Ways to maintain our mental health

Good day, dear /hum/. If I have your permission, I would like to share information and experiences with you, which mainly deal with mental illness. I have been concerned with this issue for the last few years, as I have noticed how more and more relatives, friends and acquaintances suffer from depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorders, anxiety and panic attacks (me included). I have full understanding if someone does not want to read this long message. It was and still is very difficult (for me) to see how people you love lose the joy of life through these "diseases". Many who do not see a way out are looking for help in psychiatric hospitals and hope for an improvement in their well-being. I am not an expert or a doctor in this field, but I have assumed that perhaps so-called "antidepressants" can help. According to the experiences I have heard and read the past months and years, many of the health conditions deteriorate after taking "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors". Various articles, studies and reports tell of the dangers, side effects and placebo effects of these drugs. I was desperate because I wanted to help my family, friends, and all others who needed support. So I decided to inform myself extensively about mental illnesses, talked with these people about their problems and tried to figure out the causes. I also noticed that these diseases can affect everyone - no matter what race, skin color, country, sexuality, gender, body weight and height, ability, appearance, etc. A short time later I became aware of an internship in a psychiatry. This offer was accepted immediately, because I wanted to know how people are treated there. Unfortunately the first day was quite a shock. The patients seemed as if they were bored most of the time and only lying in bed. Doctors and psychiatrists gave various medications to just keep them quiet. Strong side effects and risks are ignored. The patients knew I was a new employee and started a conversation with me to find out who I am. Common questions like, "Where are you from?", "How old are you?", "How long are you here?". I was able to talk to them quite normally and it was also interesting to be honest. My work colleagues were not very pleased, however, and told the patients to leave me alone, although they were usual conversations, nothing bad at all. When there were problems, people quickly got medication and in some cases were even tied up. It may sound stupid, but it was like in a horror movie where the doctors and psychiatrists are crazy, not the patients. It breaks the heart to see how these people are treated. At first I thought that this is just a negative example, but unfortunately I always read from such clinics with catastrophic and inhuman conditions. I also came across articles that recommend a nutritional change (food rich in zinc, B vitamins, C, D3 + K2, B3, B12, A, fiber, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, clean protein, coconut oil, ghee + an additional aid dietary supplements) & physical exercise to increase well-being. Some would recommend "antidepressants", MDMA, ketamine, (strong) psychedelics (DMT, iboga, ayahuasca), nootropics (e.g., Semax or Selank) or other substances but I believe that "drugs" are not a permanent solution. Yes, a balanced and healthy diet *can* combat or "cure" both physical and mental problems, but we should not forget that there is something else in life besides eating. By this I mean: - two or three true friends who help you even in difficult times. - a fulfilled career that aligns with your values, passions and goals + that *really* interests you and brings pleasure, joy and fun. - a loving family & partner who support you. - meaning in life. Some people want to be rich, have many pretty women, beautiful cars, materialism. Others just want to be a good father or mother. I myself prefer the "selfless path" and would like to help others + be a good friend. Everyone has a different purpose in life and that is all right. It would be interesting to know how your experiences are and whether you might share them with us. You may have a few helpful tips and advice for those who suffer from such mental illness. I would be very happy if we could talk about this topic and exchange information. Everyone can learn something new.

Psychiatrists have yet to figure out that making mental wards feel like soykafty prisons is not conducive to mental health.

Hello friend. You touch on many interesting topics. You mention that most medicines often are harmful for health (paradoxically). Sadly the current state of science is not very good. The possibility of independent and objective research is heavily limited by our governments, our focus and our dogma. I find it strange that most of medicine focuses on correcting illness, rather than finding out how to grow a healthy person. I think this is captured in the way that we deal with mental illness, as you say. We know that health is in the way of exercise, good diet, philosophy (a meaning), and strong social bonds. What we see in mental 'hospitals' are different things. Isolation, denigration, sub-human treatment. It is shameful, my friend, as are many of our contemporary ways. >>You may have a few helpful tips and advice for those who suffer from such mental illness. I do have somethings that help me deal with my mind better. Meditation. The forest. Math. Meditation is amazing because it not only can teach you, it can show you that your mind is part of you, it's not you. Thus the mind can be observed from outside. This is an experience that you can have. If you can find a teacher, learn how to observe your breathing and your body. Then you can learn to observe your feelings, and then you can learn to observe your mind. I don't think words help much. If you haven't, try it. I think it might be good for you.

