Posts by Nicole Barrett76

Well, I stumbled upon this, so perhaps it might prove useful to her.

The link leads to another site, though I wouldn't call it a true rival to Reddit; it’s a bit of a disorganized mess, so I sincerely hope the moderators won't take offense at my posting the link here.

Please forgive me for that as well, but finding a clear answer to the issue mentioned is proving to be quite difficult.

One of my neighbors is having some trouble with Chrome. It simply refuses to load any websites at all, constantly throwing up errors like "oops, something is wrong with your internet connection." She’s working on a budget laptop running Windows 7 in English, connected via Wi-Fi with a signal strength that ranges from weak to moderate. Interestingly, Internet Explorer seems to work perfectly fine and opens everything she needs without issue.

I went ahead and uninstalled Chrome, then performed a fresh installation for her. Everything appeared to be functioning correctly until she closed the browser; even though the laptop itself remained active, the moment she tried to relaunch Chrome, that same error message about the internet connection popped right back up.

She also ran a scan with Norton antivirus after making sure everything was fully updated, but the software reported that there were absolutely no viruses present.

When I removed Chrome, I opted to use the standard Windows uninstaller. Usually, I prefer using MyUninstaller because it supposedly does a much better job of scrubbing away leftover traces, but this time I stuck to the built-in Windows tool since she mentioned she relies heavily on her browsing history to find sites. I honestly don't understand why she finds it so difficult to just take manual notes in Chrome, but I suppose that is her prerogative.

How can I resolve this issue where not a single webpage will open within Chrome? It certainly isn't a matter of the Wi-Fi signal, given that she uses Chrome constantly, and if it were an actual connectivity issue, Internet Explorer wouldn't be working either.

mistydrifter55 said:Every single time I take this test, I end up with a different combination of ☕🍿
.

I don't bother with any tests at all.

Lawrence Wells said:I totally feel you—I’m definitely not assertive either. Honestly, it gets to the point where I actually feel embarrassed just trying to advocate for myself at a normal level—which, let's be real, is pretty much essential if you want to survive this absolute dumpster fire of a job market. It's tough to say exactly what you should do, but there's a ton of great NLP literature out there—maybe give that a look.

Shouldn't we prioritize mastering basic assertiveness before attempting more sophisticated negotiation tactics? To my mind, NLP feels somewhat superficial.

If nothing else, assertiveness ensures that our spoken desires and needs actually align with our body language. Is it not counterproductive to declare a wish with a firm tone while our bodies betray us, slouching inward because we secretly doubt our own ability to achieve what we say?

Beyond just mastering assertiveness and negotiation tactics, you really ought to focus on low-cost promotion and self-branding strategies. I am specifically referring to cold calling, social media marketing and blogging alongside those fundamental presentation skills—which, if you ask me, is where you should start. Is it truly realistic to expect an immediate, massive following of people ready to flock to a lecture hall just to watch a polished PowerPoint? Probably not. But still, acquiring even a small amount of that expertise would be wise.

David Mendoza4 said:I’ve been struggling for a really long time now with, I guess you could say, just not quite finding my footing in the professional world.
Basically, I’ve always been the type to stay in the background—super sensitive, maybe a little too much, but definitely a hard worker who was a total straight-A student back in school.
Then, after graduating from college, everything just kind of hit a wall, which honestly happens to everyone starting out, but it felt like such a disaster when I couldn't find anything in my actual field.
So, I ended up taking these random jobs that had nothing to do with my degree, but the real kicker was that I wasn't even doing great at them, which left me feeling pretty worthless most of the time because that constant insecurity just follows you everywhere.
Finally, after five years of jumping around, I landed a permanent gig, but even though there are some good things about it, I still can't shake this feeling that I'm just stuck where I am.
I’ve toyed with the idea of using my savings to start my own thing, but whenever I think about how brutal it is to actually succeed at anything, I just lose all my motivation.
Given how I'm wired, I honestly have zero clue what kind of career would actually suit me.
The thing is, I almost never speak up for myself; I just put my head down, do the work, and stay out of the office drama, but I'm not exactly the creative type either.
It feels like being assertive, having a super positive vibe, being an extrovert, or even being a little pushy are the only traits people actually care about if you want to be successful in life or anything else, really.

