I am the first one to argue that mental disorders and illnesses definitely need treatment. But don't go rushing in unless you are absolutely certain. Sometimes, the mind perceives an illness where none exists, and then you end up convinced you have it, and because the psyche identifies with it, you actually fall ill.
It is vital to proceed with caution, even when dealing with highly trained professionals.
Carol Barrett2, I really hope you manage to secure that disability benefits package. Honestly, regardless of whether I think you actually have it, if you have a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, they are obligated to provide disability based on that. You should look into your rights further so you don't have to wander around psychiatric facilities if it isn't necessary.
If the liver is damaged, it starts to enlarge—I'm not entirely sure why, but that's how it manifests on an X-ray.
Well... whether I take pills or not, it doesn't bother me. It regenerates itself from time to time. I once had jaundice... if you get that, things aren't looking good, haha.
Look, your prescription is measured by a machine. You sit down, look at an image through a lens, and the device prints out a slip with your prescription. There is no cheating there... even if people don't believe you or whatever. The eye chart test is just a leftover part of the exam to check visual acuity and fine-tune the prescription.
You are describing things so vividly that I can almost see the white blood cells. My advice to you is: don't tell anyone like that, or they might think... well, that you are schizoid. And look... it is very possible to see flying flashes, like little specks. Google it; it's a real thing. I used to see bright spots too; that's just light phenomena. It is almost always harmless and passes on its own. But I don't know your specific case or anything regarding your eyes; an ophthalmologist needs to perform a full, detailed examination. Maybe you'll need some drops or something...
Oh, and for the record, I can hear someone from 30 or 40 feet away... my hearing is excellent.
My cousin and I both grew up with liver issues. They told us it was genetic. It’s not something you can cure. There is Silymarin available for drinking. Doctors don't seem to take liver enlargement seriously at all.
Later on, my condition worsened slightly due to certain medications. But honestly, whether I'm taking them or have been since I was young, it stays the same. To be truthful, I've stopped worrying about it too much.
Yes, I also have upcoming gastrointestinal tests scheduled, though I try to avoid them because my blood work suggests potential internal bleeding in the digestive tract.
As for your vision, I'm not sure exactly what you're dealing with.
I am truly sorry that you haven't received the proper care and everything you deserve to help you feel physically better.
And regarding mental health—the door is always open. My advice is to stop checking yourself into psychiatric facilities. Work on yourself and attend therapy sessions instead. When a crisis hits, just take stronger medication, sleep it off, and once things settle down, you'll be back to where you were before the episode. Have you all noticed what actually happens when you check into a psychiatric ward?
I am very curious to hear your answers. I already know the answer myself, and I will tell you... unfortunately, it isn't the help you went in looking for. They hit you with heavy drugs, and then you spend days just trying to figure out what is real. And does anyone actually sit down and talk to you to explain things? No... That’s why, in my opinion, it's better to just take a dose yourself when things get bad and sleep. Once the mind calms down—and it eventually will, it's just a matter of when—you just have to endure it. Then everything goes back to normal. It's likely because of the mental symptoms that they don't take you seriously, which is tragic. You aren't alone in this, either. I really dislike those prejudices. If it's mental, they lock you up immediately, but if it's physical pain or other illnesses, they just brush you off.
Good luck with your treatment... if you don't mind me asking, what is your specific psychiatric diagnosis? And why are you so underweight? Do you have an idea why? Is it a lack of appetite, or perhaps the medication you're taking is suppressing your appetite instead of helping it?
I deeply empathize with everyone going through depressive episodes; it is a profound pain. A pain in the soul that is worse than any physical ache. And with everyone dealing with paranoia, delusions, unpleasant manias, and whatever else... because when that happens, you realize it isn't normal, but it carries you away because it is stronger than anything else. It is truly sad that people have to endure such mental struggles.
Psychosomatic symptoms are quite common among patients with mental health conditions. Most deal with liver issues, whether due to genetics or side effects from medication. I personally struggle with fatty liver disease. It’s an incurable condition. Doctors often dismiss it because they believe the liver can just regenerate itself.
