Mental Illness, Social Media, And Part Of My Story

[Anonymous]

Lately I've seen so many posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, GAG. You could call this a rant but really I hope it's more helpful than anything else.

I have PTSD right along with depression and anxiety. It is getting much better and I am getting through it. I've had break downs but never one as bad as the one I had a few weeks ago.

I'm married to the most amazing person I could ever ask for. I believe my major breakdown had part to do with that I finally felt safe with somebody in my life, right along with the fact that I am mentally ill and forever will be. But it doesn't have to stop you and it doesn't have to last forever you can push through it. We are thrown into hell so we can learn to appreciate everything we have to be grateful for.

About 2 months ago I wouldn't get out of bed except for work, barely talked to my husband, quit talking to my mom who I spoke with everyday, stopped hanging out with friends, ignored my puppy, and would just lay in bed and cry. I was awful to my husband, I no longer went to the gym, stopped eating, stopped cleaning, I entirely stopped everything. I didn't want to be here anymore. I just wanted my pain to stop. I never thought I could hurt so bad, I just didn't understand why this was happening to me.

It took my husband throwing his wedding band on the bed and leaving for a few hours for me to finally open up to him. That's where my journey to getting better began, starting talking to my mom again mostly about what was going on. But things were still just so hard, I felt like I was trying and trying to get back up but somebody superglued me to the floor and I couldn't get back up.

Finally I decided I would go to the doctor, I've had many, I move through them like you wouldn't believe. If they aren't a good food or listen to me I change doctors, because not every doctor is fit for every patient. Few years back I tried therapy, I went to 3 sessions. Everytime I left I was worse then when I went I would break down and cry. I had to call my mom to talk me through it so I could calm down enough to get through it. I am now trying therapy again with the help of my doctor, he said give it three sessions, if it's not a good fit then switch.

On top of therapy I decided that I would try medication, the first medication I tried was Zoloft. The first week I felt so awful, I couldn't move I felt so sick, couldn't keep food down, and wanted to stop. Finally after the first week it started to get better. It had helped my depression I could finally get out of bed and stopped crying as much. But I was still constantly throwing low blows at my husband and bashing on myself. Then to add on to it my sex drive had dropped entirely, I never had the urge and I never wanted it. Along with that my anxiety had worsened; I wasn't able to go into a grocery store by myself without a panic attack, I would end up leaving. After a month I switched medication, I am now taking Ibubropion and I feel so much better. My sex drive is back up and my anxiety has improved.

But it's not only medication, you have to push yourself everyday. On top of medicine, my husband and I have started to go back to the gym on my off days he makes me and I feel better after. I write in a journal just about everyday. I put my anger, frustration, happiness, sadness all on paper to release from my body without worry of what others might think. I have positive things on my mirror I look at everyday. I even have a set of goal I've created starting with daily goals, then weekly goals, and monthly goals. These are as basic as complimenting my husband everyday, telling him I love him everyday. Doing the dishes at least twice a week, making dinner twice a week, making and keeping plans with a friend once a month. The basic things I had lost.

I suppose the reason why all the posts I see bother me is because in the end nobody can help you but yourself. It's hard, trust me I know it is hard but in the end it will be worth it. You can just never give up. No amount of sympathy from others, kind words, doctors, or medications can help you get completely better. Those things can assist. But in the end it lies in your hands you get through it and push through.

So many things may seem cheesy to you that I do but it has helped me. I still have hard days, but I'm getting through it. No matter how big or little the situation may seem I know that you can do it. Everyday I remind myself to find the positive, there always is one. And in tough moments I always tell myself that it isn't forever, it's temporary. I'm sure people will have negative things to say about this, but I'm hoping sharing part of my story can help others.

[NearlyNapping]

"right along with the fact that I am mentally ill and forever will be."
"And in tough moments I always tell myself that it isn't forever, it's temporary."

I don't know if they are still saying it, but it used to be a common belief that many of the mental illnesses were something that lasted a lifetime, that you'd be on meds for the rest of your life. But nobody knows that. I've known several people who recovered from mental illnesses, including some pretty severe ones. They were told they'd be on meds forever. But they recovered, got off the meds, and led normal lives.

You have the strength to make it through. Humans are amazingly strong. Many others have made it through, and so can you. Don't give up, read your sign, and believe its true.

