Taylor Campbell4 said:I don't think there's anything "obvious" here—as in, it isn't just a given that one thing causes another.
Even if we accept that a chemical imbalance is part of a broader treatment plan, they aren't really providing much in terms of actual solutions. I mean, what's the root cause of that imbalance? Is it just random chance?
Right now, we're seeing two different scientific paradigms clashing, and because of that, treatment methods haven't fully evolved to match the newer school of thought. However, a small group of pioneers in this field are far more informed about these nuances than the average person—and even more so than the average professional.
That's a great point—it isn't a coincidence, and it doesn't necessarily have to be physical in nature, either. It could be something non-material. 🙂 And when I say "underlying factors," I'm not talking about family dynamics or home life.
With my husband, I can truly be myself without any filters. How many people actually have that kind of connection in their lives? If I was right about your author, then I'm glad I could help confirm it.
It’s honestly such a struggle because it feels like my mind and soul just won't fully recover. I get so overwhelmed by sadness that I eventually just go numb.
Oh, and I shouldn't forget—Blue Bird is a fantastic novel, though if you ask me, the ending missed the mark.😉
And don't even get me started on how angry I am; I'm so worked up that the stress is practically giving me cellulite.
That is completely true. They don't run my life, because I have the luxury of choice. I tackle about 90% of what I do simply because I want to, leaving only 10% for things I actually have to do. I gained that freedom once I got my degree🙂
But you know what the real tragedy is? If I were to get that degree: without any mental health struggles I’d probably end up acting just like everyone else. Interesting, isn't it? In a way, I feel like I'm staging a quiet protest. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind moving to the USA just to escape this whole mess.
Gregory Young3 said:@ gornabo What actually causes some people or kids to develop diabetes, or why some struggle with stuttering, chronic sore throats, or sinus issues? It comes down to organic disorders or a genetic predisposition. Of course, that isn't the whole story. You need the right circumstances and environmental factors to align as well. It’s that classic mix of genetics, surroundings, and just life in general.
@briskgull27 I personally think realizing that it's an organic issue—a real, tangible medical thing—actually helps you feel better. It means it isn't your fault, and it has nothing to do with your character or personality. For instance, schizophrenia isn't "you." It's something that happens to you; it doesn't mean you're less worthy or weak or any of that nonsense. I can only imagine how overwhelming and unbearable it all feels sometimes. Someone close to me deals with bipolar disorder, depression, severe anxiety, and even a few psychotic episodes. It took about five years to find the right medication through doctors here in the States. Now that they're on a regular regimen, they function normally. I think the struggle is always there, but you eventually learn how to manage it.
I don't want to lecture you or act like I have all the answers. I just want you to be okay. 😘
So, my brother was telling me that since I went from being a perfectly healthy girl to dealing with all this illness from my very first hospital stay until now, he finds it hard to even compare the two stages. He says it’s tough to wrap his head around because my recovery isn't just a straight line; it's more like several overlapping layers happening at once. Because it's such a massive, complex topic, he'd rather not dive too deep into it.🙂 🎉 🙂 🙂 😵 🙂 😂
This is honestly so exhausting. I feel like I could just stop taking my mood stabilizers tomorrow—and let’s be real, they mess with your head quite a bit—so tomorrow, I might just quit them altogether, just to prove to myself that I can conquer this schizophrenia and bipolar disorder within five years. But what if I end up needing them for twenty or thirty years instead?!!!! I'm just not really sure.
I really appreciate all your thoughtful suggestions and ideas.
However, they actually reinforce my point regarding the stigma. There is a 98% chance I'll never fully recover, and I still have about 50 years left to live.
I’ll admit, some people deal with this much more easily than others.
For instance, I shared a hospital room with a teacher who has her own classroom and a lovely little daughter. Has anyone else encountered a situation like that?
Sure, it’s a bit sad, but I’ve actually learned something valuable from them: love yourself first. Do what makes you happy (your career), and remember that you come before anyone else. If you feel that way and others don't, well, goodness gracious! And hey, if you want to believe in aliens, go right ahead. They taught me that being overly attached isn't healthy, which is something I can definitely confirm.
