Jose Ward4 said:Honestly, I’d turn the question back on you—what makes you feel so suspicious, withdrawn, and cold? Have you thought about seeing a psychologist? That's actually what I'm planning to do myself in a few months.
I don't want to scare you off, because that isn't my intention at all, but the reality is that it usually comes down to the specific psychiatrist you see. My doctor tends to be pretty strict about everything, especially when it involves driving privileges, particularly with more severe diagnoses.
Took a psych test. It's not schizophrenia. Just depression, PTSD, and some long-standing personality issues.
Matthew Gomez2 said:A few times in my life, I’ve crossed paths with people who possess this staggering level of intellect—individuals so intellectually formidable that they don't even need to say a word to command the room. Some of them are still in my orbit, while others passed through just to remind me of exactly what I needed to hear at that specific moment in time.
I’m curious, how do you all go about sharpening your own intellect?
There is something deeply fascinating to me about encountering someone who truly knows their subject matter—and I don't mean trivial, everyday small talk. I mean deep dives into the cosmos, the mechanics of consciousness, the subconscious, and those heavy, existential topics you simply can't bring up with just anyone. I find myself craving more connections with open-minded people who can see the bigger picture, those who have built their own internal frameworks for understanding reality; they might be a bit dogmatic at times, which some might call a flaw, but I’ve always seen it as a strength. I get such a sense of fulfillment when I’m listening to or engaging with people online who discuss these profound subjects that we rarely touch upon. We all eventually have to construct our own theories and definitions regarding the unknown, but the key is to keep refining them—to ensure we don't become stagnant or mistake our current perceptions for our absolute identity, because we are certainly much more than just what we currently think we are.
In the title, I brought up spiral dynamics, as I honestly believe that framework offers the best description of intellectual evolution. We all start at zero and climb upward; everyone exists at a specific stage, and I suspect those people I mentioned earlier are operating at an enviable level—perhaps you reading this are, or perhaps it's me. The real work lies in recognizing where you currently stand and acknowledging all the different phases you've navigated to get here.
So, in short, are you actively working on cultivating a stronger intellect? Do you notice specific milestones where you feel you've leveled up, and do you pay close attention to that progression?
There is so much left to learn, and the universe is endlessly fascinating. Through synchronicity, numbers, or even just catching a phrase on the radio or TV, we get glimpses and guidance for whatever we were thinking about in that moment. Everything is connected through energy and vibrations. Thoughts are energy. People are here to guide us or teach us; even the ones who irritate us serve a purpose by making us stronger. Nothing is accidental. We are essentially the gods of our own universes. The people and events around us are just mirrors reflecting our own aspects back at us. In this 3D world, life feels pretty shallow because of processed food, stress, and being disconnected from nature. Most of us don't even realize our eyes only perceive a tiny fraction of what truly exists. Returning to nature—our greatest teacher—is how we return to ourselves and a higher state of consciousness.
I've actually looked for professional help before, but nobody could actually help me. 🙂
I saw this one specialist who basically wrecked me with side effects from all the pills she put me on. And years ago, I went to a psychotherapist in Miami—who was the one who referred me to that lady—and it was useless.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists... none of them can help me. 😁
You're right about that... it's just about doing the work on yourself and getting out there.
No, I’m not about to start changing who I am just for the sake of it. That feels too much like admitting I’m not enough as I am right now. It’s not that I haven’t tried, but nothing really came of it—at least nothing close to what I actually wanted. I truly believe things flow better when there's less resistance. Because at the end of the day, you always attract what you are, not just what you want.
Look, you just do what needs to be done. You don't go around playing favorites or catering to everyone else's whims. Everything starts with yourself. If you aren't willing to step up for your own sake, why on earth would you bother doing it for anyone else?
Part of me thinks I was being naive. At the end of the day, things happen when they happen, and grinding yourself into the dirt isn't always the key to winning. Honestly, pushing too hard can actually backfire. It’s like you’re sending out this desperate energy, signaling that what you want is somehow out of reach, which just creates resistance. I'm speaking generally here.
They say you're free to vote, but only if you're checking the box for the Republican Party. You can show up to a Republican Party rally, but heaven forbid you step foot near a Democratic Party one.
You aren't even allowed to walk into a store unless you're picking up cigarettes for Andrej Plenković.
Don't bother with the pharmacy either—medicine is supposed to be for the people, not for the Republican Party.
Everything for the Republican Party, but nothing actually for anyone else.