Regarding vision, everything depends on the specific diagnosis provided by the ophthalmologist. In my case, there was damage to the macula and optic nerves, a condition known as neuritis.
Throughout my time working in neurology, I've encountered many patients with psychiatric disorders. I specifically remember one girl who dealt with severe bipolar disorder; she was on heavy medication, but it didn't seem to help much. She had brain MRIs done because she’s been treated for lesions for years. She deals with both neurological and psychiatric illnesses simultaneously.
Some mental illnesses stem from lifestyle factors and trauma, while others clearly arise from physical brain damage. Even if there isn't visible damage, there is almost certainly a disruption in neurotransmitter transmission.
Before I started treatment for my actual condition, I experienced intense psychological symptoms—ranging from psychosis to things I can't even name. Then came the physical symptoms: paralysis, spasms, and numbness. Ultimately, it was determined that once we began treating the lesions, both my psychological and physical symptoms started to recede. The root cause was in the brain, confirmed by imaging.
Because of this, I feel vulnerable to developing some kind of mental disorder—you never know when it might happen—though I have been mentally very stable for a long time now. However, the physical symptoms have persisted. If I hadn't sought medical help sooner, I might have lost my motor skills entirely. Since then, I’ve become much more proactive about my health. I trust my intuition and I make sure to listen to what my body is telling me.
Francis... To answer you... honestly, I’m a pretty skeptical person by nature. That resin comes from someone who just works with natural processes. In fact, when I first received it, I actually refused to use it. I thought, "What nonsense, why would I even need this?"
Truth be told, I didn't know anything about it—how it works, what it affects, or what kind of results to expect. Nothing at all.
Then one day, as my condition was getting worse, I hit a point of desperation and decided, "Fine, I'll try it. I have nothing left to lose." At first, I wasn't consistent because life got in the way, and I was still doubting if it actually did anything.
Once I started taking it every single night, the results finally started showing up. I felt better and better. For instance, I didn't notice much during the first couple of weeks, but the longer I've been using it, the stronger the effect becomes.
It truly helps. I'm still honestly surprised myself.
Harold Anderson3, I’m really glad to hear you’re doing okay in the end—that you’re holding steady and haven't slipped into a depressive phase or anything like that.
So, after thinking about it for a while, I decided to go see a psychiatrist. She asked me what brought me in, so I opened up about my internal emotions, the anxieties that pop up from time to time, and everything else. She paused, and she actually looked happy. She told me, "You're doing fine. Your reactions right now are completely normal. There isn't actually anything psychologically wrong that needs treating."
I honestly felt like I might be struggling more than I was, though I wasn't entirely sure. Hearing that... well, it's a relief. I feel proud. I truly thought I would never achieve peace or stability, that I'd always be fighting certain disorders.
To wrap things up, she did mention that because of the brain tumor, unpredictable reactions can occur, though they don't necessarily have to.
Listen, everyone, CBD oil heals the mind too, provided you use it correctly and at the right times.
My life is hanging by a thread; there's no telling what tomorrow holds. I might be out running and handling complex tasks, or I might be using a wheelchair and dealing with mood swings.
There is one thing I notice occasionally, though. Now I recognize it for what it is: sometimes, suddenly, it feels like a cash register is going off in my head. All my emotions get mixed together, and I realize I've started laughing irrationally. I know it's just a state that lasts a few minutes, caused by the lesions in that specific part of my brain. I try not to let it carry me away, because those are the lesions talking, not my actual emotions.
All in all, it's nothing to worry about. CBD oil is perfect.
The only thing missing is luck in love, but everything else is going according to plan—recovery is on track, and I'll be starting a job soon.
It honestly breaks my heart how expensive CBD has become. It is incredibly effective at managing so many physical and mental health challenges.
It works wonders at reducing and stabilizing symptoms. It won’t make them vanish entirely, but it brings everything back to a manageable baseline that standard pills just can't reach. It feels like it never truly wears off. Apparently, it works by signaling cells within the body to repair themselves, essentially facilitating healing from within.