>>2326 Sometimes I wonder if they even care. The way our society deals with mental illness is in itself ill. I think it shows a deeper problem with our culture. We are destroying our environment, we are more focused on killing each other than we are with finding out how to stop being an extinction event.

First of all, I apologize for my late reply. It was not my intention that you had to wait so long. I am pleased to see that there are people who are interested in this topic. I appreciate that you all took the time and effort to write these informative and interesting contributions. Thanks a lot for this. I do not want to sound like a crazy conspiracy theorist, but I can well imagine that many organizations and groups are more interested in filling their bank account rather than really healing people from their illnesses. Regardless of whether there are physical or mental problems that a person has, we should focus on solving the problem at the root instead of covering it with medicines, for example. It is sad to see that sick people are often given medications that have a very weak, or no positive effect on body and / or mind. I thank you for the advice with meditation, the forest and mathematics. Take care of yourself. I wish to hear from you again. All the best.

>>2336 What works for you? How do you stay sane? My greatest battle so far in staying safe is company. I feel very profoundly alone.

>>2339 >My greatest battle so far in staying safe sane, not safe :)

>>2339 A very good question, thank you for that. Even though I eat healthily most of the time and regularly move my body, I sometimes have to struggle with depressive moods, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. What helps me in difficult times are true friends who are always there and help, no matter what happens and a meaning in life, so I know why I get up every day. In addition, a high dose of vitamin B3 (niacin - 3,000 milligrams), D3 (5,000 IU) and B12 (methylcobalamin - 1,000 mcg) per day. I believe almost every person has ups and downs in life, in which he or she knows no way out. We all want to feel we’re making a difference in someone else’s life. I am firmly convinced that giving up is *not* a solution. Each of us can make something positive and meaningful out of life. Of course, this is easier said than done, but there is always a way, and I do *not* mean death. You can believe me or not, but the hard times in life are mostly the best to develop as a person. I am absolutely sure that you will master your current situation.

Not the most shared opinion but lainon, while back i learned the only thing in my head is me and therefore the only problems in my head come from me. So be introspective, be responsible and be arrogant. Ask why you do what you do, your mind is your own, no other shall stir their finger in that glass. You and you only can and must control your thoughts not because someone else wants you to or says its bad, but because of what and who you want to be. >>2339 I used to be that way, but one day I realized its hard to get along with other people if you can't get get on by your lonesome.

I obviously agree with what you wrote, but I failed at achieving all your suggestions. For years I put my heart and soul into trying to be close to best friend and they basically rejected me. "a fulfilled career that aligns with your values"? fuarrrking impossible to achieve. I can't even have friends so I will never have a loving partner, unbelievable suggestion, obviously everybody wants that. Same as with meaning to life. Pretty ridiculous post. "Just magically achieve everything you want and you'll be more mentally healthy". It's these impossible goals which have killed me Works only for people with perfect lives who don't realise it, not for actually broken people. If you're sitting here with friends, relationships, a good job, but you're depressed, then by all means you should just take a psychedelic and be fine as you realise your true position. I take psychedelics and have nothing but the realisation that I have failed in my life, and it is time to leave.

>>2344 Very well said, thank you for that. I am of the opinion that life is pointless. By this I mean: Nothing has a built-in meaning. All circumstances and situations are neutral. *You* bring the meaning to every circumstance/situation in life. Either intentionally (by choice) or unconsciously. There is only the meaning we give to our experience. If you want to put it in another way, you could say that the meaning in life is to give it a meaning. "The purpose of this life is to be this ‘You’ as fully as you possibly can. To do what excites you the most. Ask yourself “What excites me the most?” And at any given moment do the most exciting thing that you are capable of doing something about.“ "Your purpose in the Game, is to work upon yourself. To grow, develop, and transform yourself into a more positive and loving being. You had certain goals that you planned to achieve before incarnating here, which is a main reason for the veil of forgetfulness being in place, because if you already knew what your goals were, the Game would be too easy."

