Visionary, how would you define bipolar disorder? I’m honestly not sure what the typical diagnosis or treatment looks like... Taking too much Xanax isn't going to solve anything. It's meant to be taken as needed. Obviously, overdoing it isn't healthy, but it's not the end of the world either. Look, I once overdosed on it and ended up in the ER. But that was a deliberate attempt with a massive dose. I don't think about doing that anymore. Now, I just take more or less depending on how I feel. If I take a bit extra, I usually just sleep longer and my blood pressure drops slightly... and that's about it.
Angela Kim, I don't know how old you are, but you need to realize you're just caught up in a massive crush. In your case, this kind of infatuation isn't going away.
Nicole Barrett76 said:N/A, I wasn't even aware of that information myself until just a few days ago. It all started when I happened to stumble upon a search for "orgasm" "amygdala" because, as we know, the amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for our most primal instincts—things like sleep, defense mechanisms, reproduction, hunger, and that whole fight-or-flight response... and so on. Naturally, I assumed the amygdala would also become stimulated during an orgasm, but then I stumbled right into this fascinating data regarding the cortex.
If you have a link for that, please send it my way... I was doing relatively well on my medication, but lately, a spike in stress has hit me, and it feels like everything inside has just gone numb—even my most basic needs. I’ve been feeling pretty low and haven't even had the willpower to take a shower... nothing at all. It's like all my instincts have just died inside me.
Nicole Barrett76 said:During an orgasm, the left prefrontal cortex—located near the left eye—essentially shuts down; this is the part of the brain responsible for "common sense" and self-evaluation. So, perhaps in your case, it stays offline for too long or shuts down too deeply, leaving you unable to navigate those intense waves of love and pleasure during intimacy.
I had no idea that actually happened. Do you think that might be what's going on with me? I honestly don't know... but after reading that, it definitely seems like a plausible theory.
Arthur Scott79 said:Thanks a million. Honestly, I spend an absurd amount of time glued to my PC—gaming is practically my full-time job at this point—and my parents are constantly riding my back about it, you know? "Don't ruin your eyesight, son," they say... it’s the same old lecture every single day. But look, I've always had this massive dream of driving a semi-truck professionally one day, so I suppose I really ought to be a bit more careful with my vision now if I want that to actually happen. Anyway, thanks again. 🙂
My advice is to stop listening to "experts." You’re new to this and everything feels overwhelming right now. Those flashes you're seeing could just be tiny fragments of glass—I actually went through that myself. It lasted for a while and then cleared up. That’s an eye issue, not a mental one. As for the suicidal thoughts and panic attacks, that's a different matter entirely and isn't directly caused by the visual issues you described. It might feel like they are linked because one triggered the other, but it could just be a trigger for something deeper. Schizophrenia is a complex condition; no amount of CT-heads or MRIs will confirm a diagnosis. Only psychiatrists can make those calls. If these feelings persist—and it seems like they are quite intense—it might be best to see a psychotherapist to figure out where this is coming from and face it head-on. It could really help you move past this. My suggestion is to consult a trained professional who knows what they're doing. There is absolutely no shame in seeking help. Talk to your family about it; your mom seems very supportive.
You've panicked and immediately jumped to the worst possible diagnosis. There's a difference between neuroses and psychosis, and people often experience temporary setbacks in situations like this. It only becomes a chronic illness if it stays permanent.
Angela Kim said:I don't feel any emotional connection to anyone. My circle consists of one parent, a dog, and a single female friend who is essentially my only companion because she puts up with me. I constantly suggest sex, which she declines, though she doesn't mind if I masturbate to her since it helps me relax. I love her. I believe that if we actually had sex, it would pull me even further out of this depression; she isn't just someone I'd use for physical release—there is actual depth there. To me, sex without emotion is damaging; it feels like you're just violating yourself. Am I right?
I sympathize; people struggling with mental health often find themselves isolated. Your relationship with this friend is definitely unconventional. Have you ever stopped to consider why she doesn't want to be in a relationship with you? If you stay on this path, you could end up suffering indefinitely if she isn't interested. Just imagine how you'd feel if she met someone else. Being together and sharing an intimate connection would likely improve your mental state significantly.
I used to have male friends who wanted more from me, and eventually, I had to distance myself. I think they suffered a bit until they found someone who could provide what I couldn't. That's just how life works.
Harold Anderson3 said:Yeah, honestly, that’s actually a pretty standard symptom of this condition, especially during those early stages before things really get managed with treatment. I was reading an article about schizophrenia the other day, and it mentioned:
''In the early stages of the illness, a typical syndrome involves the loss of emotional warmth. This loss can be subtle or quite pronounced, with individuals reporting changes in how they feel toward themselves and the world around them.''
When I was going through it, the thing that hit me the hardest wasn't just the numbness itself, but this overwhelming sense of responsibility and guilt. I’d find myself spiraling, wondering, ''What kind of person am I if I don't feel devastated when, say, my mother or someone close to me passes away?'' It worked the same way in reverse, too—if something wonderful happened, I’d just feel nothing at all, which was equally unsettling. Eventually, between the medication (which started out as just antidepressants) and working through psychotherapy, everything started to balance out and settle back into place.
I understand... I went through the exact same thing at first. That intense emotional numbness and emptiness, where you can't react to anything. And just like you described, that feeling of guilt is often even worse because you know exactly what emotions you *should* be feeling in a given moment, yet they just aren't there.
I have feelings now. They aren't incredibly intense, unfortunately, but thanks to the medication, they are present. Dealing with that emotional component has been one of my biggest challenges.
