'm starting to feel I really need. I tried to commit suicide twice this year but some people talked me out of it and I ended up fine, but it still really sucks. Lately I've been able to take whatever comes my why but I would really like to fully express myself and feel something other than total exhaustion again.

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 31 2015, 12:16 PM

@Ichimatsu: Oh man, I'm sorry you're going through that.

I think there are some cultures that do not acknowledge mental illness as much as others.

My family ignored me when I was clearly hallucinating from lack of sleep until I called my Ate (older sister) out of desperation.

Luckily for me my Aunt knew someone at the County hospital and I was brought there.

Posted by: Ichimatsu Dec 31 2015, 04:56 PM

@Gryphaena I don't think it's that out culture doesn't recognize it, but rather my parents want that "perfect life" outlook. I've had to call people outside my family to get even the slightest bit of help which really sucked in the end.

I'm glad you were able to get some help though, I hope you've been doing better.

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 31 2015, 04:58 PM

@Ichimatsu: I'm much better now, my psychotic episode was three years ago.

Posted by: Aragarthiel Dec 31 2015, 08:13 PM

It's not necessarily a cultural thing, not in my experience, anyway. I have a hard time finding people who believe in mental illness, and I think that's what keeps the stigma going. I'm not going to want to talk about my issues if I'm going to be told to suck it up, or that it's a "self-fulfilling prophecy." I don't WANT to have the problems I do, I'd give anything to wake up in the morning and feel good instead of always being tired, sad, grumpy, or any combination of the three.

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 31 2015, 08:20 PM

@Ara: There are some people who think it should just be called "illness" instead of "mental illness", too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDofIVRYahY Have you guys seen this video?

It made me laugh. xD

Posted by: Gryphaena Feb 19 2016, 11:24 PM

So, dear ones, I have been irresponsible and received a wake-up call.



Earlier this month I noticed I needed to call the pharmacy for a refill.

Of course, I forget to call in time before I run out.

Then I forget that I even have medicine to take.


Then I go strange and go without sleep for a whole day.


My mom finally puts two and two together and reminds me to call the pharmacy.

I miraculously receive my medicine at 8:30pm instead of the usual 10:30pm.


I have resolved to be more responsible.

Too bad I can't get automatic refills.

Posted by: Lyekka Eve Mar 10 2016, 07:44 PM

I have struggled with depression nearly all my life that and bein bipolar makes the depression even harder at times. I also have ADD, antisocialisum (Most likely miss spelled it), perfectionism, random anxiety attacks, and im dissabled meaning i cannot do alot of things others take lightly.
Late last year i had to give up gardening due to health issues that dont seem to be gettin any better. Anymore I tend to prefer to stay at home playin on the computer and the only time i ever bother goin outside is when family literately makes me go into town with them. Due to my health issues I cant even lift light stuff without it hurting my arms, back, legs, or even my chest. So i normally stay in what my family calls a dungeon which is my room playing games on the computer rather then being social.
Late last year i have had an issue with a burning and painful issue in my right upper side of my chest much like a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve or something, which makes it a pain to just sleep at times. Some days are tougher then others, but most of the time im up im on the computer, watching a movie or playing my ds or 3ds unless my chronic dry eye is nagging me.

P.S: I didnt bother listing everything thats wrong with me or it would have became a book lol

Posted by: Gryphaena Mar 28 2016, 09:09 AM

@Lyekka: Oh man, I am sorry you are living with chronic pain and other issues.

I know in my case giving up gardening would kill part of my soul, it is my main therapy.

What plants did you take care of?

Or would talking about it bring up sad feelings?

Posted by: Aragarthiel Mar 29 2016, 11:36 PM

I've been mostly away from the site for the last week or so due to really bad things I can't discuss, but a good thing has come of it. My grandparents managed to find a place close to me that offers psychiatric treatment based on your income, and because of the things that happened, right now I'm getting treatment for free. I've only had one visit so far, to get my history and make up a treatment plan, etc., but the therapist I spoke with said my diagnosis of bipolar was probably correct, and she added Generalized Anxiety Disorder to that as well. Once they get some labs done on me (they have to check for drugs apparently), they'll start me on medications for both. I'm hoping to eventually stabilize, instead of ending up with some of the side effects of psychiatric drugs that I've heard about. I was on medication once before but it did nothing for me, so hopefully this time I'll get somewhere.

Posted by: Gryphaena Mar 31 2016, 04:06 PM

@Ara: Oh, man, I'm sorry you've been going through bad experiences.

It is good that you will be having medication and free treatment, though!

I hope your symptoms bother you less in the future. :]

Posted by: CrazyUmbreonLady Mar 31 2016, 04:29 PM

Well, I have autism, and I USED to have clinical depression because I was bullied a lot at my previous school.

And I also found out that I have a genetic mental illness. I don't want to say what it is for fear of stigma (because some people might want to harass me based on it), but all I can say is it explains so much. Surprisingly, I have stayed stable except for one psychotic (I think?) episode in 6th grade after a particularly bad day involving a lot of bullying.

Posted by: Aragarthiel Mar 31 2016, 09:29 PM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Mar 31 2016, 05:06 PM)

QUOTE(CrazyUmbreonLady @ Mar 31 2016, 05:29 PM)

Posted by: i hate everyone Mar 31 2016, 09:43 PM

Wow, all I suffer from is ADHD and Bi-Polar Disorder, but they make it really hard for me to do daily tasks like my chores, homework, etc.

