Mental Health Issues?

[Snake_Whisperer]

I have Tourettes Syndrome, ADD and OCD, Social Anxiety Disorder and some PTSD. I'm on anxiety medication, and it's helped with everything. I realised just how much it was helping when I ran out of it. :? I didn't get anxious, instead I got extremely angry. I'd never felt that level of anger before, and I was scared of myself

The PTSD came from the year 2006. I was attending a church in Melbourne, and I always took the train. I got on at Marshall station, and took my usual spot at the front. About 20 minutes later the train hit a car at a level crossing in Corio. All I could see were rocks flying past the windows and I thought I was going to die.

The car was an absolute mess, quite scary to look at, but thankfully I never saw a body. A few days after the crash I suffered multiple heart palpitations, and although these aren't harmful they were scary! I saw the man's death notice in the paper, and I attended his funeral, I figured it would help and it did.

Since then I've avoided sitting at the front of a train, and if there was a significant bump in the track it would cause me great fear. I'm much better now, but still a little apprehensive when taking trains.

I'm surprised to see this many others with similar problems to mine. Happy to chat with anyone if you need it

Hi Talia,

Tourettes, ADD, OCD, and SAD are quite frequently symptomatic of Aspergers or several other members of the Autism spectrum. Might be worth having a chat to your doctor about it next time you see them!

 

[Asharee133]

I have severe depression, severe anxiety and this isn't a mental illness but its taking its toll on stress! i have Prolonged qt syndrome, and my stupid lexipro 10mg isn't working.

 

[shellfisch]

stupid lexipro 10mg isn't working./QUOTE]

Go back and see your doc? There are so many other meds you could try.

 

[Asharee133]

i can't take muchh because of my heart if i need any meds i gotta see my pediatrician

 

[Sofoula88]

Pretty sure I have depression..haven't been officially diagnosed and most ppl dnt see it..but yer ..I guess I try to hide it and do it well sometimes but other times it's pretty damn obvious..I dnt know how long I've had it but I'd say around 3-4 yrs

 

[naledge]

Whilst your dad hasn't had a drink in 26 years, he is still an alcoholic. If he started drinking again, he probably wouldn't be able to control it and I think that's what was meant by AMY22.

Alcoholics can't just stop drinking for a period and then say, 'I'm just going to have one'. They have to stop drinking altogether and for some people it can be a lifelong struggle. That includes even keeping away from people who do drink or not attending social events where there will be the temptation to drink.

Ohhhhhhhh. I understand now haha. Sorry.

 

[Southside Morelia]

That's awesome you found out the problem.....I am looking for a solution without the meds as i don't want to be taking them for ever. Although even 1 day for me, I physically feel it, then I start to get knarchy and short tempered not at work but at home and the missus says "are you taking your medication" she always knows as does my Mum lol. I have a stressful job, i'm an Operations Manager for a large Company and have been in this and similar roles for 15 years, I wonder sometimes if I had a low stress job would I be better.....No way, as I have an overactive mind and need that in my life as do many people with similar disorders...lol I am going to research the Aspergers, thanks for the informative post. It's refreshing and easy to chat about personal issues like these with people who do suffer, as they can totally appreciate the affect it has on ones way of life....it is a battle sometimes but you can win that battle!
An after thought and a point Tahlia has brought up regarding PTSD, I too have had 2 near death experiences where I completely severed my femoral artery and femoral vein in my leg while working in the bush out the back of Yass NSW, i nearly died through blood loss and had all types of emergency surgery to save me. I was off work for 12 months. Then about 5 years later i was hit head on by a drunk driver who was traveling nearly 100k's or so they said and was trapped in my car and had to be cut out...it was on the news and everything.....I think this may have helped in my screwed up ways sometimes....LOL
Cheers guys....

I battled depression for most of my life and dabbled a lot with self-medication. Once I hit my thirties, started getting anxiety as well. Went to a doc, tried medication, hated the side effects so quit those. Saw plenty of councellors over the years, they all identified the depression and anxiety, noted my aversion to crowds, parties, other peoples' rubbish, etc... Still, the only help I found for myself was a decent diet and exercise. Took the edge off but nowhere near an end to the issues.

Luckily after a 3 day blue with my missus, she piped up with the shot "What the hell is your problem?!? Do you have *bleeping* Aspergers or something?!?!" After a bit of research and a follow up consult with the doc, turns out the answer was "Yes, yes I do indeed have Aspergers!" This was the elephant in the room that none of the professionals I had previously spoken with managed to identify, they could name the symptoms but not the cause. This discovery has turned my life around and after 36 years of being mostly miserable, I am finally starting to feel better about everything!

For all of you suffering from chronic depression, anxiety, and if you have "social" issues, ie: you can't handle being around too many strangers or tense up when someone enters your space, etc... Aspergers is a potential candidate.