😂😂😂😂😂 Kazes Capak called me asking to pick up some breakfast pâté for him, and I didn't say a word.
frozengardener7 said:My thoughts were along these lines...
Is it actually possible to change? To alter our habits, our behaviors, or our fundamental flaws?
Can intensive self-work truly "eliminate" those deep-seated struggles that feel like an abyss?
Does that old saying "a leopard can't change its spots" hold any truth?
I am questioning this concept of "character." Can a shift in nature ever be proven, or is everything ultimately just *res non verba*?
It holds true.😁 Some traits stay with you forever,🍿 but people do change. Usually after they get a massive ego trip... or life hits them hard enough to make them finally wake up. Just my take.
George Long6 said:Exactly. What kind of friends? People are so two-faced and nasty these days that looking for friendship isn't even worth the effort. Why bother having someone you tell everything to (unless it's your sibling or a parent)...? People have always been this way, but nowadays it's just reached a breaking point. Otherwise, you just have acquaintances you grab a coffee with occasionally, but true friends—people you share your problems, fears, and goals with while listening to theirs... what's the point? It feels totally unnecessary in life. Just get a dog or a cat... you won't find any better friends than them. 👍
I feel you... honestly. And yeah, I second the dog recommendation... 🐶 I have one, and it’s true. Unconditional love... they'll even lick your feet after a shower (imagine thinking they're a towel) 🐾 and they won't get offended by anything you say or think... When you're out in public, people expect you to just nod along, agree with everything, and jump on the bandwagon of whatever the majority thinks... I just don't know how to fake it, and I'm not going to.
Honestly, you have no idea how lucky you are. I get such a massive headache dealing with people's stupidity. I can't stand being tied down, and I can't stand getting close to anyone. Being close means opening up and sharing everything about yourself, and then what? Someone takes all your business and spreads it around. No thanks.☕ better off alone☕
Harold Anderson3 said:It’s definitely possible, because hallucinations aren't a requirement for everyone living with schizophrenia; they are really just one symptom among many possibilities. As for your other question, it really depends on the individual case. Generally speaking, a diagnosis alone doesn't automatically strip someone of their rights, but if it's determined that they truly lack the capacity to drive safely or manage their own affairs, then those privileges can certainly be revoked.
Thanks for the answer. God help me... all I need right now is to be able to drive just 6.2 miles to and from the house while my husband handles everything else... but I really need the car for driving the kids to school. I got a little spooked reading some of those news stories about driver's licenses...
Carol Barrett2 said:So, I’ve been officially diagnosed with schizophrenia myself, and honestly? I’ve never had a single hallucination in my life. As for the legal stuff—it's not like they strip those rights away from everyone you mentioned. At least, they haven't touched mine. But, yeah, it’s definitely possible for some people to lose those privileges depending on the situation.
Based on everything I've been reading lately, I’m starting to suspect I might have negative symptoms... I live in my own little world, pretty withdrawn, which honestly makes me happy... that's just how I am. Otherwise, I've been struggling with depression for years. I don't know if it's psychological or something else. I'm worried about losing my driver's license—sounds silly, I know, but that's all I've been reading about in the news lately. What about you? How does it show up for you? What kind of symptoms are you dealing with? Ps. I noticed that on small doses of Risperdal I’m actually much more open, so my psychiatrist prescribed it without a diagnosis of schizophrenia... she just asked if I hear voices. I said no. I've had a traumatic life, so maybe that's where it comes from. I also struggle with insomnia. I had a polysomnography done and I'm missing the N3 sleep stage entirely, and my REM is too short. They couldn't find any physical cause, so I'm afraid it might be psychological in nature.
Quick question... is it possible to deal with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder without actually seeing things? Like, if someone is just incredibly paranoid, withdrawn, and emotionally numb... is that still part of it? And one more thing... does a diagnosis like that typically lead to losing legal competency or a driver's license? Thanks for letting me jump in here.
