Mental Health |OT| Depression & Co.

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I've met a friend of mine again that took precalculus with me at community college. She's really progressing really well for a year at a college I'm in. She has the confidence and determination. She's smart and I wish I had her mentality. We've been talking till the point about what major I that would make me happy. I've been thinking about it, and I don't know. I just want a career to make a lot of money because I want to move out of my parents house and live on my own. I'm just not sure what I'm interested in doing in the future. I can just hear my older brother telling me that I should've thought of a major and researching about it before. There is nothing I love doing than playing video games and watching anime. Those are the things that gets me through life.
 
Yep, all of the people I've contacted are part of a private practice. I've looked into the state's Department of Mental Health program, but I have to admit that I don't entirely understand it.

I've used my university's resources as well, but my medical leave coordinator is requiring that I see somebody off-campus.

They sure don't make it easy to find a clinic, that's for sure. My dad was referred to them after his pacemnaker operation (heart patients can develop depression) and then he made me an appointment to talk with a counselor.

I'd give the dept of mental health a call for the nearest out patient clinic run by the city/county.
 
Hey guys, I just got prescribed some xanax. I was wondering if you thought it would help for a job interview I have Friday. Interviews in the past that I have I would get so nervous that after preparing for days for an interview, I would be rendered speechless once I got to the interview. Like words just would not come out of my mouth. It was so bad. The last interview I had I took an adderall but that didn't really help with nerves. I'm hoping this xanax will help but I'm not yet sure on what it does for sure. It did go a long ways to helping me off my panic attack, along with lorazepam.
Don't mean to beg for an answer here, but can someone help me here? You think it's worth taking for my interview? I just ask since today is my first day on it and all I'm feeling is dead dead tired. Almost dont want to take it for my interview. But if it will go a long way for social anxiety it should be worth taking. I just not sure exactly what it's supposed to do day in day out.
 
Don't mean to beg for an answer here, but can someone help me here? You think it's worth taking for my interview? I just ask since today is my first day on it and all I'm feeling is dead dead tired. Almost dont want to take it for my interview. But if it will go a long way for social anxiety it should be worth taking. I just not sure exactly what it's supposed to do day in day out.

This is probably bad advice, but have you tried coffee with them? Or a caffine tablet? I ask because I've heard that its quite popular to take a stimulant with Xanax: you get the rush without the nervousness.

It's also why they're so addictive.
 
Maybe you guys should move to Los Angeles. The public mental health clinic has been pretty accommodating when it comes to appointments, missed appointments and all that. Yay for living in a liberal as balls city.
Are you offering to accommodate us? :P
Well I know Texas is seriously unsympathetic to mental illnesses...So I know I won't find help here...
Didn't know you were in Texas too.
 
Still odd as most of the literature indicates its use for mania, not depression.

It's in common practice as an add-on to conventional antidepressant therapy. If you have some response to an antidepressant, but it's not complete, one strategy is to augment with lithium. I need to look up the algorithm I learned for switching/augmenting drugs. In any event, it's a fairly common strategy. Augmenting with lithium is one of the approaches I'm ready to try next if the MAOI doesn't do it for me.

Sorry people are feeling shitty. I'll respond more as soon as I finish the OP for my epic pencil thread, dedicated to ClassyPenguin and every other jackhole in the chat who makes fun of my pencils. >:[
 
Corpus Christi area for me. Is Houston really that bad? Surely you have better resources than I do. Or do you not have insurance? I would love to live in Houston compared to here.

I don't live in the downtown areas, I live in the outlying areas around it, but that's about it. I can't drive too far in my condition and only have access to ones in close vicinity...This is under my insurance though and she's not that great...I dunno maybe you'll find luck in Houston, I don't know.
 
It's in common practice as an add-on to conventional antidepressant therapy. If you have some response to an antidepressant, but it's not complete, one strategy is to augment with lithium. I need to look up the algorithm I learned for switching/augmenting drugs. In any event, it's a fairly common strategy. Augmenting with lithium is one of the approaches I'm ready to try next if the MAOI doesn't do it for me.
[

Ah, I've only heard it be given to manic depressives, but cool, I'll look into it a bit more.
 
My neighbor today I spoke to and was telling her how I don't sleep well. She's telling me about sleeping meds and I brought up Ambien. She then asked if I wanted one. I should have said "yes".

I'm not sleeping well and I need to. Also, lately, I've been having strange dreams (strange even for me) and sometimes "bad" dreams, although not nightmares. Another odd thing is I woke up in a panic attack last night, like I felt like I stopped breathing or was going to die.
 
