Posts by Matthew Castillo5

dustypilot11 said:I said the odds were slim, so I’m definitely not putting myself in any optimist category here. But since we've seen mods strip privileges in the past, statistically speaking, there is still a chance. Even if it's a small one.

No, you actually said the chances are slim that someone could prove a moderator is targeting them on a personal level. And honestly, I agree—proving that kind of bias is an uphill battle.

Ethan Brooks59 said:Elizabeth Jackson, do you actually have the nerve to comment on someone who is systematically debunking your claims post after post using actual expertise?
The text comes from some unverified news site, yet you’re presenting it here as if it were hard fact without doing any due diligence. To make matters worse, you’re framing it as something positive and desirable, suggesting it's perfectly fine that she rejected her prescribed medical treatment. You are essentially encouraging anyone reading this—especially those desperate enough to consider abandoning their doctor's orders just to survive—to follow suit and ditch their life-saving regimen for this method instead.

Are you in your right mind, Elizabeth Jackson? I am asking you clearly, loudly, and openly, in front of all the moderators, super-mods, and the admin: how can you comment on something like this so recklessly, without any disclaimer, without verification, and without any actual credentials? (Look, you aren't a doctor, nor are you a world-renowned oncology expert, so you really shouldn't be speaking with this kind of authority).
You talk about helping people? You talk about obstruction? Honestly, if this counts as obstruction, then I’m seriously inviting you to go read the U.S. Penal Code. Maybe you're from Canada, but the Penal Code of the United States is very specific about these things.

Practicing medicine without a license
Article 184.
(1) Anyone who engages in practicing medicine or providing other medical assistance without being properly licensed shall be punished by imprisonment for up to one year.

(2) If the actions described in paragraph 1 result in a significant worsening of an illness or injury to another person, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment from six months to five years.

So go ahead, keep encouraging people to quit their treatments, you hack. 🤦🤦😵😵

How could expressing an opinion (right or wrong) regarding cancer treatment through diet ever be classified as practicing medicine without a license?
Nobody views him (Elizabeth Jackson) as some sort of medical authority or healthcare provider. Even if they did, it would be his own fault if someone actually listened to him and stopped their treatment.

I’ll say it again: I don't agree with moderators playing judge over the accuracy of someone's opinions (or punishing users for having views they disagree with), because time and again, they've proven they aren't up to the task.

dustypilot11 said:Honestly, I wouldn't bother. You can't exactly go around arguing about moderator decisions in other threads anyway.
Even if you actually managed to prove a mod was targeting you personally—which, let's be real, is a massive long shot—they’d just strip them of their mod status.

You're sailing straight into the "optimist" category here.😉

Shout out to whoever decided to ban me, but let’s be clear: this conversation isn't over.

I mean, seriously, what was the actual reason for the ban? Who exactly pulled the trigger on that? And more importantly, is there going to be any accountability for someone abusing moderator powers like that? What steps are being taken to make sure this kind of nonsense doesn't happen again?

Look, don't take this the wrong way, but I’m not letting this go without some answers.

Harold Anderson3 said:Hi there. Just so you know, things tend to change by the hour here.🙂

I don't really put much stock in gods. If I thought otherwise, I'd probably be heading to a priest for therapy instead of a psychiatrist.

The two aren't mutually exclusive at all. A priest handles your spiritual struggles, while a psychiatrist or therapist deals with the mental ones.

redhawk76 said:And yeah, it wouldn't hurt to say: thanks, even if it's a little late🙂!

Hey, no big deal. I'm happy to help out whenever I can.

redhawk76 said:Question: why is it that when I log in, the Retirees PDF shows me nothing but one single thread—Chat—but if I browse as an anonymous guest, I can see all 15ish topics (even if I can't post, obviously)?

It didn't used to be this way; my previous posts in other threads within that PDF prove it wasn't always like this.

I only have partial access to Politics, but everything else should still be open to me, right...?

Edit: Problem solved on my end. I can't delete my own post anymore, only edit it, so could a moderator please just delete this for me?