[myTake Owner]

Kind of like a cold the virus or illness will never completely go away. It will more so become dormant, and meds in some cases won't be necessary forever. I hadn't had problems for a few years. I got off my meds and had a routine. After moving and lots of changes occurred i got out of routine and things started coming back and I got worse again. You can recover but it will always be there. I'm lucky I won't have to be on meds forever and hopefully never again after this as long as I do the things I'm supposed to be doing. And thank you. That feels really good to hear. And I do, everyday out loud.(: ,

[Ginnyweasley97]

i hope you feel better. I have anxiety and it gets worse when i have to drive somewhere because i have bad anxiety about driving right now with finals and trying to pass my driving test within the numbered days i feel like i am getting worse and no one notices. But i just remind myself and finals are finishing up and once finals are over, trying to pass the driving test will be easier. I am thinking of writing a my take of all the things anxiety makes me feel like and possibly not allowing any opinions. I am hoping that writing down what anxiety makes me feel better.

[myTake Owner]

Thank you I am doing much better every day. And hopefully it will get better for you. I recommend a journal to start with. Especially before bed it helps me relax enough to settle my brain and sleep. You could even do it before finals of a drive test to help you focus. Good luck on your finals and drive test!

[Mekkalyn]

I've struggled with those issues almost my entire life.
The biggest thing that has helped me are positive affirmations.
My favorite list is here - www.prolificliving.com/100-positive-affirmations/

I'm scared to go on antidepressants. I know that I probably should, but I just don't know. I went so far as to getting a prescription that I never picked up. I've heard so many horror stories, and I know that it most likely gets worse before it gets better...

[myTake Owner]

There are horror stories, but some can help. I've been on them before they helped. It's just constant trial and error. I've changed meds 3 times in the last 2 months. It's been really hard the first couple weeks is the worst. But when they work they really work. It can help but it's rough.

[Mekkalyn]

Yeah that's something I'll look into when I hit another really rough spot. I normally get a really big depressive episode once a year, randomly, and be really upset for weeks, sometimes months. It didn't happen this year (it's been about a year and a half) and life has been good to me.

I just am worried about having to constantly take the medication.

[myTake Owner]

Oh wow that's really rough. That's good it's been about a year and half. And once you get into routine it's easier. I always do it before bed and leave them in the bathroom or in the am and keep it in my bathroom. I wake up and sleep about the same time everyday so it makes it easier

[peachblossomluck]

I've had those problems my whole life. If this helps, the older you become, the more you learn about yourself, the better you learn to handle it. Some of the emotions also can level out with time. Be good to people who are good to you and be good to yourself. You aren't alone♡

[myTake Owner]

That is really helpful grand good to hear. And thank you. It feels good not to be alone. That's part of why I wrote this. I want people to know that they aren't alone and can make it through it

[TJ-Laser]

that was a good read and it hit home with me on a number of levels.

I too suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcoholism. I stay in bed days on end, and find it hard to get motivated to do anything.

things are slowly getting better for me though. I started a new job today which will help me get out of the house a few hours a week.

I hope you manage to pull through it. its hard, it really is!

[Laura12345laura]

Yeah things are not easy when you fight depression every single day.

[myTake Owner]

Congrats on the job! That definitely helps a lot. Work for me is a savior especially since I enjoy my job. Hopefully things start improving even more for you in the future! And thank you I hope the same for you (:

[sephylove]

You're post was a pleasure to read. I am so happy that you are in a better place now and I hope you continue to improve and grow each day. <3 Its inspiring to know you've come out strong from a difficult situation.

[Anonymous]

You have to put in the work to get better, but you can't do it yourself. We are social animals and we need a good support system to lean on. It sounds like you have that.

[myTake Owner]

Definitely agreed. And you can't do it yourself and you need the right amount of everything especially support system but in the end I have to use the tools given to me and find the strength to push through and use them properly. And I really do. I got lucky.

[Opinion Owner]

Its good to know you are grateful for the gifts in your life.

[myTake Owner]

It's taken some time to truly understand it all but with the help of my family I'm there again. I don't know what I would do without their love and support.

[SomeOtherGuy]

I'm actually glad to see people being outspoken about their mental illnesses. They're stigmatized too often, which leads to people being unaware of them or being completely wrong about them.

[FakeName123]

You only can walk your path with your own two legs. Yes, other people can support you, but they can't walk said path. That being said I am strongly opionated that mental illnesses are usually NOT biological, but a solely mental illness. Those chemical disbalanced and whatnot are a SYMPTOMand not the CAUSE.

"Everytime I left (a therapist) I was worse then when I went I would break down and cry."

Naturally that would happen, since going to a therapist would mean you will naturally be confronting your issues a lot more.

