Mental Questions and Answers

Paranoid..?

What's the difference between being paranoid and suffering from paranoia?

If you sometimes think people have put poison in your food/drink and sometimes think people can read your thoughts, like, are almost, in your head. And when someone does something nice for you, you think they did it because they want something. Is that just being paranoid?

Answers: being paranoid and suffering from paranoia is just two ways to say the same thing unless by "paranoid" you just mean "really suspicious" and not suffering from the illness. That would depend on the severity of your suspicions. Mental illness is not like the flu where the germs are either in you or not. It slowly creeps up on you, and you sink into it. When do you decide when you're stuck in the mud? When you've sunk 60% of the way or 80%? It doesn't matter. What really matters is that you're sinking in the mud. Being paranoid is not a good thing and you have to try to avoid it or get help or control your thinking and leave yourself open to these imaginary attacks because they will never come. If you're thinking the way you describe then you are probably paranoid. Ugh, but some of the stuff you say matches up with what I think. What if I'm paranoid?

dude just sit back and enjoy your poisoned drink if you think your thoughts are being read then think weird creepy thoughts they will stop reading them and if people give you things just say thank you its polite

Anxiety...?

I regularly get anxiety to the point of feeling sick or sometimes dizzy. This isn't an anxiety disorder is it?

If it makes any difference, here are some facts about me:
-Girl
-13
-Have been molestered as a kid.
-Have been stalked for 3 years.
-Shy

Also, if you know anything about counsilling and stuff, could you please answer my other question?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answers: Sounds like it to me.

Try learning breathing exercizes. Good focus on the breath can help one get thru anxiety.

DO see a counselor. You may have to see several to find one who can help you.

Try everything besides drugs first. Anti anxiety meds are not good for growing brains.

YES! you sound anxious!
The great news is that there are ways to cope with anxiety before it gets really bad and since your younge it will be a lot easier for u!

I used to have horrible anxiety 2 years ago and ive been working with a therapist on and off for 2 years and finally after a lot of bad stuff happened in my life, i started to calm down and feel like i could deal with life.

You will be ok believe me! but nothing good in life comes without atleast a bit of a struggle so if u want to change be prepared to work!

Good luck--You can do it!

Sounds like your depressed. Goes with your age and the anxiety. See the dizziness goes with it too. They all play amongst each other. Talk to your school counselor or your mom. Who ever you are more comfortable with. I have had depression for a long time. A lot of people do so dont feel weird. get some help, its out there. Or call a hotline that helps too.
18004483000<--------------

How can I get rid of ongoing depression before it get the best of me?

I was off and on again depression since last year. I am divorced. I am so tried of thinking of suicdce and things like that and I know this is not who I am. frist went through bad divorce (sept 12, 2007) (even without childern), my grandmother in hosptail, broken off the relationship, and my fear of being pregant (I took one preg test two weeks later after relationship with my ex-boyfriend and another one a week later, and took one at the hosptial er room two days later when I was weak, no sleep, dehyating, and cramping, those three result is neg). I am having enough.. If I am pregant, I will try to do my best to take care this child. Depression is hurt so bad. Any best adivce what can I do after my dream was scared me so bad when i dream of myself commit sucidue that cause a baby (which it was my baby in the dream but not in real life) and my own ex-boyfriend crying over me. I woke up almost crying.. What should I do? Also, i am worry about my own health that if I am preg. PLS Adivce!

Answers: I've suffered with depression my whole life along with suicidal thoughts. Medications just made it worse and counseling never seemed to help. Just indulge in the things you enjoy. Like, watch a sunset, sunset are very beautiful and relaxing and makes you realize how beautiful life is. You could also watch a comedy, it might be corny, but it will get you to smile or even laugh. Drink some wine, I'm not big on alcohol but I do like to drink a glass of wine from time to time.. it's good for you and will get you in a better mood if not to indulgent. They're many things to do that won't have you to resort to drastic measures such as medication.

Kinda sounds like you are not pregnant when you get 3 negative preg test you are not pregnant.

You really need to seek some medical advise there are drugs they can prescribe now that can really help with depression and recommend a good counselor. Good luck.