In my opinion, this should be available by prescription. That said, while the price tag is high, it actually lasts a long time because you only take it by the drop. Depending on your dosage, a single bottle can last anywhere from a few months to a full year.
I started out using the oil too, but only taking five drops in the morning and evening. I felt better after that, so I switched to just taking it once a day in the morning. Eventually, I stopped altogether because I couldn't afford it anymore, and right around then, my condition worsened. I'm not sure if they are directly linked, but the timing was suspicious.
As my illness progressed and began affecting my motor neurons, my vision, and my mental state even more severely, I realized that maybe the standard oil wasn't enough for me anymore—it was like water. I needed something stronger. So, I switched to the heavy resin... and I take it every night without fail. It helps me sleep soundly, keeps the pain at bay, and provides a sense of peace and stability.
Sometimes I'll take it during the day sublingually as well. It really does help diminish or even eliminate most of my symptoms.
It isn't a "cure," but when you aren't dealing with symptoms and you don't have any side effects, isn't that incredible? As for whether long-term use can actually cure diseases, I don't know for sure, though it seems possible.
I prefer to be fully convinced before I commit to anything; I don't just jump on trends. I need to experience and research things for myself first.
In my case, I am dealing with a tumor and a specific brain disease, so there is a lot happening with my body, but with this, everything feels okay. It has helped me navigate even the worst moments quite well.
CBD has been a total game-changer for all my health issues. Honestly, I was a huge skeptic at first and used to get annoyed whenever people kept bugging me to try it.
I started out with some well-known, tried-and-true Kanaway oil. It was decent. I noticed a subtle shift—more energy, less anxiety, things like that.
Then, a relative of mine gave me some flower that had a much higher CBD concentration. Apparently, the more CBD you have in it, the steeper the price tag. He sourced it privately from a guy named Slovenac. I was still pretty resistant to the idea, but I didn't really have a choice once the muscle spasms in my legs started kicking in and getting worse after I stopped using the oil. So, I decided to give the flower a shot... and for the first few days, I was still grumbling about why on earth I even needed this stuff. Fast forward a month and a half, and I feel completely better. I know it’s actually working because I was such a skeptic that I couldn't even write it off as a placebo effect.
It’s just a shame that it's so expensive and that so many people can't afford to use it. Everything online says that there aren't any side effects regardless of the dosage, and from what I've experienced, that is absolutely true.
Carol Barrett2 said:Honestly, over where @Rebecca Rivera3 hangs out, any kind of medical cannabis is ridiculously overpriced—mostly because it’s still technically illegal here. Since it's off the books, people end up paying a massive premium just to get their hands on it compared to what you guys deal with. They're only just now having the big debates about whether to actually legalize it for medical use.
Just so we're clear, CBD is a cannabis extract that doesn't have any psychoactive effects. You can even buy it for dogs. Just walk into a local pharmacy and pick some up, or search online for "CBD pharmacies" and you'll see plenty of retailers. It's honestly surprising how few people actually know about this, especially considering how incredibly effective it is... truly life-changing.
Regarding medications, Quetiapine works well... and Wellbutrin XR is also a solid option. That’s definitely the way to go.
Naturally, I always recommend CBD resin—it's just a cannabis extract without any THC, so there's no risk of addiction or messing with your mental state. It's honestly a miracle from nature, though it is quite expensive.
I truly empathize with all of you. I once faced a terminal diagnosis that was life-altering, yet it wasn't even officially shared with me. I ended up walking outside, searching it on Google, and counting down my remaining months just to figure out if I was still alive or how much time I actually had left... I don't even know what to say. I know exactly how that feels.
I personally stick to CBD. If anyone can try it, please do. It really helps and doesn't come with the side effects you get from prescription pills.
You used to forget things because of the Benzos, right? See, I’d argue that they definitely cause memory loss, but if you told a doctor that, they'd probably try to convince you otherwise.