When I joined a support group, it was a group for parents with kids with Aspergers, they were stoked to have me on board to see where it leads in adulthood, one of the speakers had a good long chat with me about my life and when I mentioned my business/hobby (snakes and enclosures) she almost peed herself because that sort of thing is classic Aspie behaviour! It turns out even my python obsession is a side effect of this condition!

It is something to consider though a professional diagnosis is tough to get as this condition was only described in 1994 and not a lot of work has been done with adults with Aspergers.

There are a few online tests around, Google will help point the way. Include Simon Baron-Cohen in your search as he is an Aspergers specialist (and happens to be Borat's cousin!).

 

[cris]

I suffered from depression for 8 years - then I tried Yoga. Best decision I ever made. Haven't taken any meds since

Things like Yoga (especially the herbs lol) and Tai Chi are very useful and very under-rated by many of our primative and arrogant western medical idiots. IMO a large portion of mental problems are caused by environemntal influences rather than actual physically related brain problems. IMO our modern society is mental poison, you need to be able to be separate from it to be sane.

 

[Southside Morelia]

It does help, although any physical exercise does...I have trained MA for 20 years next year as people who know me on here will attest, but it is not a cure for a chemical imbalance in the brain, but it does contribute to an overall treatment plan for sure!

 

[AMY22]

That's not true.

My dad was a really bad alcoholic, he started drinking when he was twelve.

He gave up when he was about 25 and he hasn't had a drop of alcohol in the 26 years since.

You can definitely overcome addictions, anyone can. You just need to want to bad enough, my mum told him if he didn't stop drinking she'd leave him, that was enough to make him want to stop.

Whilst your dad hasn't had a drink in 26 years, he is still an alcoholic. If he started drinking again, he probably wouldn't be able to control it and I think that's what was meant by AMY22.

Alcoholics can't just stop drinking for a period and then say, 'I'm just going to have one'. They have to stop drinking altogether and for some people it can be a lifelong struggle. That includes even keeping away from people who do drink or not attending social events where there will be the temptation to drink.

Ohhhhhhhh. I understand now haha. Sorry.

Yeah sorry maybe I worded what I meant wrong. What I meant was pretty much what Jewly said. By control I didn't mean you can never have the capability of never drinking again, I meant although you can STOP drinking, if you are a true alcoholic then having any alcohol 'in moderation' is a big fat no. After my mamma got out of rehab I did my own group thing (It's a long story about how I started going but I think it was kind of one of those self help groups for addicts or those who have lived with one). Anyway while I was there it was explained how an addiction is caused. I'll try my best to explain it so it makes sense-

Most people have endorphins in there body and that's what makes us happy, etc. but people who are real addict don't have endorphins but a neurochemical called tetrahydroquinolin which has an almost exact molecular structure as an endorphin. If you've ever heard an addict say 'I wish I could stop but it's like there is something in side of me that won't let me', that's the TIQ's. So they replace the endorphins and cause that craving and need for these substances or or situations (alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.). If you have TIQ's then you will always have them, they replace all the endorphins, therefore the addiction is always there. People can relaps without knowing the cause (eg. cough medicine can have the same amount of alcohol as a standard drink).
They can also pass down through generations, it is in both sides of my family so the chances of me having an 'addict' inside me, so to speak, are almost certain. Hence one of the reasons why I don't drink.

I hope that made a bit of sense? People can definitely control there addictions, but to think you are no longer an addict and can go out and have a few with some friends now because you can contorl it is a risky thing...

 

[AMY22]

I'm really glad there are other people on here who suffer from PTSD, in my real life I know nobody who has it, I don't think I even know anybody who has any idea what it is unless I've told them. The hardest part is explaining it, I can't say 'I have depression', 'I have ADD', 'I have a drinking problem', you know, things that people KNOW of. I have to go through the whole 'what is PTSD?' 'why do you have PTSD?', and then comes... the advice. I don't need advice from someone who doesn't even know what PTSD is thanks.
I can easily explain what PTSD is, I can tell people why I have PTSD if they ask (although it's uncomfortable for me), but there are some aspects I can't share because people get so nasty about it.
Anyone who has triggers and flashbacks knows that you can't help feeling a certain way in certain situations no matter how much you wish otherwise. I think that might be the hardest part for others to understand, a situation that might be a simple everyday thing to most people, ie. getting in a car, being in a relationship, hanging out with friends, can be absolute torture to someone with PTSD. Just a certain sound of smell can change your mood in an instant.

 

[Blondie84]

I have suffered with anxiety, panic attacks, depression and mild OCD for many years, with the depression being the latest addition (officially) in the last 12 months. I am a special ed teacher and have always had an affinity for students on the autism spectrum.