[myTake Owner]

Yes and no. There is more than one way to confront an issue. Some therapists are great and others should have there license taken away. Same as doctors some are good some are bad. So no, naturally that wouldn't always just happen. And I did put in there in the end only you can fix the problem yourself. I never said everything and everybody else can fix it. It's up to you in the end. That's why I said it, but other things can help. And yes there is a cause, I also know that. It doesn't come out of the blue. Mine happened from an incident. I've been growing through it my whole life it didn't just pop through a door.

[FakeName123]

Actually it was meant as a confirmation to say that one can only walk their own path.

[myTake Owner]

Okay.

[Bipolarjew02015]

Yeah depression is no joke. Im currently fighting it myself due to always being single, my past, the way life is currently going, and the hopelessness i feel of my future

[myTake Owner]

It's not. And so many more people than we think are fighting this battle everyday. And I definitely feel what your going through. Hopefully this somewhat helps and you are able to find the proper tools to help you push through.

[Bipolarjew02015]

Yeah being single has made me feel like there is something wrong with me or that im unattractive. Makes me feel insecure and destroys my confidence

[myTake Owner]

Yeah I get that.. I was somewhat in relationships but then avoided them entirely because I was constantly being cheated on by just about every guy I dated. Then I got married. And don't give up. There's someone out there for you, you just have to be patient. The best things happen when you aren't expecting them. I met my husband overy pie, after rejecting him many times to go on a date. Finally I agreed because I was in the area and hungry. 2 weeks later we were engaged, and 2 months after meeting we were married. I never thought I'd get married i had given up. And then I met the love of my life and it hit my like a brick wall. You'll get there (:

[Bipolarjew02015]

Do you think im a bad looking guy my ig is above_you2 and my facebook is evan guiles

[ObscuredBeyond]

I know the struggle too. I'm scared to ever tell a girl that I am even the tiniest bit interested in her, given the number of those who've proven in the past that they not only don't share the feeling, but cannot be trusted with such information concerning me. I never know if I'm going to get acceptance, a simple rejection, or yet another life-long archnemesis, if I confess my true feelings. That's not an easy fear to live with - that your public image, your job, your whole life, hinges on whether or not you can truly trust whoever it is that has caught your attention, as your inner Doubting Thomas is merely counting down to the moment they will betray you.

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised fb or any social media hasn't been under fire for anything like for stress related or whatever, like people being jealous of other posts and having anxiety

[SomeOtherGuy]

I hear of this a lot, but that's on the people of society, no the creators of a social media page. You can't be responsible for all of humanity.

[Anonymous]

you are mentally ill cause you lack true meaning in your life. psychiatry will never be able to cure you only label you with non existing conditions and shower you with drugs. if you want true healing you will find it only in orthidixy and contemplative prayer. i recommend reading www.goodreads.com/.../1195059.Orthodox_Psychotherapy
www.goodreads.com/.../8423721-the-illness-and-cure-of-the-soul-in-the-orthodox-tradition
www.goodreads.com/.../1195060.Person_In_The_Orthodox_Tradition

[mishiii]

I wish I could say that you are wrong and there is some magic answer But You Are Right
everyone has their own individual reserve that would help them improve. The above readings
can actually help many people. Every person needs support and love. It sounds like you are on
the right path unfortunately the right path is a long and winding road that takes time.
I do not know who said, "time takes time" but they are correct. God bless you

[Opinion Owner]

@mishiii you are welcome. god bless. any words that i say will be useless. come and see for your self people. that thing should only be experienced. heaven can be experienced in the person's heart from THIS life.

[myTake Owner]

There is no magic answer. That is true. Everything works very different for every person. However I feel that your opinion is very ignorant and rude to say especially to somebody suffering from depression. Or am I allowed to call it that since it's a diagnosis? I find meaning in everything I do. If I felt I had no true meaning I would have killed myself. And from what I gather you are a very religious person. I used to be and am slowly getting it back. However I find it very hard to get back into when I can't understand why got would let somebody sexually abuse an 8 year old. I told the truth went to court did everything they tell you to do, yet the courts didn't settle through everything until I was 19 years old. I prayed every night I would get better and not have nightmares. But instead God ignored me and I would wake up screaming and crying every night. I still do. My counselor doesn't diagnose she helps me talk tbrought and understand my problems and work through them.

[myTake Owner]

Not once has she offered me medication or suggested it. I asked for it because I'm tired of hurting. I am getting better and believing in God again. It takes time. However I feel you need to do some serious thinking before you comment on somebody's take saying they suffer from ptsd anxiety and depression and saying they don't have true meaning in there life. Trying to calmly write this hasn't been easy so all I have left to say is fuck you and reread those books.

[Opinion Owner]

all i'm saying is if you don't know who you are, where you are coming from, and where you are going, you will be hurting forever. there is a better world out there. your supposed illness doesn't exist. i promise that. dont let psychology dictate your health and life. be well and i hope you see better days.