Is that nest egg substantial enough to allow you to live independently while spending your days reading psychology books? And I don't mean those superficial self-help guides, but rather actual academic literature?

If the answer is yes, then I believe the most prudent investment would be to devote six months to studying that material for five or six hours every single day—specifically focusing on a significant portion of it on assertiveness.

One can never truly predict which specific skill sets will prove indispensable in the American corporate landscape unless one possesses a crystal-clear vision of exactly what they intend to do. For instance, what if you spend immense energy mastering complex design software, convinced it is the key to success, only to realize later that your time should have been spent gaining a deep mastery of Excel or some other essential tool?

Of course, my advice carries little weight, as I myself haven't quite conquered the business world. However, consider this from another angle: people spend staggering amounts of money on private psychologists and various "professionals" just to have someone listen to them. Why would anyone pay fifty dollars an hour to a supposed "expert" when they could simply buy a book for $67 (not to mention the possibility of finding it online), dedicate themselves to it, and ultimately become far more capable of helping themselves?

The business climate here in the States is so unfavorable that, in my humble opinion, if you are considering entrepreneurship, it might be better to act as a sales representative within an existing corporation—working for commission while letting the employer handle all the tedious paperwork. The regulatory hurdles to starting a private firm are incredibly daunting; frankly, my stomach turns just thinking about the endless compliance requirements small business owners face.

Furthermore, I fail to see why there is such a frantic rush for every single person entering the workforce to launch their own company. It feels like millions of Americans trying to start millions of different businesses. Isn't that somewhat illogical???

Carol Barrett2 said:The North America. Honestly, it’s the exact same story over here in the States—only here, actually pulling a string or making something happen feels like mission impossible. Especially if you don't have the right connections.

Could it be that things are more difficult because your region suffered such devastating destruction during the war, losing far more of its working-age male population and seeing much larger waves of displacement than we saw in America?

Though, I suppose our own economy isn't exactly anything to write home about either.

I am curious to know how the presence of children affects those of you living with schizophrenia. I am specifically referring to the preschool age group up until about ten years old.

Since stress typically exacerbates any symptom—whether physical or mental—and since working with children is inherently stressful, logic would suggest that their presence might worsen your condition.

However, schizophrenia operates on its own unique internal logic, so it does not necessarily follow that symptoms must worsen when they are around. On the other hand, I have observed that people dealing with this condition often prefer interacting with tasks or objects rather than with people.

I recently took on the role of an auntie-babysitter for my two young nephews. When I watch just one of them, everything goes smoothly. But I cannot simply watch one at a time; half the time I am watching both simultaneously, and the other half I watch one while the other is still in school and the one I am watching hasn't started yet.

When I have both of them together, it isn't just twice as difficult—it feels ten times harder! One will be staring intently at the TV while the other is focused on Max’s heavy machinery videos. They can never seem to agree on whose turn it is to watch what. They share a single smartphone and a laptop, but nobody wants to watch clips on the phone because the screen is smaller than the laptop. Before you know it, there is a massive argument, shouting, and even fighting. Then, for instance, I’ll bring them water in two plastic cups, making sure I don't favor one over the other. Heaven forbid and may the Holy Spirit protect me from accidentally bringing a blue cup for one and a green, pink, or orange one for the other! To them, drinking from such a cup is absolutely revolting; they think only little girls drink from colors like that, and they consider themselves tough boys.

Then again, perhaps even if babysitting is stressful, children might actually have a positive impact on you. It is much easier to convince a younger child of certain things. A little kid won't call you paranoid if you try to explain that not everyone in the world is kind, calm, or helpful. They are far more willing to believe in fairy tales, and for those of us with active imaginations, that might actually be a benefit.