Recently, after telling a friend with Aspergers about one of my meltdowns, he raised the idea of me possibly having Aspergers... I kinda just brushed him off but then within the week another friend, whose 4 yr old son is autistic, mentioned that she thought that I had it too. So I decided i would speak to my doctor about it next time, next time... keep putting it off!!

Then yesterday i was speaking with the therapist who works with my autistic boys at school, about my boys and then just general chit chat and SHE said that she thought it would be an idea for me to get formally assessed. So i think i do need to see that doctor.

On the issue of medications, while i do believe that they ARE often over prescribed or prescribed prematurely, there are some cases where they are necessary. I would fight to the death with anyone who tried to tell me that ritalin does not benefit some of my boys with ADHD. Yes there are others that it does nothing for, and it is my recommendation that other treatments be trialled but in some cases, medication is a necessity.

For myself, without meaning to sound overly dramatic, but i KNOW for a fact that if it werent for my SSRI anti-depressants I would have been dead 12 months ago.

I think the reason a lot of people have issues and doubts about mental health issues is that they are not tangible. They can not be seen, so how can you be sure they even exist. Even knowing this, it bugs the hell out of me when people try to make light of mental health issues. Eg. "Oh you're depressed... just cheer up, ur life isnt that bad". "PTSD?!?! Isnt that what Vietnam veterans use as an excuse?!?!" etc etc... Nothing annoys me more, me with my depression etc and my dad with PTSD. Anyway... just my 2c (well more like $20.... )

 

[Southside Morelia]

Definitely Blondie, meds are sometimes necessary..... keep up the good work, people like you are a benefit to the community!

Funny story, my older Brother is soo smart, the smartest of 5 kids, he was in the top 5% in HSC, he was been a Marine Biologist (completed Uni and practiced in QLD) a Primary School Teacher & then adult Education Teacher and then owned his own successful Vintage Cellar Bottle shop. Now he Councils people affected with mental illnesses....go figure he is nuts and eccentric to start with, what better person to council people with the same affliction! Takes one to know one and his medical CV plus his brains got him the job,,,,lol He's a smart dude but manic...lol

I have suffered with anxiety, panic attacks, depression and mild OCD for many years, with the depression being the latest addition (officially) in the last 12 months. I am a special ed teacher and have always had an affinity for students on the autism spectrum.

Recently, after telling a friend with Aspergers about one of my meltdowns, he raised the idea of me possibly having Aspergers... I kinda just brushed him off but then within the week another friend, whose 4 yr old son is autistic, mentioned that she thought that I had it too. So I decided i would speak to my doctor about it next time, next time... keep putting it off!!

Then yesterday i was speaking with the therapist who works with my autistic boys at school, about my boys and then just general chit chat and SHE said that she thought it would be an idea for me to get formally assessed. So i think i do need to see that doctor.

On the issue of medications, while i do believe that they ARE often over prescribed or prescribed prematurely, there are some cases where they are necessary. I would fight to the death with anyone who tried to tell me that ritalin does not benefit some of my boys with ADHD. Yes there are others that it does nothing for, and it is my recommendation that other treatments be trialled but in some cases, medication is a necessity.

For myself, without meaning to sound overly dramatic, but i KNOW for a fact that if it werent for my SSRI anti-depressants I would have been dead 12 months ago.

I think the reason a lot of people have issues and doubts about mental health issues is that they are not tangible. They can not be seen, so how can you be sure they even exist. Even knowing this, it bugs the hell out of me when people try to make light of mental health issues. Eg. "Oh you're depressed... just cheer up, ur life isnt that bad". "PTSD?!?! Isnt that what Vietnam veterans use as an excuse?!?!" etc etc... Nothing annoys me more, me with my depression etc and my dad with PTSD. Anyway... just my 2c (well more like $20.... )

 

[Blondie84]

Thanks Southside! I try to help where i can!

 

[AMY22]

Speaking of mental issues, I've just found out that one of my friends who I met in California 2 years ago is currently being held hostage by his father. This does NOT add any relief from my already terrible day.

 

[Snakewoman]

That sucks Amy22 Many people are very ignorant about mental disorders, and are very quick to tell you what to do, how to feel and what to think, but they don't have what we do and really don't have a clue... there's nothing worse than people who act like they know everything when they don't, best to get those people out of your life if you can. I'm glad people on here are being so open and honest about this stuff, keep it up, it's good for all of us

 

[AMY22]

I have suffered with anxiety, panic attacks, depression and mild OCD for many years, with the depression being the latest addition (officially) in the last 12 months. I am a special ed teacher and have always had an affinity for students on the autism spectrum.

Recently, after telling a friend with Aspergers about one of my meltdowns, he raised the idea of me possibly having Aspergers... I kinda just brushed him off but then within the week another friend, whose 4 yr old son is autistic, mentioned that she thought that I had it too. So I decided i would speak to my doctor about it next time, next time... keep putting it off!!

