Would you date someone with mental health issues?
in Psychology ·
I’ll probably write more tomorrow, but right now I’m just finishing up work and heading home to grab a drink and hang out with my "crazy" love 🙂
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Would you date someone with mental health issues?
in Psychology ·
I see so many people attacking someone just for being honest, usually coming from folks who probably don't have a clue what it's actually like to live with a partner dealing with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or similar manic conditions.
I guess you really have to be mentally resilient and incredibly patient if you’re going to commit to a relationship with someone facing these types of disorders. If you don't have those qualities—if you can't truly empathize while they're going through their "episodes" (which, honestly, can be hell for both partners)—that relationship could end up breaking you. You might find yourself needing therapy just to cope, or worse, if things reach a breaking point.
Not everyone is cut out for a relationship like this. Things might be wonderful, like milk and honey, for a whole year, but then a psychotic episode hits and lasts for a month or three. Not everyone can weather that and come out okay on the other side. It’s especially tough when you realize these conditions can be hereditary. Watching the person you love suffer through psychosis is heartbreaking, and it weighs on you knowing there's a real chance your future children could inherit the same struggle. For instance, there's about a 50% chance a child will have bipolar disorder if one parent does.
After weighing everything, I've already made my choice. I decided to move forward with the relationship, and we've been married for quite some time now. Looking back at everything we've survived together, I wouldn't change a single thing. I love her more than anything, and I don't regret it for a second.
I guess you really have to be mentally resilient and incredibly patient if you’re going to commit to a relationship with someone facing these types of disorders. If you don't have those qualities—if you can't truly empathize while they're going through their "episodes" (which, honestly, can be hell for both partners)—that relationship could end up breaking you. You might find yourself needing therapy just to cope, or worse, if things reach a breaking point.
Not everyone is cut out for a relationship like this. Things might be wonderful, like milk and honey, for a whole year, but then a psychotic episode hits and lasts for a month or three. Not everyone can weather that and come out okay on the other side. It’s especially tough when you realize these conditions can be hereditary. Watching the person you love suffer through psychosis is heartbreaking, and it weighs on you knowing there's a real chance your future children could inherit the same struggle. For instance, there's about a 50% chance a child will have bipolar disorder if one parent does.
After weighing everything, I've already made my choice. I decided to move forward with the relationship, and we've been married for quite some time now. Looking back at everything we've survived together, I wouldn't change a single thing. I love her more than anything, and I don't regret it for a second.
Psychedelics in psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy
in Psychology ·
There’s actually been quite a bit of research done on LSD over the years.
Back in the day, even the US Army looked into whether LSD could be used as a weapon. Psychologists also started using it to get a better handle on patient disorders, and eventually, it was even explored as a therapy for all sorts of things, including stress.
In the past, if someone wanted to try it, they could basically visit a psychiatrist to get a dose, though you had to stay at the clinic until the effects wore off. It usually went something like this
Once you took the dose, a nurse would lead you to a dark room that was totally soundproofed. You’d lie down on a couch, they’d cover your eyes, and some soft music would start playing. You’d just lie there for a few hours and soak it all in. Basically, LSD works by scrambling your brain receptors. It makes it hard for the brain to tell the difference between sound and sight, or even physical sensations. A lot of people say when they listen to music during a trip, they actually start "seeing" the music as a visual thing rather than just hearing it—it’s honestly pretty impossible to describe, but it sounds wonderful.
There’s a documentary floating around online somewhere; you should look it up on YouTube. It’s really, really interesting. I’ve personally tried it three times over the last ten years, and it’s just indescribable. I honestly think anyone who is stable enough to handle a trip should definitely try it at least once in their life.
Back in the day, even the US Army looked into whether LSD could be used as a weapon. Psychologists also started using it to get a better handle on patient disorders, and eventually, it was even explored as a therapy for all sorts of things, including stress.
In the past, if someone wanted to try it, they could basically visit a psychiatrist to get a dose, though you had to stay at the clinic until the effects wore off. It usually went something like this
Once you took the dose, a nurse would lead you to a dark room that was totally soundproofed. You’d lie down on a couch, they’d cover your eyes, and some soft music would start playing. You’d just lie there for a few hours and soak it all in. Basically, LSD works by scrambling your brain receptors. It makes it hard for the brain to tell the difference between sound and sight, or even physical sensations. A lot of people say when they listen to music during a trip, they actually start "seeing" the music as a visual thing rather than just hearing it—it’s honestly pretty impossible to describe, but it sounds wonderful.
There’s a documentary floating around online somewhere; you should look it up on YouTube. It’s really, really interesting. I’ve personally tried it three times over the last ten years, and it’s just indescribable. I honestly think anyone who is stable enough to handle a trip should definitely try it at least once in their life.