Hannah Edwards12 said:I find myself at a complete loss regarding how to proceed. Recently, my partner opened up to me, suggesting that he might be dealing with some sort of psychological issue. He claims he can "hear voices" that are constantly talking about him. It is difficult for me to take this at face value, frankly, because he is the type of individual who avoids any semblance of hard work and tends to dodge his responsibilities even when he's currently employed. To make matters more complicated, he has a colleague at his job who struggles with depression and is frequently out on medical leave. He attempted to discuss this with his parents, but they don't seem to take him seriously at all; they argue that ever since he was a child, he has had an overactive imagination and a tendency to "embellish" the truth. The reality is... life is never dull with him, as I seem to discover something new about this man every single day; he was quite the charmer when we first met, but he has been caught in lies far too many times. There have also been instances of bizarre behavior and an intense, irrational paranoia regarding other men, which occasionally leaves me wondering if there is an underlying clinical condition at play. Now, he is insisting on seeking professional treatment, but we are all deeply concerned that if he is simply manufacturing these symptoms, he will end up being handed a diagnosis and a heavy regimen of medication just because he insists he has schizophrenia—given that his grandmother suffered from the same thing. In my more cynical moments, I suspect he is inventing this illness merely to avoid having to work. Does anyone have any advice?
Unlikely he's making it up. Given the genetic predisposition... my modest opinion. Personally, people with Schizophrenia don't strike me as "sick"... I see it more as an expanded state of consciousness. Some people lean into the excess, others don't.
Elizabeth Castillo87 said:So, what’s the deal with humility? I mean, where does it actually show up in the Gospels? Aside from when Jesus was washing the disciples' feet or basically handing himself over to be executed, where's the humility? Most of the time, he was busy teaching about love or healing people, sure, but let's be real—he was throwing threats around too. Since when does pulling off miracles count as being humble, right? And where exactly did Muhammad show humility? Where was Buddha being humble? Sometimes I get this nagging feeling that "humility" is just an expectation placed on followers, especially women. I mean, look at Mary. The Gospels make it clear that while the apostles were busy scattering in every direction to save their own skins, it was the women who stayed by Jesus' side at the cross. You want to call that humility? Or is it something else?
My take on this is that humility pays off because I link it to peace. It's a state where the ego isn't in charge. If you aren't ruled by ego, nobody can crush you. The only thing that can crush you is your own ego, suffering because it needs to prove itself or because it clings to negativity when it gets hurt. Being humble means being at peace. It means other people's actions don't touch you enough to cause endless suffering. You realize that if you act with peace and humility, you're doing good for yourself and setting an example. Treat others how you want to be treated. That's just how it works. As for certain religions treating women as inferior or submissive—giving them fewer rights—that feels more like a power grab through hierarchy than actual spirituality. The spirit doesn't have a gender. Angels don't have genders. Why would a soul? I might be submissive, but not because I'm a woman. It's because of my inner nature and my desire for harmony and a good life. Jesus showed us the kind of life we should all be aiming for.
I just don't get where the gut feeling goes. That specific intuition—the one where you aren't even confused, you just know deep down that something is off, even if you can't figure out how to fix it. It’s easy for people to say, "just work on yourself and your environment will follow." And sure, at least you'll be happy with who you see in the mirror. But don't beat yourself up over nothing. If you want to be a better person, you can do that consciously by being warmer toward your partner. I don't know, just give him a hug. We spend so much energy on random people who don't matter, yet we show nothing but ego and teeth to the ones who actually mean everything to us. Speaking generally here, though—usually, if you want something from someone, you have to be ready to offer it first. You'll see. But if after all that effort everything stays exactly the same, there’s no point in blaming yourself. I don't know what else to say. Just take it step by step. Don't carry the guilt; you won't be able to move an inch forward if you're weighed down by it. Just try to stay positive.
Took some Melatonin tonight and finally got some decent sleep. I might actually need to stay disciplined and keep doing this; I slept like a baby, just total deep sleep. Honestly, feeling pretty good about it.
Kevin Bailey2 said:Only Seroquel messed with my drive, and even then, it was right after taking it. By morning, it usually cleared up.
My sex drive is definitely a bit lower... but honestly? I still love good sex and I can still feel it. 😁
I'm with you there. But at the end of the day, the important thing is that I actually want it. If he needs to pop a Viagra just to power through a marathon session so I can get an orgasm, then fine. 🤣🎉
Kevin Bailey2 said:Speaking from experience, you aren't going to get addicted to Lamal. It's not like that. It's actually kind of strange because you don't really "feel" it hitting you. You just notice your mood and behavior shifting subtly... for the better, obviously.
Plus, it doesn't give you that high that makes people crave psych meds, so... you've got nothing to worry about.
Fair enough, though at 25 mg, we're talking a tiny dose. Still, I'm a skeptical hypochondriac by nature.😬
Do these drugs kill your libido? And does the body actually adjust to them over time or not?🍿 hoping for the best🤦😁