>>2345 I can understand you well. May I ask for what reasons they have rejected you? Admittedly, much of the first post are easier said than done, but I am firmly convinced that nothing of it is impossible to achieve. My father was an alcoholic and died of an overdose in my youth, I have not graduated from school and since childhood I have psychological problems (obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and depressive moods). In addition, various "facial deformities", such as crooked teeth & nose, caries, teeth pulling, overbite, an asymmetrical, narrow and long face shape and amalgam fillings. At this time, I had arrived at a point where I really wanted to end my life because no one was looking at me and / or talking to me. While other people had several relationships with pretty women, I was alone. It would be easy to say that suicide is the solution at such moments, but luckily I could guide my mind and thoughts in a positive direction and improve my life. Please do not misunderstand me. I do not want to give the impression that I have the worst life of all people in this world. No, there are much worse cases. I just want to tell you that you are not alone. In my opinion, death is *not* the solution to all our problems. Of course, we can just wait until we die, but do we really want that? I do not think so. Problems are there to be solved, as well as difficult phases in life. If such an unattractive person like me did the best of the bad time, you will master it too. Please excuse my bad English skills, but I hope you understand what I mean.

>>2346 Because everything is on me for meaning I must decide what am I doing it for. Am I doing it for need, or am I doing it for pride, the desire of want. What type of pride self serving pride or proper pride. Self serving where it is to only benefit me for no reason but vanity. Or is it for proper pride where its to improve myself, or help another. Thats how I've rationalized it, the meaning you give your experience is eternalized by whom I wonder I differ with you on that last point concerning the loving and positive bit. I was a weak tubby dweeb as a kid. Looking back I used to be a loving person for I loved only myself with self serving pride a petulant brat. I loved being lazy, I loved overeating, I loved being nasty. Then something happened and I then I hated someone so much I wanted to fight them, but I couldn't I'd lose I'd hate to lose. And so I found a way to get back at them but I felt dirty when I did but it was the first time I ever did anything. It was about this point I realized I don't do things unless I hate something. I hate being hungry, I eat. I hate being filthy, I clean myself. I hate myself for being mean, I apologize. I hate swallowing my pride to apologize so I correct my behavior. Love is passive, hate is active.

