Mental Illness
15 years ago
Posts: 1354
So, yeah, I suffered from clinical depression + psychosis a few years back, and still occasionally have depressive relapses (thankfully without the psychosis!). I think I'm getting better at reading the 'early warning signs' and formulating ways of preventing things from getting as bad as they did the first time - such as going to a psychiatrist as soon as I spot some of the symptoms, e.g. acute social withdrawal, phone-phobia, the inability to complete work, a feeling of such intense sadness that it makes me feel physically ill - hard to miss that, lol. (Yes, after a while, I start finding even my own plight lolarious. Or maybe it's the pills...)
I just wanted to start a thread for people who have ever suffered from, or are now suffering from, or have ever known anyone who has suffered from mental illness.
Questions I want to ask:
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
I'd like to think so, but maybe that's just wishful thinking...
If you or someone close to you has suffered from mental illness, have you found certain situations/habits/activities that make things better? (Other than medication and counseling.) Like maybe... creative expression through drawing/writing, exercise, spending time with loved ones, meditation, mental exercises of some sort, manual work/labor, etc.
I've found that exercise, meditation and mental discipline through set methods helped a great deal. So did creative expression.
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
In my case, at least, it has - although the medication certainly was required in the short-term, when things got really bad.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
In my case, just their being there and giving me unconditional love when I was literally batshit insane helped me the most. But practical things like doing the shopping when I was too depressed/nutty to even leave the house certainly helped, too...
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
I think it does, but it's WAY better than it was a few decades or even a few years ago... Now, there are even public government initiatives seeking to help people, that are freely advertising on TV and stuff. Visibility and discussion has gone way up, and as a result, prejudice/freak-out has gone way down. But it's still there, I guess, in nooks and crannies, like old encrustations in plumbing that refuse to wash out...
Was mental illness ever 'life-threatening' for you? Like, planning self-harm or suicide, or maybe just unintentionally causing an accident because of drowsy-making medication you were on, or maybe putting oneself in danger due to manic/psychopathic tendencies?
Oh, yeah. I was totally suicidal the last time my depression rolled around. Didn't get so bad this time, though, but that's probably because I spotted the 'early warning signs' and hied off to see the psychiatrist before things got any worse.
Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
I'd say genetics, mostly because my actual environment as a child was picture-perfect, but I have an extremely large fraction of my extended family (like, 80%) that has some sort of mental illness. It's kind of unusual for our clan that my own parents don't have anything, lol - practically everyone else does. But I'm interested in hearing pro-environment arguments, too, mostly because I'm not sure my biased 'genetic' experience really tells me anything of objective or statistical value...
What area of your life has been most adversely affected by mental illness? Work, finance, family, romance/relationships, children, social life or something else?
Work and finance have been the most disastrously affected areas for me, since I can't work and earn normally when my brain has achieved the consistency of fruitcake. Really fruity fruitcake. Romance was never too important to me, anyway, and neither was a social life, so they weren't adversely affected (there wasn't much to affect!). As for family, it's the one golden thing in my life that can't be adversely affected, by anything, because we all love each other so much. My family is the strength of my spirit and the pillar of my soul. <3
Yeah, so that's it for my questions - and answers, or at least, my own answers. What about yours? 🙂
Thank you all for your patience and for even reading this far! I hope we can discuss some of our problems/solutions/doubts here; I ask that everyone be tolerant and understanding of each other. 😃 Unless you have Antisocial Personality Disorder, in which case... we'll be tolerant of your intolerance? Lol. (Sorry, you've gotta make a joke or two here, or things get too depressing. No pun intended. 😀 )
15 years ago
Posts: 2126
I had depression and mood swings (well... that's not exactly right. It was more like rage blackouts) for the longest time. The depression stemmed from the rage ; I was terrified of myself. I had no idea what I might do. So I became depressed (I don't really know what it was, but that's what I felt).
My depression was more of an absence from emotions then a depression, though. I became unbearably sad, so much so that as a protection technique my body just stopped feeling emotion.
I never sought clinical help; I considered it multiple times, especially after I started thinking about suicide, but I just couldn't ask my parents for it. I was too paranoid for that.
I would hope so, but I don't know. I still occasionally get bouts of depression and mood swings.
Exercise. That's what helped me the most. My sister made me go out on a run one time, and after that, I just couldn't not go. When you exercise it releases endorphins, which helped me battle my depression. I also found meditation to be a help. It allowed me to understand what was going on with myself.
I dunno, I didn't do either.
If they notice it (which I'm sure my family did. ) they can SAY something, or if it gets really bad, they can take their child to counseling. I wish my family did, instead of just keeping silent and pretending nothing was happening.
