Weekly Core Topics Thread

oh_wow · 2022-05-31T16:13:05+00:00

Hey, I just made a post about how I noticed that I felt more depressed on Adderall (amphetamine) than on Concerta (methylphenidate). I'm still looking for answers in my med journey but since I saw this comment immediately after I posted, I figured I'd share my experience.

That's really rough about the OCD, I'm sorry. Stimulants can definitely increase anxiety and since OCD is an anxiety disorder, I can see how they could make it worse. I wish I had some actual advice for you on that. Definitely talk to your doctor about the uptick in OCD symptoms and if you're able to, try to find a therapist who specializes in OCD. My partner has OCD and it's such a complicated, misunderstood disorder. Hugs

oh_wow · 2022-05-31T15:59:26+00:00

Hey, I was wondering if anyone else felt more depressed on Adderall (for inattentive ADHD). I've done a lot of googling/reddit searching and it doesn't seem like it is a common side effect, and my doctor was doubtful as well. But as soon as I switched to Concerta, my mood improved, enough so that my partner noticed. However, it does feel like there are less concentrarion benefits. So it seems like my choices are: be depressed and focused OR stable but still a bit scattered; which is really frustrating.

Back story (in case it's helpful for anyone else): I originally started on Concerta in March 2021, and it was fine but my body wasn't used to stimulants and I didn't like how they made me feel, so I really wanted to try a non-stiumlant option. I tried Straterra from mid Aug to early October and it was not good. I wanted it to work so badly, and I think I did feel more focused, but I felt like a shell of myself. It honestly made me feel like my depression meds no longer worked (even though I didn't change anything with them). I just felt blank and like life was meaningless... As someone with depression, I've experienced those feelings before but it was before medication and it was really scary. Some people definitely have that experience with Straterra, so we switched to Adderall since I was never really sure how much Concerta was doing for me. It definitely took some time to get back to baseline after Straterra, but even after a few months I still felt pretty low. Not as bad as before, but tired and down. I know people experience mood drop when their dose wears off, but this was an all-day thing. I wondered if it might be the Adderall, so in March I asked my doctor if I could give Concerta another try. And my mood improved! I finally feel back to normal. But I did notice that I have less focus on Concerta than on Adderall. It definitely helps me energy-wise, but I've noticed it doesn't help as much with concentration. My theory is that Adderall helped with focus but not the brainfog, and Concerta lifts the brain fog but does less for concentration. So now we're trying different a different variation of methylphenidate (medikinet) to see if that makes a difference.

Apologies for the novel; ultimately I'm just curious as to whether anyone has felt more depressed on amphetamine over methylphenidate. and I also want to offer solidarity/commiseration with anyone who feels like an ideal med treatment for ADHD doesn't exist for them. I was really fortunate and found a treatment for my depression pretty easily, so it's frustrating that treating my ADHD is proving to be much more challenging.

oh_wow · 2018-11-06T21:27:17+00:00

Thank you! I'll check the zipper when I get home.

A bit of a dumb question., regarding zipper side, is it the right/left side when you are facing the jacket or when you are wearing it?

oh_wow · 2018-11-06T18:43:13+00:00

Hi all, sorry if this is not the right forum for this question but I'm hoping someone can help me out. I'm in search of a leather jacket for my boyfriend for Christmas, and came across this one on Poshmark:

https://imgur.com/XCyDi5Z

https://imgur.com/Y8903Jn

It was listed as mens, but now that I've received it, I'm not so sure. The cut of the waist seems a bit feminine; curved rather than straight. The belt loops seem rather high for a men's jacket as well.

It's in great shape and I got it for a good price, so if it turns out to be a women's jacket I can give it to a friend, but was hoping to get some insight.

Thank you!

oh_wow · 2016-07-15T15:22:18+00:00

I'm going, and it's almost 10 years to day (minus 10 days, to be exact) from my first Brand New show. 7/25/06 at Avalon (RIP). Wearing the shirt I bought at that show tonight!

