In Treatment
Discovering the ins and outs of treatments and therapies. Join the conversation today.
Quit "Mething" Around, Man
There is no good place to start when revisiting my personal battle with meth addiction. It all started, perhaps, because the drugs were missing from my sex and rock and roll. Really they weren't; being a drummer in a rock and roll band obviously came with the cliché. Living in a town with a population under 1000 didn't make much of a difference either when it came to access. A college chemistry student coming home for spring break would "guinea pig" their home mixes of salts. Online dark web markets can send it directly to your mailbox, and they accept cash, credit, and crypto. In a pinch, the head cook at a local restaurant would even toss a bindle into a to-go box; the food may or may not have been eaten. As my tolerance and usage of this soluble substance increased, the more soluble everything else became.
By Eli Fredericks8 years ago in Psyche
Medication Taking as the Key to Success
Taking my medication daily is something I do without thinking about it. I mean, I do not skip doses like many people I know. I chose medication since it helps regulate my body as well as my power. Without my meds, I’d be in bad shape. Skipping my medication could frankly kill me. I don’t get people who do this. I dump people like that. I can’t stand people who refuse medication on top of that. Stubborn people who refuse to take any medication. When a friend asks me why, I am at a loss for words. I stay friends with my stable friends.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Psyche
Bipolar and Schizophrenia Meds I Have Tried
Long before I found Geodon, I tried quite a few medications in order to get stable. The first I tried was Zyprexa, which didn’t take care of the whole problem right away. I was on a dose of 10 mg of Zyprexa when I was in junior college working on my A.A. in creative writing and my A.A. in anthropology. I was also on something like 75 mg of Effexor, and I was started on thyroid hormone at 20 in 2001. It didn’t get stable until 2002-2003. I was on Effexor until I got boils at San Francisco State, which appeared on my face. I had to beg them to lower the dose because of the side effects.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Psyche
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Laying in a cold jail cell, shaking and crying, praying to God to please free me. I had not seen my kids, did not know if they knew their drug addict mother was in jail. That was the beginning of the end of my road to destruction. I had gone through the worst withdrawal symptoms ever imaginable and slept for six days straight. Then it happened. I was out of jail with a whole new thought in my head.
By Tina Sanchez8 years ago in Psyche
I Lived to Tell
I am 12 years old, and I am struggling with my desire to live. You see, I have been bullied for the last year. My mom doesn't know because I am afraid that if I tell, the bullying will get worse, so I remain silent. As time wears on, the words cut deeper. "Retard." "Stupid." "Ugly." "Weird." And that's only the beginning.
By Dawn Marie8 years ago in Psyche
Mentally Sensitive
I wish I could say there is a simple answer to mental illness. An answer that would make all the pain, depression, mania, euphoria, loss, bad decisions, regret, positive/negative symptoms associated with it and take it away. But there isn’t. Although if I could tell you one thing or perhaps just one word that may sound so cliche but in fact for me worked it would be, try.
By David laker8 years ago in Psyche
Hopelessness vs. Suicide – What’s the Difference?
In my work as a therapist, some people feel the need to say, “I’m not suicidal. I just didn’t have a purpose to live.” Another statement I hear is, “I’m not sure why I’m still here. Don’t worry I’m not suicidal, I’m just having a hard time finding my way in life.” Even though people are seeking mental health services and are cooperative, there is a fear or hesitation of being seen as suicidal. It might be the fear that they are crazy and have to go to a hospital for weeks and be away from their lives. It could be the fear that their employer can find out and use it against them at work. The fear is real since the labels of crazy or insane are negative ones. Our society also has a long way to go in providing the necessary support, acceptance, and services for those with mental illness.
By Eva Gordon8 years ago in Psyche
