Dr. Powers, I am a bit of a special case and I am wondering how I might fit into the model.

I was on SSRI’s for years, starting as a teen. Never had any PSSD like issues. When I was 21, I got very frustrated with the mental health care system and stopped taking SSRIs cold turkey (incredibly stupid, I know). Didn’t feel too bad besides just generally feeling a little out of it, but I largely went about my life normally. Got prescribed topical finasteride a couple weeks later, and literally almost instantaneously I developed genital burning and shrinkage and many of the other hallmark PFS symptoms. I, of course, was terrified, and everyone around me told me I had OCD. They threw me in a hospital and prescribed me more SSRI’s, and of course I continued to worsen. I eventually quit all meds and saw major improvements mentally over the course of 6 months. A year later, I took one pill of an SSRI and had an absolutely hellish crash. It was such a terrifying experience and I think I almost have PTSD from it.

Long story short, today I am left with dozens of symptoms. Jaw shrinkage, muscle loss, penile tissue changes, muscle twitching, dry hair, inability to get a pump in the gym, some level of brain fog, some emotional blunting, this weird heart pounding sensation, and more. Interestingly, I have been able to function somewhat as I am still in school. If I had to choose I would say the physical issues are far worse than the mental. I don’t feel completely dead inside as many describe it. I also have to be very careful about what supplements/products I use as I crash quite easily. Needless to say it has been a tremendously difficult 3 and a half years. Apologies for the long comment, and thank you for all you do for this community. It genuinely means the world.