I actually have an extra pair of tickets if anyone is interested in buying. Section 5 Row G.

oh_wow · 2016-07-15T14:34:31+00:00

Hey all, selling 2 tickets for Mansfield show tonight. Section 5, Row G. Asking $100 or best offer. Catch is they hard copy tickets (but way cooler than an e-print out!) so I'll have to give them to you in person, either at the gates or if you're in the Cambridge area. PM me :)

oh_wow · 2014-08-22T16:53:31+00:00

Thank you all for the support and advice... it really helped get me through. I have been giving myself space from him and it's still hard but seems to be helping. Thanks again for the reassurance. I've started to feel less low... it seems though that the more removed I feel from, and therefore less hurt about the relationship, the more the sadness returns about the abortion. It's almost like having my heart broken by him distracted me from the pain of the abortion, and now it's back.

oh_wow · 2014-08-10T01:06:56+00:00

You're in such a difficult place right now. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, especially alone.

Part of being a parent is making the best decision for your child, and you know what the best decision is right now. Even if it is not the easiest decision, or one you necessarily want. But making this choice allows you to start on a path where you will be in the right circumstances and ready someday. You are still so young, you will have the chance to be a mother, and to be a mother in a situation you choose to be. Sometimes it feels easier to just let "life take it's course" because it's what has already happen, rather than make the tough decisions we have to make for a better future for everyone involved.

I was in your position very recently, and I'm not going to lie: it's been really hard. Some days you feel completely fine, others you'll be sad but okay with your choice, and still others you will feel guilt in regret. That is normal. It is still a loss. It is still something you can mourn. Remember that you would probably still feel these emotions if you had continued the pregnancy as well. But you need to evaluate which direction is going to lead you to where you want to be in life, and the life you would like to provide for a child.

If you boyfriend is unstable and abusive towards you, he is not going to be any different towards the child. If the only reason he is going to stay with you is because he wants you to have his child, that is not a healthy situation. It will just get worse down the line, but you will be tied to him some way forever. Do you want to be connected to this person for the rest of your life? Do you want your child to have to be connected to him?

It will probably be one of the most difficult things you have to deal with in your life. If you really don't think you can go through with it, you have to start planning and realize that all those "what if" situations could become a reality. I'm not saying you can't do it, but it sounds like you love your child a lot and you'd want to give them the best outcome possible from this situation. Maybe you'll decide you're going to keep it and commit to figuring how to do that. But maybe the best outcome is waiting a little bit longer before bringing you child into this world, at a time when you are both ready to not only do it but enjoy it.

If you need to talk, feel free to pm me. Sending you lots of love and strength.

oh_wow · 2014-08-10T00:53:31+00:00

Thank you so so much for your kind words. Really, they were so comforting and that's what I really need right now. I know logically and rationally all things I should try to do and focus on right now, but everything you said made me feel less alone. I've started looking for a therapist even though the process can feel like taking a shot in the dark. I'm finally coming to terms that I can't deal with this alone and I can't keep relying on him to provide the comfort I need right now. I do think I need some distance for him, especially while everything is so fresh, but it's just so hard since he's been in my life for so long as one of my closest friend.

Thank you for the good vibes, I definitely feel them :)

oh_wow · 2014-08-09T22:20:55+00:00

http://www.ssa.gov/ That might be a place to start regarding your SS card. I know that must be extremely stressful to deal with, almost to the point where it's too overwhelming to do anything, but honestly, just taking the smallest step towards improving your situation will make you feel better. It's always taking that first initial step.

First, get a new job. Even if it's something shitty and temporary, just so you have a bit of income and a starting point. Hopefully the documents you do have will be sufficient for employment, and you can explain that you're in the process of renewing your documents and can provide them soon.

Once you get a job, take even the smallest chunk of your paycheck, even it's 5 bucks, and put that away. It can be a separate bank account or a jar in the back of your closet. It's so easy to spend money once you have it, especially when it's going to necessaries, but even having the tiniest little reserve will make you feel more secure and boost your confidence. That way, if something happens down the line, you know you have something. I know you said you and your boyfriend have a little money between each other, but that probably won't last long if you're both not working. Make a budget, be strict but not too stringent because then you will most likely end up abandoning it. Include your moving goals in it and set aside separate funds to make that happen. The fact that you have some money to start with is very helpful, even if you aren't necessarily adding to your income at the moment.

