Thanks for the tip, but here's the thing: I tried that exact material two years ago and it absolutely wrecked me. It's interesting seeing how different these methods are. From what I recall, his approach is all about ignoring the symptoms and shifting focus, whereas The dar Response tells you not to fight it, but to lean in and invite it. Use your own judgment. 😵
Basically, Charles Lindbergh argues that you need to overhaul your lifestyle—cut back on substances that trigger anxiety or get rid of them altogether, like caffeine, cigarettes, or whatever else you're using. He provides specific exercises and nine core rules to follow, emphasizing daily discipline. His whole philosophy revolves around introducing regular exercise, focusing on breathing, practicing breathing techniques several times a day, and maintaining proper posture. He claims that when anxiety hits, you can mitigate or even eliminate it through those breathing exercises and by redirecting your attention away from the anxiety toward something else—like concentrating on music, a video, or a conversation. However, if it reaches a point where you can't control it and it spirals into a full panic attack, he suggests you should just let it take over and ride it out until it passes. According to him, that's the only way to truly overcome the state, because a panic attack is temporary; you move past it by accepting that this is what's happening right now, while knowing it won't last forever. Diversion, discipline, and acceptance are the pillars here. And if you ask me, the most important thing is not to exhaust yourself by involving too many other people, because that's often where the most suffering comes from...
dustyseal5 said:When you're fighting anxiety and panic attacks, what tools or techniques—either yours or your therapist's—actually help you find some peace? What worked best for you, how fast did you feel the relief, and what was a total waste of time?
I’m not a big fan of medication, but I’m in a tough spot. I know I need to overhaul my habits and core beliefs, which isn't easy when you're 41. I've been tinkering with different options for about two years now. My biggest hurdle is impatience; if I don't see results immediately, I tend to bail. My issues involve health anxiety, fear of death, and hypochondria (though I avoid doctors because I hate checkups, so I don't even know if my fears are rational). Add hypersensitivity and a generally pessimistic outlook to the mix, and you get my current reality. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve tried...
Hypnosis/CBT—About two years ago, I did a few hypnosis sessions. They helped, but not enough. Now I'm working through CBT; it's only been three weeks, so nothing life-changing has happened yet.
EFT—I see people claiming this works wonders, but I just can't seem to make it a habit, whether it's daily practice or using it during a crisis.
PSTEC—I really like this approach, but much like EFT, I struggle to remember to actually do it. It feels similar to how EMDR operates.
EMDR—I’ve done two sessions with a psychologist using tactile tappers instead of eye movements. I think with enough sessions, this could be a winner.
For a year and a half, I practiced meditation and Wim Hof breathing regularly, which definitely helped my recovery over the last two years. However, since heavy panic attacks hit me hard in the last two months, I stopped practicing because it just doesn't sit right with me anymore.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation—It's a good tool, but I haven't been consistent enough to see any real benefits.
5-4-3-2-1—I use this method whenever a panic attack hits, but honestly, it doesn't do much for me; my focus stays locked on my physical sensations.
The dar Response (Defuse - Allow - Run toward - Engage)—I've been trying this lately to tackle the panic attacks head-on, but I can't say it's a silver bullet.
Positive affirmations and gratitude—I started this a couple of weeks ago. It feels fake, like I'm lying to myself and just talking in circles, but I'm hoping I can eventually trick my brain into believing it.
I'm currently reading a book on autogenic training, so I hope to start that soon; it looks promising.
That's where I'm at for now. 🙂
I deal with anxiety and panic attacks too. If you aren't looking to go the medication route, I highly recommend checking out Charles Lindenov's program. It teaches you how to reprogram your subconscious and turn those bad habits into positive ones. Honestly, if I had found that program sooner, I'd probably be in much better shape right now. Since I am on medication, I don't use anything else besides my meds, physical training, and the occasional breathing exercise. You can find Charles Lindenov's program online; just follow his instructions and you'll likely feel better. Good luck!