Apologies if my english is bad - I'm thinking it's good enough but sometimes I make mistakes and don't notice. Forgive me in advance. >>2352 I've seen that love can be active, but is more often a support kind of active. Showing, rather than doing. Persistence rather than concerted effort. I don't know, I'm probably younger than you are, but this is what I've seen. While both can be productive, you are right in that hate is far more often an effective motivator, especially when it is intrinsic. On a side note an American study that I can't find right now (will add if I do) said that small numbers of ketamine might help, but I don't have experience with drugs so I can't speak on that. I'm rambling. >>2320 I'm writing this feeling a bit anxious - for the past several years I've been depressed in a way I find difficult to describe and so I haven't been assessed, partially out of fear that I might be right, and partially to avoid invalidating people with the real thing or burdening others. I'll try to keep it short. Basically I find myself returning every few hours or so to an irrational melancholy or boredom where I don't eat for long periods of time and stay in bed more than I should. My moods change rapidly and cross just over the line to extreme. Not many people do notice, as I'm still able to function socially and have been better at masking these traits over the years. Nightmares and insomnia, though not recurring or predictable, are still frequent enough to cause problems, though no one has ever pressed enough to know that these issues are why I'm so sleep deprived. Other lains mentioned activity of some kind and various other simple but effective treatments that are consistent. >Physical exercise of some kind keeps me feeling productive >Hygiene and clothing routines particularly help me find some pride in myself, I like myself more if I like how I present myself, I hope that makes sense >Getting outside and near nature even if it's just a plaza with trees or a small park creates a "clean" atmosphere; works even better if personal computer use is limited or cut off entirely during this time >Eating well with plenty of vegetables, decent meat, setting a personal limit to starch with sugar will all add more intent since it takes work to find these today; this keeps my mind feeling healthy; fresh food is better than prepared, and having good ratios keeps a balance; this is really hard though and I had to go to a dietician to sort this out since there's always someone on the net contradicting whoever you talk to; at least the doctors that don't practice mental health are trustworthy in my experience >Easy relaxation that is still productive; hobbies like writing or taking photos don't need lots of effort but still look nice when you finish them >Practicing self-awareness to understand the connections between thoughts and feelings I guess; this also includes knowing when your "good" times are; I will like things more around mid morning, but I am more productive after my last meal >Long term goal so I can work towards a possible future instead of being overwhelmed by choices and my current life >Finding some form of catharsis; music is a very huge outlet for me, playing even more than listening as I can put much of my emotion into it On this last note, I think it might be a good idea if I record my playing and start taking note of how I feel before I play - maybe it will be useful These are all easier to say than to do and I still struggle with doing all of these but occasionally they will help keep good days good and if I am well-disciplined sometimes even bad days feel a little less bad. It's just treatment, not a cure - I'm not "fixed" and nowhere close, but I know I was worse without these habits, and just a bit of improving is still worth something. Maybe I am the only one but also taking time to enjoy little things like the feel of your favorite cafe or how fresh sheets smell. It sounds silly but it adds up to me. This is the first time I've chosen to talk about this *at all* to anyone, anonymous or otherwise. I've played it so close to the chest specifically because of the bad ideas about mental illness. As well I'm already different enough to have been an outsider to most social groups. I spent a lot of my time alone growing up, and well into my third year of university I still do. So though I'm comfortable being on my own, I'm very difficult to open up about any of this. A lot of what I do and what I like to do is either in spite of being depressed and everything else, or explicitly counters everything else. To use examples, I worry that if I start explaining why I like music so much I may accidentally tell someone it is a catharsis for me. Even being well on my own, I don't want to lose the friends I have, so I know them and trust them but not enough to talk about this. It really scares me to think about and kind of feels like a more negative version of having a crush on someone - I can confess those easily enough but so many stories about poor treatment or abandonment make me think it could happen that way about my depression if it's even real, so why bother if it's too much risk for no reward? Photo is not related, I just think it's nice. And I like hearing talk about this, I still hesitate but this thread feels like we are actually helping ourself. I realize this is now really long so congratulations if you're reading this far, you made it to the end, good job!

>>2353 To addend something I left out, I think something very important I left out is the reason one will hate something and that being one will love its antithesis. Where its a matter of discipline is things like "I hate being fat but I hate running" those are questions of what I hate more at the moment. I will do something I hate for someone I love for I would hate to harm our relationship. Its more a question of if you do things off a blacklist(hate) or a whitelist(love) and I've seen love used as justification for passive endeavors through passive means. I say hate is better for those who are likely to be self absorbed because if ethicised correctly it serves as a better motivator. And people when in their mundane generally act for themselves for its the only concern. A form of Catharsis is healthy for me its brewing soykaf(not here its too slow) or investigating something halfway intelligent. Exercuse is recommended for a reason and the reason is it conditions your mind and more noticably for the less self aware the body for the insertion of some type of discipline for self behavior. It shows self control of diet and a desire to be physically capable. Its the first step honestly for some people to get control of their mind. To be honest I'm wary of those who try to play around in peoples minds, I find the drugs to be foolish poisons and the illnesses I've seen used as flagrant excuses for bad behavior or laziness or in some cases to penalize certain personalities(Objective Defiance Disorder). I believe finding a philosophy better than having someone dissect my mind for judgement. The obligatory post note of I understand actual mental illness and I understand some of it can not be helped or disciplined I've seen people with serious damage in their head, things they can't work out on their own I get that. My view is much of it seems to be a pair of crutches for what one would see is a pair of working yet weak legs. Purpose, no matter how simple and small it is, its something you must want every day.

