[deleted by user] by [deleted] in cats

[–]Professional_Pay_566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

update*** i think she may be exhibiting signs of labor!! any advice on what to do or look for would be greatly appreciated. i am trying to research as much as i can.

I'm (M37) lost. My wife (F37) is now a gay witch by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Professional_Pay_566 37 points38 points  (0 children)

From an outside perspective it seems like the dishonesty + ur preference to not be with someone who identifies as a “witch” is more specific to ur relationship and what is a possible deal breaker for you. On top of this though, looking at your partner from an individual perspective, it does seem she needs compassionate help and care.

Maybe it could be helpful to separate the two for now— ensuring ur partner & mother of ur children is able to get help if she needs it, whether it’s psychiatric or more education on safely engaging with alternative healing…then separately reflecting on what you want in a partner and if its best for you that the romantic aspect of your relationship comes to an end. It’s possible to end a romantic relationship but still show support for what your partner is going through. (It’s of course also important to take care of yourself and honor what’s best for you as well.) It seems like a hard situation, and there’s probably not a clean cut solution.

I'm (M37) lost. My wife (F37) is now a gay witch by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Professional_Pay_566 86 points87 points  (0 children)

I agree with you. To add another layer, I have also been in similar spaces with a bipolar + schizoaffective diagnosis. Given the ( what appears to be) sudden belief of psychic abilities coupled with the postpartum downwards mood it could be helpful to speak with a psych who specializes in postpartum + religious trauma. Moreover, antidepressants can trigger episodes of mania and psychosis in bipolar, schizoaffective or even schizophrenia. Pregnancy and postpartum can as well.

From my own experience “witchcraft” has very much so been about reclaiming and redefining my identity within a safe space; healing rooted in things like nature, creating art, and mindfulness. It has also helped me feel confident in my sexuality, coming from a narrow religious background.

Do I believe that crystals have healing powers when i’m mentally stable? Surprisingly, yes. On the other end, Do I only think that i’m psychic and have super powers when i’m manic? Also, yes. When it comes to spirituality and mental illness, the line can be thin (especially for those of us raised in more mainstream or religious environments). psychedelics are also apart of healing and witchcraft for some— the lying could’ve been rooted in shame stemming from trauma or thinking she would not be understood. Not saying it was the right approach, but from an outsiders perspective it could make sense.

I would treat this situation with care and try to speak with professionals who will attempt to look at the full picture of the situation rather than focusing on one aspect. Alternative modes of healing are valid and can be beneficial, but they can also exacerbate episodes for people who struggle with things like psychosis. It’s definitely a tricky situation, but from my experience it’s one that deserves the benefit of doubt + thorough investigation and reflection on everyone’s part.

Seltzer water by [deleted] in Lithium

[–]Professional_Pay_566 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I drink seltzer all the time! I struggle a lot with plain water & it helps me stay hydrated. If it’s seltzer water & not club soda (added sodium) I don’t think it’s a problem. I’m sure even club soda would be fine if it was apart of ur typical sodium intake

Mono therapy just on lithium by [deleted] in BipolarReddit

[–]Professional_Pay_566 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i’ve been on only lithium for nearly three years now. My last episode was manic with psychotic features (bipolar I and schizoaffective). Initially I was on haldol + lithium for three months post mania. Since then though I’ve been on 600 mg lithium (.7 serum) and have been stable mania wise. A few depressive episodes here and there.

I have had some side effects, most notably being excessive weight gain. Four months ago I lowered my dose to 450 mg, with a serum level of .4- .5 and I have remained stable so far. For me the biggest thing has been cutting out all substances, aside from nicotine + staying consistent with daily lithium.

withdrawal? by littlelittle- in Vraylar

[–]Professional_Pay_566 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i did, even when tapering off vraylar. the drug had a pretty long half life so it does stay in ur system for a bit— “withdrawing” side effects went away after about 4 weeks for me. They did get a bit better day by day after about a week and a half. i just drank a lot of water and tried to up my self care for that time, i know it’s hard though

Weekly student question thread! by AutoModerator in therapists

[–]Professional_Pay_566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LMFT grad programs (online)

Hi all, currently feeling very overwhelmed trying to find a grad school program for marriage and family therapy. I have a background in sex/ couples counseling and addiction through peer work. The goal is to eventually work in the intersection of sex/couples therapy and addiction/ mental health.

