Posts by Richard Davis91

I live with anxiety and depression, and I generally manage to stay on top of things, though I’ll admit that when the low periods really hit, I end up needing to take extended sick leave from work.🙄

Just out of pure curiosity—how does someone living with schizophrenia actually navigate their professional life and social circles? I mean, what does their capacity for work look like in practice? I really don't want to sound insensitive by asking this, but I have a friend with that diagnosis who struggles quite a bit; they’re frequently out on medical leave, spending time in the hospital, and sometimes they stop taking their medication, which leads to some pretty rough patches. Is that a common experience for everyone dealing with this, or is it more about how the condition progresses over time?🤷

Frank Jackson5 said:It looks like they’re finally grouping trichotillomania in with OCD, so we’re basically in the same boat. Honestly, I think this should have happened a long time ago. Does anyone else feel that overwhelming urge where you just can't fight it? You give in, get that momentary relief, but then the guilt hits and drags you right back into the cycle. It’s such a vicious loop. I've been stuck in this struggle for 15 years now. This dark force... it's called trichotillomania.

For me, it manifested through compulsive shopping. I’d have enough money set aside for groceries and my rent, but instead, I’d tell myself I ABSOLUTELY HAD to buy something—like a new perfume or a piece of clothing. It was the exact same sensation: that brief flash of relief followed by heavy guilt. Fortunately, after years of working with a therapist, I have better control now. I still stumble occasionally, but at least I recognize why it's happening. In my experience, nothing beats actual psychotherapy with a professional.👍