New edit: actually, it's happening again...🤦 Looks like some technical glitch?

I think it’s just showing you the specific thread that has new activity (which is currently just Chat). Not sure if you accidentally toggled a setting somewhere to filter it that way.

Jessica Morris6 said:I don't have a personal agenda. In a democracy, everyone has the right to speak their mind, but only up to the point where they aren't endangering someone else.
To me, it doesn't matter if you label it "alternative." You can't hide behind a label—whatever that may be—to do things that put people's lives at risk, regardless of whether you call it alternative medicine or anything else...

Let me give you an extreme example. Imagine we were living under a fascist regime; you're a fascist, and I tell you, "You can't kill that Jewish family, it's wrong," and you snap back at me, "Good grief, we're living in a fascist state, where in the laws does it say I can't?"

(and by what law? 🤦 )

I can't recall the exact name of the statute, but there is a law stating that unqualified individuals aren't allowed to provide medical advice to the public.

I already posted this there recently. I believe the alternative/alternative medicine PDF should be a place to gather information on preventative measures for various illnesses, not a place where people claim drinking a certain juice will cure cancer.
You know, stuff like what to drink, what to eat, which diets are garbage... etc. Personally, I might actually look for those kinds of tips there more often if the threads weren't being clogged up by all this other nonsense...

If someone, despite having access to all the facts, decides to try and treat their cancer with fruit juice, shark cartilage, bioenergy, or by visiting Ivo Pavić and praying instead of using actual medical services, that's on them. They own that choice and they deal with the consequences.

Besides, official stances on whether certain foods are "good" or "bad" change all the time anyway. One day lard is the villain, then butter is the enemy, and suddenly margarine is the only way to go—only for them to turn around later and show that margarine might actually be the worst of the three.

In my humble opinion, moderators shouldn't be playing judge and jury over whether someone's opinion is "correct." Their job is to make sure the conversation stays civilized. At the end of the day, people have the right to hold views that others might completely disagree with.

Betty Fowler said:Let's be honest, do you really deserve anything other than being picked on?

Where on earth do you get the idea that anyone deserves to be bullied? 😒

(unless we're talking about the bullies themselves; I'd happily see them get a taste of their own medicine just so they finally understand what helplessness feels like)

Robin Lopez2 said:I’ve never been a believer, even before my first psychosis. When I was a kid, I joined a religious studies class at church just to hang out with the group. Once the class was canceled and I got home, I told my mom that the priest was lying about everything. I never took communion or completed confirmation—and I never will (even Jesus didn't take communion or get confirmed). I went through a religious phase during my first psychotic break, but now that I'm doing better, I've simply returned to being an atheist, which is where I've always stood.

I have been in treatment since 1999 when my first episode occurred. I have worked with three different psychiatrists, and I am currently seeing my fourth. Not one of them has ever suggested psychotherapy for someone in my specific situation, which is why I say what I do.

And honestly, when you are in the middle of a psychosis, what good is therapy? You feel like the master of the universe; you end up trying to give everyone else therapy instead. 😬

Everything's fine, I respect your stance. I am a believer myself, but I don't discriminate based on faith.

Robin Lopez2 said:I’ve never been a believer, even before my first psychosis. When I was a kid, I joined a religious studies class at church just to hang out with the group. Once the class was canceled and I got home, I told my mom that the priest was lying about everything. I never took communion or completed confirmation—and I never will (even Jesus didn't take communion or get confirmed). I went through a religious phase during my first psychotic break, but now that I'm doing better, I've simply returned to being an atheist, which is where I've always stood.

I have been in treatment since 1999 when my first episode occurred. I have worked with three different psychiatrists, and I am currently seeing my fourth. Not one of them has ever suggested psychotherapy for someone in my specific situation, which is why I say what I do.

And honestly, when you are in the middle of a psychosis, what good is therapy? You feel like the master of the universe; you end up trying to give everyone else therapy instead. 😬

I'm assuming you've been seeing psychiatrists through Medicare at a hospital or a community clinic, and those places are usually slammed even without offering therapy. Plus, most of those doctors aren't actually trained psychotherapists—you need extra certification for that. So, it doesn't surprise me one bit that they haven't brought it up. I'm just saying, it might actually be worth looking into if you ever decide you're ready for it.