So, I ask you: how does looking after small children affect you, especially if you find yourself stuck babysitting for more than two hours at a time?

Jose Ward4 said:By the way, I work for an international corporation, which is exactly why my paycheck is so substantial. They actually value their employees—it’s a completely different world compared to how things work here in the States. They pay me a fair wage because they know if they didn't meet my asking price, I’d just pack up and head straight to a competitor. I just wanted to put that out there. Also, why don't you consider starting your own woodcutting business if you have the chance? Or at least, if the circumstances allow for it. You could simply aim to provide better service than the current guy or maybe undercut his pricing just a little bit. You've got to get creative with it.

The fundamental issue lies in the fact that I truly cannot do it, for I lack physical strength. While I might manage to move a heavy wardrobe or a desk, I can only endure strenuous labor for maybe half an hour, perhaps even an hour at most. After that, I am utterly spent and require a full hour of rest just to sit or lie down.

When I was laid off, I told myself, "Alright, Nicole Barrett76, you were working for peanuts at some local port." So, I thought I would attempt to overcome my illness and take whatever job was available just to provide for myself. I worked a single day, only to find that my back ached so intensely for the following two days that I could barely move. My employer was not satisfied with my performance at all; other workers had to cover my quota, and eventually, an angry employer handed me my final pay and told me not to bother showing up again.

As for this man with the tractor, he can work like an ox; despite needing shorter breaks, he still manages to cut twenty cubic meters of logs in an eight-hour shift.

That is the crux of the matter!!! How on earth did he manage to secure a $1,250 payout, or according to the latest figures, $500?????????? Surely there must exist some reliable tests of strength and endurance that a doctor can administer which yield measurable results? Should we not have three doctors conduct such tests, so that if two agree on a person's capability, the matter is settled once and for all? I genuinely do not understand how he was granted such disability status, as that should be reserved for multiple physical impairments. He suffers from stomach issues—and perhaps neurological ones too, though everyone seems to claim PTSD these days—but I am the one dealing with vision problems, endocrine issues, brittle bones, and a total lack of physical strength.

Jose Ward4 said:I have to disagree there. I am one hundred percent certain you can hold down a full-time job even if you've retired. I’m just not sure if there’s a legal distinction between disability benefits and standard retirement when it comes to working. Honestly? If it were up to me, I wouldn't work. Why take the hard road when there's an easier path available? Why make life harder than it needs to be? If I were pulling in $10,000 or even $5,000 a month in retirement, I probably wouldn't be looking for a job either. That money would hit my account every month and I wouldn't give it a second thought. I think most people feel the exact same way, which is why nobody wants to give up those benefits. Why go to work if you don't have to? Man, if I could pull that off, I’d be the happiest person alive, and I truly wouldn't care what anyone else thinks. That’s just how I see it.

Because such a lifestyle ultimately leads nowhere, does it not? It offers no fulfillment in this life, nor would it provide any spiritual merit in the next. This is not to say I wouldn't gladly accept a Social Security check or even a massive windfall of fifty thousand dollars, but could I truly sit idle with such wealth? I think not. Instead, I would dedicate myself to completing a psychology certification—perhaps an intensive program equivalent to a year of college coursework—so that I might spend three or four hours every day offering free assistance through group therapy sessions or similar mentorship programs for our youth.

Harold Anderson3 said:Aha.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think your friend is just looking for an easy way out; pretending to have PTSD just to secure a pension feels... well, a bit cowardly, if you ask me.
I've been dealing with schizophrenia since 2009, and I fought tooth and nail to finish my degree, though I didn't quite make it, and now I'm working a demanding physical job for $1767. I could have easily applied for disability benefits, but I chose not to. Partly because the money isn't enough to live a decent life—maybe not enough to live at all, really—but mostly because I refuse to let my illness define me; I'm still young, and I don't want my whole existence to be swallowed up by a disability check.
But then again, it seems like this country allows just about anything to slide.