Posted by: ArceusPalkia916 Apr 1 2016, 07:27 PM

I have epilepsy, which usually most people who have that are at higher rates for anxiety/depression/etc etc. And of course, I'm in that group.

I, however, have found that Prozac on a low dose (10mgs) has helped me thus far. I'm almost at 8 weeks in, and it was a scary choice to make because I was afraid of any judgement a doctor would place on me. Instead, they were understanding and were actually /nice/ to me, concerned how it would affect background checks for me, etc. It's mainly because I am under a lot of stress, and it's not something I plan to be on long term.

Posted by: Aragarthiel Apr 4 2016, 10:31 AM

I'm glad to see the thread's picking up.

A few updates:

My husband went over to the same mental health clinic that I'm going to this morning, and apparently he has anxiety problems as well, but that doesn't really explain a lot of his actions. He has more anger problems than anything, so I don't know why they didn't say anything about that.

I discovered this morning that caffeine makes me anxious. Which is sort of a catch-22 because my anxiety is keeping me from sleeping, so I need caffeine to function.

Also, has anyone else heard about http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0589505/?ref_=nv_sr_1 recently, and his talk about mental health? If not, a picture circulated of him when he was overweight and people ridiculed him for it, but what nobody realized was that he was in the middle of fighting depression and his drug of choice was food. The picture, however, showed him smiling, so he explained that at the time he was struggling with suicidal thoughts and he's being really open about mental health issues now. He's doing a self-care month on Facebook and it's actually a really neat thing- he posts every day about what his self-care for the day was (donating things, cleaning, exercising, etc) and there's a lot of support for making Self-Care April a thing.

Posted by: ArceusPalkia916 Apr 6 2016, 06:09 PM

Idk if anybody cares about this buuuuut:

Unbearable crappy, hopeless feeling since Sunday (stressed :]), so my doctor upped my Fluoxetine/Prozac dose to 20mgs. I start tonight, and I'm almost as anxious as I was when I first started it. Fingers crossed all the start up side effects don't make a return.

Posted by: Gryphaena Apr 16 2016, 04:19 PM

I hope everybody is doing okay, I'm going to submit a bit of writing (780 words) to my community college's Writer's Guild to see if they would like to publish it in the school magazine.

I speak a little about my autism and mental health.

There's a website I like, http://themighty.com/, which showcases articles and or blog posts written by people who live with illness and disease or their relatives.

It's a good place to go to try to understand the life experiences of other people.

There is a section on mental illness that I like to visit.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jun 29 2016, 08:33 AM

I've started therapy again and my therapist is having me do sand tray therapy.

Today will be the third week.

I think it's fun and provides something interesting to think about as well.

Posted by: CaptainBootyShorts Jul 8 2016, 08:12 PM

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 8 2016, 08:26 PM

Hurray, someone new in the thread!

Welcome Neapolica! :]

Posted by: Neapolica Jul 9 2016, 09:08 AM

Thank you for the welcome! c:

Posted by: Esmee1993 Jul 13 2016, 12:52 PM

I have ADHD, is that considerd a mental illness? Anyway. I am now 22 and was diagnosed 2 years ago. I've been on medication ever since (medikinet). And let me just say: I didn't know that I was thinking that much! Its a relieve to know that there is something that is different about you. I don't know why, but knowing that I am just wired diffrently makes a lot of things okay and easier to deal with I guess? But yeah, hi!

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 13 2016, 02:52 PM

I don't think ADHD is considered a mental illness, but i don't know very much.

I suppose I can rename the thread to include everyone who has a brain different than the usual if people want.

Posted by: ruts cbk Jul 17 2016, 08:04 PM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Jul 14 2016, 05:52 AM)

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 17 2016, 08:10 PM

QUOTE(ruts cbk @ Jul 17 2016, 06:04 PM)

Posted by: Aragarthiel Jul 18 2016, 12:46 AM

I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment on the 6th to check on how my new meds are working. I hadn't noticed much of a difference until just a few days ago. You see, the doctor only prescribed me enough to get to the 11th- long enough for my appointment, but not much more. They cancelled my appointment without telling me, and I ended up rescheduled for the 27th. When I rescheduled I asked if they could send an order for another refill to my pharmacy. They said it would take a couple days but I've been off my meds for a week now and it still hasn't shown up. They're only open Mon-Wed so we haven't been able to call and hound them about it (I found out about my cancelled appointment on Wednesday the 6th, asked about a refill the next Monday when they opened, and was expecting it to be there by Thursday at the latest, so tomorrow is going to be our first chance to actually get upset at them about it).

In the meantime, I've crashed hard, my anxiety over nothing got so bad I was throwing up, depression nearly lost me my best friend of ten years, and even though the worst is over, I still don't feel great.

I'm so insanely mad at my doctor's office right now, for not telling me about my cancelled appointment in time, for forgetting to order a refill for me, for only being open three days a week... ugh.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 18 2016, 01:09 AM

@Ara: Oh man, I am sorry you had to go through that.

I've been fortunate with my clinic so far, they'll at least call me before re-scheduling.

I'm surprised they did that to you, surely they've heard of something called "common courtesy"?


I hope you get your refill of medication as fast as possible!