>>2354 >much of it seems to be a pair of crutches for what one would see is a pair of working yet weak legs You are saying that mental illness as understood by medicine is a coping mechanism or an over correction by the brain and possibly body, do I understand this well? On intuition this sounds like a nuance I don't see in other discussions and you could be right. I'm not a doctor and can't say what mental illnesses could be compensating for except maybe trauma or something, but again my intuition favors this over the normal conversations I hear, though it's possible it's never brought up because these conversations are so rare to begin with. >>2353 The link I couldn't find earlier is here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25400146?dopt=Abstract Still not a doctor so anyone can interpret this however but I think it says that ketamine shows potential for non-anxious depression - I don't know the difference between that and anxious depression, I guess I should do research and then try to sleep

>>2336 I am the same. Oftentimes it takes a while for a reply to come forth. >I can well imagine that many organizations and groups are more interested in filling their bank account rather than really healing people from their illnesses Indeed. In memetic theory, companies are independent entities from humanity. Which means that they have their own rules and survival conditions, which sets them apart from humans. Which ultimately means that companies' interests can diverge from humanities'. As such we see that a company can kill, maim, mutate, deform and torture countless people for the sake of profits. Which is why, I think, in general it's clear that 'medicine' is rarely healthy, and even more rarely is it a cure. I'm drunk, so forgive any grammatical errors pls.

>>2341 >the hard times in life are mostly the best to develop as a person This I know to be true, but.. they're still hard times :) >What helps me in difficult times are true friends who are always there and help, no matter what happens and a meaning in life, so I know why I get up every day. What meaning is that? You're quite polite, it's a nice change from usual. Thank you for this.

>>2345 Are you happy with who you are? Do you feel good about what you do? What you choose to do? When you feel happy about your choices and who they make you, then you will love yourself. And when you love yourself you will become able to love someone else. You can learn to do this. It will not be easy, but if you truly want it, you will work for it.

>>2347 >Please excuse my bad English skills May I ask, what is your native language?

>>2352 >Love is passive, hate is active. Interesting view. I would say that love can be very active.. though.. you know what I mean? ;0

>>2353 Thanks for the things you wrote in >this format they're very good advice > I worry that if I start explaining why I like music so much I may accidentally tell someone it is a catharsis for me Why would you worry about telling this to someone?

>>2385 I'm very difficult to hold back things even in casual conversation, so I try not to talk about it at all. And a lot of people, as polite as they are, sometimes pry too much. It's like if someone were to ask, "How are you?" and you respond "Not good" instead of generically saying "fine, okay, etc." They start to ask why and if you refuse they probably think you're saying so for their attention. Last, mental sickness has lots of stigma so that most are encouraged to keep it a close family affair, so combined with my hate of being pitied, I'm better avoiding the subject rather than risk giving people bad ideas. Telling people who I know personally wouldn't end up well and I have some strong trust issues because of it, but I'm good at deflecting so I pass as ordinary enough to blend in.

>>2327 >Meditation is amazing because it not only can teach you, it can show you that your mind is part of you, it's not you. >Thus the mind can be observed from outside. This is an experience that you can have. Do you believe in the concept of a soul? In afterlife? In reincarnation? If so, what led you to those beliefs? Genuinely curious.

>>2460 I don't believe in a soul. I just know that there is more to me than just a mind. I know this because I can see my mind work independent of me. I can be out of it because I've learned to observe it without interfering. I don't know if I make myself clear. I'm mainly a skeptic, but I've also realized that there are things which are too big and too transcendental for me to grasp. I know that I have difficulties with simple physical concepts, I wouldn't be so arrogant so as to presume that I understand the ultimate truth.