Then yesterday i was speaking with the therapist who works with my autistic boys at school, about my boys and then just general chit chat and SHE said that she thought it would be an idea for me to get formally assessed. So i think i do need to see that doctor.

On the issue of medications, while i do believe that they ARE often over prescribed or prescribed prematurely, there are some cases where they are necessary. I would fight to the death with anyone who tried to tell me that ritalin does not benefit some of my boys with ADHD. Yes there are others that it does nothing for, and it is my recommendation that other treatments be trialled but in some cases, medication is a necessity.

For myself, without meaning to sound overly dramatic, but i KNOW for a fact that if it werent for my SSRI anti-depressants I would have been dead 12 months ago.

I think the reason a lot of people have issues and doubts about mental health issues is that they are not tangible. They can not be seen, so how can you be sure they even exist. Even knowing this, it bugs the hell out of me when people try to make light of mental health issues. Eg. "Oh you're depressed... just cheer up, ur life isnt that bad". "PTSD?!?! Isnt that what Vietnam veterans use as an excuse?!?!" etc etc... Nothing annoys me more, me with my depression etc and my dad with PTSD. Anyway... just my 2c (well more like $20.... )

One thing I HATE is when people try and make you 'lighten up'. When I was 19 I went through a completely low stage, I had a total breakdown and was just miserable. This was just before I was diagnosed with PTSD by the way so at this point I didn't have any answer. I was also doing Animal Studies at the time and I remember sitting with 2 people in my group one day. Their advice to me was 'if you just pretend to be happy then you will be happy. And what GREAT advice that was, all my problems have just melted away and I live happily with no misery of my past at all...

It's the same with PTSD, unless you have it or know someone with it it's hard to comprehend what it's like. A lot of people have said to me they find it a bit confusing. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and I STILL am learning about it. I can understand that some people will think that someone with PTSD may be over-reacting in certain situations, but please try and have a little bit of empathy, it's bad enough as it is!

 

[Hooglabah]

havent been diagnosed but several people recon i should be checked for paranoia.
i get really anxious if im out in the Melbourne cbd or on public transport that sombody is going to attack me i avoid people who look suss to the point where i will get off a train well before my stop to avoid them. I hardly sleep so i can be ready for any situation that may arise be it invasion or random attack by undesirables.

i dunno maybe im just silly but i feel that if nobody else is going to be ready for these things at least i should be.

 

[Snake_Whisperer]

For anyone considering looking into diagnosis for Aspergers, in Queensland at least, I have to say, ring Minds & Hearts in Brisbane. It is run by Tony Atwood, one of the foremost experts on the subject in the world .

Scott, if you ever want to have a chin wag, my number is in my sig!

Blondie, may be worth your while to at least look into it. I know my depression and anxiety were becoming crippling. It was amazing how by just becoming aware of the situation, my incidences of meltdown dropped off dramatically! Hope you can find some answers!

 

[Southside Morelia]

Ha That's funny man, I can say that without being disrespectful....If we can all have a laugh at the silliness of the affliction, this will make us aware that it is NOT all that bad and maybe you can see from anothers perspective and weigh up what is actually going on. "most" people can handle that stuff, so why can't I??? Think about it....know what I mean? it is all in the head anyways...lol
Even though it is an issue to you Hooglabah, it's a figment of your imagination and unless you look like Brad Pitt, no one is after you , UNLESS you put yourself in that "circle" and situation that people may well want to take you out.
I am a firm believer, that IF you mix with the wrong crowd and put yourself into that circle of people that CAN and WILL do you harm, you are then at risk. You can always avoid the violence and situations you are scared of in life (most of the time) if YOU don't put yourself in that situation or mix with that crowd.
Look at the stats...if you deal or take drugs, you are drawn into dealing with that element of Society, a different way to view life and a risk to most....in the eyes of someone who has seen this way of life or who has had involvement in this culture through law enforcement or addiction whether social or harder, this obviously increases your chances of being a victim, correct?
Man, if you are NOT involved with the element of Society that play by these rules, your chances of being a victim are minimized dramatically, agree?
So in conclusion, your everyday life shouldn't make you feel as though someone is out to get you as you are going about your daily Business like 20M other Aussies do daily....yeh?

havent been diagnosed but several people recon i should be checked for paranoia.
i get really anxious if im out in the Melbourne cbd or on public transport that sombody is going to attack me i avoid people who look suss to the point where i will get off a train well before my stop to avoid them. I hardly sleep so i can be ready for any situation that may arise be it invasion or random attack by undesirables.

i dunno maybe im just silly but i feel that if nobody else is going to be ready for these things at least i should be.