Posted by: kingofeli Jul 20 2016, 08:58 PM

I've got a ton of mental issues lol, I have depression, anxiety, paranoid disorder, possible BPD, autism, and ADHD.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 20 2016, 09:34 PM

Wow, I hope life isn't too stressful for you.

Posted by: kingofeli Jul 21 2016, 02:19 PM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Jul 20 2016, 10:34 PM)

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 21 2016, 04:01 PM

How can we be educated about each other?

By listening and talking to other people?

Posted by: Vigoroth Jul 21 2016, 07:11 PM

I've had struggles with depression almost all my life but for the past few years it's gotten so much better. I don't really talk about it all that much publicly because when my depression was extremely bad I would always talk about it publicly to try and get help. I'm really proud of myself for making it this far and actually being comfortable with my own body and all of that. B)

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 21 2016, 07:17 PM

That's great, Vigoroth!

I have major depression with psychotic features and I think I've stabilized over the past three years.

I'm still going to therapy since I have some unresolved trauma that I've realized but I was going to graduate from my clinic earlier this year.

Posted by: Vigoroth Jul 21 2016, 08:57 PM

I only went to therapy for like a few months a few years ago, it actually made my depression worse because the stress of trying to schedule out when to go there and getting rides from my family and stuff. My family working all the time made it really hard, so I usually had to miss school to go to therapy and then I'd get behind in school and it'd just be a mess.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 21 2016, 09:05 PM

Augh, I'm sorry the therapy wasn't helping.

So you manage your symptoms how?

Medication?

I use a combination of medicine, therapy and self-care as much as I remember to do so.

Posted by: Vigoroth Jul 21 2016, 09:22 PM

Honestly whenever I took meds that made it worse as well, I tried about 4 different medicines before I just decided that it wasn't for me. They would all end up making me constantly feel sick to my stomach an I wouldn't eat alot because of it. I tend to stick to primarily self-care and my support group, and I honestly believe that focusing on my schoolwork or artwork helps me distract myself from negative feelings. I think before the last couple weeks I had been 2 months without a depressive episode and it felt awesome.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 21 2016, 10:35 PM

Wow, 2 whole months without symptoms?

That's astounding!

May I ask how you found your support group?

I'm not part of one at the moment and I am curious.

Posted by: Vigoroth Jul 22 2016, 03:19 PM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Jul 21 2016, 11:35 PM)

Wow, 2 whole months without symptoms?

That's astounding!

May I ask how you found your support group?

I'm not part of one at the moment and I am curious.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 22 2016, 04:21 PM

Oh, that sort of support, hehe.

The usual.

I suppose you can forgive me for thinking you had found something like what is usually thought of when someone says "support group".

Posted by: Vigoroth Jul 23 2016, 06:59 AM

I went to group therapy for a bit whenever stuff was really bad a few years back, it was pretty nice I met a ton of really sweet folks and it helped me open up some after a bit. I would totally recommend it.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 23 2016, 10:55 AM

I think I've had a bit of group things, I've gone to Social Skills Group and Independent Living Skills Group, but I wouldn
t call it group therapy.

Posted by: Chillwave Aug 9 2016, 07:28 PM

i have borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, bipolar II, and social anxiety. they're a huge part of my identity tbh.... i always try to encourage positivity about one's mental illnesses because it sux having to live in such an ableist world.

Posted by: Gryphaena Aug 9 2016, 08:41 PM

Welcome, Chillwave!

I feel like I am not my symptoms, but they are attached to me and I need to live despite them.

I don't know what everyone else thinks.

Posted by: SawkItToMe Aug 10 2016, 03:29 AM

Hi im nat, i'm disabled and mentally ill in a lot of ways and my disabilities and illnesses make up a lot of who I am. A lot of my mental illness stuff is kept secret from my family out of fear, as they're abusive and hurt me for having symptoms of my disabilities and illnesses and they'd probably hurt me even worse if they found out all the.... extensive "worse" stuff i have and learned to cope with online with others.

The stuff my family knows about are: obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, insomnia, and short term memory loss (the latter 2 are probably impacted by my disabilities as well as my mental illnesses tbh).

And then the stuff i hide from them: i have intrusive thoughts about violence and abuse and and gore and hurting myself and others and other nastiness. i am terrified of it and self loathing about it a lot honestly. my compulsions to obsessively look at gore and make myself upset and disgusted can get really bad at times. it is very hard.

i'm a maladaptive daydreamer whose long fantasies, about things such as universes where everyone loves and cares about me or ones in which i'm abused and hurt or even killed take my entire day up and are very hard to escape. it's hard to describe them, they're very.... movie-like, is the best way to describe them. Essentially imagine a movie constantly in your brain most of the day, taking up all your focus and time, being about things like people actually loving and caring about you or you constantly being maimed and abused. it's really hard to not let it envelop you all day

i am delusional im pretty sure, mainly with things involving shadow people. i feel their stares and eyes on me and i can feel them breathing so i know they are there for sure, and they live in the darkness. i am intensely afraid of being in the dark without a light source because that means they can touch me and they might possibly get to me and I panic and freak out that they will get me. I don't even know if they will but. I know they are there. i dont know their purpose but i feel them and they never leave.

my emotions are chaotic and incredibly intense and I am back and forth constantly, i am borderline. i am also depressed and very suicidal (since around age 11), quite sure i'm avoidant, intensely paranoid, and I hallucinate (mostly tactile, though auditory and visual ones can indeed happen. they're more intense and common when I am stressed which is often). I also for a long while have been speculating on whether or not i might be on the psychotic spectrum.

anyways really soon, in about 3 days, my parents are putting me in a dorm and forcing me out of online college. so hopefully i'll be able to access accommodations for the first time in my life, despite barely failing and passing by my whole entire time in the school system due to disability and mental stuff. i hope i also gain access to a therapist, I hope maybe that can help me cope better perhaps... i dont know. im just afraid of being hurt for being open about a lot of my experiences irl, but i really do need help with a lot of my stuff. i hope things go well for me but also to others on this forum.

online reassurance and coping methods have helped me in my times of need to know i'm not alone and lessen my ostracized feelings and experiences, so i'm glad this forum exists.

