Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
Someone earlier misstated that Xanax is a psychotic, which isn't true—it’s actually an anxiolytic. Meaning it lowers anxiety without necessarily knocking you out.
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Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
melloweagle30 said:I trust my doctor completely. She spent a long time weighing whether or not to prescribe it, but since my depression is actually triggered by bulimia, she decided this was the best route given my weight concerns...
Right now, I'm about 13 pounds heavier than usual. I know that isn't a huge deal because I'm still thin, but in my head, it feels like the number one issue, especially since I feel like I've lost control over my life and my food...
Naturally, when things get tough, I fall back into bingeing and purging, which just fuels that cycle of dissatisfaction and disappointment in myself, pushing me even deeper into depression...
Even though it's not typically recommended for people with eating disorders, it has actually been incredibly effective in treating bulimia and binge eating disorder...
I know that once I regain control over my life, everything will fall back into place. I've always been a bit of a control freak...
At the end of the day, I have full confidence in my psychiatrist and know she knows exactly what she's doing.
Thanks anyway.
Yeah, then we're good! I was just curious (wondering if you were keeping the bulimia a secret, like you were planning to handle it all on your own). You see all sorts of things on these forums, so I had to ask.
Everything you described sounds like a classic closed loop; it's textbook bulimia, and it makes perfect sense that it leads to depression. I really hope that medication helps you out. Good luck!
Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
This one works differently than your typical antidepressants. Instead of messing with serotonin, it actually bumps up dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s usually prescribed for major depressive episodes or seasonal atypical depression. That said, you have to be careful if you have a history of eating disorders , because there's an increased risk of seizures, and I suspect it might cause some weight loss too. Hopefully, you've already run this by your doctor, or maybe just give them a call to double-check.
Psychodrama group
in Psychology ·
Telos Psychodrama Center
Organizing an experiential psychology workshop titled...
"Psychodrama and Creativity"
At this workshop, you'll have the chance to tap into your creativity, spontaneity, and imagination. Through our "Psychodrama and Creativity" session, you’re going to pick up some fresh insights into psychodramatic psychotherapy and various other expressive techniques—all while doing some personal work on the topics that actually matter to you.
Psychodrama is essentially a group psychotherapy method centered on action. Instead of just sitting around talking, the therapeutic process relies heavily on stage expression, utilizing dramatic techniques and group dynamics to get things moving. The founder of this method, Jacob Levy Moreno, viewed psychodrama as a highly specific and unique way of both thinking and acting. It’s designed to explore a participant's psychological "truth," diving into everything from interpersonal relationships to their own private, lived experiences. If you want to dig deeper into psychodrama or see what the Telos Psychodrama Center has going on, you can find all the details on our website. www.telospsychodramacenter.com
What exactly do you get out of participating in this workshop?
You’ll pick up the fundamentals of psychodrama and learn how to actually apply its most effective tools—things like role-playing, role reversal, mirroring, doubling, and so on.
You’ll get hands-on experience with a wide range of creative and expressive techniques used in both workshop settings and psychotherapy. We're talking about methods built around various forms of artistic expression—everything from drawing and music to movement and physical improvisation.
You’ll finally have the space to just be who you actually are—or even explore the person you wish you were—without anyone sitting in judgment or passing a verdict on you.
You’re going to get a one-of-a-kind experience exploring the intersection of imagination and reality through psychodrama.
• .....
The workshop is set for Saturday, May 30th. We’ll kick things off at 10:00 AM over at the Youth Movement community center, located at 11 Youth Movement Way. The schedule is split into morning and afternoon sessions, with a quick break for lunch in between, wrapping everything up by 7:00 PM.
.
Everyone participating gets a certificate from the Telos Psychodrama Center.
The full-day workshop is going for $250.
Regular workshop attendees get a discount—it's only $20 per session for them!
Everyone's welcome to join in.
The workshop will be led by Ana Genc and Jana Damjanov, both of whom are certified psychodrama therapists.
If you’re looking to snag a spot in our "Psychodrama and Creativity" workshop, just shoot over the completed registration form (attached here) to our email address.
psychodrama@TelosPsychodramaCenter.com
Or just give us a call at one of these numbers:
Jana
Jana
Registration is open until May 28th. Space is limited, so you might want to move fast if you actually want in.
Everyone who signs up will get a confirmation sent straight to their inbox.