God will give you a beautiful baby and you will want to live again. That is so wonderful!

A 20 years old male says he takes on other people's moods and exhibits some paranoia. Should I worry?

He does not want to be in groups for fear his head will explode, because of all of the people's feelings (happy when they are, sad when they are, tired when they are). He states he has felt that others are hiding things from him and/or think he is gay. He is my daughter's boyfriend, and it seems worrisome to me. Of course I think he needs professional help but I may be the over protective mom.

Answers: From a therapist -- Definitely encourage him to seek therapy services. I would recommend a social worker due to increased acceptance of homosexual and/or gender identity issues. It may just be that he is a very sensitive guy (good for your daughter) who needs to learn to protect himself from becoming overwhelmed by his empathy for others and lack of emotional boundaries. There is a chance of a more serious diagnosis. Either way, an understanding therapist will help him get to the core of these issues and find ways to cope with daily living.

P.S. If the paranoia gets extreme, you will have to be very sensitive, patient, and maybe even tricky in order to help him get the help he needs without turning his mistrust on to you or your daughter.

Wow, yah keep him away or get help. There's no reason a young kid at 20 should be acting this way.

Ativan and Withdrawal?

I just wanted to get your opinion before I go and see my doctor next week. I have anxiety and my doc. prescribed Ativan 5 mg sublingual (under the tongue for immed. effect) to take when I have an anxiety attack. I do not take it on a reg. basis, as I only take it when I have an attack which is about once a week. I was given a pres. of 30 tablets at the end of July and have taken 11 in total since then, so as you can see I am not a regular user. I have noticed now, that if I dont take one in a day or two after my anxiety attack, I am suddenly very dizzy, cannot sleep because of dizziness, have constant shakes and am nauseaus and my anxiety feels worse. Is this withdrawal? Just wanted to get your opinion as I feel worse now then I did before, and I am concerned about stopping the med. as I dont now how I would wean off of it when I am taking the lowest dose. Thanks for the help!

Answers: I would recommend you see your doctor or another medical professional before you consider any deviations, but if sounds as if the cure for your problem is worse then the anxiety attacks themselves! You may wish to consider a non-medical route such as therapy rather then continue taking a powerful psychotropic medication (I'm personally wary of anything that effects the natural workings of the brain so strongly).

This said, I'd go see your doctor, and you should seriously consider taking yourself of the medicine entirely, going off a medical professionals instructions on proper weaning.

you are a nurse and you are non-compliant with your meds? you should know better than that. Your answer YES, BDZ cause withdrawal. Lorazepam is a benzodazepine and they need to be tapered when you quit them. You should develop a strategy to make sure you don't miss any doses. Take a pill at the same time everyday. Perhaps with your breakfast. If you want to quit talk to your Doc or Pharmacist about a taper. There are some partial agonist (Midozolam) and antagonist (Flumanezil) that can possibly help. There are other anti anxiety drugs that don't cause withdrawal. Have you tried any kind of behavioural therapy? Also ask your Doctor or Pharmacist about Extended release BDZ products or long acting products that cause less withdrawal symptoms.
To the person who wrote "you don't sound addicted" note that withdrawal and addiction are two totaly different things. Withdrawal is due to a receptor interaction commonly refered to as a shift to the right on the dosage response curve, addiction is a permanent craving associated with positive experiences from drug use.

That certainly sounds like withdrawal symptoms, but you don't take it enough to be addicted. I would look at it rather as a drag. For instance with benedryl, it will help you sleep, but when you wake up, you'll be low on energy for about 8 hours.

I'd ask your dr. about it, because I take klonipin with no drag. I do get a headache when it's time to take it, but that's because I take it regularly.

Take care.
Debbie
Not an expert

Hey there,

I use xanax in the same manner. I am also a health professional. I don't think it's likely that you are experiencing withdrawal from such infrequent use. You haven't really developed a habit to withdrawal from... although, it could be just the after effects of the drug?

Why I do I feel so down and unhappy?