I feel like I really need to weigh in on this post because our mental backgrounds are so similar. I was bullied too, and my mom was pretty unstable; during my teenage years, she’d take all her aggression out on me, while my older brother barely spoke to me at all—he was just generally distant and rarely worked with me on anything. As for my self-esteem, I was incredibly insecure back then and, honestly, even at 30, I still am. I had plenty of opportunities—some actually quite solid—but I blew them all or avoided them entirely because of those insecurities, right up until my mental health spiraled and I ended up needing medication. During my junior year of high school and the seven years following, my mother battled bone cancer, so I had to step up and care for her. I managed to graduate high school, but I got stuck in my second year of college because the stress, anxiety, and depression were just too much to handle. Eventually, I ended up on meds and therapy, and I finally gave up on college altogether while trying to find my footing in society. Unfortunately, I haven't been very successful; I've held a few jobs, but I couldn't make anything stick. I also tend to pretend everything is fine when it's actually nowhere near okay. I don't have much of a support system because I constantly feel like people are judging me since I'm currently unemployed. Basically, all these traumas led to massive self-doubt and such low self-esteem that it triggered a deeper depression. I tried psychotherapy, but I ended up feeling let down by how others treated me during the process. I haven't posted on the forum in a while; I'm dealing with a lot of mental blocks, concentration issues, and intense fear regarding work—especially the weight of responsibility. I live in a part of the country where people tend to be pretty judgmental about these kinds of struggles. Right now, I'm living with my dad and trying to adjust to life, but it isn't going great. If you're interested in chatting more, feel free to send me a DM; maybe you could give me a better idea of what you're going through, since it seems like we're somewhat alike...
Consumerism is exactly why the checkout lines at Target and Walmart are always overflowing. It’s this relentless machine that treats money as the ultimate tool for manipulation, driving a wedge deeper between the haves and the have-nots—making the poor even more desperate while the wealthy just get more insatiable. We’ve reached this point where currency isn't just a way to trade goods anymore; it’s become more important to people than anything else of actual value. The real tragedy is that by the time most people actually wake up to this reality, it’ll be too late. They’ll have spent their entire lives trapped in this cycle of instability, wasting their best years desperately searching for a sense of purpose through endless competition and trying to outdo their neighbors, instead of finding meaning in the present moment. This whole setup, combined with the systemic greed we see today, does nothing but breed insecurity and massive social divides. It doesn't move humanity forward; it just creates complexes and resentment. If we don't change course, things are going to take a very dark turn...
Olivia Smith2 said:I'm not sure what kind of mental health struggles you've faced. Psychosis is a 10/10 on the difficulty scale. For me, that first year was spent essentially flushing out psychotic thoughts, only for anxiety to start creeping in afterward.
If I hadn't been lucky enough to love reading—and if I hadn't used metacognition to recognize the psychosis while putting in massive effort to seek psychiatric help on my own—I would have ended up in a much worse place.
It is entirely possible to have absolute clarity regarding yourself and your environment while still struggling mentally. Even psychiatrists can fall victim to psychosis and anxiety. Theory is one thing, but practice is quite another, isn't it?
As I mentioned, I struggled with reading and cognition in general; I was fully aware that I was using sleep as an escape from reality. But again, theory and practice are different worlds. I pursued individual psychotherapy, which led to a general sense of improvement. Now, however, I find myself feeling uncertain—these life patterns are emerging where I feel like a complete novice, and these issues feel like such heavy obstacles. Naturally, your self-confidence takes a hit during times like this. No matter how much logic I apply or how aware I am of the situation, I can't predict how I'll actually react. I don't think anyone truly can—though perhaps someone else here has walked a similar path?
I've never been one to chase money or status, yet I find myself in this paradoxical spot. It feels like all or nothing. My options aren't exactly endless, and the best one has presented itself as the only one.
And yes, it would be a career and a field of study that has always sparked my intellectual curiosity.
