Psychosis?

[Deleted member 29311]

Just have to point out - you are mind-reading them. You said in a number of posts that they look pu...

Someone once said ''A mental problem becomes an actual problem when someone gives a name to it.''. I don't know, just something to think about.

 

[joeylittle]

Some times the only way to heal is to try different medication which we take chances with.

Yep - ultimately, having the right diagnosis is very helpful (because it will connect to a treatment plan) - but ultimately, a diagnosis is a word for a bunch of symptoms, and the symptoms are what need treating.

Don't forget about the CBT part, though. I am not surprised that regular talk-therapy didn't help you, with what you are describing. You need a structured, cognitive-based protocol. You can try it without trying the meds; if you've been doing basically OK, albeit suffering - in other words, if you can tolerate your symptoms for a bit longer, you can give CBT a solid 6-week try and find out how it helps you without adding any medication to the mix.

I'm with you - I live for the day when they can actually scientifically diagnose this stuff. Til then, it's a little of this, a little of that, and try and not get too, too overwhelmed by it all.

 

[Deleted member 29311]

Yep - ultimately, having the right diagnosis is very helpful (because it will connect to a treatment...

I should mention I've actually tried CBT for a long time and it hasn't worked as well, which is why doctors and everyone want me to try medication because it really does seem to be my last option.. It's the only thing I haven't tried really (unless I'm forgetting something else).

I was doing CBT with a therapist until February this year.

All CBT did was make me feel worse because I'd walk around suppressing my emotions and live in denial.. Of course this was only my personal experience, it'll be different for anyone. The symptoms persist, no matter what I'm thinking. I've had severe problems with anger and rage, jumpiness, hypervigilence, paranoia, etc.

I mean, I'd be up for giving it another go.

 

[Deleted member 29311]

I'll disagree with that
permanently trashed sexual function
tardive dyskinesia (it does tend to be with...

Anarchy I've got to say that our ways of thinking are extremely similar. I can tell by the way you express yourself here and the things that you say that we would get along in person lol.

I hold back and don't express myself completely on the internet, as to not start a bunch of drama and controversy.

Look my honest personal opinion is that medication should always, always be a last resort and only if the person reaches a point where their life is being destroyed by their mental issues, otherwise it's better to face ''reality'' and learn to dive into your emotions and learn from your experiences. Know that often there's a reason as to why you feel the way you do and that running away from it won't help you. If you go through therapy high on drugs, you won't learn to deal with yourself in your natural state. So once you do come off your drugs, you'll be all screwed up because you didn't experience your therapy during your natural state and you'll be overwhelmed by everything. I understand what you mean in this regard.

I've unfortunately gone through therapy for years and I've tried everything under the sun to get rid of my symptoms and the uncomfortable feelings and sensations I experience every day, except for medication, which is why I'm thinking about giving it a serious chance.

 

[Deleted member 29311]

Quick (somewhat useless) Update*:

After seeing my psychiatrist (in the mental health department at the hospital), she said therapy will not help me and is no longer a useful option, which is true it's never helped for this.

The only option I have left in terms of help are prescription meds (her words not mine).

So, I think I'm going to start the antipsychotics tonight for the first time and hope it goes well.

 

[Changing4Best]

Whenever I start taking a new medicine, I purposely stay with someone who knows I am taking it for the first time, and tell them to watch me closely. I stay with them for both the first and the second time I take it. (My neighbors were kind enough to watch me the last time I had to do this and a close friend did so the time before that). I instruct them to call 911 if for any reason I start to act very strangely or have some physical complaint, pass out or whatever. As to side effects that take longer to develop, these usually are not life threatening and you can monitor them yourself. If you don't like what develops, talk to your Dr. and get something else prescribed.

 

[Deleted member 29311]

Whenever I start taking a new medicine, I purposely stay with someone who knows I am taking it for...

Thank you SheilaKathy, honestly that's reassuring and having someone monitoring you is a very good idea.

Thankfully I have someone very close to me who's extremely supportive, have been wanting me to take meds for a while and is going to be there for me every step of the way. I still haven't started them because I'm terrified and unfortunately because of work I'm forced to go back to a place that reminds me of things I've been trying to forget and escape. I can't quit my job though.. It's been making me hyperventilate and feel panicky all the time and stuff so I really don't have a choice but to take meds right now. I feel like I've been going downhill so fast and I'm honestly kind of afraid of what's ahead. I just need to go for it.

Anyway, so what meds work best for you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Changing4Best]

I'm both PTSD and Bipolar, so my meds would not be good for you necessarily. My main PTSD med is Clonazepam, but you should not drive if you are taking much of it, however my neighbor takes 0.5 mgs of it and she does drive and her Dr. knew that when he prescribed it. So I guess you can take that much of it and still be able to drive.