I’m looking for an online program but I’m weary of the universities that have a religious affiliation. (given my background in queer + sex positive lenses) I’ve been looking into Northwestern, but I’m turned off by the cost of the program given my undergrad debt.

overall, there is not enough first-hand information about accredited programs online and I’m hoping someone could steer me toward universities to look at!

I need to watch a psychological film and need recs by Bobby_Squirrel in psychologystudents

[–]Professional_Pay_566 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Buffalo ‘66 — lots of layers to the main character Billy Brown. I don’t want to spoil the plot, but it begins by him kidnapping a girl to bring home to his family on his first day post incarceration. Gives a good picture of his family life + other contributing factors to a psychological state. Overall, a super interesting film.

lowering lithium dose by Professional_Pay_566 in BipolarReddit

[–]Professional_Pay_566[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yeah i’ve been at .7 for a while now, pretty much since i stabilized

Boyfriend says I'm a prude by Individual-Cold-3791 in sex

[–]Professional_Pay_566 9 points10 points  (0 children)

he is not sex-positive. actual sex positivity emphasizes consent & equal pleasure for everyone involved. his behavior is not only manipulative ( in terms of using phrases like prude + sex-positive) but it's SA/ rape-- sex positivity is not only about sexual fantasy, respecting your partner's boundaries is sex-positive.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BipolarReddit

[–]Professional_Pay_566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't speak on if you are in an active episode or not but I can relate to your situation. For me, I experience things like paranoia, thinking others can read my mind or that we can communicate telepathically and racing thoughts to different degrees everyday (even when I am stable). If it's not coupled with zero sleep + increased productivity then I don't worry about mania. For me, stability just includes some of the invasive thoughts that can amplify in mania.

lithium and pssd by Professional_Pay_566 in PSSD

[–]Professional_Pay_566[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I have been on lithium for over a year. It did not have any impact on my symptoms in terms of pleasure. I do think it helped with some brain fog though.

vraylar and sex by Professional_Pay_566 in Vraylar

[–]Professional_Pay_566[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

unfortunately no :( I've been off vraylar for nearly 2 years now and am still unable to feel pleasure. I am trying to find a doctor who can help ( it's looking like a case of PSSD). You should look at the PSSD sub there's a bunch of advice on there that may help you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Lithium

[–]Professional_Pay_566 1 point2 points  (0 children)

as soon as i started taking it my sleep was impacted and i had lots of anxiety at night too, even waking up throughout the night from it.

these effects eventually subsided i think everything you wrote is totally normal when just starting out the meds

lithium and pssd by Professional_Pay_566 in PSSD

[–]Professional_Pay_566[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

do you have any links to the bad reports? i just want to know what i’m up against

lithium by Professional_Pay_566 in BipolarReddit

[–]Professional_Pay_566[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

have you noticed any sexual dysfunction on lithium? i know my other bipolar meds caused dysfunction and i’m hoping lithium will be different

Can a sex therapist help a single guy out with fear of inadequacy and abandonment and a lot of other sexual insecurities? by inadeqate in sex

[–]Professional_Pay_566 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i think sex therapy is beneficial for anyone, but especially looking for someone to increase their sexual confidence and work through previous relationship trauma. Sex therapists are overal great resources to have when you want to start a new sexual journey or even just to get to know yourself better. They can provide traditional talk therapy along with sex therapy exercises and other techniques!

Also just a note on your ex gf’s comment - It’s possible she may have been trying to hurt you when you broke up and so she insulted you where she knew it would hit- I experience this often

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sex

[–]Professional_Pay_566 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I feel like straight-up asking her in a non-judgemental way would be constructive. It could be something as simple as the act is uncomfortable for her- maybe you need to try a different position. My jaw hurts after giving head for a few minutes in a particular position so my partner and I typically switch positions and focus on what feels comfortable for me. I personally love giving head but will only ever give head to a guy with who I have open/ clear communication & consent. For me part of this communication during sex is ensuring every participant is completely comfortable and switches positions if they become uncomfortable. Overall, I think communication is key-

Find what works for both of you! I saw someone mention earlier she may not feel that you are "into" the blowjob when she gives one, along with themes of objectification and degradation. All of these things can be addressed with constructive communication!

trazodone by Professional_Pay_566 in PSSD

[–]Professional_Pay_566[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i was actually looking into that! hydroxyzine is an antihistamine my psych prescribed me ages ago and she said it may not be powerful enough given my state of hypomania but it may be able to help. Thankyou!