I honestly feel a lot like you do. I've gone through two psychotic episodes and I've been on medication for eight years now. Some days are fine, but other times it feels like my logic and concentration are just shot. To be blunt, I feel totally unfit for work because of this crushing insecurity, and it feels like people just don't have the patience for me. My relationship with my family isn't exactly great either, even though they try to help in their own way. Truthfully, I've had plenty of good opportunities in life, but I've blown almost every single one because my self-confidence hit rock bottom. Honestly, anxiety is a brutal thing, and it takes a long time to learn how to live with it. If you haven't lived it, you won't understand. If your therapy isn't working, find a new therapist or switch psychiatrists—that's really all I can tell you. After eight years, I can't say I've "arrived" anywhere, other than having given up on everything, but that doesn't mean your story will end the same way. I think the first step is figuring out if your current treatment actually fits you, then deciding what comes next. Just stay away from alcohol, drugs, and all that other crap.
William Hall93 said:I find myself gravitating toward the exact same things. Same hobbies, the same circle of friends, the same political outlook and core beliefs. It’s the same music I listen to, the same movies, books, and games I dive into. I read the same news outlets, visit the same websites, laugh at the same kind of humor, and eat and drink the same stuff...
Physically, I’m basically the same guy I was at 18, just maybe 7 or 8 pounds heavier and perhaps an inch or two taller. My facial hair still hasn't decided to show up, just like back then, and I still deal with the occasional breakout. People actually ask to see my driver's license sometimes because they think I look way younger than I actually am.
I did manage to wrap up my college degree in the meantime, though I don't feel like a single bit smarter for having it.
Right now, I’m pretty content with where I'm at. I figured out what kind of life I wanted to live quite early on, so I guess I’m wondering if it’s normal to stay this consistent, or if I should be shaking things up just for the sake of personal growth...
Personally, I feel like I’m just as stuck as I was at 26 as I was back when I was 18. I have absolutely no clue what kind of life I want to lead. I’m still afraid of most things, I’m incredibly insecure, and honestly, I can be really indecisive. I feel like I missed out on a real childhood, even though I dealt with some minor traumas growing up. I still listen to the same music, and while I used to have plenty of hobbies, I don't really have any left besides working out. I ended up dropping out of college because the whole thing just drove me crazy. Now I'm job hunting, but if I'm being honest, I don't even feel ready to enter the workforce yet...
Andrew Doyle said:Unfortunately, I can't offer much guidance regarding Indianapolis, but you should try checking this specific thread to see if anyone has posted about finding help in that area. It’s worth a deep dive through the archives.
As for opioids and alcohol, I don't have much to add beyond this: 🙂 Mixing pharmacotherapy with alcohol is a dangerous game you simply shouldn't play; the consequences can be absolutely lethal. And when it comes to other opioids or narcotics? They aren't just bad news—they will aggressively tear down whatever mental stability you have left. But I won't hijack the conversation here, as there is a dedicated section for those topics.
I truly, sincerely hope you find the professional medical support you need. And let me be clear: if your current medication regimen is making you feel this sluggish, drowsy, or heavily sedated, something is wrong. You might tolerate a bit of grogginess in the short term while your body adjusts to a new prescription, but once that initial phase passes, you're supposed to be functional. If you aren't, then the treatment plan is fundamentally flawed and needs to be adjusted immediately.
Thanks 😁, and good luck to you too with everything
Andrew Doyle said:If you want my honest opinion, it sounds like you haven't even received proper professional guidance yet. You desperately need a second opinion—ideally from a psychiatrist who also practices psychotherapy. You need someone who can actually oversee your medication regimen while simultaneously digging into the root causes of your condition through a structured therapeutic process.
Let me be perfectly clear: beer, alcohol, or any kind of recreational drugs are absolutely disastrous when combined with pharmacotherapy. They are strictly off-limits and should never, under any circumstances, be part of the equation.