Yeah, especially those with Autism and stuff, where it's really noticeable. It's better then a couple years ago, though.
I considered suicide (in a very methodical and calculating way), but didn't go through with it. Not because I didn't want to; I didn't want to make my family go through that.
I think environment plays a very big role, but so does genetics. My environment was wonderful, but incredibly stifling; I couldn't trust my parents with anything because I didn't want to get in trouble; I couldn't express my feelings because I didn't want to get in trouble. But I have an Aunt who has bi-polar disorder, and a couple other family members who have mental illness, so it also runs in the family.
Everything but schoolwork was effected. Actually, I could say my schoolwork actually improved because of it (with no time spent on anything else, I focused on schoolwork a LOT). Friends, however, were non-existent. I couldn't feel anything for friends; I couldn't like them or anything, so how could they be my friends? I had a lot of acquaintances through school (people I hung out with so I wouldn't have to be bored for 8 hours a day), but I never actually liked anyone.
As for family, I still loved them, but I dunno. I just didn't feel the desire to be with them anymore.
Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?
15 years ago
Posts: 2707
Attention-Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder and Asperger syndrome ( a lighter form of autism).
I also have a little bit shizophrenia.
But i can handle it pretty good.
15 years ago
Posts: 830
I have PTSD from a trauma I can't even remember I was so young but has left me with a serious phobia of eyes. I can't wear eye make-up, use contacts, drive in the rain (the windscreen wipers are too pointy)...the list goes on. I once slapped my optician because he got too close to my eye with that weird thing they use. Just thinking about it like this sets me off. Great. When I was a kid I had insomnia because I would have nightmares about things poking out my eyes. Luckily my big sister would sit up with me, calming me down again. I'm a bit better now but I still have to cover my eyes with my hands when I go to sleep. As far as mental problem go, I'm pretty luckily I reckon.
The pen is mightier than the sword...and considerably easier to write with.
15 years ago
Posts: 4764
I get depressed often.
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
I don't think it's possible.
Life is never perfect. There will always be a trigger.
If you or someone close to you has suffered from mental illness, have you found certain situations/habits/activities that make things better? (Other than medication and counseling.) Like maybe... creative expression through drawing/writing, exercise, spending time with loved ones, meditation, mental exercises of some sort, manual work/labor, etc.
All the things you've mentioned help.
The problem is to execute them.
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
In most cases, I say no to drugs, especially for the long term.
Sometimes, it's required in the immediate situation or if the there is no other way to control it.
But I think it's always better to work on the problem rather than to drug it.
In most cases, people turn to medication too soon, like it's some miracle solution and get dependant on them.
And for things they can and should work out themselves.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
Support.
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
Of course.
Was mental illness ever 'life-threatening' for you? Like, planning self-harm or suicide, or maybe just unintentionally causing an accident because of drowsy-making medication you were on, or maybe putting oneself in danger due to manic/psychopathic tendencies?
Depression is always harmful in potential.
But no, I've never went through with anything that's been on my mind.
And I don't take any medication for it.
Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
It depends.
You've talked about Schizophrenia and Autism - things you don't get from the environment.
Unlike PTSD, for example.
What area of your life has been most adversely affected by mental illness? Work, finance, family, romance/relationships, children, social life or something else?
By my depression?
Everything. I try to keep it inside, but it leaks out and drips on my life.
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15 years ago
Posts: 178
I Have schizophernia and I would say clinical depression
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
}No I do not think you can completely recover sometimes here and there I will have schizophernic tendencies?
If you or someone close to you has suffered from mental illness, have you found certain situations/habits/activities that make things better? (Other than medication and counseling.) Like maybe... creative expression through drawing/writing, exercise, spending time with loved ones, meditation, mental exercises of some sort, manual work/labor, etc.
}Umm...I would say maybe listening to music? But sometimes that would contribute because I had angry music so...I would say it's in the middle yes and no
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
}I think it does, in my opinion the medication they give you is not really good for your body.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
}Try and support them and make them feel happy the best as they can
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
}I wouldn't say...well kind of in a way but now people are trying to "Cope" With it
Was mental illness ever 'life-threatening' for you? Like, planning self-harm or suicide, or maybe just unintentionally causing an accident because of drowsy-making medication you were on, or maybe putting oneself in danger due to manic/psychopathic tendencies?
}Definitely yes. Not due to medication before we could really tell if I had schizophernia and depression I tried to commit suicide countless of times (maybe 6?) and I would often try and hurt myself
}Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
I'd say both because my mother her side of the family had all the wackos and I guess I inherited some of their illnesses and then I think it has to do with environment because I did have a good childhood but I had a couple of traumatic scenes in my life
What area of your life has been most adversely affected by mental illness? Work, finance, family, romance/relationships, children, social life or something else?