Back in late 2006—about two and a half years after I’d been laid off and was feeling absolutely exhausted and bitter toward the entire world—I finally made an appointment with my psychiatrist to get some sleep medication because I simply couldn't rest. While I was sitting there in the waiting room, I noticed a man who... Is there any greater mystery than the silence that follows such a question? If one were to finally settle their combat-related PTSD pension and spend those days recovering at a tranquil resort like Popovača, wouldn't life feel somewhat balanced? I recently went in for an extensive evaluation, though my doctor only spared me a mere ten minutes of her time; however, I made sure to state immediately that my disability has been severe since before I turned eighteen. I shared how I attended specialized training, worked hard, and was ultimately terminated from my position after being exploited by an employer—a situation that led to the unfortunate reality that I have struggled to find any meaningful employment since.

When I attempted to wean myself off hypnotics, knowing full well they only offer temporary relief, I transitioned to a herbal sedative instead and informed my doctor of the change. She responded with such blunt, jarring force—essentially telling me that because I had chosen alternative remedies, she could no longer treat me! Why couldn't she have offered a more nuanced perspective? Could she not have said something like, "I don't personally endorse this approach, but I understand your desire to minimize your medication"? After all, surely she knows better than anyone that hypnotics are merely a fleeting fix. Is it not simply too soon? Was it not at least somewhat tolerable until roughly 2008, before this entire crisis descended upon us?

When I finally sat down with my neuropsychiatrist after that previous doctor insisted I continue with hypnotics, I tried to explain that I wanted him to take over my care because his predecessor had been so unreliable... but I couldn't even finish my thought before he cut me off. He snapped at me, almost like a junkie looking for a fix, saying, "Well, you came to me, didn't you?" It turns out that previous doctor was constantly taking medical leave, leaving her patients dumped squarely on his shoulders. Now, I can certainly feel empathy for him—after all, we live in a system built on solidarity—but if anyone can afford to look the other way when things get messy, it’s highly educated professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists. I saw him a few times, but I was left with such a bitter taste in my mouth from our first encounter that I just kept moving. I went to a second doctor, then a third, then a fourth. Finally, I found someone who is truly composed; she actually listens to her patients for twenty-five or thirty minutes, rather than rushing them through in ten like that neurotic neuropsychiatrist or the one who was always out on leave fixing military pensions under the table.

Harold Anderson3 Asks one:
Since I was diagnosed with schizophrenia back in 2009, I have poured every ounce of my soul into trying to complete my university degree, yet despite my most fervent efforts, I simply could not cross that finish line. Now, I find myself laboring in a grueling physical role just to get by—is it not a heavy burden to carry when your mind fights against your ambitions? $1767I could have opted for disability benefits, but I simply refused to go down that path. First and foremost, because let’s be honest—is that amount of money even enough to sustain a decent standard of living? Perhaps it isn't even worth pursuing for any kind of meaningful existence at all. Furthermore, I have absolutely no intention of surrendering myself to this illness; am I not still in the prime of my youth, and do I not deserve a life that isn't defined by disability?
It is abundantly clear to me that this nation permits just about anything under the sun.

Regarding that bolded point... I wouldn't just say it’s unlikely, I am certain it isn't nearly enough to sustain a decent quality of life. For instance, suppose I wanted to purchase high-end dietary supplements specifically formulated to slow down degenerative eye conditions? If we are talking about a regimen containing beta carotene, zinc, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, pure natural Vitamin A—which is vital since those of us dealing with hypothyroidism struggle to convert beta carotene into active Vitamin A—plus Vitamin E, Omega-3, and selenium... there is simply no way you're getting that for less than 300-$117.

And where can one even find a high-quality multivitamin with robust B-vitamin dosages, or perhaps something to support thyroid health so I'm not entirely reliant on synthetic hormones? It truly is an overwhelming headache.

