I’ve got a question for you all—if you've experienced anything unusual, please share your story here on the forum! THANKS!
Has anyone else seen bright lights or "men in black" and wondered if they were just hallucinating? Whether it's something you see or hear (anything visible or invisible), I've been dealing with old memories resurfacing for years now. You have to stay cautious. When I mentioned some of this to my local Priest, he pointed me toward the Apostles' Creed since he works closely with mental health patients. It’s actually pretty fascinating how this ties into Catholicism if you're a believer. There are even saints dedicated to specific struggles, like St. Acharius for nerve issues, or others linked to anxiety or mental distress. It's like looking through a spiritual lens at things like recurring thoughts or delusions. You can find more about these connections in the book *Holy Health* by Ante Škrobonja, or check out the "Catholic Saints" page on Facebook.
I wouldn't call myself a super devout person, but I find all of this so interesting. I remember talking briefly with Pastor Zvezdan, and he just made the sign of the cross on my forehead—suddenly, all that heavy energy just drained out of me, and I was left desperately thirsty for a glass of water!
Of course, you still need to take your medication. But if they aren't working, or if they make you gain or lose weight unexpectedly, you really have to speak up. If a med has weird side effects, it needs to be changed because every single one plays a role in stabilizing your condition. The best approach is honest confession plus the Apostles' Creed, combined with your meds and getting anointing every six months.
Nicole Barrett76 said:Where have you all disappeared to, you little rascals?!?!?! Has the spring sunshine finally "chased" you out of your homes and hospitals and onto the streets, leaving you far too distracted to write?!?!?!
Does anyone happen to know what became of our fellow forum member Tome46, the one who was supposedly "obligated" to implant microchips into animals and such...
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Oops, I think I might be having a heart attack! A strange bit of synchronicity just occurred. I was looking at my total post count when suddenly... 11,222 posts.
STOP INSULTING PEOPLE! You might end up facing some serious consequences yourself if you keep this up, so watch your mouth before the moderators come after you too...😠
Nicole Barrett76 said:It brings me great comfort to know that you have finally discovered doctors whom you can truly trust.
Regarding the botanical specimens you mention, Rauvolfia vomitoria contains high levels of the alkaloid reserpine, which has been utilized for centuries in the treatment of schizophrenia. Is it not interesting that this plant was even documented within Ayurveda as a means to prevent dark, intrusive thoughts?
That is not true.
👏
Thanks! I just looked up that plant. I have an old book by Hildegard, though I can't remember which specific herb she was talking about. I also remember reading something about Ayahuasca—wait, what was that book called? I totally lost track of where I put it! I think it might be DNA, let me go hunt for it and I'll let you know. It's such a fascinating read, really! Found it! So interesting.
Hey everyone! I’m back in action and ready to share what I’ve learned about managing "soul splitting"—or psychosis, if you want to use that uncomfortable label we call schizophrenia. Sending a huge shout-out to my wonderful psychologists and the doctors who treated me at the clinic on recommendation; may they stay blessed. My doctor actually believes in my perspective now and told me I can come back whenever I need—just one call away! It’s so important for everyone struggling to realize that this is just a medical condition like any other. Unfortunately, nobody is untouchable. Even Hildegard of Bingen used herbal remedies to treat these issues, but today we have a massive toolkit of both old-school and modern medications. If one doesn't work, you have to switch things up; if one isn't hitting the mark, another one will help stabilize you. I've gathered a lot of life experience since dealing with this illness and PTSD. As a veteran, I’ve heard heartbreaking statistics about how many soldiers struggle with suicide, and whether you served in the military or not, we are all facing the same dark era. WHEN MEDICATIONS FAIL YOU, CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN, OR TRIGGER UNKNOWN SIDE EFFECTS, SEEK OUT A PSYCHIATRIST VOLUNTARILY. Get your referral ready so you can react immediately to adjust your meds and stay consistent with check-ups. If you're hitting an acute psychotic episode, act fast! Beyond medicine, if you're looking for spiritual comfort, I highly recommend reading *The Sacraments* by Anselm Grün for some peace and tenderness. May the angels watch over our doctors. For those with faith, balance is key: lean into your medicine and your spirituality, but try to stay grounded rather than falling into fanaticism. I've been navigating this treatment journey for years now...
I’m not on here much because life gets busy, but I pop in from time to time to follow this psychosis thread—checking out what outblue or printerica wrote... my dear
"dddddddddddd," some folks are really ganging up on you, printerica, but I'm not buying into it... printerica... and honestly, I don't even know what your handle is these days... but whatever, it doesn't matter. I'm not trying to act like I have all the answers, but I want to share my actual lived experience. I won't lecture you, just wanted to point out a few things...