I've dealt with mental (and chronic physical) illness my entire life. In my experience, exercise is the closest thing to a silver bullet - just the act of moving your body, having it operate at 110% is the most amazing feeling. I've been cycling for a few years now and it's been one of the greatest joys of my life. The physical benefits are fantastic, but it's what it's done for my self esteem that I love the most. To know that you started off not being able to bike a mile, and then doing 6 in half an hour is indescribable. Instead of my body being a burden, it's a machine operating at it's peak. Aside from that, meditation has helped me a ton (though I've fallen out of practice lately), eating well will make you feel good in general, having a good support system of friends is crucial, etc. I've also tried medication and have had mixed results - I'd reccommend only trying it if you still feel awful after therapy / adopting self-care practices, etc. Sometimes the issue is a chemical imbalance more than anything else. Hope that helps - I hope for peace for everyone struggling with this sort of thing.

I don't even know if I have a what you could call mental illness, I don't feel sad or happy. I can laugh, I can joke, I can interact with others, but I don't want to. I guess the closest to what I have is being a schizoid. I feel a bit ashamed to be down of life because people have a hard time even finding friend, yet it comes easy to me. I used to have my group of buddies but I don't even bother to call them up or talk to my family most of the time. The only thoughts I have are how much I hate life, I hate work, its not even the actual work, it seems to be something else. Something I can't understand, I'm not even able to finish getting my highschool diploma ever since I was kicked out of my house at 15. I can start it sometimes, but I always end up just not finishing it, yet the only things I need to finish are my g12 math/science which are my best subjects. My life is just a continuous circle. Nothing changes, my attitude doesn't change, my surrounding don't change, life doesn't change. Will finishing my highschool even help? It leads me to another job, another place I hate, another group of people I don't wish to interact with yet am forced to. Perhaps I need motivation and ambition to move past what I am, yet it seems like an impossible task. How does one acquire such a thing as motivation or ambition? Every video, article I read on it doesn't change anything for me, i read so much yet nothing is different even when I dewell on what is taught and attempt to implement those ideas. Its something that has to come from within the individual yet it does not come for me. I miss feeling depressed and like I was going insane, I don't even get to enjoy that anymore. I wonder if I even want to be happy, being happy never got me anywhere. Is this it? This is life? I'm sick of it. Physical exercise didn't help me, eating well didn't help me, quitting smoking didn't help me, not masturbating didnt help me, friends and family didnt help me, I know the drugs won't help me, I guess this is it for me; a grey existence for the rest of my time.

Best greetings to you, dear /hum/. I am very pleased to see that people are interested in this topic. I would like to thank you all for your informative and helpful messages. I really appreciate that you took the time and effort to write such great answers. I apologize for the delay. I have fasted for a few days, and have also started detoxifying the body and mind (with bentonite clay, zeolite, spirulina and chlorella). During this time I felt very weak, had little or no strength, and it was hard for me to think reasonably. For these reasons, I did not write back immediately. I hope you all can forgive me that. I believe that there is not a special solution for all people in this world to cure mental problems like depression because each one of us is different. What works for person A does not necessarily have to work for person B, C or D. There are people who have a loving family, true friends, nice girlfriend, lot of money, car and house, interesting work and yet are depressed, unhappy and sad. Many always want a quick fix (for example, in the form of medications) for everything. Be it big muscles, a well-trained body, weight loss and not forgetting pills/drugs to cure mental problems in seconds or minutes. Is this the right way? Well, everyone should decide for themselves. What helped me was a change in my environment. I am firmly convinced that the way we talk with other people is a big factor and that mental illness can affect almost every person in life. To overcome such difficult times, people who have empathy, understanding, compassion, love, care for others and support are a *real* help. We need love and affection from our families, friends and partners to make us feel happy. In psychiatric hospitals, it is often the case that many only think of money and are happy when their work is over after eight hours, so they can go home. The well-being of the patients is usually secondary and not so important. It is very sad to see this, but fortunately there are still "good" people. Even though many things are bad in this world, there are *always* ways to develop ourselves in a positive direction to help others. As stupid as it may sound, I believe that our parents have given us this life as a gift. We can either make the best out of every situation, or see everything negatively and just wait for death. We as a society can decide how our future will look. Many have already understood that the selfish path (service-to-self) is probably not the best solution, but rather cohesion and mutual assistance (service-to-others). In addition: I think people ask themselves what they want to do out of their lives or look for a meaning. For many, a lot of money would probably be a dream that I can understand. Nevertheless, I think that money itself makes a person not necessarily happy. It calms down. You can do everything and enjoy life in beautiful places, but sooner or later many people want to do something useful. By this I mean, for example, to help others (service to others). “The world is full of nice people. If you can't find one, be one.” - Nishan Panwar >>2383 Yes of course. You can always ask me anything you want. My native language is Russian.

