George Cook said:I decided to do it myself. :teeth: First, I went to see a psychologist in a basement office, armed with the wrong referral from my doctor, naturally. 😛 After sitting through an hour and a half of tension, she decided we’d need to run the personality test a second time. This time, I made sure I had the correct paperwork.
I completed three different tests, plus some pattern matching and cross-referencing...
Perhaps those three weren't enough for her to get a clear picture. So, more were needed. She immediately referred me to a psychiatrist to get on their list, noting visible signs of anxiety. The results should be ready today, so I'll know then.
In a basement? Are you talking about that clinic over by Firule?
Was that through LOM?
Anyway, please let us know what the report actually says... 🙂
George Cook said:That just occurred to me. They mentioned during the screening that they’d be evaluating how precisely I execute the strikes.
Though, my take is that the real test lies in the angle and scale of the shapes I replicate from the image.
Agreed. My striking was accurate enough, even if my alignment drifted slightly left or right.
One thing about this drawing process, though...
<_______> (drawing above the line) When I was sketching the right side, my hand slipped on the spike. That was a clear error on my part.
Is this a sign of bipolar disorder? Well?
Or maybe they're just lost in the woods? (They always end up there eventually😁)
What I really want to know is: who actually sent you to take these tests, and what on earth was the motivation behind it? Where did you even go to get them done—was it through a private clinic or some hospital system? Since you're from a place like Chicago, I’m particularly curious about that, because frankly, despite my own extensive "pilgrimages" to all sorts of psychiatrists and therapists, not a single one of them has ever suggested this specific kind of testing. Mind you, most of my consultations have been with private practitioners.
Daniel Kelly57 said:I can't even wrap my head around what that's like. But if one of my close friends went through that, I'd step up like it was happening to me. Empty clichés aren't even an option with real friends. And there's no way I'd let them spiral off into isolation because of the grief. I'd fight to be there. But if I realized my help wasn't making a dent, I'd have to accept defeat and give them space. Not without a fight, though.🍿
I truly understand, and I have nothing but profound respect for people who stay loyal to the end. When someone stands by you through thick and thin, that’s the kind of integrity you just don't see much of these days. Sometimes in life, you just have to face the hard truth: the ultimate act of love and respect isn't about holding on—it’s about having the strength to let people drift away. It's about realizing that sometimes, the most honorable thing you can do for someone is to stop forcing them to be a part of your world.
Daniel Kelly57 said:Look, people definitely need solitude, but cutting off your friends for good just because you're going through a rough patch? That's nonsense. I wouldn't let that happen if I were a real friend. Even when things suck, you've gotta find a way to grab a coffee with your buddies once in a while.🍿
Look, people don't just "abandon" you. Life throws curveballs that force massive, tectonic shifts in who you are, and honestly, we’re lucky if we never have to face them. I used to work for a non-profit organization helping children with various developmental disabilities... and their parents—now that is a whole different story. When you have a child with cerebral palsy at twenty years old... your life is permanently altered. You aren't that same young person you were yesterday, and you certainly can't find humor in the same things anymore. Not to mention the endless stream of empty platitudes people throw at you... they think they're being comforting, but it's nonsense. Eventually, you realize the only people you can actually talk to are those walking the exact same path as you.
Now, if we are talking about superficial stuff—like someone falling in love and suddenly forgetting their buddies, or someone getting too busy with their "standard" lifestyle to make time for a hangout—then sure, those weren't real friendships to begin with. But even then, I don't see anything tragic about it. If someone is in a position where they can never find time for me, it simply tells me our bond wasn't solid and it was never a true friendship... and frankly, I don't waste my energy trying to maintain those kinds of connections.
Life is dynamic; it's in constant motion and flux. I’ve always believed that not every ending is a tragedy, because you can learn something from every single relationship, no matter how it turns out. And that’s perfectly fine. 👍
The most important thing is that we all know exactly who we are and what we stand for. Once you have that self-awareness, navigating life's complications and shifting relationships becomes a hell of a lot easier. 😉
Everything in life shifts—people, circumstances, priorities... I’ve lost touch with so many people over the years that I haven't seen or heard from them in ages. Then, when our paths finally cross again, they act as if we were hanging out just yesterday, as close as we ever were. A massive amount of "communication breakdown" happens when life hits someone hard; when crises roll in, people tend to isolate themselves and drift away because they are pouring every ounce of their mental energy into survival. It isn't a personal vendetta, and it certainly doesn't mean they don't care about you or wouldn't hang out if things were different... it simply means a fundamental shift occurred that fundamentally altered the relationship. And anyone who assumes this only happens because someone "isn't a true friend" is dead wrong. Most people view everything through a self-centered lens, focusing solely on the feedback they receive. If that feedback doesn't stroke their ego, they interpret it as a personal slight. In reality, that behavior often has absolutely nothing to do with them or the friendship itself. For instance: imagine a couple gets married, and then they have a child with significant developmental challenges... their entire world is turned upside down, and it will never be the same again. That doesn't mean they’ve forgotten their friends; it means they might not even have the capacity to talk about it because they are utterly exhausted by the battle life has forced upon them...