Robin Lopez2 said:There have been plenty of people who thought they were Jesus, and during my first psychotic episode, I was a "New Age Jesus" destined to die for the sake of humanity, until I realized I was actually invincible. 😬

Right now, I'm running from religion and spirituality as fast as I can, and I feel great. To me, it's all just superstition now, nothing worth mentioning—like how people think a black cat crossing your path means bad luck or how seeing a chimney sweep makes you grab your buttons.

Parts of psychosis can be incredibly beautiful while you're actually in it, but once I come out the other side, those moments seem stupid, and I feel embarrassed by what I was saying back then.

Personally, I think staying on your prescribed medication is way more critical for preventing future psychotic episodes than running away from faith or spirituality. Religion didn't trigger your psychosis; trauma did (likely from the war, if I had to guess).

Also, I have to disagree with your take that psychotherapy is useless for people with schizophrenia. Sure, it’s impossible during an acute phase, but once things stabilize, I truly believe working on yourself through therapy makes a massive difference.

Sam Green73 said:So, what am I missing here? What's the issue?

Are we talking about a general rule, or do we need to report every single post individually?

In principle, the problem is that a handful of people have basically hijacked the Psychic Couch. They've turned it into one giant, endless chat room where they just brag about their sexual conquests and how much they can drink. It's become a total dumping ground. Honestly, it’s going to drive away most of our regulars and any new users who actually come to this subforum looking for real help. They're turning a resource into a landfill.

If you want us to go through and file a report for every individual post, fine—we can do that too.

Nathan Reyes56 said:Bob, I’m requesting a nickname change if there is any way at all to make it happen... heheh

Basically, about 12 years ago—just for the hell of it—I set my handle to Nathan Reyes56 🤦 and it just stuck. So, after 4,380 days, I would really appreciate a name change if it isn't too much trouble. I realize this doesn't strictly follow the rules, but come on—cut me some slack here... hehehehe. If it is feasible, please update my nickname to deltroit

Thanks in advance👍

You could always pick something else, like Shoemaker. Or Paper. Or something along those lines. 😁

ruggedcyclist56 said:Jesus's, seriously, no matter what topic I click on, it somehow spirals into an off-topic mess by page three at the latest 🙄

For crying out loud, can we please just get the institutions in this country to actually do their damn jobs? 🧐

brightwolf48 said:Honestly, you get under my skin across pretty much every thread I follow—and just so we’re clear, I’m not reporting you or complaining to the moderators. It’s simple: just install an AdBlocker on your desktop browser and use the Brave browser on your phone. Then the ads disappear. Is that really too much to ask? You’re acting like a total nuisance, and frankly, it feels a bit destructive to refuse to let others make their own judgments.👍

You don't say?!? 😂

I’ve said it more than once already: I don't see any ads on this site. I have an AdBlocker installed, and when I’m browsing on my iPad or phone via Reddit, the ads aren't showing up there either. So, look, if you’re having trouble actually reading or—more importantly—understanding what’s being said, maybe just don't get snappy with me because you missed something or failed to grasp the point.

Now, when exactly and why did this somehow turn into a thread about me? Am I supposed to expect every single person on Reddit that I happen to annoy to start popping up here one by one just to take their shots? 🤔

Casey Bennett said:Oh, really? And what exactly do you consider "positions of power"? It seems to me you’re mixing up apples and oranges here.
There is only one person holding any actual power, and that's the owner of this Reddit community. If he wanted to be petty, instead of fixing things, he could just set up rotating, flashing advertisements to run all night long. Maybe that's where his head is at, who knows. Personally, I have no idea, and frankly, neither does anyone else occupying those supposed "positions of power."

Those of us who spend every single day here know that the ads are the real issue, and we're all just trying to help other users find ways to deal with them. Whether the owner actually decides to do anything about it is entirely up to him.

