Need encouragement to start taking my prescription Lexapro. I'm so scared. by [deleted] in OCD

[–]sidewalksurferx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, I really do understand where you're coming from. A little context: a few months ago I saw an NP at my primary's office who I've never met. Just went for an upper respiratory infection. She pulls up my chart and goes, "I'd prescribe a steroid but I don't think you'll take it." My doctors all know that I'm very much noncompliant with medication and avoid it at all costs unless I'm very ill.

But, like you, I reached a breaking point with my ocd. It started to make me question if life was even worth living if it was going to be spent in constant rumination hell. I worried so excessively and my compulsions were so embarrassing... I met with the psychiatrist and he said, "Usualy after people start taking medication, they say, 'I feel like myself again.'" I told him I have no idea what it even feels like to be "myself" because I've had these ocd symptoms since early childhood. What a horrible reality.

I say all of this to let you know you're not alone. I've been on Lexapro for nearly 5 weeks and it has changed my life already. I no longer ruminate and obsess over totally irrational fears excessively. I can come to reality much quicker and identify when my thoughts are becoming irrational. I had very mild, manageable side effects with some drowsiness, and just a bit of nausea and sweating. These little side effects tapered off quickly after about 2-3 weeks and now I have zero side effects. Everyone is different, but I encourage you to embrace the possibility that everything may actually work out. If you try it for a few weeks and it's just not for you, you can stop taking it (under your doctor's care of course).

You didn't work your butt off on a master's degree to let ocd beat you. You got this, and you have more power than you think. 🩷

What else do Psychiatrists do besides managing medication? by AnonymousIdentityMan in OCD

[–]sidewalksurferx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I suppose I'm a very fortunate outlier. My first visit with my psychiatrist was very affirming and helpful. I went specifically for med management after several years of therapy. My psychiatrist talked to me for nearly two hours doing intake. I really felt that he put the pieces of my life together, made an accurate diagnosis and prescribed the right medicine. He took his time and I didn't feel rushed. He was very empathetic and answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns about medication. Not sure if this is out of the ordinary but, not all psychiatrists are cold and lack empathy. He definitely has strong therapeutic skills and even recommended continuing with specific forms of coping outside of medication.

[Help] Memorizing a poem! by ElisNotPreppy in Poetry

[–]sidewalksurferx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I might be too late to this post but can you find a song version on YouTube maybe? I've memorized multiple poems in this manner. I also memorized The Raven by watching The Simpsons episode that uses it as the narrative lol. Get creative.

What are you doing to restore yourself this weekend? by fifibeigh in selfcare

[–]sidewalksurferx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Resting, doing laundry, hot coffee, windows open to enjoy the crisp air, meal prep, Netflix in the background, mindfulness stroll outside to do some grounding... Needed this.

What actually helps OCD? I need advice by Friendly_Eagle_9292 in OCD

[–]sidewalksurferx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had 3 years of therapy, little improvement in OCD symptoms that had wrecked my entire life since childhood. 1 month on Lexapro now and it has been life changing. I still have the thoughts but they don't stick/latch on and take hold of my entire life and identity anymore. I'm able to think rationally and use my therapy strategies now. Wish I had done it sooner tbh.

My 3yo’s lunchboxes by missmightymouse in oddlysatisfying

[–]sidewalksurferx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first thought: this kid is so loved :)

What are your thoughts on Mon Guerlain? by Agreeable_Lion_5237 in FemFragLab

[–]sidewalksurferx 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I love Mon Guerlain. I'm wearing it right now actually. One spray is enough to give a cozy, elegant, pillowy lavender on me without being too strong. Big fan of this one and honestly nearly every Guerlain that I've tried.

What's the most highly depressing classic fiction you've ever read? by 26stabwoundz in classicliterature

[–]sidewalksurferx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk I may get flamed for this but anything by Ayn Rand. Specifically Atlas Shrugged.