Based on my test results, I fall into the schizoid category... though I’m not a fan of that label. It feels a bit too depressing for me.
I honestly can't say... after I had sex, I spiraled into a psychosis. Generally speaking, I struggle with processing emotions—it's hard for me to manage them or even fully grasp what I'm feeling. At its core, my psychological struggles stem from this inability to understand or navigate my own emotional state.
Do any of you deal with similar emotional issues? Do you ever experience a total sense of emotional numbness?
I can never quite bring myself to believe I look good. Accepting myself and actually liking what I see feels miles away from where I am right now, haha. Can any of you honestly say that? Does anyone here have a stable relationship? Aside from being in one with schizophrenia... lol. Also, I'm curious—has anyone ever experienced a psychotic break following sexual intercourse?
It’s such a drag when medication causes weight gain... just like what happened to you, Robin Lopez2. Ever since I started my therapy, I’ve definitely put on some weight. My mental health has finally stabilized, but that also means I've actually started eating again—plus, the medication has spiked my appetite quite a bit. So, here we are... I’ve always been on the lighter side, and right now I’m hovering right on that line between being thin and just barely maintaining my weight. Honestly, seeing the number on the scale is pretty depressing for me. It feels like weight is something almost every woman struggles with, though I’m sure men deal with their own version of that pressure too. This might sound completely insane, but I honestly don't care... I love being able to feel my bones and lean muscle without any fat in the way. As soon as I start feeling different than that, I absolutely hate it.
I simply couldn't have sex; I would spiral straight into a psychosis afterward.
I’m really struggling with my weight right now. Honestly, I’m not even overweight—my BMI is sitting at 19—but compared to how I was before starting this medication, I’ve gained about 10 pounds. Even though I know I’m not actually heavy, I just feel bloated and out of shape. I’m definitely going on a diet; I feel much better when I’m leaner, and this extra weight is really weighing on me mentally.
Yeah... you can't just stop shaking or trembling on command... My psychologist explained that this is happening because I haven't been releasing all the emotional stress I've been bottling up.
Robin Lopez2... it’s similar to what you described with your leg, except for me, it’s my entire body. It feels completely out of control, like something has taken over and won't let go. Sometimes I manage to get a moment of relief, but then it starts back up a minute later, and it keeps going like that indefinitely until I take a pill and pass out. After that, I’m exhausted for three days straight, feeling almost comatose, and my whole body aches—my jaw, my head, my muscles... everything. That’s what scares me most. But I think I know the trigger, and as long as I stay away from it, things should settle down. I wasn't hitting my head or anything like that; it was just muscle spasms, tremors, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, etc. And then the paralysis kicks in...
Today, I’m making a really tough call about whether or not to drop out of college. Mentally, it's just too much. On top of the schizophrenia, I've fallen into a psychotic depression and I feel everything so intensely... I can't keep going like this. I can't keep up with my responsibilities, and the therapy meds have me sleeping constantly. I just woke up a little while ago...
Harold Anderson3 said:I've actually never heard of the catatonic state before.😕
So, you mean that feeling where you're just physically unable to move? If I remember correctly, that's a symptom of catatonic schizophrenia.😕
I've been through quite a lot in my life, but I've never experienced anything quite like that.
That’s true... it started manifesting during one particularly stressful period.
I also had intense episodes of twitching and muscle tremors, uncontrolled head shaking, jaw spasms, and then I would just end up stuck in some incredibly unnatural, rigid position, especially with my arms twisted in ways that made no sense. And I'd stay like that for hours... It actually subsided about a month and a half ago.
There was this one stretch where I kept seeing ghosts. I’d go out of my way to avoid wherever they might be, practically jumping around like a fool because every time one appeared, I’d either bolt or just stare at it in total panic... During one psychiatric evaluation, there was actually a ghost right there in the exam room. My eyes were darting everywhere—I had pure terror written all over my face. The psychiatrist noticed immediately, but I lied and told him I was just looking at the furniture.
The worst part, though, is the catatonic episodes. Some of them hit incredibly hard. You just freeze up completely, totally lifeless, with absolutely zero strength to move an inch. I’m terrified of those episodes because I can’t seem to break out of them. Has anyone else dealt with this?
Steve Jobs, were you hospitalized over the holidays? Taking Apaurin for 20 days isn't exactly a crisis... unfortunately, I've been taking my Xanax daily for years now. I'm glad they finally found a medication that works for you. It might make you feel pretty drowsy, though. My own treatment makes me incredibly sleepy; I end up napping almost every single afternoon, which I'd love to avoid, but it is what it is. As long as I'm relatively functional despite the insomnia, that's what matters. Most importantly, I feel much better since starting this new regimen—emotionally stable and mentally clearer. The only downside is that I've put on some weight, so I'll be starting a diet soon.
I’m doing my best to stay well and make sure no one looks at me like I’m some kind of invalid. I just want everyone around me to feel as comfortable as possible... sometimes more so, sometimes less... but I'm trying. During these holidays, I've mostly just been sleeping... my therapy makes me incredibly drowsy. I was prescribed stronger doses due to psychosis, so I sleep a lot, but mentally, I feel much better.
The side effects are absolutely killing me... I’m sleeping way too much, my appetite is all over the place, and my period is completely out of whack now. My doctor told me this is all just part of the process, but honestly, the brain fog and lethargy are unbearable. People have even started noticing. It feels like my whole functionality has taken a hit, but even with all these issues, I still feel better overall than I did before.
Steve Jobs, I don't think you're just complaining; I think things are genuinely tough for you. This forum exists so people can share their struggles, too.