Posted by: Shunte Aug 18 2016, 02:06 AM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Jul 3 2015, 01:58 PM)

Posted by: Gryphaena Aug 18 2016, 01:05 PM

Welcome Nat and Shunte!

My symptoms aren't like yours, Nat, but I'm glad that you've found support online since it sounds like you're not getting any in other parts of your life.

Thank you, Shunte, for reminding me I'm not alone.

I think that's something we can all remember.

Somebody cares about us.

I, too, didn't have the best childhood, it took me going to a workshop on healthy relationships to understand that.

But we know that's not how we want to treat other people in our lives.

Posted by: Shunte Aug 22 2016, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Aug 18 2016, 11:05 AM)

Posted by: Breech Loader Aug 29 2016, 08:00 AM

(Note 'you' does not refer to anybody here)

The worst thing is that people don't seem to get that the solutions that seem so easy to them are so tiring to use.

There was this guy I met - a very nice guy, I should add - and when I tried to explain how it's tough to interact when you have AS,he was all "How about you learn to fake your social skills? Why don't you learn to be like everybody else?" I felt like punching him in the nose.

Why don't I learn to fake it? I already do fake it. It's tiring. I fake it to the best of my ability and it's tiring beyond comprehension. And I still don't get it right.

Why don't I learn to fake social skills so that I can look like everybody else? Well you don't go up to a guy in a wheelchair and say "Why don't you learn to fake walking?" You don't step up to a blind person and say "Why don't you learn to fake seeing?" You don't go up to a black guy and say "Why don't you fake being white?"

Why don't I work on my social skills? Why don't THEY work on accepting me the way I am?

Posted by: PandoraTheDragon Sep 2 2016, 01:22 PM

hi,,, (first post here we Go)
i uh
i have autism (aspergers w/e,,, diagnosed when i was little) and probably some other things but i don't know uh
i'm pretty sure that i do have anxiety of some sort but i've never been to any sort of brain person because i don't think my mom would let me... and that i dont know?? what it would be like?? the thought of it makes me really nervous and uncomfortable and i get really upset :0
and i'm only 15 so i feel like,,, maybe people won't take me seriously or anything,, and i always wonder if we even have the money to get help and i decide that evne if we do it'd probably be a waste of money because the person would probably not even be the right sort of thing for me and we'd have to just. spend more money doing something else...
i always worry about this sort of thing. like. i feel like its not even worth it doing anything because it probably won't work for me or whatever and just. why does it even matter anymore

abt the autism thing: its bad
i have to be in the class with. the other kids with the weird brains because in the "normal" classes i just freak the heck out because everyone always seems to be a step ahead of me and there's just a lot of people and things to do and so little time and its basically Actual Hell.jpg

other garbage: i never let go of bad memories and stuff,,, i hold grudges a lot and i get horrible violent thoughts and i think of all these horrible things to say when i get really upset
i have awful self-esteem and sometimes i just. cant stop thinking about how i'll probably never be successful because my brains are terrible and then ????????????????????
i get really clingy to people and if my friends aren't on skype or w/e then i get upset,,, i don't know if this is normal or not but i really like attention (oops)

i can't
think of anything else right now but. yeah

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 16 2016, 11:29 AM

Welcome, everybody!

I hope the end of the year isn't being stressful for anyone, be it holidays or finishing up finals.

I hope we all stay safe, no matter how we choose to celebrate things.

Posted by: Gryphaena Mar 29 2017, 06:19 PM

So I hope everyone is coping with their symptoms, I had a few delusions on Friday that weirded me out.

I gotta remember to take my medicine on time.

Everyone is practicing self-care, I hope!

Posted by: Kibum Apr 13 2017, 04:12 AM

I've never been formally diagnosed with anything, but I really think I have a mild case of anxiety. Sometimes I shut down in social situations or places where there's a lot of people. My chest tightens up, I get dizzy and my vision spins. I find it hard to breathe and my skin feels like it's got bugs on them. The last time it happened, I was in a mall. I remember my mind just going "Wow, there are so many people," and then those things happened. I'm also prone to overthinking and have been kept up for several nights over something I did like, four months ago. Sometimes I feel like my own friends don't want to talk to me so I end up avoiding them, which makes them avoid me, which confirms my belief that they don't want to talk to me ( ahhh, I don't know if what I said proves anything, but it sucks big time when it feels like my own brain is against me.

On another note, I'm currently conducting a case study in my high school, and a good percent (around 30%) of the student population reported signs of depression and/or generalized anxiety disorder. Since I live in a--well, not progressive, by any means--third-world country, none of this is acknowledged.