You’re probably right, but do you know anyone in Indianapolis who could actually help? Look, I'm not saying alcohol is great, but having a drink in moderation isn't the end of the world—sometimes it just helps lift the mood. As for other drugs, I don't touch them, even if there are some I might be tempted by...
bluemason3 said:No expert is a magician who can promise a total fix overnight. Most of them just have significantly more experience dealing with these patterns than the average person—who usually only knows their own specific case, which is both an advantage and a limitation.
Experience comes in all shapes and sizes. For the exact same diagnosis and medication, some people claim it completely turned their lives around, while others say it ruined them or made things worse. Even with two people facing anxiety and depression, the same antidepressant can trigger totally different reactions. For one person, it’s the solution they needed; for another, it might trigger mania or psychosis (though I don't want to cause unnecessary alarm, it's not exactly common).
Unfortunately, this stuff is just too complex to fully map out. It’s hard to get a perfect scan of everything, especially since most assessments are indirect, based on conversation and subjective feelings, along with a dozen other variables that could influence how a therapy works. At the end of the day, it often comes down to trial and error. A specialist just uses their knowledge and experience to statistically tip the scales toward a positive outcome. But just because one person had a bad experience doesn't mean we should generalize that or expect everyone else to react the same way.
I’m definitely not the only one who’s been burned here. I know there are plenty of us who have had terrible experiences. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying every single provider out there is garbage, but let's be real about the general trend: right from the jump, they basically tell you they can't actually do much for you. It sets this expectation where you realize you can't realistically expect any real support from them at all. And don't even get me started on the pills. They are absolute bottom-of-the-barrel. As much as they might help you on one hand, they simultaneously strip away your ability to actually experience life and situations normally. Your whole existence just shrinks down until you're living entirely inside your own head instead of actually experiencing the world around you. I mean, it doesn't necessarily have to stay this way forever, but I've been stuck in this loop for four years now. I've been battling depression for seven years total—it all started with mild anxiety and spiraled into full-blown panic attacks and psychosis, which I don't even know where the hell came from. Maybe the antidepressants actually triggered the psychosis? Honestly, I wouldn't even be surprised... anyway, that's all I have to say. Take care. 😁
Andrew Doyle said:Professional mental health care isn't just about throwing medication at a problem; it encompasses pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and holistic support systems. It is absolutely not limited to just drugs. I am genuinely sorry you had such a dismal experience with the entire spectrum of professional help, but let’s be clear: there are incredibly talented psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and psychologists out there—and please understand that none of those roles share the same educational background or training.
I really appreciate the sympathy, everyone. Honestly, there isn't much professional support available here in my city, and everything I've tried so far has been a total wash. These pills I’m on... they just slow me down. They dull everything—they make me feel sluggish, numb, and completely lifeless. I can't even enjoy a beer anymore. Even when I do feel a spark of excitement, it lasts maybe two seconds before vanishing. Everything just feels empty. I’m actually terrified to start working again because when I was volunteering, people really noticed how "out of it" I was. Some people even made fun of me for it, which was just shitty. My psychiatrist doesn't even really talk to me; she just keeps pushing these meds to slow me down further. I don't have any other options right now, so I'm just sitting here praying that I won't be living my entire life in slow motion... because if that happens, it’s going to be a devastating loss...
I just don't know how to live or function like a normal person anymore. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I can’t...
After everything I've been through, I simply cannot keep going like this. I have zero desire to live, zero motivation to do anything, and absolutely no will to step foot outside or socialize. Honestly, I'd much rather stay isolated by myself because that's where I feel most comfortable. I have dealt with a hundred different disasters in my life that most people couldn't even imagine experiencing, and frankly, I am exhausted. I'm worn out, and I see absolutely no point in trying to pull myself together when I’m convinced that something else terrible is just waiting around the corner—because that seems to be the pattern of my life.
Look, I'm not claiming you have some official medical diagnosis, but based on what you're describing, I firmly believe you should seek professional help. When people hit a wall and can't move forward on their own, when they're struggling to reconcile with the things that have happened to them, they sometimes just need a real conversation—one that gets to the core of the issue and helps them find a way to actually move in the right direction.