Look, I'm 20, and by all accounts, I should be spending all my time bouncing between hospitals... if you've read my old posts and seen the guidelines I wrote... they didn't get many replies, or if they did, it was just idiots commenting... but hey, no big deal...
Now, I don't know if you've heard about Hagio therapy from Ivančić, but there are psychiatrists out there who actually specialize in it. If you can find a doctor who uses Hagio therapy, trust me, it’s a total game-changer... it'll work wonders for you...
And listen, if one treatment isn't hitting the mark and you're still dealing with hallucinations or delusions... keep switching medications until you find the right fit. It's hard for just one single drug to tackle everything. Honestly, this condition has to run its course over time, and thank goodness new meds are coming out every day. Sometimes you need an antipsychotic injection combined with oral meds to really shut down a psychosis, and other times you might need 2mg to 5mg of something like Norbell or Xanax just to stop your mind from racing and those delusions from spiraling. It’s amazing when your thoughts are wonderful and bright... but when those delusions hit, having 2mg to 5mg of Norbell or Xanax helps. Even 2mg can do the trick. If that's not enough, try a tiny bit more—maybe just a little extra 2mg—to keep those bad thoughts and delusions at bay...
When you finally learn how to manage when things get rough—like spotting the early signs of a psychotic episode or delirium and actually knowing when to reach out to a psychiatrist—that’s when you start seeing real progress toward recovery. It's a brutal grind, honestly. From my own experience with this illness, you really need that moment of clarity where you see the whole picture. You just have to fight as hard as you can against the psychosis and the depression. It isn't easy; you have to be a fighter to deal with this stuff. At the end of the day, it's just an illness like any other. A disease is a disease, period. And recovery? It’s absolutely possible. I know that because I've lived through it.
You just have to accept what's happening and go after the treatment you need. For me, this whole process has been such a long haul... ugh, a total uphill battle.
Hey, printer, where'd you go? Hit me up in a DM, or you too, Zack—I might give you a call.
It's a marathon, not a sprint, trying to wrap your head around this psychosis and getting through the healing process.
One more thing... you’ve got to stay self-aware when dealing with those psychotic episodes. Don't let those hallucinations win; if you start believing the voices—whether they sound sweet or scary—you're heading for trouble. That’s the trap. If you lose your grip, you could end up making a massive mistake and landing in a psychiatric ward for three months or more under constant supervision. As soon as things start spiraling, you need to get to a psychiatrist immediately or take your meds to shut down those delusions and hallucinations. I’ve been through hell personally with my diagnosis. And let me tell you, it’s just as brutal for families and spouses watching someone go through psychosis... this illness is pure chaos. For anyone successfully managing it, the real victory is overcoming all of that.
Over these last five years... I've spent a huge chunk of time sleeping because of the heavy-duty medication I worked with my doctor to get prescribed.
I've been dealing with this for 16 years total, but the last five have been manageable. I'm doing good now... moving forward!
With my current treatment, I sleep a ton, which is actually a plus for me. Because of the strength of these meds, I've definitely put on some weight... but hey, it's fine.
Hey there, Joshua Lewis9 and everyone else! Just wanted to pop in and chat for a second... I’m finally on the mend, and things are looking up. All those delusions and hallucinations that were playing tricks on my brain are finally starting to fade away. It might take another couple of years for the psychosis and symptoms to fully retreat, but I’m feeling much better now—actually gained a little weight back, too!
Dealing with this illness is a total nightmare for anyone going through it. Man, it really put me and my family through the wringer... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
About five years ago, I managed to get on the right track with my doctor because I realized just how bad the delusions and hallucinations were getting. My head was a complete mess. Honestly, those years were terrifying; nothing felt stable, and the psychotic episodes kept hitting me out of nowhere. It wasn't normal at all—I felt like I was losing my mind completely. Just thinking about it gives me chills... it was brutal.
The meds weren't working, and when they don't, things just go downhill fast. The psychotic attacks become almost impossible to handle. Truthfully, if a medication isn't doing the job, you have to switch to a different atypical antipsychotic immediately, and that's up to the doctor. You have to speak up and tell them right away so they can find the specific one that actually targets your psychosis. Sometimes it takes six months or even a year to figure out if a drug is a winner or a dud. If it doesn't clear up the psychosis or if things start sliding back, you've got to contact your doctor immediately to change the prescription. I went through hell cycling through medications—I went through ten different atypicals! From now on, I’m demanding a change the second I feel the psychosis or delusions creeping back in, all in the pursuit of recovery.