>>2385 >>2390 I just realized this might sound as if I'm saying you are asking too much which is not at all the case, in this I'm referring to people in real life who I live and work near. It's much different with people on the internet who probably won't ever know me personally so I might be anxious but I'm still willing to talk about most of this.

A push for this thread so that it is seen by more people who can get information.

Anyone who's had experience with professional help, what kind of doctor did you consult for a diagnosis? ...I ask because I might be dealing with an unordinary state of mind but I have no way of knowing, and I don't know who I should see about it. I'm not planning on seeking therapy or drugs, not yet anyways, but I need to know if I'm fuarrrked up in the head and in what way so I can understand how to deal with it.

>>2707 >I need to know if I'm fuarrrked up in the head and in what way so I can understand how to deal with it. I'm going to suggest that maybe you don't need to ask anybody at all I think one of the biggest problems with psyciatric medicine is the idea of diagnosis for mental states The whole concept of mental "illnesses" seems very very off to me Our minds are like giant vats where waves flow around and collide with each other to form new and interesting patterns Sometimes the patterns repeat, sometimes things are still for a bit, sometimes they're too hectic But it is never really broken, not the way a bone can break, or ill in the sense of a flu Medicine being applied to the mind is a man with a hammer looking for nails The disease/treatment model works well for physical issues, but not for something as fluid as the mind The current practice is to establish a baseline, a "healthy" mind, and to adjust all "unhealthy" minds to the baseline But who is ever at their baseline mental state 24/7? Who doesn't have off days, good days, confusing days? Saying that any deviance from the baseline is an illness is a very strange way of looking at it Under that model, every single person in the world could be diagnosed with a mental illness if you look hard enough Don't put too much weight on things like diagnoses, because you'll frame yourself in those terms Instead, focus on observing your own mind and developing mental patterns that work for you Just like a kid may throw a rock into a lake to make a new wave, you have to deliberately add to the patterns of your mind This is something you have to do for yourself, no pill and no shrink can do it for you, since they aren't in your head At first just focus on observing your mind, listen to yourself think, notice the thought patterns as they flow Then try to calm your mind, slow down the patterns, try to get a moment or two of silence between thoughts You're thinking too fast, to carelessly, that's ok, everyone does it, but try to rein it in Only then, once you have a clean, still pond to work with can you start throwing rocks in to make ripples you like

>>2708 You have some right but "some off days" you are saying about are characteristic for the "healty" minds. What about when someone have those off days all the time? I'm not a fan of medicaments myself, but I feel like I am bashing my head to the wall when I think that I'm trying to fight my anxiety problems for many,many years through this observing my mind and trying to fix the things I see as problems. I agree that today this baseline health and adjusting everyone else to this is taken too far but on the other hand I feel like I am unable to help myself. Despite trying I still struggle when I want to get some closeness with others, I am unable to trust them or to open myself before them, I always feel like I am among strangers and it's not the case of changing the social circle, believe me. I am literally unable to talk about my feelings or ambitons IRL. And yet I still can see that people around me like me, and perhaps O could even have the chance for the real relationship but the fear I feel even when I think about this is just too big and I can't take any action. I can see all the patterns of my behaviour but I am afraid that now my mind and personality are too broken to change anything. I can calm myself, I can make a plan what to do and how to do it but when it comes to work all goes as always. I am still trying hard but it gets harder and harder every year

Many thanks for your numerous, informative and interesting contributions.