I don’t get it,
Although I'm studying and pursuing in my life and I’m even sure that I’ll have a bright future, But I just don’t feel good!
Is this effect of alcohol because I drink very often,
I feel down and depressed especially evenings when I get back home from school,
Thanks

Answers: I guess you are dealing with alcoholism or depression. I am going to get a little radical here. Have you ever thought about changing your habits. Try to eat healthy and sleep healthy. Try to balance your school life with your exercise and social life. Try to find a balance. I could be wrong, but it sounds like a change is in order.

That would be affirmative.
Alcohol is major depressant. The question is why are you drinking? Something bothering you that you don't want to face?
I would suggest confronting the ghosts in the closet so you are able to get rid of the monkey on your back.
Cut out the alcohol, start drinking juices and water, start exercising and I guarantee you will feel better and have a much more positive attitude.
Thanks

Alcohol is a depressant. So if you are feeling unhappy start with cutting out the alcohol. Then think of other things that make you sad and stay away from them too.

I don't know how you could be doing homework if you are getting drunk. Think of some things you would like in your life to make you a little bit happy today.

Exercise produces endorphines (endorphines make you feel happy)

Try chocolate - I reccomend Godiva

Sometimes a kiss can make you feel good as well!

You need to get clear, what is bothering you. You know what they say, bad thoughts make you feel bad. Make a conscience effort to change that. Happiness comes from within!!~ Sounds like ur lonely!~

Someone that has or had panic attacks/anxiety?

Can you please tell me how to make it go away! I'm on zoloft and ativan, I have been for about a week. Except I took the ativan for 2 days and it made me more anxious so I stopped taking it. I cried for like 3 hours today because I also suffer from depression. I never leave my house because when I do I have really bad anxiety and then it turns into a P/A. I've had a headache for the past week straight and I always think of the worst things, like for example an aneurysm or a brain tumor. I asked my doctor and he said its probably because of stress and tonsilitus (which he thinks I have). I just want to be able to leave my house, I want the P/A's, anxiety, and depression to go away. I WANT TO BE BACK TO NORMAL! If anyone knows anything they think can help me, PLEASE DO! If you went through the same problem as I am and you have gotten over it, how did you do it? Please no stupid answers, I'm really being serious...

Answers: Zoloft is an antidepressant that could very well help the anxiety as well. Ativan is a cool-it med to calm you down. If it's not calming you, you need to call him and ask what to do.

If you're always having headaches, ask your dr. about Neurontin (available in generic). It is a chronic pain medication (blocks pain signals from reaching brain) and an anti-anxiety agent as well. Another possibility might be to piggy-back Cymbalta onto Zoloft because Cymbalta helps physical pain as well as depression.

Your Zoloft needs some time to kick in, maybe even a month or 6 weeks. Just kick back, acknowledging how you feel but not requiring much of yourself until you've given the Zoloft time to kick in.

You don't have a brain tumor or an aneurysm. Know how I know? Ninety percent of depression patients think something's wrong with their brain! I did, too. It's just another symptom. They are all symptoms.

I was first diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder 23 years ago. I've tried every medication on the market and lots of combinations of psychiatric medications. I'm still not an expert. I can only tell you what's worked for me.

Take care, honey, and hang in there. The drugs are on the way, but they've got a lot of road to travel before they get here.

TX Mom
Debbie

My sister went through it (and is always depressed)... she only gets the panic attacks from worry or responding to a traumatic episode. Is something serious going on in your life right now? You need to get to the bottom of what is causing this.
ALSO.. this may sound stupid but you need to simply wear yourself out with excercise! It will help with both the depression and the panic attacks.

See panic attack, and anxiety treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 8 and 6. Set yourself a fixed limit for worrying about any particular subject, (say; 15 minutes) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even consider that subject again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. Use the technique for reprogramming negative thoughts, on page 2, to help you in this, and consider carrying a wide rubber band in your pocket, as a means of reinforcing it. Practise one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 2i, 11, or 2C, daily, and read page 2L, and section 2, and give the EFT a good tryout.

Zoloft can EITHER relieve anxiety or cause more anxiety. Make sure you have a very good Psychiatrist who is prescribing for you.

Lexapro is the most selective and has the fewest side effects of all of the SSRIs and, personally, would be my first choice for someone with GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) and depression.