To help manage things, my doctor and I agreed five years ago to add a 50mg injection every two weeks to my routine. Now, I go to the clinic regularly to get my Risperdal Consta 50mg every 15 days. On top of that, I've cycled through about ten different antipsychotics, including two heavy-duty regimens. Over these last five years, it's been the Consta 50mg plus a newer combo involving Sedorect and Normabel at 2-5mg.
So basically: 50mg of Consta every two weeks for at least five years, plus switching up the antipsychotics until we find the one that triggers remission in the brain.
The Consta kept me incredibly stable until I tried changing the secondary antipsychotic—like when I tried Zeldox at 80mg... I just did whatever it took to escape that nightmare.
I even had an extra psychiatrist who was actually sponsored by a friend of mine, who covered the private sessions.
In reality, over the last five years, I convinced two young psychiatrists to work together as a team. One had his own private practice but worked alongside my main doctor so they could coordinate my care. For me, the diagnosis was F20, and it was absolutely harrowing enduring all those psychotic episodes. It was non-stop madness. But now, seeing how I fought back and am finally on the right path... it feels amazing.
To afford private care, I found a friend willing to sponsor me. I told him how incredibly hard things were and how badly I wanted to get well, and he stepped up to help cover the private specialist costs. Honestly, the whole trick is having two psychiatrists in your corner.
That’s why, if one doctor isn't quite hitting the mark, having a second opinion can be the literal lifeline you need. It’s the formula that saved my life.
I wanted to share a quick thought on dealing with psychosis. When my hallucinations first started showing up, they took the form of this character who basically told me, "Just wait, I’m going to haunt you." It was almost like being taunted or manipulated into doing something reckless while caught in a delusional state. This whole thing happens when we lose our center and can't find peace amidst the delusions. Whether it's obsessive thoughts driving you crazy or hallucinations talking nonsense to try and boss you around—it's overwhelming. But here’s my takeaway: when it hits, just try to stay grounded. If you can hold onto your composure and find that inner calm, the darkness starts to fade. Once you find that harmony within the chaos, the illness begins to retreat. It might be an uphill battle at first, but staying steady is totally worth the fight!
Come and find your own peace in the middle of the storm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!☕☕
Hey there! Sending big helloes to all my favorite folks here, especially Jack and my buddy printch bubač, greetings from the sunny South... Here’s what’s on my mind. I’ve been dealing with psychosis and PTSD for many years now—there's always a reason behind the fears and delusions. I've been fighting this since I was 24. Now that I'm analyzing everything, I feel like I just need a Captain Picard from Star Trek to find my Deanna Troi so I can finally sail through the stars and touch the light. It's a wild thought, right? I've been battling this for a long time and I've got plenty of patience; I just endure it, but I know I'll be saved. My motto is "go for it!" One day, once I've gathered enough wisdom to pass it on, I'm going to write a book. For the past year, I've been working with two different psychiatrists and talking things through with a priest. I've also been part of a Catholic community for five years now. There are ups and downs, but I'm rising from the ashes that try to bury me. One doctor works at a hospital, and the second is a private specialist—a great friend of mine actually helps sponsor my sessions because he saw how much better it was for my progress. Between the doctors and my talks with the priest in our community, I'm finding my way back up. I pray to the saints like Francis and Paul to look out for me, and thank God for that... it's like drinking living water. In the past, I was on heavy meds—at least two strong antipsychotics—and I'd end up sleeping 15 hours a day because of them. Here is my advice: if you're on meds for a long time and they aren't working, or if they just knock you out so hard that you feel delusional and stuck in the "ashes" where you can't escape, don't just swap your psychiatrist. Instead, ASK for different medications! There are so many different types of antipsychotics out there. Be a "son of light," shake off those delusions and the negativity inside your mind, and insist that your doctor finds a better therapy for you. Just remember, your psychiatrist needs to actually have time for you—at least 45 minutes—to properly spot those delusions. And if you're a believer, talk to your priest too, especially regarding sacraments like Anointing of the Sick. You need faith, because Jesus healed the sick. Going to charismatic retreats or spiritual revivals is also huge if you're a believer struggling with this. Psychosis and PTSD are strange beasts; healing takes time and serious patience. Once your doctor finds the right fit, you'll rise from the ashes. There will be setbacks and wins, but think about this, let your brain work, and stay focused on getting better... peace be with you...