I just discovered Cyclothymia was a thing today and realized I matched with just about every symptom. One day I will be very productive, joyous, sociable, and sometimes I feel like a million bucks. But then the next day (or even within the same day) I will become rather depressed for no apparent reason. Not to the point of suicide or anything, but certainly feeling shitty. That depression goes away and I am back to feeling good to great again. While I really enjoy the ups (mild hypomania?) that come with it, I fear the depression that I know will eventually come.

I was originally diagnosed with depression and tried several SSRIs. None of which did anything for me except making the mood swings worse. Since I lost both my brother and sister to tragic deaths (medical malpractice and heroin overdose) within the span of one year a few years back they seemed pretty sure that is something that could cause depression. I think I wanted to believe I was depressed because it seemed less scary than some of the other mental illnesses out there. But yeah, I really don't think it's purely just depression.

For a while I thought I was Bipolar 2, but the time-span for the switching of moods and a few other aspects weren't matching up. On a recent google search for Bipolar 2 I came across Cyclothymia, which I had never heard of before. Almost everything lined up with what I have been feeling these last four years. I haven't gone to see the doctors at the university yet to get a confirmation, but I am pretty certain it's what I might have. My mom also has the same symptoms as well so that lends further credence since it is apparently something that can run in families.

Anyway, I plan on seeing a councilor in the next couple days and hopefully get some kind of medication to help me out. While the highs feel damn good sometimes, I hate getting jerked around with my emotions. Never posted here before, but I figured I would share what's going on in my head. Thanks.
 
I forgot to mention this before, between 2008-2009, my older brother gave me news that shocked me and my little brother. My friend, who shall remain nameless, died in the hospital. The car flipped over, and he was losing a lot of blood. But in the hospital, when they gave him more blood, his heart stopped. I didn't cry, but I felt sad and in disbelief. He was a good friend to me and my brothers. He's funny too. I enjoyed hanging out with him and going to his birthdays. The reason I mentioned this because whenever I feel stuck with my life, I've always thought of this incident and wished to switch places with him. He would've lived a better life than I. My life now is pretty horrible. I don't know what to do about it. All I can say is, I have nothing to live for. My family, my religion, and my hobbies are what's keeping me a live. But sometimes I hate when my family expects more of me, when I expect less of me.

Edit: nvm, I don't know why I even mentioned this.
 
I can see how you might find it disgusting (and it kind of is) but I'm having trouble comprehending how someone can leave 11 hours before an appointment and still show up 20 minutes late.

The human brain is an incredibly complex system. Lets think like this, If you have to program a machine, is nearly infuriating how you have to tell the machine to do every single thing, there's no "context" or "common sense", every little single thing has to be covered and god help you if there are conflicts with the instructions given. Now, imagine coding the behavior of a full functional human being. We are still miles a head of understanding its complexity.

If something isn't functioning correctly in the brain, we have seen more bizarre cases: people that amputate limbs because the body mapping functions aren't working correctly, people who can't distinguish human faces, people who can't remember things that happened literally seconds ago. Why is this condition so hard to believe? It isn't for me.
 
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That is not the sort of thing I'd use the word disgusting to describe. Does disgusting mean something I don't know? :/
 
That is not the sort of thing I'd use the word disgusting to describe. Does disgusting mean something I don't know? :/

I am disgusted by the poor journalism. How about that?

*it's just a poorly written article on some site about making fun of a man with ADHD in that "oho what kind of disorders will they come up with next?"
 
That is not the sort of thing I'd use the word disgusting to describe. Does disgusting mean something I don't know? :/

I don't get your post. I find disgusting the reactions of our fellow GAFers toward this man story. What about you?
 
I need to learn not to go into self image threads. Especially not read the posts of other girls. "I have this wrong with me, but at least I have this!" I basically have nothing and it makes me feel like jumping in front of a train.
 
Question for people taking SSRIs:

Do you drink alcohol while taking them, and if so, how much and how does it affect you?

I was having a lot of anxiety and panic attacks, and therapy only helped so much, so I finally went on meds for it. Specifically, Zoloft 50mg. However, after a month or so on that, I had to switch because it caused my hands to shake pretty badly. Switched to Lexapro 10mg, but after a few weeks my anxiety was back, and have now been upped to 20mg.

The thing is, I like to enjoy the occasional scotch, and my doc says 1 or 2 drinks isn't going to hurt me. I'd just like to get some thoughts from those that have done this in the past.
 
I need to learn not to go into self image threads. Especially not read the posts of other girls. "I have this wrong with me, but at least I have this!" I basically have nothing and it makes me feel like jumping in front of a train.

Well, a crash is inevitable when seeking external validation. You may not hear what you want, people might misread your intentions, and most importantly, external validations don't mean anything if your inner dialog mistakes people being genuine with not being confrontational or if it gives you a different picture of yourself than what is really there. With body image issues, it is really hard to break that without professional help. Certainly, most of us think of you as quite a beautiful, smart, interesting young woman, but no matter how many times we do say it, it will never be true until you except yourself with whatever flaws you have.