Sometimes, you just have to accept that a new chapter has begun, without assuming there's any malice or hostility involved. Life happens to people—it's messy, unpredictable, and sometimes brutal. And life has a way of writing those kinds of stories...
I don’t feel defined or even diminished by having an ADHD diagnosis. I’ve always maintained that I am far more than just a label on a medical chart—I am my own person, period. The setbacks, the moments of losing things, the constant searching, the uphill battles—that’s just what life is. Whether you’re living with ADHD or you aren't, you’re going to have to fight for something in this life. Personally, I’ve made the conscious decision to be grateful for who I am and simply for the fact that I’m here.
restlessranger54 said:First off, I just want to say thanks to everyone for reaching out and showing support. Look, I know the diagnosis is what it is, but I’ve decided I’m moving forward regardless. What’s actually eating at me is figuring out how to stay positive through all the ups and downs of life—like, you have a steady job today, and tomorrow everything changes. I refuse to let this damn illness define my best years. Some mom replied to my previous post, and honestly, I dig her perspective, though it feels like she's being driven by a ton of fear and anxiety. Sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't. But at the end of the day, I really believe you just have to forge your own path, no matter how messy things look right now. That said, I still deal with that heavy sense of guilt whenever I decide to just do my own thing.
Look, none of us can run away from illness, but we absolutely can choose the path we take despite every obstacle in our way. And let’s be honest: illness isn't the only hurdle in life. Plenty of people are in perfect physical health and still fail to make the changes they want to see. Whether they have a formal diagnosis or not, people are terrified of the exact same things you are—whether they’ll hold onto their jobs, or how to maintain a positive outlook through the inevitable highs and lows of life. Everyone has to face those struggles alone and learn how to live through them.
As for your mother—it is perfectly expected that she is being governed by fear and worry, but I’ve already touched on that above... that guilt should never stop you from pursuing what you want to achieve. Ultimately, your mother will be happy when she sees you pushing boundaries and carving out the kind of life you actually want to lead.
Stay brave on this journey; from the way you write, it's clear you have the potential to succeed. 🙂
Look, if Mom would just stop being so incredibly rigid and actually consider easing up—not just for your sake, but for her own sanity too—things might actually get somewhere. It’s about time she realized that loosening the reins is in everyone's best interest.
Given the broad generalizations you're throwing out there, I honestly can't say I'm surprised this whole situation is unfolding the way it is.
Look, I need to lay this out clearly because people don't seem to grasp the weight of it. This is my reality as a mother. From the moment my child was born, it’s been a constant cycle of fragility and fear. We haven't just had "stubborn colds"; we have spent years navigating the endless, sterile corridors of major children's hospitals, constantly on edge, waiting for news that usually brings more anxiety. Then comes the crushing blow: a diagnosis of a chronic, incurable condition. That wasn't just a medical label; it was a life sentence for both of us. It was the moment the realization hit me like a freight train—this isn't a phase, and there is no "getting over it." I am looking at a future where I will be indispensable. I will be the one standing between my child and the world, forever tethered to their needs by a bond forged in sickness. It is an exhausting, overwhelming, and absolute certainty that I will always, without exception, be needed.
My daughter’s current stance is pretty much this: "I need breathing room! And I can find it without you, Mom!"
She simply won't let you breathe. It’s not even a choice for her at this point; she can't let you go because she has played the role of your protector for far too long, and she honestly doesn't know how to function any other way. She’s become completely enmeshed in your diagnosis. Look, I realize it’s *your* diagnosis, not hers, but you have to understand a fundamental truth about human nature: there is nothing more devastating to a parent than seeing their child struggle with a condition. To her, your struggle is her own. It is entirely possible that she is acting out or being difficult because of something specific, but since we don't have her here on the forum to weigh in, we're just left guessing.
Look, you have every single right to dig deep and pave your own path toward whatever life choices you decide are yours to make—whether that means staying with your boyfriend, packing up for a move, or getting married. I am telling you right now, and I mean this with absolute certainty: you should not let that diagnosis limit your world in any capacity, whether we are talking about your physical freedom or your ability to chase your ambitions. Don't you dare let it hold you back.