} I'd say my school life and my family relationships a little bit and maybe some people I know
Lol good jk :3
15 years ago
Posts: 1444
i want to have schizophrenia!! its like having your own world where everything you think is real is really real!! its better than using just mere imagination!! you have your own reality!! i like that.. 😎
oh please do click this!
The sweeter the apple, the higher the branch. The quieter the fart, the nastier the smell.
GUESS WHO??
Member15 years ago
Posts: 7789
Quote from otakuness
i want to have schizophrenia!! its like having your own world where everything you think is real is really real!! its better than using just mere imagination!! you have your own reality!! i like that.. 😎
The hallucinations and paranoid delusions are not necessarily awesome.
They are more likely a nightmare that you see while you are awake.
15 years ago
Posts: 2707
Quote from otakuness
i want to have schizophrenia!! its like having your own world where everything you think is real is really real!! its better than using just mere imagination!! you have your own reality!! i like that.. 😎
it makes you lonley. You aren´t able to remember things you did, everyone stares strangely at you and the doctors treat you like a test subject. That called me an other girl who has the same doctor as ne. She one was "normal" schizophren, but now she got better.
Do you really want to live a live like that?
15 years ago
Posts: 5
I have clinical depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I was diagnosed at around 11 or 12, I believe. And even though they are definitely mental illnesses I honestly don't think of them too much as such. I guess sometimes you really get used to it, and they become a huge part of you. In recent years, my depression has been suspected to have been misdiagnosed and may in fact be bi-polar disorder.
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
No, I don't think you can completely recover. There will always be something that gets you down. And most times when you get down, it's hard to stop from plummeting.
If you or someone close to you has suffered from mental illness, have you found certain situations/habits/activities that make things better? I think I have used activities to help me a lot. Like writing, reading, watching anime and movies, and gaming. Honestly, it varies so much, one little thing that may help you one day, may not do anything for you another. I think when someone just tells you they love you, it can really make your day, or even when someone just smiles at you... Like I said, it varies.
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
I'm on medication right now, and I have been for a long time. And, to be honest, I'm not really sure it helps me all that much. I'm not able to have counseling at this time in my life, but I've had it before, and I'd say it helps more.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
If they're just there, and tell me they love me, that can make a big difference. I won't say it'll always help, sometimes, nothing really does and you just have to muddle your way out of it.
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
Yes, in a big way. For instance, I think that kids in school still get the "they're depressed so they much be emo." And that's just for depression, other problems have far worse prejudice than depression.
Was mental illness ever 'life-threatening' for you? Like, planning self-harm or suicide, or maybe just unintentionally causing an accident because of drowsy-making medication you were on, or maybe putting oneself in danger due to manic/psychopathic tendencies?
Yes, I tried to committ suicide in high school once. And had thought of it many times before.
Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
Well I really can't say as it varies from person to person.. They're both pretty influential but maybe genetics .. my mother has depression anxiety, my father does, and 2 of my grandparents do. My brother and I both have it...
What area of your life has been most adversely affected by mental illness? Work, finance, family, romance/relationships, children, social life or something else?
Everything is affected but I think I'd say my social life.
I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then.
Member15 years ago
Posts: 3457
I've never been diagnosed with anything like that. Not that I've never been checked out mind you, but I haven't had any problems where I feel I should get checked out.
I'll have a go at answering some of the questions even though I've never had a mental illness. Lets see what I can remember from my Psychology lessons:
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
I think there have been cases where they have recovered, but there are still lingering side effects of some sort. I can't remember exact details but I don't think a full recovery is possible.
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
They both have pros and cons. Neither one of them is better than the other. It depends on the person too. Some do better with drugs and others do better with talking about it to someone. Individual differences.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
Support support, and support some more.
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
Yes unfortunately. I think most people are ignorant to the fact that there is more behind a mental illness and are scared that they can just switch at anytime and become violent, literally thinking that they're "not right in the head", which is sad really, because it's not like that for some.
Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
Both play a role. It's like asking to choose between Nature and Nurture. You just can't.
15 years ago
Posts: 2275
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
No
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
Statistically, counseling is better for most mental illnesses. It's only when dealing with brain disorders and chemical imbalances should medication come into the equation... because medication is only a quick fix... which insurance companies like because it's cheaper than providing a person with long term counseling. Also, some medicines, such as those for treating bipolar disorders, if not taken as prescribed and consistently can really fuck up your head. They can stop working or seriously damage your brain from it's desire to compensate for the sudden change. Basically, once you start taking these kinds of drugs you CAN NOT STOP or ALTER your medication unless directed by your doctor.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
It's possible... but it's best not to try unless they consult a psychologist on the best course of action... because of potentially aggravating the situation.