Professional help is a joke; all they do is hand out pills that numb you out and leave you feeling sluggish and complacent for ages. I’ve been through the ringer with psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and psychologists myself, and honestly? Zero stars for every single one of them. I feel exactly the same way as the girl writing all this.
Richard Brooks80 said:I hope I have come to the right place to share my concerns.
We have been together for about six months. We are both divorced, and we have both crossed the threshold of forty. In the beginning, our relationship felt almost flawless. We spent nearly twenty-four hours a day together, excluding the eight hours I was at work. He essentially moved into my place, and we shared everything. Even before our relationship became official—back when we were just seeing each other for coffee—he was completely transparent about his medical history, which is quite extensive. Beyond "minor" issues like migraines, back pain following surgery, and gastrointestinal problems that caused him to vomit blood in the mornings, his primary struggles are multiple sclerosis and PTSD. I entered this relationship with a full understanding of the challenges ahead. We fell in love, and I truly believed I possessed the fortitude required to navigate his illnesses. I was prepared to care for him even if he eventually required a wheelchair, and I aimed to provide the tranquil environment such patients need (his home life is quite strained, which unfortunately exacerbates his condition). Initially, we functioned beautifully, but it turns out that managing his PTSD is a much harder nut to crack. The crises began as early as November; they started in a milder form, but they wouldn't subside. I suspect the situation was complicated by the fact that we had less time together, as my children returned home from their seasonal jobs, leaving very little space in my small apartment for everyone. He became increasingly depressed, sleeping more frequently and relying heavily on medication. Day by day, his therapy became more intensive, and he faced financial difficulties due to some unavoidable circumstances. It feels as though everything in his life began to spiral downward, leaving me as his sole source of light and stability. He made every effort not to make me feel neglected; he always stepped up whenever I needed assistance, even when he was visibly under the influence of his medication—often literally falling asleep on my lap, lethargic and dejected. More and more often, he would simply stay home to lie down and sleep. Nothing seemed to bring him joy anymore, though he tried—entirely for my sake. At times, I lacked the necessary patience and found myself being critical of him. Looking back, I realize I should have been more understanding, but I struggled to navigate such an overwhelming situation. We haven't seen each other in three weeks. I spoke with his best friend, who has tried numerous times to coax him out of the house just for a coffee, but without success. As the New Year approached, he sent me a message saying that something had happened and that he needed to be alone to reflect deeply, because his decision would affect the rest of his life... himself, me, and others. These are heavy, almost euphoric words coming from someone who is under sedation 24 hours a day, taking Xanax, various pills, and I can't recall the rest. Is he withdrawing into himself to protect me from the burden of his illness? Because in addition to these psychological struggles, he recently suffered a fall and briefly lost sensation in his legs. Both of his previous marriages ended because his ex-wives could not cope with his health issues. Is this somehow a test to see if I have the stamina to endure? I am certain that a mental health crisis is the root cause of all this. This isn't his first one, according to his friend, who advises me to remain patient and suggests that he will return to me once this period passes. If he intended to end things with me, I believe he would tell me directly rather than retreating so quietly. His last message to me was simply, "Please, wait for me a little while..." I am being patient, and I love him; I intend to wait. But there are days when I feel like I am coming apart at the seams, and I find myself needing my own medication. I don't want to give up on him or on us. He needs me, and I need him. Has anyone else navigated a relationship like this, or experienced a phase like this in a partnership? I would appreciate any advice you might offer.
I’m currently on a cocktail of antipsychotics and antidepressants, and honestly? I don’t feel a damn thing for life anymore. No joy, no heartache, nothing... just this heavy, dead sensation inside. It feels completely pointless to try and date anyone while I’m stuck in this headspace. Honestly, maybe you should just step back from him until you can get your own head straight, because if you stay like this, you're just going to end up in a cycle of constant guilt...