I have a dear friend who is currently navigating life as a mother of three while battling Multiple Sclerosis. It’s a heavy burden to carry, but what really gets my blood boiling is the medical advice she was given regarding her third pregnancy. Her doctors actually had the audacity to warn her against having another child, claiming that the physical toll would cause a rapid decline in her health. They essentially tried to talk her out of expanding her family for the sake of her own stability. Despite those warnings and the clear risks they laid out, she’s moving forward with this third baby. She’s determined to be a mother, regardless of what the specialists say about her prognosis.
She’s forty years old, blessed with a husband who would move mountains for her, a massive circle of loyal friends, and three absolutely beautiful kids. On the surface, she’s the life of the party—always smiling, showing up to every single event, and truly making the most of every moment. But here is the reality that people don't see: her health is declining. There are days when she physically cannot step foot out the door. Yet, despite the struggle, she refuses to back down. She isn't letting a diagnosis dictate her existence. I find myself clinging to the desperate hope that medical science will actually make some meaningful strides forward. We need more than just incremental steps; we need a breakthrough that can finally slow down the debilitating progression and the relentless complications that come with living with multiple sclerosis. It’s hard to stay optimistic when you see how much this disease takes, but at this point, we have no choice but to believe that progress is coming.
Look, you need to show some gratitude to that mother of yours whenever you get the chance—seriously, don't take her for granted. But more importantly, do not you dare let go of anything you’ve set your sights on. Whatever vision you have for your life, hold onto it with everything you've got. Don't back down. 🙂
Alright, look, since everyone on this forum has suddenly started acting like they’ve got a crystal ball and can predict the future, I’m locking this thread. If the original poster actually wants to turn this into a legitimate, productive discussion, they need to shoot me a private message so we can hash out a direction that isn't just mindless speculation.
Until then, it's locked.
Edit: After touching base with the author, I'm unlocking this. Now, let's get down to business... 🙂
swiftdrifter51 said:It feels a little strange looking back, but I guess the internet ten years ago was just fundamentally slower and way more expensive than what we’re dealing with today. It's funny how much things shift over a decade. Anyway, regarding this topic... I suppose most guys would find it pretty jarring; it just doesn't feel natural for us to witness that kind of thing, while I think women tend to be a bit more split on the whole issue.
But honestly, you see more and more of it popping up online these days.
And what exactly did you start doing?
Look, either start telling the story and actually explain what you mean, or this whole thread isn't going to make any sense at all.
silvermason72 said:So, regarding San Francisco, a couple of us forum regulars met up last Friday. One of those old-school users doesn't really hang out here anymore, but my sister—who runs one of those mental health nonprofits in San Francisco—was there too. We had a blast. So, if anyone else wants to jump in next time... feel free.😁
Is this just a subtle attempt to spin this into a group therapy session? 😁
If that's the case, I might just have to join you two as well.😍
swiftdrifter51 said:I was wondering if anyone might have some advice regarding an addiction—well, that’s probably the best way I can describe it. Basically, whenever I finish doing it, I end up in this state of total physical distress. I feel this intense tension, I get really irritable, and I actually start grinding my teeth in my sleep. Then, for the next couple of days, I just stay in this heightened, stressed-out state. I'm fully aware that I'm doing myself a disservice here, but I guess I just can't seem to help myself.
Well, you can't exactly ask for help if you won't even say what kind of "addiction" we're talking about, can you?
George Lopez84 said:I mean, it’s not exactly hard to find free time when you have an empty life like yours—it's just simple logic.
@Jeffrey Ramos4 - It takes a minute, not two—there isn't much to read here anyway when most people just quote others, poorly paraphrased, without actually understanding the weight of what they're claiming. You should back up your own words instead of just throwing quotes around like they're everything. But yeah, I knew my response would be taken as an attack. My mistake. I'm not interested in tossing out nonsense without taking responsibility for it. I won't tolerate it—I have my own principles and I don't deal with baseless stupidity, especially when it's someone else's.
That's it. Either you get the point or you don't; I couldn't care less either way. But don't expect me to stay quiet about this kind of idiocy. From what position do you think you're allowed to call others out? That's why I said stop whining.
Yes, it is officially over. Either you learn how to hold a civil discussion without resorting to insults and belittling your interlocutor, or we are going to have ourselves a very different kind of "conversation."
If this observation rubs you the wrong way, feel free to take your grievances up with the City Water Department.
Thanks.
edit: to the rest of the members—stop the trolling.
- Look at siblings. Their genetics are similar but definitely not identical, and they usually have roughly the same upbringing. Yet, you'll see one become a police officer while the other ends up in prison, or one lives an honest life while the other follows a completely different path—one is shy, the other is a total extrovert... and there's plenty more to it.
- Genetics is often mysterious and incredibly diverse; it isn't something you can just easily track or predict.
Sometimes, specific traits can "skip" generations, popping up from distant ancestors who had them hidden away within the parents. It can even happen with their grandparents.