Ana Genc holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and carries national certification in psychotherapy, along with specialized training from the Institute for Psychodrama. She currently serves as an assistant within the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago. Beyond her academic role, she helps facilitate various mental health courses. Her training is quite diverse—covering Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during her graduate studies, supplemented by foundational coursework in EMDR and somatic psychodrama. Alongside Jana Damjanov, she has organized numerous psychodramatic sessions and led the very first experiential therapeutic psychodrama groups in the area. When she isn't practicing psychotherapy, she stays busy with scientific research. Her primary interests include group therapy, grief and loss, stress management, and positive psychology.
Jana Damjanov is a licensed psychologist currently finishing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She holds a national psychotherapy certification along with a specialized psychoanalytic certificate from the Institute for Psychodrama. Her training is quite diverse—she’s been educated in Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through her graduate studies, and she has also completed introductory courses in EMDR, somatic psychodrama, and art therapy. In her private practice, she focuses on individual and group psychotherapy, as well as psychological diagnostics. Working alongside Ana Genc, she has organized numerous psychodramatic workshops and co-led the very first experiential psychodrama groups in the area. Beyond clinical work, she stays active in scientific research. Her specific areas of interest include health psychology, working with terminally ill patients, psycho-oncology, supporting marginalized communities, and gender equality.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT WORKSHOP
Coming this July to Chicago...
A one-of-a-kind experience: a two-day workshop focused on classical psychodramatic dream analysis.
The sessions will be led by Peter Hawworth, a renowned trainer from the British Psychodrama Association, a psychotherapist, and an educator with decades of clinical and training expertise under his belt.
Stay tuned—we'll be dropping more details about this workshop very soon!
Organizing an experiential psychology workshop titled...
"Psychodrama and Creativity"
At this workshop, you'll have the chance to tap into your creativity, spontaneity, and imagination. Through our "Psychodrama and Creativity" session, you’re going to pick up some fresh insights into psychodramatic psychotherapy and various other expressive techniques—all while doing some personal work on the topics that actually matter to you.
Psychodrama is essentially a group psychotherapy method centered on action. Instead of just sitting around talking, the therapeutic process relies heavily on stage expression, utilizing dramatic techniques and group dynamics to get things moving. The founder of this method, Jacob Levy Moreno, viewed psychodrama as a highly specific and unique way of both thinking and acting. It’s designed to explore a participant's psychological "truth," diving into everything from interpersonal relationships to their own private, lived experiences. If you want to dig deeper into psychodrama or see what the Telos Psychodrama Center has going on, you can find all the details on our website. www.telospsychodramacenter.com
What exactly do you get out of participating in this workshop?
You’ll pick up the fundamentals of psychodrama and learn how to actually apply its most effective tools—things like role-playing, role reversal, mirroring, doubling, and so on.
You’ll get hands-on experience with a wide range of creative and expressive techniques used in both workshop settings and psychotherapy. We're talking about methods built around various forms of artistic expression—everything from drawing and music to movement and physical improvisation.
You’ll finally have the space to just be who you actually are—or even explore the person you wish you were—without anyone sitting in judgment or passing a verdict on you.
You’re going to get a one-of-a-kind experience exploring the intersection of imagination and reality through psychodrama.
• .....
The workshop is set for Saturday, May 30th. We’ll kick things off at 10:00 AM over at the Youth Movement community center, located at 11 Youth Movement Way. The schedule is split into morning and afternoon sessions, with a quick break for lunch in between, wrapping everything up by 7:00 PM.
.
Everyone participating gets a certificate from the Telos Psychodrama Center.
The full-day workshop is going for $250.
Regular workshop attendees get a discount—it's only $20 per session for them!
Everyone's welcome to join in.
The workshop will be led by Ana Genc and Jana Damjanov, both of whom are certified psychodrama therapists.
If you’re looking to snag a spot in our "Psychodrama and Creativity" workshop, just shoot over the completed registration form (attached here) to our email address.
psychodrama@TelosPsychodramaCenter.com
Or just give us a call at one of these numbers:
Jana
Jana
Registration is open until May 28th. Space is limited, so you might want to move fast if you actually want in.
Everyone who signs up will get a confirmation sent straight to their inbox.
Ana Genc holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and carries national certification in psychotherapy, along with specialized training from the Institute for Psychodrama. She currently serves as an assistant within the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago. Beyond her academic role, she helps facilitate various mental health courses. Her training is quite diverse—covering Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during her graduate studies, supplemented by foundational coursework in EMDR and somatic psychodrama. Alongside Jana Damjanov, she has organized numerous psychodramatic sessions and led the very first experiential therapeutic psychodrama groups in the area. When she isn't practicing psychotherapy, she stays busy with scientific research. Her primary interests include group therapy, grief and loss, stress management, and positive psychology.