On the flip side, some people act like the very individuals trying to assist them are their sworn enemies.
"Just install AdBlock," we say.
And they respond with, "No, because this and that, now make the site work exactly how I want or I'm leaving the forum!!1!"
Give me a break. Honestly, what is there left to say when it's clear nothing is getting through to them?

Then you have people like you—someone who doesn't even see the ads, yet feels this irresistible urge to "improve" the site based on a vision of something they aren't even experiencing. Is it constructive? Not even remotely.

I only mix apples and oranges when I'm making a fruit salad. 😉

In my humble opinion, positions of power include everyone except the owner (Mr. Anderlon) and the admin staff—specifically the Administrator (purple), the Super-Moderators (red), and the Moderators (black). These are the folks who decide who gets to post where and who gets shut down. You might think it's trivial or boring, but for us "regular" users (the blue-gray crowd), they play a pretty significant role.

It would honestly make sense if at least one of those people had some sort of line to the owner, just to pass along the main grievances once in a while (like why a specific thread was started, or how certain aggressive ads are driving people away). Granted, the owner hangs out here himself; he even started a few threads a few months back. He could easily pop into this sub-forum once in a while, though I don't recall him ever actually posting here.

Casey Bennett said:Oh, really? And what exactly do you consider "positions of power"? It seems to me you’re mixing up apples and oranges here.
There is only one person holding any actual power, and that's the owner of this Reddit community. If he wanted to be petty, instead of fixing things, he could just set up rotating, flashing advertisements to run all night long. Maybe that's where his head is at, who knows. Personally, I have no idea, and frankly, neither does anyone else occupying those supposed "positions of power."

Those of us who spend every single day here know that the ads are the real issue, and we're all just trying to help other users find ways to deal with them. Whether the owner actually decides to do anything about it is entirely up to him.

On the flip side, some people act like the very individuals trying to assist them are their sworn enemies.
"Just install AdBlock," we say.
And they respond with, "No, because this and that, now make the site work exactly how I want or I'm leaving the forum!!1!"
Give me a break. Honestly, what is there left to say when it's clear nothing is getting through to them?

Then you have people like you—someone who doesn't even see the ads, yet feels this irresistible urge to "improve" the site based on a vision of something they aren't even experiencing. Is it constructive? Not even remotely.

I know that showing up here constantly probably gets on the nerves of the Admin, most of the moderators, and a good chunk of the user base, but my reasons for posting are never destructive, despite how much people love to label me.

Casey Bennett said:Since those who don't even bother watching the ads feel the need to comment on them, it’s obvious they won't be defending them to the people who actually enjoy them. 😁

Look, I’m not critiquing the ads themselves—I can't even see them, so I have zero clue what kind of junk is popping up on this Reddit thread—I'm pointing out the sheer lack of logic surrounding them. Every single one of my posts here is strictly following the PŽK subforum guidelines: basically, how to make this platform better and more civilized. But honestly? It feels like a waste of breath. It seems to me—and again, this is just my impression, which might be totally off—that the people in charge are actually working to move us in the exact opposite direction.

Sophia Thomas7 said:Because websites run on ad revenue, and they aren't about to kill their profit margins just to make your browsing experience any smoother.

Look, I get that much. It’s obvious. But what I don't get is why the moderators here are actually giving out advice on how to set up AdBlock or similar tools just so we can hide the ads. If that's the case, what's even the point of having ads in the first place?
Are we eventually going to reach a point where they won't let us onto Reddit until we disable our AdBlockers (which is already happening on some sites)?

The ban corner is technically part of the Messages, Complaints, and Comments sub-Reddit, which claims its whole purpose is to figure out "how to make this place better and more civilized." That was my entire goal when I started posting here, regardless of how many people suspected I was just being selfish or trying to stir up drama. If I were to actually repeat what I wrote over there right now, I’d probably get flagged again for reposting deleted content. 😵

I’d really love some clarity on why my thread got nuked from the ban corner yesterday. It was actually put together pretty decently—no insults thrown at anyone, nothing like that—and I honestly felt the questions I was raising were important enough for most people on Reddit to care about.