Posted by: Gryphaena Apr 13 2017, 07:41 AM

Oh man, I'm sorry you have to deal with that, Kibum.

I may be able to relate a bit to your anxiety, I can remember two instances where I was in a social situation and suddenly my heart goes real fast, I started to feel hot and I wondered if I was dying.

I don't know if they were panic attacks or not, but it was scary.

It's too bad that some countries don't acknowledge conditions like mental illness and/or anxiety.

It sounds like doing so would help so many young people of the place.

Posted by: Gryphaena May 5 2017, 01:42 PM

Has anyone here had a friend disclose to you that they were feeling like they were in an emotional crisis?

One of my friends shared she was feeling that way to me and I let her know she isn't alone and if she wants help, I can point some resources her way.

I was glad she chose counseling.

I'm also glad that our school has counseling in the first place.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jul 9 2017, 09:54 PM

How is everyone?

The thread's been quiet, might be my fault.

I am having a refresher of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with my at least 5th so far therapist.

My first therapist and I did CBT, but then the next one went a kind of New Age-y alternative route which was interesting.

I think I can understand the CBT better.

Posted by: LucarioGirl Aug 22 2017, 10:42 PM

I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in my second-to-last year of high school. At that time, I was relieved. Finally, I had a name for why I always seemed... off. I was the kid on the playground who was always picked on for being 'weird', and I knew I was weird, but I couldn't figure out why. I knew my thoughts often went on a different track than other kids. I was smart for my age, and I got frustrated when my classmates didn't get concepts that I found simple, but socially I was... for lack of a better word, 'stunted'. My mom said it always feels like I'm younger than I am, and she says there's nothing wrong with that and I just need to go at my own pace.

Of course, this comes with some other problems backpacking along with it, like OCD and resistant eating. I actually have given myself health problems because I refuse to drink water unless there's absolutely no other option. I have difficulty getting past the interview part of getting a job, so I currently have no stable income and have to rely on employment aid. I spend most of my time indoors on my computer and don't really have any kind of social life because talking to people just makes me feel awkward. Either I'm so quiet I can't get a word in, or I start talking and I can't shut up. I also get really scared in tight spaces ever since I accidentally got myself locked in my dad's car trunk during a game of hide-and-seek.

Posted by: Gryphaena Aug 23 2017, 10:41 AM

Hello LucarioGirl!

My second therapist and second psychiatrist both thought I was on the autism spectrum and I think I agree, so I think I can relate to feeling wierd, I too, knew I was different than other people.

I was picked on when I was younger as well.

Instead of OCD and resistant eating, I have depression with psychotic features and am pre-diabetic.

I was only employed once, and I think it was because the people conducting the interview for that job knew me already, so that's why it was so easy.

I also like being on the computer, but I cannot stand an indoors job. I need to be outside working with plants or I'll get bored.

I have to be moving or I start feeling sleepy.

Do you have any people you feel comfortable around?

My clinic was wise enough to start social skills groups for us so we could socialize with other people with mental illnesses.

I was even fortunate to be able to make some shallow friendships who I still see on campus and say "Hi" to.

I am sorry you were once locked in a trunk, that is a cruel thing to do in my opinion.

Posted by: AregularFrankiefan Sep 3 2017, 04:58 PM

I know that I suffer from several mental illnesses, I've known and researched for years at this point, but since everyone refuses to have me clinically diagnosed [bleh, restrictive family], very few people take my statements as truth. But, like, doctors get things wrong all the time, and it's possible for you do to extensive research yourself, so there's that.

Posted by: LucarioGirl Sep 29 2017, 07:20 PM

QUOTE(Gryphaena @ Aug 23 2017, 10:41 AM)

Posted by: Gryphaena Oct 29 2017, 02:29 PM

I don't know too many people who are still playing Pokemon Go, but it must be great exercise!

I hope everyone's experiences throughout the year are mostly positive.

I'm coping with grief by writing.

There was a day three weeks ago when I felt inspired and wrote poems for some of my Facebook people.

That was fun!


May I ask what coping strategies you use?

Posted by: LucarioGirl Oct 29 2017, 11:21 PM

I usually just try to stay away from anything that might set me off. It's hard, though; the biggest things are food smells and small children. That's part of why it was so difficult to get a job back in my old hometown; it's a small town, and pretty much everyone's first job was at the grocery store.

I'm an extremely picker eater because when I smell something, I also taste it a little, and I usually don't like it. I'm even nervous about trying new foods that don't smell. Touching food that I don't acknowledge as mine, even if it's wrapped up, sends me running to the bathroom to scrub my hands afterwards. And dirty dishes that aren't mine are a nightmare.

Kids are the absolute worst; no matter how far away I try to get, I can usually still hear them. The only coping mechanism I have isn't a very good one; I plug my ears as hard as I can and mutter to myself. Usually it's the mean things I want to say to the parents, but I can't because it'd be mean; things like 'shut that thing up'. Their voices are just physically painful to me until they hit puberty. And it's not just crying; even kids talking normally hurts.

On another note, why is it that when you say you hate kids, everyone looks at you like you're crazy? I hate kids because, intentionally or not, their presence is painful for me.

Posted by: Gryphaena Oct 30 2017, 08:09 AM

Oh man, thank you for sharing, LucarioGirl.

It must be frustrating to have a section of the population be painful to you.

Would it help if you bought earplugs, maybe?

I have some that are supposed to decrease decibels by 25 decibels.