I’ve also met many people struggling with serious physical illnesses, some who were passing away or facing massive health battles, which made me realize that I really don't have to feel like the most unwell person in the room.
I certainly respect modern medicine because it keeps me going, but I think Western medicine is only about a few hundred years old—I don't know the exact number—whereas Indian medicine goes back 5,000 years, and humans have apparently been practicing healing for about 35,000 years.
Dana Brooks3 said:That’s just the other side of things. Dealing with a diagnosis affects you and everyone around you. Just like any diagnosis. I mean, regardless of what they call it, your struggle is still yours.
I think focusing on what it actually is for you—on your own experience—rather than all those shifting clinical definitions, might help.
Forget the numbers, the letters, and what people say (that's an old story, been saying that for 10 years...)😉
But the doctor's opinion matters, because they are responsible for you and your health.😉
If everyone around me would just accept that I am "normal" in my own way, I might actually find the motivation to try. Fitting in with this crowd...
My husband is looking after my grandmother; maybe there really is some divine intervention at play here.
Maybe my only hope is sheer intellect—or if I’m being honest, just pure stubbornness. In the hospital, it’s nothing but medication. It’s honestly a mystery to me how my brain would even function without these drugs. I mean, if I had lived in any other century, I probably would have been a goner!!!!!!!
I’ve actually spent time studying under three different Reiki masters, two bioenergy practitioners, and three holistic healers, so I’ve picked up a few things along the way.
That’s true—there are milder stabilizers out there, but given my schizophrenic tendencies, Lithium is better because it’s more potent. When I’m in a manic phase, I don't feel "dead inside" at all; honestly, I feel incredibly alive! I suppose you could call yourself a psychiatrist if you know all this, but it doesn't really matter.😁 😁 😁 Look, saying I'm neither dead nor alive is accurate, though weight is a factor.😍Right now, I weigh 75 pounds, and I'm 5'5". Since Lithium dosage is heavily dependent on body weight, it makes sense. Six months ago, I was 70 pounds. A year before that, I was b>😁 😁 😁 . After undergoing ECT, I was up to b> pounds. But after going on a diet later that same year in 1998, I dropped to b> pounds. Honestly, though, I couldn't care less about the scale right now. I have two weddings coming up, so maybe I'll just use some shapewear to smooth things out.
The toughest part is that these medications are designed to numb you; without that numbing effect, would I even be here?
I’ve never been much of a rule-follower when it comes to authority figures, to be honest. It really warms my heart that you took the time to read it.😍 😍 😍 😍 Thank God we have the internet to keep us connected. To be completely candid, I sometimes feel like people are just messing with me when they offer their congratulations. I mean, what is there actually to celebrate?🙂 If you want a textbook example of paranoia, look no further.🙄 😲
I suppose it’s just my luck when it comes to my close and extended family. Someone has to be the outlier, right?
If we were living back at the turn of the 20th century, we wouldn't even have access to basic medicine today. It’s truly frightening... For me, the scary part is simply knowing that I’m different, and acting in total alignment with who I am. My friends over in Queens spend half their time wandering the city just like everyone else; you could never tell by looking at them or how they act that they're anything but ordinary.
I can always just tell myself that I’m a complete outsider in America, and I can live perfectly fine with that mindset.
restlesstrucker86 said:Hey there! I just wanted to give some props to our brave briskgull27. I’ve been following all her posts about her illness, and honestly, I’m speechless. Mad respect 🙏 for how you’re handling all this heavy stuff. I guess thank God you have a husband who loves you and has your back through it all. I hope you stay strong and can somehow deal with this whole situation, even though it's anything but easy. Wishing you nothing but the best!!!!
😘
Well, he wasn't sent by God—he was sent by my libido, and vice versa!👍
I wouldn't call myself brave, and honestly, it’s almost funny how much easier the illness seems compared to everything else. I really don't think I have much courage in me. But when you look at psychoses, they span such a wide spectrum—manic depression, schizophrenia, clinical depression, and so much more... Did you know that about 1-2% of the population worldwide deals with schizophrenia? Live long and prosper. 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