Donna White50 said:Maybe you're just too hyper-focused on one specific guy to actually see all the opportunities life is throwing your way... and trust me, there are plenty. If you're feeling stuck, maybe try volunteering somewhere—anywhere, really. You’ll meet new people and actually feel like you're doing something good for yourself and others... though I get it, that’s probably not your vibe since you aren't really the "giving" type. It feels like you expect everyone else to revolve around you... that's just how you seem to view everything—life, your friends, even guys. Like they're just there to entertain you and provide the purpose you're missing...😁 But here's the thing—nobody can hand you a sense of purpose on a silver platter. You have to find it yourself. Dig deep, figure out what actually lights you up, write down what you'd want to do with your life, and set some goals for yourself while actually having fun with it... because just sitting around waiting for things to happen? That's a recipe for disaster... and seriously, try to look beyond just yourself for once and see if you can find some joy in helping someone else...😁
I feel exactly like the person who started this thread. On top of having zero goals or interests, I just feel this constant, heavy emptiness inside. I'm on certain medications, so maybe that's part of it too. I've tried dating, I've tried volunteering, I even tried finishing my degree, but nothing seems to stick. I used to love connecting with people, but now I don't feel nearly as much as I used to; honestly, if I laugh once in a while, it's hard to even feel anything at all. I'm planning to try a different psychiatrist soon because the one I'm seeing now just treats me like a number on a chart—she just pushes pills at me, and they leave me feeling completely lifeless.
So, antipsychotics are meant to treat psychosis, but can someone actually explain the mechanics behind how they work? Also, is it normal to feel this total lack of emotional intensity while on them? It’s like this constant emotional dullness where every single day feels identical. Nothing really excites me, and I can't even distinguish between feeling sad or happy because I don't feel either—it’s just an endless sense of emptiness. Since I've been feeling this void for two years now while on my meds, does that mean I should start tapering off, or is it time to switch to a different medication entirely? My psychiatrist keeps insisting she'll start lowering my dosage once my concentration improves, but I have no clue when that's ever going to happen since I feel exactly the same every day—neither better nor worse—and my psychotic symptoms are gone. If anyone here actually knows what they're talking about, please weigh in. Thanks in advance! (edit) Honestly, I'm starting to lose faith in psychiatrists. It feels like they just treat you like a machine to be fixed rather than actually trying to understand the quality of my life, even though I've been completely open with her. I keep telling her repeatedly that this emptiness is bothering me, but she just sticks to the same line about waiting for my focus to improve before tapering. I'm seriously considering finding a new doctor, but at the same time, switching providers after three years feels like a massive risk...
Look, I want to apologize if my use of the word "trash" offended anyone. That wasn't my intention at all. I honestly just let my frustration get the better of me in the heat of the moment, and I lashed out... It won't happen again, especially since I’m planning on staying away from these kinds of topics altogether from here on out...
Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I spent years pining after one specific girl. It left me pretty miserable and depressed, honestly. She’s a genuinely great person—she proved that plenty of times—but I basically put blinkers on and refused to see anyone else. It took me way too long to realize there's a whole world of amazing women out there. It doesn't matter if you don't vibe with one, five, or even ten of them. Opportunities are always going to pop up. The real reason we suffer so much is this paralyzing fear that we're destined to be alone—this irrational belief that we don't deserve happiness because if one person rejects us, there must be something fundamentally broken within us. It's such flawed logic, though, because almost everyone gets rejected at least once. 😛 And yet, they still go on to click with someone else and find real happiness.
And yeah, that idealization thing is always lurking there. At least a little bit. 😛 But hey, that's fine. We all know we aren't exactly thinking with our highest faculties when we fall hard. Just try to stay self-aware; remember you aren't looking at a flawless saint, even if it feels that way right now. Keeping that in mind makes it a lot easier when their flaws and issues inevitably start showing up. Only time will tell if they’re actually the right fit for you.
