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Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

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Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#1

Post by depressiontw »

Throwaway for obvious reasons.

I've been diagnosed with all kinds of stuff, including schizophrenia, OCD, depression, etc. (The docs aren't even sure themselves what I have) been through various medications and therapies, none of them seem to help.

Struggling with suicidal thoughts on a daily basis, nothing brings me joy etc.

I think my problem are only something which can be treated with medications, but I've tried so many and the docs aren't sure what to do with me anymore.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and found a way out?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#2

Post by skilled »

What do you spend most time worrying about? And has your mental disorder got any connection to spirituality? I have been down this road many times and have immense experience, and will from time to time get sucked in there myself because I'm being careless.

Also, habits? Smoking, drinking? Good if not. Bad if yes.

Btw, thanks for the honesty. When I do go down, I struggle with the same stuff... and it takes guts to admit that to yourself and others.

And get off your meds. It's not worth it. I have had a tab of Valium (12 pills) last me for the last 2 years. I only take it when I get an ultra panic attack, and mine tend to be the out of this fucking world kind...

And friends I know that sat on pills for a long time said they eventually fuck you up even more. For this, I would suggest getting into a regular exercise regime despite how shitty it is to get up and do that stuff...

Happy to hear your thoughts and give some general advice.

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#3

Post by new_guy »

They can't diagnose you because you're fine, it's your environment that's poisoning you.

Have you thought about just saying f*ck it and going on a trip? Not just a day or so but a week, a month, a year, get away from your current situation. Rediscover yourself and live!

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#6

Post by depressiontw »

new_guy wrote: post #3

They can't diagnose you because you're fine, it's your environment that's poisoning you. Have you thought about just saying f*ck it and going on a trip? Not just a day or so but a week, a month, a year, get away from your current situation. Rediscover yourself and live!

>Have you thought about just saying f*ck it and going on a trip? Not just a day or so but a week, a month, a year, get away from your current situation. Rediscover yourself and live!

Thought of doing something like this, that requires money though, which I don't have.

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#7

Post by [deleted] »

depressiontw wrote: post #6
new_guy wrote: post #3

They can't diagnose you because you're fine, it's your environment that's poisoning you. Have you thought about just saying f*ck it and going on a trip? Not just a day or so but a week, a month, a year, get away from your current situation. Rediscover yourself and live!

>Have you thought about just saying f*ck it and going on a trip? Not just a day or so but a week, a month, a year, get away from your current situation. Rediscover yourself and live! Thought of doing something like this, that requires money though, which I don't have.

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#8

Post by ishan1121 »

I was in a similar phase (not schizophrenia) but others yes. Meditation helped me a lot. Going out and meeting new people will also help you.

Depression happens due to you stuck in one place, with no way out. Just go out daily, experience new things you are good to go. Stay away from smoking, drinking, movies, tv shows, porn, and interent in general for a while. Trust me you will be back up in no time.

And lastly exercies daily. Go for a morning run (around 6 am) and then join a gym or a fighting class.

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#9

Post by depressiontw »

skilled wrote: post #2

What do you spend most time worrying about? And has your mental disorder got any connection to spirituality? I have been down this road many times and have immense experience, and will from time to time get sucked in there myself because I'm being careless. Also, habits? Smoking, drinking? Good if not. Bad if yes. Btw, thanks for the honesty. When I do go down, I struggle with the same stuff... and it takes guts to a…

>What do you spend most time worrying about?

I don't really worry about much, it's just the general apathy and anhedonia. What does restrict me are traumatic things I've done thanks to my schizophrenia/psychosis.

Yes, I smoke pot (I know this is a stupid thing to do if you've been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but it's the only thing bringing me joy anymore)

I tried getting of my meds, but notice getting really restless and my thoughts begin to race when I do so.

Re: Ask HN: Struggling with mental disorders, looking for advice

#10

Post by webmobdev »

> I've been diagnosed with all kinds of stuff, including schizophrenia, OCD, depression, etc. (The docs aren't even sure themselves what I have)

This sounds all wrong to me, and obviously will be very stressful for you. You need to find a good hospital / doctor and get yourself diagnosed right. And only then can you consider the right treatment for what ails you (I know this must be obvious to you, but I want to emphasise it).

Depending on what you suffer from, life long medications might not even be required (though will be helpful during therapy). For example, depression and OCD can be successfully treated with therapy.

While I am averse to recommending self-help without knowing what you suffer from, I highly recommend that you read "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by Dr. David Burns ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0380810336/ref=dbs_a_def_r... ). The author is a real doctor and a trained Psychiatrist and explains how cognitive therapy can be effectively used to treat depressions and anxiety. And he also explains how anti-depressants works technically (you can skip that chapter if you find it too technical). It is well written and everything is explained in an easy to understand manner.

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