Don't get too caught up in the debates. Honestly, when you're in the middle of a mental health crisis, it's all about balance. I always say you should pair your medication with your faith—especially if you're Catholic. For me, combining medicine with things like Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick makes a world of difference. It’s like giving your soul a little extra boost alongside the prescription. I swear by it! No matter what kind of illness you're facing, just keep the faith and see how much better you feel...
I’m right there with you, but I can't help wondering what things will look like when that hallucination module actually goes live—maybe by the 25th century...
Look, I’ll tell you what—if you're taking those anti-shot pills and living down here in the Southern Hemisphere, it totally kicks your digestive system into overdrive. It's like those meds come with a built-in appetite boost just to get you eating more. Honestly, I'm hungry all the time because of them and have definitely packed on some extra pounds... I seriously need to hit up the local Gold's Gym... for sure. Anyway, see if any of that rings true for you! Catch ya later!
ironbison23 said:I did a little digging online, and this seems to be what we're looking at: http://www.mentalhealth.com/icd/p22-pe03.html Still—it’s not entirely clear to me. Is this officially classified as schizophrenia or not? And is it a lifelong diagnosis? A member of my family was recently diagnosed and they've been prescribed Risperdal twice a day, along with Akineton and Ativan. Is anyone else here on these specific medications? I'd be interested to hear about your experiences.
I'm on something pretty similar for psychosis... shoot me a DM if you want to chat about it!
crimsoncyclist14 said:I wonder if anyone else has ever found themselves reaching for even a tiny 2mg dose just to find some semblance of peace. As for me, I am currently taking 20mg, and yet, quite embarrassingly, sleep still remains an elusive stranger to me. Yes, truly. ☕
You just gotta find your sweet spot... try something else instead... check your medicine cabinet! I take 50mg of Seroquel and then I'm out like a light... though my dreams are total nonsense. We really need to invent some kind of hologram projector for dreams or hallucinations...🤣🤣
Honestly, I know this is true because I live it every day... it’s just so incredibly hard to get involved in anything. I try constantly, I really do, but it just doesn't happen. There’s this weird resistance toward work and being productive. I can't quite put my finger on why, but once I start something, I just can't seem to cross the finish line. It's like this total apathy toward everything, especially tasks. Sometimes I just can't find the spark to move. That's just part of dealing with this illness. And it's even tougher when you aren't getting that support from friends or family... this struggle is heavy. Getting back into the swing of things is such a mountain to climb. I don't even know the root cause myself. I can sit at my MacBook all day, chatting online or surfing the web, but actually starting something creative? Total standstill. I have no clue why I lose interest so fast. My brain just loops on these thoughts about why I can't follow through—what's actually stalling me? Is it just intrusive thoughts, or is it pure brain chemistry making it impossible to be productive? Or maybe it's some higher power blocking my path... or just casting a spell on me so I lose the drive for even the small things I want. Maybe it's something everyone goes through. I was reading a book by Luther about this, and it talks about how these things hold us back from growing instead of letting us move forward. It's awful. The kicker is, I still have the energy to hang out and grab dinner with people, but when it comes to actually creating something? Nothing. It's just gutting.
Christian Smith39 said:Check out the movie "A Beautiful Mind." It follows the one guy who actually tried to tackle schizophrenia without relying on meds, eventually realizing those hallucinations were strictly his own—nobody else was seeing them, just him. If you’re labeled "crazy," you might just have a genius mind instead.
Yeah, "A Beautiful Mind" is an awesome movie starring Russell Crowe... I finally wrapped my head around it the second time I watched it... it's a bit heavy to process at first.....🤣
Hey there, buddy... you've been totally MIA... what's going on with you? Even a supernova couldn't find you when you're hiding like this... I talked to Jack, and he said you haven't even checked in with him. You acting too cool for us now? Don't let the wild ones get you! Reach out... come back to us...🙏 🙏 👍
So, I've been taking Valerian for a few weeks now. The label says it helps with restlessness, tension, stress, and insomnia... it's not a bad supplement. I'm not trying to sell it or anything, but it works great... especially paired with 2 mg of Normabell. Yeah, just 2 mg... it's a solid combo. For me, the 2 mg of Normabell feels refreshing, while the Valerian really hits that relaxation spot. I've cut out alcohol completely—just sticking to water and juice. I try to avoid soda, too much Coke, and huge amounts of caffeine. Honestly, I feel like I'm constantly seeing things... but as long as I stay busy and focus on something positive, it stays away. Sometimes I hear things, though... just occasionally. I can't quite figure out why all this happens. My psychiatrist tells me, "Don't go back to your old ways... let's see how things are moving forward now." As I write this, it's like thoughts are traveling through the air to reach me. Sometimes my thoughts don't even feel like mine. Why would you let a thought spin around your brain like it's under a spell? Where is the solution to all this? A "spellbound" thought could be about anything... any random thing. Why do thoughts sometimes feel like they're stuck in a loop? Do you ever feel a sharp sting, like a needle prick, and you aren't even sure what happened? You know why? I was watching TV and reading about psychosis. I don't want to scare anyone, but there's something happening that I just can't wrap my head around... those "demon" hallucinations. They are incredibly hard to deal with. But if you have faith, you can endure it—if you're a fighter like me. It gets tough when you lose that faith, and those demon hallucinations are powerful... but there is always a way out. Whether it's talking to a priest or just fighting through it, someone eventually comes out a winner. Watch out, because those demon hallucinations are no joke... it's a real battle. Just something to think about... bye
Joshua Sanders2 said:Look... I’ve read so much about this already, but I’m still pretty lost. It’s one thing to read about it online—totally different when you're actually sitting right next to someone and trying to figure out how to react. It’s getting harder, too, because he expects me to talk to him and act like everything is normal, while he just shuts down, gets cold, and mumbles under his breath.