The brand is http://www.howardleight.com/

I've worn my earplugs at work and whenever any place I'm in is beginning to stress me out with noise.

It's working for me so far.

Posted by: Beauty Shannon Nov 13 2017, 04:29 AM

I'm glad to see some awareness of this going around, I struggle with it myself.

I was a victim of domestic violence from birth until I was about 15 and it left me with some pretty bad emotional scars that I kept pretending didn't exist until the symptoms got nasty. I've always struggled with depression (not in the sadness of life sense, more of a laziness and procrastinating form) and severe anxiety because of it but I started to have pseudo seizures from the anxiety so I finally had to see a doctor.

I have a service dog who I bought and raised as a puppy who responds to my seizures, performs various odd tasks to help with my disability symptoms (blocking strangers from bumping me, guiding me to my car when I forget where I parked, reminding me to take pills etc) and he helps my anxiety by just being there as well.

Another symptom of mine is always feeling the need to justify myself, so although I'm glad that he's here to help me live my life easier, sometimes I also want to just leave him home because I don't like admitting to strangers that I have "anxiety" because it's a word so commonly thrown around and used. Everyone has "anxiety" today, so the people who are just stressed out have no idea what it's really like to have heart palpitations, ice cold blood and the feeling your stomach gets when you're on a roller coaster but at any given moment. They don't understand what it's like to be plagued by so many thoughts and emotions at once that you can't even remember which way you came into the mall or where your car is in a 5 story garage. They don't know what it's like to not be able to hold a conversation on the phone without freezing up and getting more and more petrified the longer you sit in silence because you realize it's awkward and embarrassing but you can't remember what to say or how to talk. I'm sure most people just think I'm being a baby and taking advantage of the system when they hear that I have a service dog for anxiety, but when I'm able to hear and see everything around me but I can't talk or communicate because I'm in my own nightmare of flailing and odd gasping sounds, he's very needed.

Posted by: Gryphaena Nov 13 2017, 01:26 PM

Hello Beauty Shannon, thank you for sharing a slice of your story.

I am glad that there are fellow users here who feel comfortable using this thread and I hope we can all support each other.

Thank you for the picture of you and your service dog as well!

I do not think I have anxiety, although, there was one time when my heart was beating amazingly fast and I didn't know what was going on. Perhaps that was a mini panic attack?

I'm glad that you are receiving some help you need.

Shame on those people that pretend to have a service dog or therapy dog, I think they just help spread suspicion to everyone else who has a documented need for them.

I don't disclose my health conditions to everyone around me either but sometimes I start stimming and I've let classmates that I think will be understanding know.

Posted by: LucarioGirl Dec 1 2017, 10:52 PM

You know, I don't know what's worse; people who lie about needing service dogs, or people who assume that people are lying about needing service dogs, usually out of some stupid old-fashioned belief that service dogs are only for blind people. On one hand, people who lie make things worse for the people like Beauty Shannon with a genuine need. On the other hand, I've heard crazy stories, including one where a woman was dragged out of a store by security because she assumed a disabled person was lying about their dog being a service dog because she wasn't blind and tried to steal the dog from her because she was 'stealing a service dog from a blind person'. They're both awful, and they both hinder people that really need them, but I can't decide which of them is more horrible.

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 3 2017, 08:58 PM

You're right, it is too bad that people pretend their pets are service animals and it is too bad that some people still think service animals are only for blind folks.

Maybe if there was more education and less rascally people in the world.

Posted by: Rallaa Dec 6 2017, 04:54 PM

I don't think I suffer from any mental illness myself.
But my girlfriend's stepdad does. He has visual and auditory hallucinations, with aggression issues to go along with it.

@LucarioGirl, I also dislike kids.
I disliked kids even when I was a kid myself. Not other kids my age, just anyone younger than me.
I think it's cuz when I was in pre-school, they would let the youngest ones out of their play pen to roam around for a bit every day, and the little snots would always come knock my blocks over. Ever since then I've been generally annoyed by anyone younger than myself.

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 11 2017, 09:35 AM

Hello Rallaa, perhaps I should edit my first post and say that people with family members who have a mental illness are welcome to post here as well.

As long as everyone knows that we cannot give any medical or therapeutic help since none of us are certified (or at least I don't think any of us are).

Posted by: MrSmiles Dec 26 2017, 11:03 PM

So it looks like this has been quiet for a few weeks... Hope it's okay if I post here.

I was diagnosed as a high functioning autistic when I was very young. There was much debate on whether I had Aspergers or autism, but it was determined that I fell more on the autistic side of the spectrum. They did say in all honesty that I should be on a different spectrum all together that autism and Aspergers didn't quite explain completely what was wrong with me. Basically I need my own spectrum. I have usual stuff with autism such as anxiety (mainly social) and struggling with eye contact and an attention deficit, but I'm not obsessive and I understand sarcasm and I can pick up on social and emotional cues that others with autism can't. And I have a high IQ. I've had issues with people being ignorant about these things. My first interaction with an ignorant person was actually with one of my first psychologists. You see when I first was getting diagnosed autism wasn't as widely accepted as it is now, and some people, even people with psych degrees, did not believe it was an actual thing. So yeah, not a great experience growing up. I had a lot of issues with my teachers back then. Not because I couldn't keep up, but because of my mild OCPD and not so mild ADHD. I would finish the work before everyone in class, but because the class wasn't really equipped for kids with ADHD I sort of pestered the other kids while they were trying to work. Like rearranged their colored pencils (OCPD aspect) and told them they were solving the problems wrong (because I was smarter than them and mildly combative. I know that sounds rude, but yeah...) It wasn't till fifth grade that I actually was in a class with in classroom library. So when I finished my work, I went and read and that actually kept me from causing "mischief". It was actually one of my first teachers who had called my mom basically telling her that something was wrong with me that started the process of me getting diagnosed. And here is something that really ticks me off that ignorant people do, using stereotypes and completely mixing up specific disabilities. Down Syndrome is not autism. Autism has nothing to due with chromosomes. In fact it still isn't quite clear what causes autism because there are so many outside causes and there are people who get it later in life who were not born with it. I wasn't born with it either. Sorry mild rant. I also hate it when people use the word "retard" and think it is politically correct. It is not. In fact it is an extremely offensive slur and should not be used.