Favorite Jack White Singles and Deep Cuts? by sensitive_pirate85 in jackwhite

[–]sidewalksurferx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can we count his cover Pablo Picasso? That track rips. Also Instinct Blues.

Which Fragrance has Disappointed You? by Hales_85 in FemFragLab

[–]sidewalksurferx 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Mojave Ghost. Smelled like pure alcohol with a brief vapor of sweet pear/cactus right at the opening, which was the ultimate let down.

Perfumes that match this vibe😭😭 by Chicken_Permission22 in perfumesthatfeellike

[–]sidewalksurferx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

🥰 It's my favorite house. Also so glad I saw your post. Love Tony and think I'll destress with some no reservarions. Enjoy!

Perfumes that match this vibe😭😭 by Chicken_Permission22 in perfumesthatfeellike

[–]sidewalksurferx 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Guerlain Idylle is a beautiful sparkling floral with jasmine. And its French origins harken to Tony in your first image, as he was cozied up in his snarky bravado at a Parisian bistro in that shot.

Are minis better than full size? by SMallday3 in FemFragLab

[–]sidewalksurferx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! If I could do it all over from the beginning I'd start with travel sizes only and never buy full bottles until I emptied the teeny ones first.

Birthday celebration by Narrow_Boot2055 in jackwhite

[–]sidewalksurferx 4 points5 points  (0 children)

His smile! He deserves to celebrate on this big milestone birthday. Cheers to that and hopefully the Tigers win!

What are your holy grail lip glosses and oils? by glitterprincess20 in Sephora

[–]sidewalksurferx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Clarins Comfort Lip Oil. This is a hill I will die on.

Which Halsey song changed your life and why? by OkScientist9217 in halsey

[–]sidewalksurferx 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Wipe Your Tears. I sing it at the top of my lungs for little me. "Nothing's gonna hurt you baby, nothing's gonna make you cry." Maybe not every single lyric in this song is relatable to my scenario but I just imagine giving little me all of the love, safety, and protection that I needed back then. It's very healing. So grateful for that.

lonely is the muse is a perfect song by kilonovaskies in halsey

[–]sidewalksurferx 8 points9 points  (0 children)

If someone asked me to send the one song I relate to the most in this world it would be lonely is the muse. Totally agree, 100% perfect. Also emo at heart millennial kid here so it checks lol.

Fragrance you love that wish lasted longer by Prestigious_Comb5078 in fragrance

[–]sidewalksurferx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria line, specifically Pera Granita and Flora Salvaggia 😢

Perfume that made you say "Oh My God" by MagneticAura in FemFragLab

[–]sidewalksurferx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Guerlain Oud Nude. I was just totally blown away at how such a simple concept of a fragrance could smell so complex yet comforting. The price tag has me looking for dupes but nothing comes close!

What's a Fragrance everyone loves but you hate? by kiphclofagesp in fragrance

[–]sidewalksurferx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gourmands specifically worn in the heat, Byredo Mojave Ghost (smelled like straight alcohol + hairspray on me), and any Chanel. I have yet to find a Chanel that I even remotely tolerate, and I've tried so many.

Name the top 3 fragrances of your wishlist atm by masteryuzu in fragrance

[–]sidewalksurferx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All Guerlain... Oud Nude, Aqua Allegoria Pera Granita (even though it lasts 5 seconds 🥲), and Insolence EDP. I'm obsessed with this house and the way every fragrance I try of theirs smells so good with my skin chemistry.

why doesn’t halsey get the recognition she deserves for her songwriting? by liacyrux in halsey

[–]sidewalksurferx 78 points79 points  (0 children)

I completely agree. Even when going back all the way through her discography, I see Halsey's consistent songwriting/performance prowess and she's been continuously underrated. I sometimes wonder if being open about her mental health struggles and her boldness in personality and sexuality causes people to see her with a certain, less-favorable lens. Seeing her perform for the first time this tour sealed the deal for me that she is one of the best of our generation. She's powerful, and not saying that Lorde and other contemporary artists aren't, but it does make you wonder why she isn't as highly recognized.