Support? Oh, I'm giving him all I can! Though, honestly, I think things would be easier if his family acted maybe even like they actually believed he’d get better one day. Instead, they just act like he needs to learn how to "tolerate" being sick rather than actually fighting it. It’s bad—really, really bad. My influence is only temporary—after all, he spends most of his time with them. Since I deal with my own stuff, too, I just can't stand their attitude—treating people with any kind of mental illness like animals that just need training. If anything, seeing that just makes me want to support him even more.
Anyway, thanks so much for the reply! =)
I’d definitely recommend picking up the book by HANS-JURGEN LUDERER: SCHIZOPHRENIA: LEARNING TO LIVE WITH THE ILLNESS. You should be able to find it online or maybe at a local Barnes & Noble... just check the web!
Joshua Sanders2 said:Anyway. This isn't even about me—I’m really just looking for some advice on how to handle someone who’s suddenly dealing with some kind of schizophrenic condition. I don't have an exact diagnosis, but it's definitely psychotic since they're constantly struggling with auditory hallucinations. After refusing meds for about a month—which made things way worse, honestly [we're talking tics triggered by those voices, total withdrawal, being unable to talk, just repetitive behaviors]—they were finally hospitalized and put on Zyprexa. Right now, they're at 15mg of Zyprexa plus some Norvasc as needed. They're slowly ramping up the Zyprexa dosage.
So, my big question is: How can I actually help? Like, how do I adjust my own behavior to meet their needs? To be totally honest, I’m pretty overwhelmed. I just don't know how to act around someone who has changed so much—first because of the illness, and now because of the medication. It might sound silly, but I'm starting to feel pretty desperate. They don't even know what they want because everything is so confusing for them—and I'm in such a spot where I'm just searching for help wherever I can find it :/ I feel a bit ridiculous even asking this on a forum, but whatever—any little bit of advice would mean the world to me.
Has anyone else here dealt with Zyprexa? Any typical side effects besides the sudden weight gain...
All I can tell you is that antipsychotics tend to cause weight gain. I don't take that specific one, but Risperdal does the same thing to my weight...
It isn't a silly question at all... you're welcome here. Right now, we're dealing with medications, and the illness itself is incredibly heavy and devastating. These drugs are the only way to calm things down, but they aren't a permanent cure. I personally understand what it's like when reality blurs with the unreality of hallucinations... it's terrifying when those delusions start hunting you down. But you find a way to cope. Just one big thing: absolutely no alcohol. From my long years of experience, alcohol is a disaster because it thins out your serotonin, which triggers all those negative thoughts. There is so much more we could talk about. Maybe poke around on WebMD or search Google on the topic; getting some education might help you handle his illness a bit better.
Most antipsychotics are pretty heavy-duty chemically. You might sleep all day, feel drowsy, gain weight, get headaches... and there are plenty of other side effects too.
People going through this need constant support. You've got to guide them toward a positive path, no matter what hallucinations or delusions are happening.
In my brain, it feels like an NSX fighter jet is flying through my head instead of reality being real... where does truth even fit in?
What does my "reality" say? It says, "Hey honey, where are you? You're gone, and you've really worried me..."
hollowtinker18, do you have anything else to add to this?
One more thing: the environment is the worst part if people act harsh. They don't realize that the same thing could happen to them.
So yeah, lots of support and help is needed so he can manage the illness and look toward the future.