People are out here collecting disability checks and veteran benefits just so they can moonlight at various jobs without paying a single cent in taxes to the government. Just yesterday, I heard about someone receiving $500 disability payments who owns a tractor and a heavy-duty wood splitter, making a killing cutting wood for neighbors all over the countryside. He charges top dollar and can process twenty cords of wood a day while still drawing his full disability check! How can anyone live with themselves like that?

In the end, it leaves nothing but crumbs for those of us who are genuinely struggling, instead of providing an income that might actually reach, say, 60 percent of the minimum wage—assuming the federal minimum wage isn't sitting below $1500.

bluejackal2 said:It’s honestly such a mind-f*** dealing with this illness because my intelligence stays completely intact regardless of what’s happening physically. It's like, if you take that away from me too, then everyone can finally see that something is actually wrong, instead of people just assuming I'm perfectly fine because they see I'm sharper than most of them.

Believe me when I say that life is infinitely, vastly more beautiful when one possesses intelligence than when they do not. Unfortunately for me, mine sits somewhere around the 90 or 95 mark—just slightly below the national average. I attempt to mask this deficiency through extensive reading and a decent level of education.

But isn't it true that to truly survive in this brutal, predatory world, one requires an IQ of at least 110?

Harold Anderson3 said:It’s tough for everyone dealing with mental health struggles, but I really feel like schizophrenia is one of the most complicated disorders out there. It just pulls in so many different symptoms—both positive and negative—ranging from mania and depression all the way to intense anxiety.

I would argue that Borderline Personality Disorder is actually the more complex challenge. While its symptoms might not be as explosive or overt as those seen in schizophrenia, does its profound difficulty to identify and diagnose not make it even more complicated?

After all, can we truly provide effective treatment without first establishing an absolutely precise diagnosis?

Carol Barrett2 said:So, my old lady was at the social services office today talking about me—well, more like talking *around* me. She was actually there about some other business entirely. They told her I could basically move into a shelter if I wanted to. Honestly? I might take them up on it, since my life is currently a total dumpster fire. Between the health issues and everything else piling up, it’s a mess. My mom didn't want to start the paperwork for my benefits yet, though, because we've got this massive situation going on right now and she wouldn't have anyone to help me chase down all the red tape—she isn't doing too great herself lately.

Zero sense of direction.

It appears Njusice might be facing an extended stay in the hospital. Perhaps her phone was confiscated, maybe she’s short on cash for data, or perhaps she simply lacks the will—or even the capacity—to engage with digital communication.

Does this artificial intelligence-driven virtual reality not have the power to pull even those of us who consider ourselves mentally "stable" right into the depths of paranoia?

Have any of you ever considered experimenting with high-dose B-complex vitamins as a way to manage your condition and perhaps lessen the reliance on antipsychotics?

If you haven't truly explored this possibility, might it not be worth a serious contemplation, even if it means allocating a small portion of your modest income toward high-potency B-vitamin tablets or capsules?

If you simply search Google for filetype:pdf "Niacin" "Schizophrenia", you will discover a vast wealth of PDF documents regarding this subject; indeed, several consist of over thirty pages filled with rigorous scientific analyses.

In my own efforts to address thyroid issues and slow the decline of my vision, I relied heavily on B100 vitamins whenever they were available at local pharmacies. Nowadays, one can primarily find them through online retailers, with iHerb being the most reliable option. There is a certain domestic website that sells an incredibly overpriced B100 supplement, but I shall refrain from promoting it. You would be far better served by purchasing the Now Foods B100 formula. It contains 100mg each of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine, along with significant amounts of biotin, folic acid, and cobalamin.

I previously utilized the B100 preparation from Natural Wealtha, though they seem to have discontinued it; however, I felt a profound surge of vitality after consuming just two 100mg B-complex tablets.