It’s an undeniable truth that doctors sometimes throw diagnoses around too loosely, including things like schizophrenia. Imagine if you didn't actually have that condition, yet you start identifying with it; somehow, it becomes psychoactive, merging with your identity until it feels like who you truly are.
It’s essentially a persuasion model. It honestly surprises me that psychiatrists and psychologists don't pay closer attention to this phenomenon. I’m not a professional in either field, but I could probably write an entire thesis on the subject. It functions similarly to psychosomatic symptoms.
Here is why: you might not have the specific disorder, but you are struggling deeply. You receive a diagnosis that seems to fit because, from your perspective, your actual problems feel even more intense. When you describe them, they might seem exaggerated to others, but to you, they feel entirely real.
It is all incredibly complex. That is precisely why you haven't been diagnosed. Medicine still lacks answers to many fundamental questions, and frankly, some doctors act like they are gods. Certain psychological disorders and illnesses do require medication and consistent, regular cooperation with a psychiatrist.
No, Ginseng Plus vitamins cost about $35, but they provide a massive energy boost. You feel stronger overall and way less exhausted or sleepy. You just don't get that from green tea. They contain a blend of two types of ginseng along with Vitamin C, carnitine, and a few other things. I tried them a while back and highly recommend them. It definitely did the trick.
I don't need them right now, though. It’s been a lovely day. Everything is going according to plan so far—fingers crossed it stays that way. My heart has been acting up lately; I'm dealing with tachycardia and arrhythmias, and it's bothering me. Sometimes I even get short of breath. But honestly, I can't be bothered to go see a cardiologist. Maybe it'll just settle down on its own.
The colder weather is starting to move in, so I'll have to see how my body handles the change in temperature.
I think you can pick up some ginseng; if you’ve been oversleeping, those supplements provide a decent energy boost. It’s actually not bad at all.
Mentally and emotionally, I feel pretty stable. My sleep has been relatively good, too. Aside from some occasional nausea, heart palpitations, and feeling weak—which are just physical symptoms—everything is fine. I picked up my blood work results and they aren't great, which explains everything more than enough.
For instance, the only thing that really gets to me is intense anxiety right before a doctor's appointment. Other than that, I'm okay.
I’m hoping that once I wrap up all my treatments and everything else, I can get back to work and finish my final exams.
One thing I've realized is that as I become more stable and confident, I've also made sure to surround myself with truly wonderful people who give off such positive vibes. There isn't any toxic people around, or if there are, it's negligible.
That's part of why I'm feeling better, too. Sometimes I do get hit with a wave of sadness because I want to be physically 100% again, but it doesn't happen overnight... It is what it is.
I went through that phase of emotional numbness, and honestly, there were perks to it. But then it vanished. Now, I feel everything so intensely. Because of this illness, I have this overwhelming sense that I’ll be alone forever. Everything feels altered—the way people look at me, the way they talk to me. They pretend things haven't changed, but even just a glance tells a different story. It's all so different now.
Do you all hide your diagnoses? I know > doesn't... but what about the rest of you? How would your siblings, friends, coworkers, or even someone you're interested in view you if they knew what you were dealing with?
I tried to just carry on like nothing happened, but it's impossible to act like things are the same. I don't know if they ever will be. I can't decide if I hate the pity more, or the lack of understanding, or... just everything. It shouldn't be this way. I'm still the exact same person.
>, I'm glad you found a way to better coordinate your therapy. You're still sleeping too much, though, aren't you? Maybe that isn't such a bad thing; perhaps your body and mind just need the rest right now.
> and I always believed that kindness wins out in the end, but the truth is, kind people often get exploited. People drain them until there's absolutely nothing left.
Smoking is incredibly harmful, yet people often fail to take it seriously. Regardless, addiction is addiction.
How is everyone doing?