Jana Damjanov is a licensed psychologist currently finishing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She holds a national psychotherapy certification along with a specialized psychoanalytic certificate from the Institute for Psychodrama. Her training is quite diverse—she’s been educated in Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through her graduate studies, and she has also completed introductory courses in EMDR, somatic psychodrama, and art therapy. In her private practice, she focuses on individual and group psychotherapy, as well as psychological diagnostics. Working alongside Ana Genc, she has organized numerous psychodramatic workshops and co-led the very first experiential psychodrama groups in the area. Beyond clinical work, she stays active in scientific research. Her specific areas of interest include health psychology, working with terminally ill patients, psycho-oncology, supporting marginalized communities, and gender equality.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT WORKSHOP
Coming this July to Chicago...
A one-of-a-kind experience: a two-day workshop focused on classical psychodramatic dream analysis.
The sessions will be led by Peter Hawworth, a renowned trainer from the British Psychodrama Association, a psychotherapist, and an educator with decades of clinical and training expertise under his belt.
Stay tuned—we'll be dropping more details about this workshop very soon!
Struggling with learning?
in Psychology ·
Sean Nguyen said:I’ve been noticing lately—maybe over the last three or four months now—that my ability to actually focus on studying has just completely tanked, and it feels incredibly tough to stay on track because my mind just starts drifting off into these totally random directions, you know? It gets to the point where I’ll sit down to work, hours will just slip right past me, and then I realize I’ve barely absorbed or even reviewed a single thing, which is pretty frustrating. Does anyone happen to know if there are specific exercises or maybe some other kind of techniques that could help fix this? Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can share!
Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
Yeah, maybe just as a precaution since she was having those episodes... We don't have the full story yet.
Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
http://www.naturalnews.com/cartoons/...church_600.jpg
Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
Just like there’s no magic pill for blue eyes or a way to suddenly grow longer fingers...
Psychotropic drugs weren't designed to be mental cosmetics, regardless of how much some people try to push them in that direction.
Psychotropic drugs weren't designed to be mental cosmetics, regardless of how much some people try to push them in that direction.
That weird sensation that only lasts a few minutes
in Psychology ·
crimsonwalker80 said:I am going to attempt to articulate this with as much precision as possible, though, quite frankly, even I struggle to pin down a definition for this sensation.
I’m twenty-two years old, and looking back, I can recall these episodes occurring since I was just a child. It always follows the exact same trajectory; I recognize the onset instantly, knowing full well that I am about to embark on this experience again within the next few minutes. It typically strikes when I am exhausted—perhaps during a mid-afternoon nap or just as I’m drifting off to sleep. Suddenly, my perception of the objects surrounding me undergoes a radical shift. Objects seem to gain this immense mass, yet simultaneously, I harbor this bizarre impression that they have shrunk in scale and are hovering right within arm's reach; for instance, if I’m lying in bed, I get this overwhelming sense that I could simply reach out and grab the doorknob across the room.
Inside my mind, things become even more surreal. These aren't hallucinations in the traditional sense, but rather an intense internal sensation—a constant, paradoxical tug-of-war between thoughts of something being gargantuan and something being microscopic. There is this quiet voice that manages to be piercingly loud at the same time, almost as if it’s shouting at me, all underscored by a mounting sense of dread. Then, I experience this sensation of hurtling through something perfectly smooth and level, only to plunge headlong into a chaotic nightmare of jagged edges and sharp protrusions, moving through it all at breakneck speed. None of this manifests physically; it is purely a phenomenon existing within my consciousness. The moment I attempt to focus on one specific sensation, it slips from my grasp, only to reappear in some other part of my periphery that I wasn't attending to. I am perpetually submerged in this medium, unable to truly grasp its nature. It feels as though I am constantly on the precipice of understanding exactly what is happening, but the truth always eludes me by a hair's breadth.
The entire episode lasts about five minutes before vanishing entirely without any lingering physical aftereffects. What infuriates me most is this absolute inability to comprehend the mechanics of it. Once the event concludes, the memory begins to fade immediately, making it incredibly difficult to describe the sheer intensity of those few minutes. It is as if my brain switched into an entirely different operating mode. This doesn't happen often—maybe just a couple of times a year.
In the past, I kept this to myself because the sheer strangeness of it was frightening, but I was stunned last year when, during a conversation with my college roommate, I realized he experiences the exact same thing. He tried to explain his version, but he too found himself stumbling for the right words. However, we are both certain that we are navigating the same type of "disorder"—this strange duality of something being tiny, quiet, and yet massive and deafening, combined with that feeling of passing through a specific medium. He described it somewhat like traveling through a tube that isn't hollow, but is instead completely solid.