I dunno, I haven't had any sleep and trying to be as coherent as I can.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=76896295&postcount=4173
That book, I do recommend, but that is all I can do as some dude on a message board.

http://www.thehappinesstrap.com/free_resources
 
Got a call for a job to work for a mobile telecommunications company at one of their stores. One problem is it's about an hour away from my place via public transit (it's in another town? I don't know how to explain it.). I'm quite amazed they called me. With my school confusion (I don't know if I'll bother going this year), they gave me a number to call them back so we could work out a schedule. My mom seems totally against me going for the job because of the transit time and "you'll need two bus tickets to go, and two to come back". Advice, GAF? Should I just call them back in like an hour and tell them I'll be going to school, or just forget about school for a year and tell them I can work full-time? I don't know what to do. I don't know what I want to do.
 
Question for people taking SSRIs:

Do you drink alcohol while taking them, and if so, how much and how does it affect you?

I was having a lot of anxiety and panic attacks, and therapy only helped so much, so I finally went on meds for it. Specifically, Zoloft 50mg. However, after a month or so on that, I had to switch because it caused my hands to shake pretty badly. Switched to Lexapro 10mg, but after a few weeks my anxiety was back, and have now been upped to 20mg.

The thing is, I like to enjoy the occasional scotch, and my doc says 1 or 2 drinks isn't going to hurt me. I'd just like to get some thoughts from those that have done this in the past.

One or two won't do any harm going from my own experience (numerous varieties of meds, including lexapro at one stage). You will get tipsy/drunk faster, and if you're like me, over doing it (any more than 3 drinks) will leave you in a foul mood the following day.

Moderation is the key, you can still enjoy a few drinks!
 
Got a call for a job to work for a mobile telecommunications company at one of their stores. One problem is it's about an hour away from my place via public transit (it's in another town? I don't know how to explain it.). I'm quite amazed they called me. With my school confusion (I don't know if I'll bother going this year), they gave me a number to call them back so we could work out a schedule. My mom seems totally against me going for the job because of the transit time and "you'll need two bus tickets to go, and two to come back". Advice, GAF? Should I just call them back in like an hour and tell them I'll be going to school, or just forget about school for a year and tell them I can work full-time? I don't know what to do. I don't know what I want to do.

Take the job, find a room to rent in this other town and move there. Do that for a year, this will give you time to grow and find yourself. It will also give you space away from your abusive parents which will help the process. You'll then be in a good position to decide where to take your future.
 
Take the job, find a room to rent in this other town and move there. Do that for a year, this will give you time to grow and find yourself. It will also give you space away from your abusive parents which will help the process. You'll then be in a good position to decide where to take your future.

Thing is, by car, it takes only 15 minutes to get to the other town from where I live, and I have family living there. I wouldn't really be getting away at all.
 
I'm quite sure I'm not going to make it through this semester...
I have 6 classes, 3 I'm immensely worried about...
But worse off I can't even concentrate at all and keep going into massive panic attacks over everything.
*sigh*
Even when I try to relax it does no good...
I'm tired....
 
Being able to be on your own, even it's a few minutes away, is huge. You'll be amazed at how much you take for granted at home. It'll get your mind off things
 
Just living on your own will make the difference. I assume you've been living under your parents your whole life? Having your own home, keeping things clean, cooking your own food, doing your own shopping etc that will give you independence for the first time. It's not as independent as moving to another country, but that doesn't matter. Crossing the line into being independent is the most important element.

It's a shift away from having to come home to your parents everyday and living by their standards. You'll be able to come to your new home and live by your standards. This will filter through to your worldview and you'll start to live by your standards and look at things by your standards. In other words, you actually become an adult.
 
I'm quite sure I'm not going to make it through this semester...
I have 6 classes, 3 I'm immensely worried about...
But worse off I can't even concentrate at all and keep going into massive panic attacks over everything.
*sigh*
Even when I try to relax it does no good...
I'm tired....

:(

See a psychiatrist ooms, no matter how far you may have to go for a referral or public health one. Definitely worth a day of travel.
 
I need to learn not to go into self image threads. Especially not read the posts of other girls. "I have this wrong with me, but at least I have this!" I basically have nothing and it makes me feel like jumping in front of a train.

If you are talking about looks, I think all of depgaf can testify you look really good.

Also you beaten cancer. Which makes you awesome.
 
Question for people taking SSRIs:

Do you drink alcohol while taking them, and if so, how much and how does it affect you?

I was having a lot of anxiety and panic attacks, and therapy only helped so much, so I finally went on meds for it. Specifically, Zoloft 50mg. However, after a month or so on that, I had to switch because it caused my hands to shake pretty badly. Switched to Lexapro 10mg, but after a few weeks my anxiety was back, and have now been upped to 20mg.