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
Yes
Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
Genetics... one's social and physical environment can only make things worse... or on rare occasions better.
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Member15 years ago
Posts: 160
Sweet, some old-fashioned group therapy. 😀
I suffer from intense depression, to the point where I don't eat....or even wake up for days at a time. It's kind of fucked up since I've had it since middle school. It's weird though, you would never peg me as someone like that. I never let anyone see what I'm feeling so most people see me as just a strong willed, happy go lucky type of person. In reality I'm probably emotionally weaker then a 9 year old girl, I just hold it in. Really only my immediate family knows about it, but even to them I pass it off as a something to laugh about and not really a problem.
I refuse to take any prescription medication for it, I've tried it once and I couldn't stand being in the emotionless state it left me. Taking drugs on a daily basis isn't the answer (it can however snap you out of it), true happiness requires work and dedication. Will I eventually get to that state? I hope so and I can only try my hardest to get there. Will I ever be cured? No, I think it's impossible to cure any mental illness, you can only learn to cope better. It's similar to murder, you can try and get over it but you will always remember that you killed someone. I will always remember my depression.
So right now all I can do is workout, eat healthily and try to find enjoyment out of the little things in life. Meditation has also helped me out alot.
All of you guys with mental illness, my heart goes out to you. Try to realize it's just in your head and take shit one day at a time.
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15 years ago
Posts: 774
I have had a couple of 'mental illnesses'.
Pretty sure I had depression when I was in grade 7. My parents thought it was just a phase since I was young so I never saw a doctor or anything... I had to wait it out.
I also developed social anxiety in the past 6 years. Which is weird since I'm so outgoing. But I cannot do awkward situations. Dating is out. Meeting old acquaintances. Talking with strangers when I'm alone. Even hanging out with guy friends alone sets me off. I stop breathing and shake uncontrollably as a worst case scenario. I don't think it really impedes on my life too much other then my love life. I'm trying to work on it myself but I'm not too sure how that's going. o_o
Do you think it's possible to completely recover from a mental illness (e.g. depression or bipolar or schizophrenia or whatever) without ever having another relapse?
I think so... but I doubt it. In the case of my depression I'm terrified of it coming back. Although it was for a year or so and it has been so long since it happened, I just know I'm going to go back at some point. I think I have a better support system now, and will be able to identify it right away.
If you or someone close to you has suffered from mental illness, have you found certain situations/habits/activities that make things better? (Other than medication and counseling.) Like maybe... creative expression through drawing/writing, exercise, spending time with loved ones, meditation, mental exercises of some sort, manual work/labor, etc.
Music and spending time with people who care about me.
Does counseling help more than medication, in the long-run?
I haven't really tried either... I deal with it on my own.
What do you think the family/friends of someone with mental illness can do to help?
Just acceptance. Especially when I was depressed since I felt so alone, what really pulled me out was the support system at church and at choir. For the social anxiety a couple friends of mine have it too in varying ways. We support each other.
Do you think that society still carries some sort of stigma/prejudice against people with mental illness or towards the issue itself?
I don't think so. I mean everyone seems to suffer from something. We are more accepting in general. Of course people are going to make judgments sometimes, but not a lot.To be honest I surround myself with people I'm comfortable with and disregard people who are rude.
Was mental illness ever 'life-threatening' for you? Like, planning self-harm or suicide, or maybe just unintentionally causing an accident because of drowsy-making medication you were on, or maybe putting oneself in danger due to manic/psychopathic tendencies?
When I was depressed I did seriously consider suicide. Upon serious thought I realized ending my life would be stupid even though I did feel like there was no point in living. I don't know. I would never commit suicide though.
Which do you think is more influential in terms of mental illness - genetics or the environment?
I think it's a mix of both. For both my social anxiety and depression both were brought on by environment. Although genetics, I'm sure, played at least some role in the depression. Social anxiety was caused by a boy and depression was a huge pot of emotional bullying from my father and people at school.
What area of your life has been most adversely affected by mental illness? Work, finance, family, romance/relationships, children, social life or something else?
HAHA I have no romance in my life. I can't date so I'm forever single. Otherwise I don't tend to hang out with guy friends alone... but it doesn't really disrupt my life too much.
15 years ago
Posts: 314
Well, I'm close... but I've never been diagnosed with anything. I get anxious often and I'm quite antisocial, but not so much that it bothers my daily life. So far, so good. ^^