I suffered from panic attacks and depression for most of my life. And I gladly say it's in the past now. I would not have survived without the same meds you are on. I researched for a cure for years and found biofeedback. I researched how it would help and finally tried it and the rest is history. I'm cured and without meds for a year now. No relapse or nothing. You might want to look into it yourself and see if it will help you. I could not be happier and feel normal finally.

If someone is harassing u how can u get it stop? If the Local Police Force & Landlord doesn't help you?

Someone within authority is going round plagueing my life making a nuisance of themselves, they have been going round making up all sorts of rubbish and rumours about me that have never been done by me or never would be. But when I try 2 report this to officials like the Local Police Force and my Landlord they do very little or nothing to help they just think I'm a mental case and just laugh at me saying im just paranoid and delusional etc. I know for a fact spyware as in listening devices and digital camera's are pointed at or within my flat i'm living in at the moment but when I mention this im told that due to suffering some Mental Health issues previously they wont help stop it ok. This has also been witnessed by my girlfriend who stays with me most of the time yet nothing gets done about it, is there anyone out there who can give us suggestions for dealing with this please. My girlfriend has never suffered from Mental Health issues so how can these people get away with it?

Answers: I would write to the paper or a magazine. Any type of media attention and something would surely be done.

To be spied on like you are suggesting you need to be regarded as a threat to society in one way or other. IE involved in serious crime or terrorism.

If you are under this close a surveillance your phone lines will be taped, your emails will be intercepted and your access to Sante360.com will definitely be under close scrutiny. Also watch out for the key logging programs that can be down loaded surreptitiously to your PC when you access the Internet.

Saying that, it sounds as if all you need to do is reduce your intake of illegal substances in all honesty.

Move!
I mean that honestly.

Parent issues...?

I'm 16 years old and I'm having some trouble getting my parents to understand something. I keep telling them about how I have paruresis (I actually told them every day for a month, plus countless times besides that), but they just don't care and have even flat-out told me that I don't really have a problem, I'm just making it up, etc. I am a member of the paruresis.org forum, and everyone there has been supportive, but they keep telling me to see a doctor, read these certain books (only available online, of course...), etc., but I can't do anything that would help because my parents won't let me. Am I just doing something wrong in communicating with them, or are they being crappy parents? This is very frustrating for me because it's messing up my life and they just think it's funny and not a real problem. (In general, they treat me fairly well, but whenever I have a real problem, they find it more convenient to just ignore it than to help me solve it.)

Answers: Well, I'm no expert on the subject but it would seem that this condition is probably 99% mental. I guess your parents don't understand mental problems and think a brain that works is good enough. I suggest looking for other books from the library that explain the severity of mental problems. Let them know it's a mental problem and the sooner they accept it as a problem the sooner they can treat it seriously and get the right help for you. Good luck. PS. Find the article about the woman that died by drinking too much water. It happened just last summer. There was a radio contest to see who could drink the most water without going to the toliet. She died because everyone thought it was a funny contest. I don't think it was funny, nor do the producers and now nor do the DJ's (ex DJ's) that were having a big joke.

PS. The problem with mental issues is that people can't see it or they think it's just a matter of thinking like them to correct the problem. The worse mental problem comes when the person commits suicide. How else can you explain such an act? Get some help, if your parents won't help you then go see your family doctor or even talk to the principal or conciler at school.

Your right, there wrong(talking about parents). When you come to your parents with a problem like paruresis, which would be embarrassing to tell them about in the first place.
I cant believe that they wouldnt take you serious, that must be so awful! I can relate because im 16 too and my dad can be a b**** sometimes. Its like you have no real say in anything, like your allowed to say your opinion but it wont matter...you no?

In this situation the only way you can get help is when they understand you, which you said you dont no how to do.and i cant tell you how to do it because i dont no your parents, and every person is different. So all I unfortunelty can say to you is good luck and im on your side ;) im so sorry i couldnt help anymore.