I really feel that because of what happened to me is part of why I ended up with depression in 8th grade. I was actually suicidal and admitted into a hospital for awhile. I'm not suicidal anymore, but I still have depression. That's not going to change. I just did not have such a great childhood.

In regards to medication, I stopped taking my antidepressants and ADHD meds after high school because they were making me sick and I didn't feel I needed them so much anymore. I also read that my antidepressant had high levels of fluoride in it and some people had to have their stomachs pumped because of fluoride poisoning while on it. Also there where some other side effects that I was not comfortable with. If I do feel like I need help, I take natural supplements now. Same effect minus all the chemicals being put in my body.

So that's it mostly.

Posted by: Gryphaena Dec 27 2017, 01:43 AM

Hello MrSmiles, welcome to my thread!

I think it's interesting how so many disorders come with other ones as well.

It's interesting that you use natural supplements instead of prescribed medication, but if that works for you, who am I to judge?

I'm glad that you're not suicidal anymore.

Posted by: MrSmiles Dec 27 2017, 10:22 PM

Thanks.

Yeah, autism really is one of those "compound" disabilities that have all these other things mixed in. It can be frustrating sometimes though having all these things bunched together in one disability. Sometimes I wish I could pick and choose. Like "I don't want to be anxious today. *turns anxiety off with a flip of a switch*" Things would be so much easier. Sadly life is not like that. And recently I feel like I might have mild agoraphobia. I haven't ever been officially diagnosed, but it feels like my social anxiety is getting worse in certain cases to the point where I don't think it can actually be considered as just social anxiety. Just wish I didn't feel this way most of the time.

You can get natural supplements prescribed, but most have over the counter version also that are cheaper. I usually talk to my Psychologist about ones they'd recommend for depression. I just really can't handle all the things found in most medications. They always make me feel bad physically.

Sorry, I read through some of the earlier posts, but aren't Seeing Eye Dogs and service dogs a little different? They receive similar training of course, but one is better equipped for someone who is blind. I always viewed them as two separate things. Service dogs had a wider range of jobs while Seeing Eye dogs were strictly for the blind. Or do they lump them both in the same category now? Or is it just people being ignorant again? I don't know. I also know that dogs are better equipped for people with physical disabilities because they are larger so it really isn't just blind people who would need service dogs... I met this vet once in Half Price Books. He had received some damage to his spine during his service and he couldn't walk that well after the damage. He had a large service dog to help him walk. She was quipped with this harness that had this handle like a walker has (don't know a better way to describe it) so he could hold onto it and lean on her so he could stand and walk. Also if he fell and couldn't get up she was trained to call for help.
There is also a wider variety of service animals other than dogs such as service felines and service monkeys. Cats also have been considered helpful for the blind because of their slightly pushy nature. Have you seen the video of the cat leading the blind dog?
Regarding people using their pets as fake service animals, real service animals actually have badges and special IDs to go on their vests. Each vest also is a different color and usually says if they are in training or finished their training. I actually know people who train service animals and the little trainees always have their trainee vests on and their badges attached to them. I just find it odd that someone would mix a fake service animal for a real one because of this. It also makes it kind of hard to lie about having a service animal because service animals who are on duty must have their vest and ID on or at least their ID in the case of service cats. Not all service cats have vests. Most service cats have special carriers though with a slot for their IDs. It is troublesome that people are trying to lie about having a service animal. People also need to stop making such a fuss about people having service animals. There is this video of a lady who decided to harass a veteran about his service dog being in a restaurant. She kept ranting about how it was unsanitary and how he shouldn't bring "disgusting" animals into a place where you eat food. It really is awful how people treat other who just need a little extra help.
And a little off topic and more of a ramble, my anxiety actually is bad enough that I qualify for a service animal.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jun 8 2018, 04:08 PM

How is everyone else doing?

My dosage of medication was raised, I think I've adjusted to it.

I think I'm in a stable state of mind now.

2018 started with a grief train for me.

Family and friends died in the first three months of the year.

I was crying so much that I thought I'd go numb.

Writing really helped.

Along with talking to my therapist.

Man, I don't know what would have happened if I didn't have her.

Posted by: lonelyTroubadour Jun 20 2018, 03:53 PM

I have anxiety disorder. It makes doing things that are simple like crossing the street and ordering food in-person hard for me. I manage through various coping techniques but not all of them are healthy. I'm trying this year to break the unhealthy traits of mine and to improve my condition. However, for the most part, my life is good.