Most importantly, don't treat a romantic relationship like an escape hatch or a magic fix for all your life problems. Having a partner's support is great, obviously, but you still have to face your own fears and deal with your own baggage.
PS: When you're in that "in love" stage, it's totally normal to ride a rollercoaster of intense euphoria and deep sadness. Just lean into it, feel it, and when you're ready, move forward. Don't try to shut your emotions down.
hiddeneagle98 said:Personally, I dealt with massive issues and plenty of physical symptoms that I’d attribute to pathological infatuation. It was incredibly difficult trying to "deflate" that intense connection after such an overwhelming, cosmic level of love without completely blowing up the relationship in the process. But, hey, looking back, I think it can be done.
So, here’s the thing: if both people in a relationship are insecure, then the bond—just like it was for me—will be fueled by this "cosmic love" and a sense of total understanding, which is really just a polite way of saying you're completely neglecting your own boundaries and identity. You both get used to thinking the other person is exactly what you need, but then you lose the will to keep up that "unconscious act." That’s when the downward spiral starts, and you begin discovering each other's "true qualities." In principle, those "true qualities" that surface during that transition aren't necessarily "real" traits; they are largely a byproduct of coming down from the high caused by that initial infatuation. Just like detoxing from any drug, there’s a ton of irritability, frustration, and anger, and most of the time, everyone points the finger at their partner. That’s basically the "disillusionment phase" that follows a massive bout of infatuation. I don't know how things play out for everyone else, but I managed to "deflate the infatuation" that my marriage was built on without wrecking the whole thing too badly. I’m actually somewhat proud of that, considering how often those "cosmic loves" end in a total train wreck...
Anyway, just because I might have managed to pull that off doesn't mean it's the recommended way to go. Ideally, you should try to avoid that overwhelming, "reach-for-the-stars" infatuation in the first place, because when you're staring at the heavens, you can't see what's right in front of your face.
Napokoon, this is actually a decent topic for once, but honestly, everyone here is such a total hack that nobody’s willing to contribute anything worthwhile. This is officially the last time I’m bothering to post a thread like this on this forum...
So far, every single time I’ve fallen for someone, it’s essentially turned into either a massive anxiety disorder or a full-blown acute psychotic break. I’ve had about three of these "crushes," and honestly, I don't think I've ever actually been *in love*—because if I had, I’d probably be spiraling into depression right now, since falling for someone is always my primary trigger for depressive episodes. I’m not going to get into the weeds regarding the details of my past relationships, but I want to ask: is it actually possible to be happily in love? Specifically, is it possible to find a partner—like those books claim—where you can actually work through the pain and eventually land in a happy, healthy relationship? That’s my first question. Second, how have you all experienced falling in love? Have any of you dealt with similar struggles with depression when things get intense? To clarify, we really need to distinguish between that initial rush of being "in love" and actual long-term love. When I ask if it’s possible to be happily in love, what I really mean is: is it possible to find a partner for a long-term commitment? Real long-term love requires emotional maturity and the ability to take responsibility for your own emotions. Being "in love" is just a fleeting phase that usually evaporates over time. Eventually, that idealized version of the person shatters, and you're left with reality—who they actually are, rather than the perfect version you built up in your head.
Brandon Mitchell said:Ugh, way too much reading of egoistic, self-absorbed, self-destructive writers and even more of those... mindless ones... I don't rely on pills to get by, nor do I have the cash to waste on them but while I am here... well, I'm not going to tell you everything 😛
But honestly... nature has always been dear to me, raw and untouched back when I was first discovering what I liked
God, if I had run to my doctor for a little pill after every single tragedy I lived through Mali would think this forum was made just for me... But see, a pill isn't a magic fix not unless you actually help yourself first The only time I ever acknowledged "chemicals" was during a rave party though even then, I didn't really need them... I am self-sufficient and I keep it clean... Though if you absolutely must know, I'm a chronic Chardonnay drinker🙂
That was a great response, you actually gave me a good laugh, thank you for that🙂