[Opinion Owner]

as for your prayers think about it like that. lets say you are God. and i only come to you when i want to ask for something. what would you feel? that i'm trying to build a meaningful relationship with you or a commercial partnership. as humans, the same with God. show him some unconditional love and affection, and He will shower you with his love. thats the only thing he expects fom you. a little step so that He can do a huge leap. your scars are deep and horrible. but i promise they can heal. my father was an alcoholic he was beating up me, my mother, and my siister for 18 years. we all healed spiritually eventually. i dont believe there is such thing as impossible.

[SomeOtherGuy]

It's funny you attribute Greek Mythology viewpoints to your version of God. You're almost suggesting that God is like Zues, and he is prone to the same emotions as human beings. Thus, a highly flawed character in a story.
I think, unless you're Pagan, people would argue against that.
I question your wisdom.

I understand, on some level, what you're trying to communicate about "Your disease is not real." But I feel you are wording it horribly. That or you're just a fucking monstrous asshole. Considering your comments, I'm going with the former.

Instead of "Your disease isn't real." Try something less negating. Something that doesn't suggest the person is making things up and their emotions and experiences are imaginary.
Like, "Psychiatry is giving you the wrong answers to your experiences, troubles, and emotions. Try doing this instead."
See how I do not negate the person's life and try to say it's imaginary?

[SomeOtherGuy]

Further, suggesting a persons life is meaningless, is also an asshole sounding thing. I'm sure what you mean is "Once you seek and find purpose, you may discover very genuine, uplifting experiences which can help you through troubled times."

Also, do not simply discount psychiatry, which has helped others through mental illness, as a non-solution. Otherwise you are inviting people who feel the opposite to suggest YOUR method is a non-solution.
Instead, offer it as a viable suggestion and request they try experiencing it for themselves. This is much more effective then putting down other methods.

[SomeOtherGuy]

But if you want my opinion, I find religious intervention in mental illnesses to be incredibly unhealthy and dangerous. A threat to a person's well-being. Religion, alongside psychiatry or alternative solutions, is fine. But it should never be the pillar of healing, rather an optional method of support.

Natural remedies (such as increased sunlight, a fitting diet, exercise, self-care, therapy and social interaction; as well as complex combinations of those like meditation or dance classes) can help treat long-term depression/anxiety or fix short-term depression/anxiety, but anytime the case is severe it has to be supplemented with chemical/synthetic/medicinal healing.
The wiring in your brain doesn't get fixed just because you made a wish.

Whatever divine force, if any, exists in the universe heals good and bad people indiscriminately, and also lets them die. Your physical health is of NO consequence to any force of divinity, no matter how much you pray. That's all on you.

[Opinion Owner]

@SomeOtherGuy thats exactly what i did. maybe its the language barrier. and i didn't say her life is meaningless. but she hasn't found her meaning yet. thats very different. as for saying it "doesnt exist" i'm not blaming her. she is not making anything up. the pharmaceutical industry along with the doctors is definitely making things up to benefit though. as for giving anthropomorphical attributes to God, yes this was a poor analogy but its not that far from reality. we can't go too far with a commercial relationship with him, it should come from deeper inside. and certainly i dont discount psychiatry, it must have helped some, but i dont fully accept it either. there is huge literature against it sonce its conception and still considered from some pseudoscience. there are even organisations made from people who were hurt by psychiatric methods. and for me it indeed is lost since it takls about psyche/soul and has no idea what it is or how to heal it. sorry if i insulted you unwillingly

[Opinion Owner]

@SomeOtherGuy well allow me to disagree. a person who loves God will keep the commandment "you shall not kill" which includes his own body. keeping fit and eating healthy is almost an obligation in my opinion. as for prayer not helping, my friend it totally does. it can regenerate your brain cells no doubt about that. i had depression and huge memory loss. i was like a goldfish. after a year of meditative prayer i were ultra focused ad culd remember everything. also i'm depression free for 4 years. even my psoriasis that manifested from extreme stress and is an autoimmune disorder supposedly lasting for life was cured. not only miracles can happen but the body itself has huge healing potential. i've seen people with type 1 diabetes and other "incurable" disorders getting healed. as you said come and see its all about experience. you can't call something unhealthy when you haven't experiencedtrue health. the human can't live only on bread. its sad to die and never learn why you lived.

[Waffles731]

I have depression myself, I hope you feel better

[myTake Owner]

Thank you I hope the same for you. The last week I've really been much better than I expected.

[Waffles731]

I have been