Posted by: Gryphaena Jun 20 2018, 04:14 PM

Hello lonelyTroubadour, welcome to another of my threads!

I don't know if I have anxiety, but I do know that I have very little confidence in my own decision making.

It's great that you have goals to better yourself.

I hope we all can have goals that give us a purpose to strive for.

Posted by: lonelyTroubadour Jun 20 2018, 06:15 PM

Haha, we seem to be running into each other a lot. Goals are good when combating the effects of mental illness as they keep you on track, not just sitting there suffering. I find that having goals, even small ones, greatly improves my quality of life.

Posted by: Gryphaena Sep 15 2018, 05:08 PM

That's a good point, if one has goals to work towards, then one can feel they have a purpose.

What does everyone do for self-care?

I try to remember to eat and sleep every day along with something fun after I finish school.

I usually listen to music and play games or write.

And bathing. Gotta remember to do that.

Posted by: Almalexia Sep 15 2018, 11:32 PM

i was diagnosed with depression and social anxiety at age 12. i'm 25 now, and some days it feels like it's just been getting worse.

then there's the untreated adhd that keeps me from getting ANYTHING important done.

i've also been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder, but my medication has it under control. sometimes the symptoms rear their ugly heads again but it's nowhere near as awful as it used to be. so there's that, lol

i'm really trying to make things better for myself though. been putting myself out there, looking for jobs and such to face my social anxiety (which has prevented me from getting jobs in the past). i think i'm a lot more comfortable with speaking to strangers now, but i still need my meds beforehand because it can still be very nervewracking for me depending on who it's with.

Posted by: LucarioGirl Sep 16 2018, 02:48 AM

Haven't been here in a while. Nice to see more people feeling comfortable enough to talk about these things. Also, MrSmiles, as a medical student, the last part of your first post made me a little nervous. The big problem with antidepressants is that we have yet to find a way to make them work faster. Even the fastest-acting ones take 2-3 weeks to kick in. This leads to way too many horror stories about people taking antidepressants, feeling uncomfortable with the side-effects, feeling like they aren't working, suddenly stopping taking them, and ending up feeling worse than before. It seems like it worked out for you, which is a huge relief.

To anyone who is in this situation, please NEVER abruptly stop taking the drugs. Consult your doctor, work with them to find something that works for you, and ease into it slowly. We get it; there's no one universal treatment that works for everyone. But these drugs are explicitly made to mess with your head to help you feel better. Always be careful with any kind of medication, but especially antidepressants. They're still not as reliable as we would like them to be.

Posted by: Almalexia Sep 19 2018, 01:54 PM

^ yeah this. i had a manic episode a few years back, decided to stop taking all my medications because i thought i didn't need them and that i was better. HUGE mistake. not only were the withdrawals hell to experience, but i was the most unstable i'd ever been in my life lol.

Posted by: Gryphaena Oct 27 2018, 03:59 PM

Thank you for your input, LucarioGirl.

Oh man, Almalexia, I'm sorry you experienced that.

I once forgot to take my medicine for nine days and the delusions returned. AT COLLEGE.

I was slightly in Strangeland and somewhat not, I realized my thoughts weren't making any sense.

I can't remember what else happened, but I survived.

Posted by: Gryphaena Mar 31 2019, 05:34 PM

So I went into the psychiatric hospital on the 19 of March, 2019 in handcuffs.

Not comfortable at all.

Hadn't been sleeping well for 4 days.

At least I got out the same day, while it was still light.

And the staff there didn't mind that I was autistic, like they did at the other one I went to.

I'm glad for that.

I hope everyone is okay.

Posted by: Gryphaena May 24 2019, 12:24 AM

Here is an article that I felt described my experience with sleep or the lack of it.

Maybe you will be able to relate as well.

https://themighty.com/2017/03/why-mental-physical-illnesses-make-people-tired/

Posted by: space monkey44 Feb 21 2020, 10:51 PM

Hey guys. I've never been diagnosed with a mental illness, but since the 6th grade (I'm in the 12th grade now) I've been in and it of counseling and therapy for a bunch of different things. I tend to experience really strong emotions that mess things up and I'm very forgetful (which is a symptom of many different illnesses but that's obviously not a guarantee).

Anyway, I hope I can still talk in this thread. C:

Posted by: Gryphaena Feb 21 2020, 11:13 PM

I have no problem with you being in here.

I also share being forgetful.

Posted by: virtualpet Feb 29 2020, 08:40 AM

Mimi: Thought I'd pop in here, hey we've never been diagnosed but we're most definitely plural (don't entirely consider it to be a mental illness however, but still relevant) and most definitely have PTSD, and we're probably somewhere in the autism/ADHD/OCD side of things but have no idea how.

We've had a lot of trouble with doctors and therapists in the past, but we're kind of in a weird state where we feel like we'd benefit from getting a diagnosis but have no idea how to go about it. We don't really want to try therapy again because no one around here really seems to know how to handle plurality, especially outside of DID, and it's not worth the risk in our case.

Posted by: Gryphaena Feb 29 2020, 03:26 PM

Hello Mimi, welcome!

It took a bit of time for me to be diagnosed, I hope you can find a good therapist.

Posted by: Gryphaena May 7 2020, 05:33 PM

How's everyone doing with COVID-19 lockdown?

I notice I'm having troubles concentrating & sleeping at night.