Most parents will give you the same tired line regarding siblings—that they are completely different people. But usually, when people say that, they’re talking about personality quirks, like whether someone is an extrovert or an introvert. In reality, if one child grows up to be arrogant or prone to criminal behavior while the other turns out moral and conscientious, I highly doubt the parenting approach was actually the same. And let's be honest: parents will swear up and down that they treated everyone identically, even when the underlying reality is vastly different. I've seen this pattern countless times, even within my own family circles. The truth is, parents simply do not behave the same way toward their first, second, or third child...
edit: Take a look at the final page of the Toxic Parents guide and read about just how "equally" parents supposedly treated one child versus another.
velvetstag5 said:Most people's behavior is largely driven by genetics. The small portion influenced by their environment (parents) usually happens subconsciously, mostly through the child just watching how we act. Then you've got the influence of social media, preschool teachers, and all that "you must do this/can't do that" stuff.
Just my two cents.🙄
I have to say, I think your logic is completely flawed. Genetics might provide the foundation, but you cannot ignore the environmental factors required for actual development—whether we're talking about illnesses, behavioral patterns, or anything else. Take a child who is adopted into a stable, healthy American family. Even if their biological parents were absolute bottom-feeders—we're talking criminals, addicts, or violent deviants—that child can grow up to be a perfectly well-adjusted individual because of the environment they were raised in. They won't inherit those deviant behaviors just by blood.
Unfortunately, I can't offer much guidance regarding Indianapolis, but you should try checking this specific thread to see if anyone has posted about finding help in that area. It’s worth a deep dive through the archives.
As for opioids and alcohol, I don't have much to add beyond this: 🙂 Mixing pharmacotherapy with alcohol is a dangerous game you simply shouldn't play; the consequences can be absolutely lethal. And when it comes to other opioids or narcotics? They aren't just bad news—they will aggressively tear down whatever mental stability you have left. But I won't hijack the conversation here, as there is a dedicated section for those topics.
I truly, sincerely hope you find the professional medical support you need. And let me be clear: if your current medication regimen is making you feel this sluggish, drowsy, or heavily sedated, something is wrong. You might tolerate a bit of grogginess in the short term while your body adjusts to a new prescription, but once that initial phase passes, you're supposed to be functional. If you aren't, then the treatment plan is fundamentally flawed and needs to be adjusted immediately.
If you want my honest opinion, it sounds like you haven't even received proper professional guidance yet. You desperately need a second opinion—ideally from a psychiatrist who also practices psychotherapy. You need someone who can actually oversee your medication regimen while simultaneously digging into the root causes of your condition through a structured therapeutic process.
Let me be perfectly clear: beer, alcohol, or any kind of recreational drugs are absolutely disastrous when combined with pharmacotherapy. They are strictly off-limits and should never, under any circumstances, be part of the equation.
Brandon Mitchell said:Professional help is a joke; all they do is hand out pills that numb you out and leave you feeling sluggish and complacent for ages. I’ve been through the ringer with psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and psychologists myself, and honestly? Zero stars for every single one of them. I feel exactly the same way as the girl writing all this.
Professional mental health care isn't just about throwing medication at a problem; it encompasses pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and holistic support systems. It is absolutely not limited to just drugs. I am genuinely sorry you had such a dismal experience with the entire spectrum of professional help, but let’s be clear: there are incredibly talented psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and psychologists out there—and please understand that none of those roles share the same educational background or training.
velvetstag5 said:At first, I thought my vision was failing me, but then I realized someone had messed with the intro. I did use an inappropriate term, but it feels like that nasty little label perfectly captures how disgusting some people's behavior can be.
As for the gossip, I was being a bit playful while trying to shift the focus toward the unnecessary jealousy people feel regarding the "successes" of certain... pieces of trash.
Years ago, I was definitely jealous of people who held me back, tripped me up, rejected me, or mocked my naivety. Today, I honestly feel nothing but pity for every single one of them.
I've come to realize that most people are unscrupulous simply because they are miserable, or because their own lack of ethics and egoism has totally screwed them over.
Get it, Serena Williams?
Sure, you could argue that way. It’s certainly not a universal rule—you definitely see some people who breeze through life unscathed despite having those kinds of attitudes—but let’s be real: there are plenty of others who eventually have those choices come back to haunt them. I think this whole issue gets much more complicated when you realize we're talking about problems rooted entirely in the ego. And once the ego takes over, it becomes the catalyst for all sorts of ugly situations and broken relationships.
In my view, a person needs to navigate this life guided by their own conscience. If someone has actually internalized a solid set of standards, ethical values, and moral principles, then I don't believe they ever have to worry about letting their ego warp them into becoming something deviant or depraved.
At the end of the day, there are several decisive factors that determine whether a person turns out to be utterly unscrupulous or stays true to themselves.