Jamie Lewis said:I honestly think one of the people you live with is pulling this on you, or maybe your own mind is just playing tricks . If I were in your shoes, I’d set up a camera right now just to get some actual proof of what's happening. Once you uncover the truth, those fears will lose their grip, you'll start thinking more logically, and that clarity will give you the strength you need to deal with your condition.
Let's be real here—why don't our things go missing? Why aren't we seeing ghosts or aliens messing with us? It's because we don't have schizophrenia. At the end of the day, everything is happening inside your head.

As for myself, I spent my afternoon interacting with three Aliens today, and no, I certainly do not have schizophrenia. I offered them plenty of roasted corn, and in exchange, they provided me with unrepeatable ball treats. That is the name of their famous confection known throughout the neighboring Solar System, precisely because every single sweet is an unrepeatable ball. Not one single sphere ever possesses the exact same flavor twice.

Just imagine: you enjoy a ball with the flavor of orange and crave another just like it, but alas, it is impossible! The flavor of every single piece is entirely unique and an unrepeatable ball, plain and simple.

@Angela Stewart6... Is suicide not a sin that varies deeply depending on the circumstances surrounding such a tragic choice? Is there truly no distinction between leaving behind a final note that places the blame for one's death upon specific individuals, or perhaps choosing to leave no word at all, leaving loved ones to wander in a fog of guilt and uncertainty? And what of the soul who leaves a letter insisting that those remaining are blameless, even going so far as to beg for forgiveness for the immense pain their departure will inevitably cause?

Harold Anderson3 said:Psychotherapy can definitely be helpful, but in a case like this, medication is really the key factor in helping someone function effectively at work and in their daily life. I personally go in once a month to see my doctor, and it’s much more than just getting a prescription refilled; we spend an hour or so just talking, for as long as it needs to take. It’s what I consider a mix of a check-up and supportive therapy. At least, that’s how things work with my doctor in Washington, D.C. If you head out to the rural parts of the country, it's a completely different story, because if we're looking at the whole US, the mental health care in Washington, D.C. is really the best you're going to find. Sadly, it is what it is...

Indeed, Harold. Much like yourself, I have experienced both the charms of Washington, D.C. and life in the Midwest, and the disparity in psychotherapy between the Midwest and D.C. is truly night and day.

In small towns, everything is stagnant and everyone knows everyone else's business, whereas in Washington, D.C., professionals from every field must compete fiercely just to stay in the capital rather than being reassigned to some remote province, because none of them have any desire to be sent away to the sticks.

Unknown, if only I could experience just three consecutive days feeling like Napoleon.

I have no desire to be Jesus.

Carol Barrett2 said:So, anyway, the folks over at the FDA basically told me I should just let the diagnoses fly—you know, just let them happen—so that I can actually get some legitimate coverage and start receiving benefits.

Wouldn't it be only fair if those doctors actually told you: "Look, these specific diagnoses are legitimate, while those others over there are strictly for the paperwork and the checks"?

Another danger of padding these diagnoses is that they might declare you a totally disabled invalid, and once that happens, how on earth are you supposed to find part-time work?

Social security crumbs, no matter how substantial they may seem to you right now, simply aren't enough. Social security plus a four-hour job and a paycheck would finally amount to some kind of decent living.

I look at my own situation. I receive $417 disability benefits. It isn't that I have a mental illness; rather, I can only see ten percent to the right and two percent to the left in my eye, plus I deal with other health issues. That money would be sufficient to support my parents and my extended family, so I wouldn't have to hand over most of it to my mom for groceries and utilities. And once you calculate the cost of supplements to stop vision loss—things containing lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, zinc, EPA/DHA fats, and perhaps a few other nutrients beneficial for eyesight—there is no way they could cost less than $40. 62 miles.

And that is just for one single supplement! Where does the money come from for bone health or maintaining the endocrine system, since one cannot rely solely on synthetic hormones?

In this day and age, being sick or handicapped has become quite a luxury.