Lots of Love, Sara

Reading your questions, a thought came to mind.
I check it out on the web, and recommend you do the same and draw your own conclusion.
The term is "Hypochondriasis", it explains all the difficulties you are having, and the physical symptoms you are experiencing.
In any case I would suggest you seek a mental health professional to assist you in the resolution, of this matter.
You are very young, and because of that would respond well to therapy.
Don't wait, waiting will only cause you more pain.

On of my friends told me im depressed . .?

but how do i know if i am?? ive been dumped twice in the past year for someone else is that the reason i could be sad??

Answers: Oh, to hell with it - hit the town!

You could be just feeling down or stuck in a rut, or you could indeed be depressed. If you are having trouble eating or sleeping (either too much or too little), feeling disconnected from the world, lethargic and horribly sad (crushingly so) then you might want to have a word with a sympathetic Doctor. If it's more just a bit down and stuck in a rut, then try to find a new activity to brighten up your life - new hobby, evening class, sport or even look for a social group. If you are post university age you could try the IVC (Inter-varsity Clubs) - ready built social groups for adults, who take part in all sorts of activities. Their website is http://www.ivc.org.uk.

However if you do think you're depressed, get to a Doctor. Don't suffer alone.

take this online depression screening test.

http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/dep...

Depression is a chemical illness.
Don't confuse it with sadness.

What are the side effects from stopping Celexa?

Answers: Also known as "SSRI cessation syndrome", SSRI discontinuation syndrome is a fairly rare medical condition which arises as a result of interruption/discontinuation of an SSRI treatment of four or more weeks. The symptoms associated with discontinuation syndrome may also occur as a result of decreased SSRI dosage. I learned all about it as I weaned myself off the relatively short-acting SSRI Celexa, but the symptoms have also been reported for Zoloft and Paxil. In severe cases, patients may be switched to Prozac for the weaning-off process, as the latter's longer half-life results in a more gradual transition period, and milder symptoms.

Here are the symptoms:
dizziness (vertigo)
lightheadedness
nausea and/or vomiting
anxiety
insomnia
vivid dreams
irritability
lethargy
dull headache
electric shock-like sensations (tingling)
sweating
tremors
diarrhea

Discontinuation syndrome may appear as soon as within 24 hours of the discontinuation/interruption/reduction of dosage, or after as long as a week (as it did with me), depending on the half-life of the SSRI used, patient's body chemistry, etc. Likewise, the symptoms may last anywhere from a day to three weeks. The best way to avoid discontinuation syndrome is to stop taking an SSRI by gradually decreasing one's dosage before ceasing to take it entirely.

more agitation and restlessness
hand tremors
severe stomach cramps
nausea
bloating and abdominal pain
lower back pain
dizziness
excessive tiredness and insomnia
weight gain
bowel problems
mild stomach pain
emotionally unstable
feelings of self loathing
desire to harm oneself
sadness and numbness
frustratration

good luck!

Have you ever felt nauseated & hungry @ the same time?

I ate about 2 1/2 hrs. ago & I'm hungry again already, & I'm nauseated too with a headache. I feel so miserable. Is it possible that a person could go through withdrawals from psych meds that they only took for 6 days & quit cold turkey? I think I feel this way because when I was in the mental hospital, they put me on antipsychotic meds, & I know I'm not psychotic, so I quit taking them. That's like when I was put on Bipolar meds when I know I'm not Bipolar. I have OCD, Tourette's, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, & Major Depressive Disorder. Why do doctors in the Mental Hospital always misdiagnose people? How can they give me a diagnosis in 9 days-change my regular psychiatrist's diagnosis? It takes longer than 9 days to get to know someone. I know I have severe OCD, & the doctor @ the hospital said he was gonna rule that out. I was upset. They tried to say my panic attacks & OCD was psychosis, paranoia, & attention-seeking, which that's not the case.

Answers: I have felt like that when I have been anxious. Sometimes after I eat I wish I hadnt because I know it will slow me down. My therapist always tells me to meditate and to ground myself, especially when my head is going 1000mph. Withdraw is possible and sometimes it takes a few days to get out of your system. Doctors misdiagnose because you arent in the hospital that long typically. They dont know you so its hard for them to make an accurate opionion. Dont let psych labels become who you are. You might have OCD but thats not who you are so dont cling to a label.

Stand up for yourself.

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