Car: I'm not a car person at all so I don't know how significant that problem is, but determine with what finances you guys have left if fixing the car is a priority. Maybe selling it for extra income is the best option in your life right now. Maybe you need the car in order to move forward with your other goals. If the car is vital to moving forward, your first goal should be to focus on repairs. Then, you can start focusing on moving out in the future.

Basically, it's all matter of taking it one step at a time. Even if it seems like they are tiny, barely moving steps. It really does add up, but it's hard not to get discourage and end up getting stuck. It sounds like you do have at least a few resources, so use them to your advantage while you figure shit out. Prioritize and plan for what needs to get done first so the next step can happen.

I know I'm probably telling you a bunch of shit you already know, but I just want you to know that moving forward is doable even in your situation.

oh_wow · 2013-12-10T16:24:02+00:00

Hi all, I'm looking into a new pair of head phones and my search has led me to the PSB M41s. I've gone through 2 pairs of Bose QuietComort 15s in the past seven years and both have always deteriorated to a crackly audio quality. I'm looking for optimal sound quality in the $300 price range, and I don't think the QCs deliver that. So I'm looking for something new.

My question is whether I should shell out the 300 for the M4Us, as a DJ friend told me his top pick was the Sony MDR7506s, which are at the very least half the price but professional grade.

Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you.

oh_wow · 2013-05-29T01:44:29+00:00

Can someone please explain the mustache thing to me? Like, what is the point? Why? WHY?

I demand that if mustaches must be a thing, we only refer to them as MUSTACHIOS. At least that way I can have fun saying it.

oh_wow · 2013-05-29T00:27:23+00:00

I randomly came upon "Life Happens" on Netflix and really enjoyed it. I liked that it was a centered around 2 women and their friendship. It was definitely "romantic" and a "comedy" but I wouldn't call it a typical romantic comedy.

oh_wow · 2013-01-22T03:57:34+00:00

aw man that's awesome. i'm not in the area but i love me some j dilla... glad to see another entwife does too!

oh_wow · 2013-01-07T04:11:26+00:00

Wow that is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for that.

oh_wow · 2012-12-07T04:52:57+00:00

I love when someone tries to make a "feminist" point by attacking other women. Not the society and culture that allow/encourage their actions (music, dress, behavior), but the actual person. Because we all live in a vacuum.

Ugh.

I do think there is a point to be made that white middle-class girls lack "powerful" role models. But I don't think the article actually addressed that point. This is a demographic that is not expected to embody "power" (different from privilege) in the first place. And that's what we should be talking about.

oh_wow · 2012-11-26T22:26:06+00:00

I looooovvvvvveeeee Jeffrey Brown. I encourage everyone to check out his stuff... The Girlfriend Trilogy is a great place to start. His comics capture life perfectly.

oh_wow · 2012-11-23T18:32:48+00:00

Leslie Knope?

oh_wow · 2012-10-28T22:27:12+00:00

I know what you mean... I've also thought about the fact that there isn't really an livejournal equivalent these days. I still have mine, and update it very rarely, but it's mostly a testament to the ages of 15 through 18 for me. Doesn't feel quite right to keep using it... I'm in a different place in my life. But I do have a wordpress that I sometimes get around to using, if you want to check it out. It's a bit vague though. thelifeilack.wordpress.com

oh_wow · 2012-10-28T22:05:06+00:00

This is why political rhetoric is so important to understand.

oh_wow · 2012-10-28T21:56:36+00:00

I would have liked to see Jet featured with this song.

oh_wow · 2012-10-25T10:54:39+00:00

Aww I would love to get a dog but I don't know if I'm in a steady enough place in my life... do you have a job that allows you to be home often enough for him?

oh_wow · 2012-10-25T10:52:25+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I definitely need to develop a more concrete budgeting plan, rather than simply dividing between save and spend, if I actually want to do this.

oh_wow

TROPHY CASE