I would be immensely grateful if anyone else who experiences such phenomena would share their accounts. Does anyone know what this might be? Is it a recognized condition? Is there any literature or research on this topic? Most importantly, is this something serious, and should I be seeking out a psychiatrist to discuss it?
This has already been discussed in another thread. Here's the link:
View on reddit
Here is a more complete version; have a look:
View on reddit
The current state of the American psyche
in Psychology ·
It’s funny how everyone agrees during a discussion, but the second it’s time to actually step up and do something, it turns out most people wanted the exact opposite! When someone finally points out a problem and offers a way to fix it, everybody just stands around waiting for someone else to take the lead. It’s much easier to just point fingers at Washington or global politics than to actually lift a finger.
OCD: General Discussion Thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
Abuse or just being intense...?
in Psychology ·
Edward Flores4 said:Look, don't go poking your nose where it isn't wanted—people generally get pretty annoyed when someone jumps in to fix problems they didn't even ask for, especially when you aren't even sure those problems actually exist.
Honestly, it’s totally understandable why a girl would want to skip school. School is a massive obligation, and let's be real—it can be incredibly boring. You don't get a say in the social circle or the people sitting in the desks next to you, so if she basically grew up faster than her peers, it's easy to see why she'd find the whole adolescent scene exhausting. If she's got even a modicum of common sense, she probably realizes that the standard grind of high school, getting a degree, and following that specific path might not actually be the most useful thing for her future—so it wouldn't be weird at all if she just couldn't find any motivation to waste her energy on something that feels pointless.
From what I've seen, kids who distance themselves from the status quo and just retreat into their own worlds usually turn out just fine. They don't end up with major issues. The real trouble comes from the mediocre crowd—the ones who constantly pretend everything is perfect when it clearly isn't.
You're dumping way too much of your own personal rage into this, and honestly, it’s got nothing to do with the situation at hand. You're hijacking the whole conversation just to vent about your own issues.
As for the underlying issue, I’d argue her behavior is essentially a subconscious cry for help.
Do you have access to a psychologist, a counselor, or maybe just a professor you actually trust—some kind of reliable adult you can vent to about your suspicions? Someone who can take those concerns and handle the follow-up? You could even stay completely anonymous.
It doesn't automatically mean we're talking about abuse, though it certainly could be. It's more like those depressive episodes you see in teenagers—which aren't exactly rare, as Rebecca Bennett41 already pointed out.
If we don't step in, this could either fizzle out on its own after a lot of unnecessary suffering, or—in some cases—it can spiral into suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, drug abuse, or dropping out of school entirely.
How can I help???
in Psychology ·
Sometimes we just like to tell ourselves we’re the ones doing the caring.
Sure, all of this happens on autopilot! Which is exactly why people fight so hard against actually becoming aware of it.
Plus, let’s be real—an online forum is a pretty limited medium for this kind of deep advice.
Sure, all of this happens on autopilot! Which is exactly why people fight so hard against actually becoming aware of it.
Plus, let’s be real—an online forum is a pretty limited medium for this kind of deep advice.
How can I help???
in Psychology ·
amberraven9 said:The hardest part for me is knowing she’s home most of the time. We rarely go out without her. When I'm working or away for a few days, I get this nagging sense of guilt. It feels wrong to be out having fun while she's just sitting there alone. I don't think she's thrilled about it either. I can tell she's bored, but it’s like she lacks the drive to change things. It isn't laziness. It's more like resignation. Years of a high-stress career and just a hard life have taken their toll. I think that's why she's stuck like this.
You might want to consider where you're finding benefit in all of this. You have someone to care for, which makes you a socially acceptable 'martyr,' and subconsciously, you might be fueling this cycle. It seems like a situation where neither of you is truly happy. Maybe that's the first thing you need to break, but you're the one who knows best. 😁
How can I help???
in Psychology ·
Then just let her have her way; maybe things aren't actually as bad as they seem. Just make sure she knows you're in her corner if she changes her mind or needs anything else... honestly, that's about as realistic as it gets.
Meditation - Made in America
in Spirituality ·
SPRING AWAKENING - MANHATTAN SEMINAR
April 30th - May 3rd, 2009
Whether you’ve been practicing for years or you’re just starting to dip your toes into yoga and meditation, spring is that perfect window to wake up both body and mind. It’s an invitation to lean into some intense movement while surrounded by good company, great scenery, and expert guidance. The Buddhist Center and the Red Cross are teaming up again this spring in Manhattan to host our traditional yoga and Zazen seated meditation seminar. This is your chance to escape the daily grind and the chaos of city life. Spend a few days living at a healthier pace, enjoying motivating social connections, and soaking in some inspiring nature. The seminar will be led by Žarko Andričević along with other instructors from our ZenYoga groups.