>>2708 This isn't wrong, but as someone who has suffered psychosis, believe me, there are unhealthy mental states. Psychiatric meds are a blunt tool, but for someone who is truly mentally ill every day is hell and the right meds are a godsend.

There is some research suggesting that psychedelic drugs, when used correctly, can be very useful for combating mental illnesses, and in a much more deep way than anti-depressants. My own experiences indicate that this is true. If any drug is going to cure mental illness, it's going to be LSD. My mental health problems are very general. I have anxiety issues, but those I think I have under control, and I occaisionally have short episodes of intense, incapacitating depression. I like to think that at this point, I have it all under control and I'm ready to be an active participant in society. >>2345 >I take psychedelics and have nothing but the realisation that I have failed in my life, and it is time to leave. take them under different circumstances. Psychedelic drugs depend heavily on your mindset going into the trip. You have to put in the mental effort to get the enlightenment. And, wrt all your problems: I either have or had all of them. They are not unsolvable. >>2327 >Meditation. The forest. Math. are you me?

>>2328 I’ll bet the jews did this.

>>4418 Some other lains mentioned psychedelics too but I've never tried some. I did buy an e-cig myself which has a 2.4% nicotine containment though and after the first week, it seems to calm me down. I'll try commenting on its effects again next week. So far I only smoke it on average once a day, I haven't really noticed dependence yet. This break was supposed to relax me but instead it's been more stressful. More bad sleep, more nightmares. I'm fairly certain after the past semester that I'm likely also borderline. I was happy to be around friends for some first days last month but quickly got into a depression again. Maybe because university kept me distracted but somehow this doesn't feel the same way. It's more persistent and far more noticeable, I really have to make hard efforts to do things. Also social interactions are feeling more forced and awkward when it's not through vidya. Partially this might have something associated with trying to keep my depression personal but close friends sometimes notice the moods I get into, good or bad, which makes everything difficult. I actually need to work lots to act myself, which I don't recall needing before, at least not on this level. I am thinking it might change soon though as I'm moving to another city for a little while, close enough to not feel detached but far enough to feel as if I am starting something new. Activities and other self-treatments are still mostly ongoing but I'm falling through since there's no university routine keeping me in line. Most motivators are external these days. Will update again after some time has passed.

>>4673 I've gotten this far in my life by pretending to be what I think people are looking for, like a chameleon, just so I can be accepted. I call it wearing a mask, or being fake. It makes sense to think that people won't accept me because I myself don't accept me. This mindset comes from being around the wrong people my whole life. Family members with high expectations, people who I call friends but are nothing of the sort (hell they don't even know me, just the mask). I've moved to different cities hoping for a fresh start too, but each time I take myself with me, and it's the same soykaf all over again. So I started off with a few people I met in a mental health support group (NAMI). I wasn't looking for friends, I just kept going back because I needed support, kinda like Fight Club. People I would never pick as friends (when have you ever actually picked your friends, it just happens). I started accepting myself, and seeing that I'm actually a decent person. I started saying "I deserve better" and keeping people in my life that treat me well, and cut out the toxic people. I learned respect for myself and now I can respect others and I see my life differently (like a reformed criminal, but more like a reformed damaged human). I can tell someone "no" if I don't want to do it and not fear that that'll leave me, it's called "healthy boundaries". All of this has taken several years, as I've been working on my mental health for over four years. After experiencing psychosis and mania, and life long depression, I know when I cross the line into the extremes. The depression is getting better, after years of different meds, routines, eating habits, sleep schedule, friendships etc. I've found what's working so far for me, and I think I'm at the point of "normal ups and downs" for my days. I still get low and don't leave the house for a few days, hell I've been awake since yesterday, but that's okay. It's not perfect, it's something I deal with, and in moderation it's okay. If I don't leave the house for more than a few days, don't shower, get angry in my head all day, then I need to tell my friends/doctor and fix it. I'm very honest with everyone I meet, I haven't experienced any stigma. If someone doesn't like me, they can fuarrrk off, I got nothing to prove to them. There's plenty of people out there who will like you, but you gotta weed out the ones that don't care about you first.