The thing is, I like to enjoy the occasional scotch, and my doc says 1 or 2 drinks isn't going to hurt me. I'd just like to get some thoughts from those that have done this in the past.
My doctor told me not to consume alcohol while on meds. The pill bottle says not to consume alcohol while on meds. So, my educated guess is that I really shouldn't be drinking alcohol while on meds.

Which isn't a problem for me. I enjoy craft beers, but my life is not empty without them.
 
I don't get your post. I find disgusting the reactions of our fellow GAFers toward this man story. What about you?

I'm sorry, I read the OP but not people's reactions. I thought you meant the topic was disgusting. Ignore me, I've been out in the sun too much today. o_o
 
I'm quite sure I'm not going to make it through this semester...
I have 6 classes, 3 I'm immensely worried about...
But worse off I can't even concentrate at all and keep going into massive panic attacks over everything.
*sigh*
Even when I try to relax it does no good...
I'm tired....
This upcoming semester (which starts next week for me) will be my first semester since the spring of 2010 that I will be going full time. I'm a tad worried.
I need to learn not to go into self image threads. Especially not read the posts of other girls. "I have this wrong with me, but at least I have this!" I basically have nothing and it makes me feel like jumping in front of a train.
I know this won't make much of a difference, but you're attractive damn it! (Hearing that probably makes you feel worse.)
 
I know this won't make much of a difference, but you're attractive damn it! (Hearing that probably makes you feel worse.)

She is, and combined with Batman that places her comfortably in the upper quartile of people. But as is often the case, merely pointing out some truth doesn't change somebody's self image. Fuckin' brains, man. It's taken me years to internalize the fact that I don't look like a Frankeinstein-esque monstrosity.
 
I'm in Boston though. I feel like this shouldn't be an issue. I don't understand how these people ever launched a business to begin with.

I'm in Boston too (well Cambridge), you'd think there'd be some decent mental health facilities here. If I find anyone that doesn't suck I'll name drop the place itt...
 
Got a call for a job to work for a mobile telecommunications company at one of their stores. One problem is it's about an hour away from my place via public transit (it's in another town? I don't know how to explain it.). I'm quite amazed they called me. With my school confusion (I don't know if I'll bother going this year), they gave me a number to call them back so we could work out a schedule. My mom seems totally against me going for the job because of the transit time and "you'll need two bus tickets to go, and two to come back". Advice, GAF? Should I just call them back in like an hour and tell them I'll be going to school, or just forget about school for a year and tell them I can work full-time? I don't know what to do. I don't know what I want to do.

Does the 1 hour include waiting for the bus/subway? If it does then that's not that bad at all. My buddy works for a Rogers store and all he does all day is watch youtube, really easy job. You can also make pretty good money with activations. If you're still undecided about what to do, give them a call and let them know you need a couple of days to decide. I'm sure they would be more than willing to give you time to decide.
 
Does the 1 hour include waiting for the bus/subway? If it does then that's not that bad at all. My buddy works for a Rogers store and all he does all day is watch youtube, really easy job. You can also make pretty good money with activations. If you're still undecided about what to do, give them a call and let them know you need a couple of days to decide. I'm sure they would be more than willing to give you time to decide.

The 1 hour is if I can manage to get the bus right away (well, using Google Maps and the "depart at" feaure), but with the TTC, you never know. It's not so bad I suppose. If I go through with going to university (York), it would take me an hour and a half to get there. I'm calling them back tomorrow morning to say I'm interested. There's also a job opening for the same position at a store closer to where I live that was posted a few hours ago, so I'm hoping I may be able to talk my way into getting into that one (has the same requirements and everything). I feel kind of confident about this since I know about cellphones, and I've been able to persuade people on what kinds of computers/laptops/tablets to buy with little effort.

Great share, love The Smiths. Will now go to bed in a slightly less horrible mood.

Yay! Glad I was able to help with something in this thread for once. Now my mood's been lifted a bit. :)
 
Well, a crash is inevitable when seeking external validation. You may not hear what you want, people might misread your intentions, and most importantly, external validations don't mean anything if your inner dialog mistakes people being genuine with not being confrontational or if it gives you a different picture of yourself than what is really there. With body image issues, it is really hard to break that without professional help. Certainly, most of us think of you as quite a beautiful, smart, interesting young woman, but no matter how many times we do say it, it will never be true until you except yourself with whatever flaws you have.
The professional help I've gotten for body issues was having a psychologist recommend me to get a boob job, and then send me to wardrobe and make up stylists that made me cry and want to kill myself.

Accept your flaws here means: accept that you aren't sexy.
 
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