More details here:
April 30th - May 3rd, 2009
Whether you’ve been practicing for years or you’re just starting to dip your toes into yoga and meditation, spring is that perfect window to wake up both body and mind. It’s an invitation to lean into some intense movement while surrounded by good company, great scenery, and expert guidance. The Buddhist Center and the Red Cross are teaming up again this spring in Manhattan to host our traditional yoga and Zazen seated meditation seminar. This is your chance to escape the daily grind and the chaos of city life. Spend a few days living at a healthier pace, enjoying motivating social connections, and soaking in some inspiring nature. The seminar will be led by Žarko Andričević along with other instructors from our ZenYoga groups.
More details here:
Can't stop the anxiety :(
in Psychology ·
velvetscout43 said:Whoa, hold on—it doesn’t automatically mean it’s PTSD. ............ These are pretty standard symptoms for various psychological issues,
just like one of the guests mentioned... the symptoms overlap so much that it's easy to think (as I did) that you're checking every single box on the list..
Look, she won't know the actual diagnosis until she actually sees a specialist at the Mayo Clinic.🤷
I didn't say it was a certainty; I just said she needs to see a specialist.
But let's say I'm just guessing! 🤔 And usually, my gut feeling is pretty solid. 👍
Can't stop the anxiety :(
in Psychology ·
I've got some good news and some bad news.
The good part is that you aren't being paranoid. That feeling like you’re literally falling apart? It’s irrational. Nothing of that nature is actually going to happen to you. It’s just standard, albeit incredibly intense, anxiety. You haven't lost your mind—not even close. This might sound hard to believe right now, but it isn't nearly as catastrophic as it feels; you aren't some "critically ill" patient.
The bad news is that this isn't just a "phase" or something trivial you can just shake off. It’s serious, which is why you can't just snap out of it by sheer willpower. Don't beat yourself up over that. While I can't hand out official diagnoses, this looks a lot like PTSD. Honestly, it’s perfectly reasonable that you're traumatized after that nightmare of a relationship involving all that stalking and harassment. The flashbacks, the panic attacks, the hyper-vigilance regarding future threats, and the way you’re avoiding certain people or situations—it all fits the profile of PTSD. Even that feeling that your personality has shifted—that’s depersonalization. You aren't "crazy," you aren't weak, and you aren't to blame. You're dealing with a manageable psychological condition (PTSD is essentially a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances) that is significantly impacting your quality of life, and it needs to be treated. That’s the bottom line.
I also think you have a very high chance of a full recovery over time. The most effective therapy would likely involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy, so your best bet is to see a psychiatrist immediately—maybe head over to the Mayo Clinic. They have psychologists on staff too if they decide that's the right route.
The sooner you start, the easier the process will be, and the faster you can get back to living your actual life.
The good part is that you aren't being paranoid. That feeling like you’re literally falling apart? It’s irrational. Nothing of that nature is actually going to happen to you. It’s just standard, albeit incredibly intense, anxiety. You haven't lost your mind—not even close. This might sound hard to believe right now, but it isn't nearly as catastrophic as it feels; you aren't some "critically ill" patient.
The bad news is that this isn't just a "phase" or something trivial you can just shake off. It’s serious, which is why you can't just snap out of it by sheer willpower. Don't beat yourself up over that. While I can't hand out official diagnoses, this looks a lot like PTSD. Honestly, it’s perfectly reasonable that you're traumatized after that nightmare of a relationship involving all that stalking and harassment. The flashbacks, the panic attacks, the hyper-vigilance regarding future threats, and the way you’re avoiding certain people or situations—it all fits the profile of PTSD. Even that feeling that your personality has shifted—that’s depersonalization. You aren't "crazy," you aren't weak, and you aren't to blame. You're dealing with a manageable psychological condition (PTSD is essentially a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances) that is significantly impacting your quality of life, and it needs to be treated. That’s the bottom line.
I also think you have a very high chance of a full recovery over time. The most effective therapy would likely involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy, so your best bet is to see a psychiatrist immediately—maybe head over to the Mayo Clinic. They have psychologists on staff too if they decide that's the right route.
The sooner you start, the easier the process will be, and the faster you can get back to living your actual life.
Psychotropic medication discussion thread
in Psychology & Therapy ·
So, you're the one who ran the tests...