As for me... emotionally, I've actually been quite stable for a while now. My only real issue lately is that I've been staying up too late. I met this guy who acted like he was really into me, but in the end, it turns out he wasn't. It felt foolish because why lead someone on if you aren't actually interested when they decide to give you a chance? He just shut it down. I'm not sure if it's some kind of game or what, but I have zero interest in playing games. Either you like someone or you don't. It makes no sense to feel one way one day and completely different the next... I just can't wrap my head around that. Perhaps it's because they're already seeing someone else. That would be an explanation, though it didn't immediately occur to me. But that might be the case.
I've decided to distance myself from the situation. Even though it's hard because I care about him, it is what it is. If someone truly cares about you, they make it clear and they don't flip-flop on their feelings every single day.
I start my new job at Verizon soon. Perhaps this change will do me some good.
Hi everyone, I took a quick look at your posts just to see what's going on. Yes... Diego, I’m glad to hear you have a decent salary and that the job seems solid from what I can gather. It looks like you’ve made significant progress compared to previous years. Well done. I know how heavy this gets, and I truly believe that the darkest phases of depression are the hardest to navigate. I've been there myself.
Sleep, insomnia, and everything in between... I’ve finally managed to settle into a decent circadian rhythm, relatively speaking. As for how? Just imagine if neurological patients were also prescribed 5mg of Diazepam—along with a few other things I’d recommend to everyone. I just picked up some local CBD resin—absolute magic. It’s incredible how much it helps; it completely smooths out all my physical tension and calms my mind. Honestly, I was shocked by how effective it actually is.
When it comes to antidepressants, Wellbutrin is the gold standard. As for antipsychotics, I've cycled through everything from Haldol to Loxapine, plus pretty much the rest of the alphabet.
It’s fascinating, isn't it? Once the lesions in my brain started being treated, my psychiatric diagnosis just... vanished. Interesting, right? So, it turns out my mental health struggles have started taking a physical toll on me too. I spent six months in a wheelchair, and honestly, I never know if I’ll end up back in one. But lately, I have this nagging feeling that maybe I actually need it again.
And finally, the reality is that doctors are often just guessing when it comes to sampling diseases like schizophrenia or brain demyelination. They make their best assumptions, but the actual root causes remain a complete mystery. Well, that’s just symptomatic treatment... A mountain of pills to manage the symptoms... yet a real cure remains out of reach. But that’s just how life goes. I believe that one day—perhaps long after we're gone, or who knows when—we will finally uncover the cause and find a cure. Keep fighting the good fight...
I’m taking Neurobion Forte, which is basically massive doses of B vitamins, so it requires a prescription. Honestly, I feel like nothing is actually helping, much like Harold Anderson3 and a few others here, even though my condition isn't exactly the same. I’m doing everything by the book, yet I’m just spinning my wheels. Or rather, I’m not moving at all.
My emotions were a bit all over the place tonight. I met someone new, so maybe that triggered this...
It’s like my entire life is playing out in a movie montage right before my eyes—so long, yet it feels like it flashes by in a second. I’m watching it all unfold, seeing where I went wrong, but there's no way to go back and fix it.
I can't even put a finger on what I'm feeling right now; I can't quite identify it. Being able to recognize your own emotions is so vital... but I am just confused.
I don't know if this is being caused by the lesions in my brain or if this is just who I am now. Everything feels hazy. And I can't move my right leg. I'm angry—furious, actually—because I have this primal urge to just run, but I can barely manage a few steps. Who is this new person? What happened to me? Between which lines of a book or scenes of a movie did I lose myself? I have no idea...
It's late. I think I need to get some sleep and give my brain a rest.
My circadian rhythm gets completely thrown off. I’ve experienced this myself, though for me, it’s usually triggered by chronic fatigue from illness—I'll end up sleeping through an entire day and feeling like I'm in a coma.
In any case, maybe the medications aren't the issue; I know some can cause insomnia, while others make you oversleep. It might be worth trying to adjust the timing of when you take them—that used to be the biggest help for me. If you can manage to establish a steady routine, that could be a lifesaver. Something like waking up at the same time every day and heading to bed at roughly the same time. As for me, I had three IV drips today, but honestly, I’m not even sure if they're helping...