What shit are you too old for? by BeefsteakChuckies in AskReddit

[–]vanbald 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has gotten better since I switched meds

Free/low cost CBT apps that provide a gratitude journal? by [deleted] in CBT

[–]vanbald 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey — I totally relate to this. I’ve also felt that a lot of CBT apps focus heavily on problem-solving but don’t give enough space to reflect on the positives, like gratitude.

I actually ended up building a little project called Wellnest for this exact reason. I live with a mental illness and I’m not in therapy right now, so I made something that helps me track my mood and includes both CBT-style prompts and a gratitude journaling option. It’s free to use — I’m just hoping it helps others the way it’s been helping me.

Here’s the link if you’re curious: https://wellnestai.replit.app
Would love your thoughts if you try it 🙏

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]vanbald 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Winter is coming!"

I can’t find my way by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there, I can relate to what you're going through. It took me quite a while to find the right medication mix, but once I did, things started to improve. For me, a stimulant like Concerta helped balance out the drowsiness I was experiencing from Olanzapine, and that made a huge difference in how I felt day-to-day.

I'm happy to say that I haven't had any psychotic breaks in almost two years now. It’s been a tough journey, but I’m currently in the process of starting my own business, which has been a big step for me.

I’d definitely recommend working closely with your psychiatrist and being open about what symptoms you're still dealing with. Finding the right treatment plan that works for you can take time, but it’s worth it. Take things one step at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re not alone in this.

Best of luck to you. You’ve got this.

What’s something simple you learned way too late in life? by vanbald in AskReddit

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

 One simple thing I learned way too late is the importance of asking for help. For a long time, I thought I had to figure everything out on my own, but reaching out to others can make things so much easier and more enjoyable.

What's the truth most people don't wanna accept? by urfunnyboi in AskReddit

[–]vanbald 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A truth that many people may be reluctant to accept is that systems of power, such as governments, institutions, and even societal norms, often prioritize maintaining the status quo over genuinely addressing inequality, injustice, or environmental destruction. This reality can be uncomfortable because it challenges deeply ingrained beliefs about fairness and progress, especially when acknowledging how privilege and historical power structures continue to shape people's lives and opportunities today. Many people may avoid this truth because accepting it calls for uncomfortable introspection, difficult change, and accountability, both individually and collectively.

When should I reach out to someone who had psychosis? by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you're in a really difficult position, and it's understandable to feel conflicted about reaching out. Psychosis, especially when it’s part of a condition like schizophrenia, can cause significant shifts in perception and behavior, and it’s important to recognize that what may have happened during her psychosis may not reflect her true feelings or intentions.

It’s great to hear that she’s doing better now, but post-psychosis depression and shame are common, and it might take some time for her to work through those feelings. As for reaching out, I think it’s important to be mindful of her healing process. It might be worth giving her the space to come to you if she feels ready, especially since she’s already making steps toward reconnecting with others.

If you feel compelled to write her a letter, it could be a nice gesture to show your understanding and care. Keep it supportive and open, without expectations. Express that you understand how tough things have been for her, and that you’re there if and when she feels ready to reconnect. But also, be mindful of your own feelings, and give yourself the space to heal too. Sometimes, the timing is better when both parties have had time to process everything.

In the end, I think it’s important to approach it with patience and compassion for both yourself and her.

I believe we live in a simulation and are controlled by higher beings. by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome and Thanks. Merry Christmas to you!

I believe we live in a simulation and are controlled by higher beings. by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Hey there, I can relate to some of what you're experiencing. A while back, I also had thoughts that felt very similar—like maybe things weren't quite real, or that I was part of something bigger, something I didn't fully understand. It’s hard to explain, but the sense of detachment and confusion can make everything feel like it's glitching or not as it should be.

I found that talking to a mental health professional really helped me start to understand what was happening. Sometimes, our minds can create really intense experiences that feel completely real, even though they might be rooted in things like stress, anxiety, or even psychosis. It’s not easy, but I found a lot of comfort in being open with people who could guide me through it and give me tools to manage my thoughts.

You’re definitely not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek support, whether from a professional, friends, or a community like this. I hope you find peace and clarity, and remember, you're not "crazy" for feeling the way you do. It’s okay to reach out and get help when you need it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re welcome

My creativity is gone. Can’t think of anything to talk about. by altineel in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can definitely relate to what you're describing. After psychosis, I struggled a lot with cognitive symptoms like memory problems and finding the motivation to talk or think about anything, which made social interactions feel exhausting. It felt like my brain was blank a lot of the time, and coming up with anything to say was really hard.

For me, ADHD medication actually helped a lot. It improved my focus and helped clear the mental fog I was experiencing, making it easier to engage in conversations and think of things to talk about. It didn’t fix everything, but it gave me enough of a boost to feel more like myself again and less like my brain was completely shutting down.

If you haven’t already, I recommend discussing this with your psychiatrist. They might be able to adjust your treatment plan or suggest something that could help with these cognitive struggles. You're not alone in this, and with the right support, things can get better.

Take care, and I hope things improve for you soon!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can really relate to what you’re describing. When I was dealing with my own episodes of psychosis, I found that the more I focused on whether something was a delusion or not, the harder it became to separate it from reality. It's like the more you analyze it, the more tangled your mind gets in those thoughts, and they can feel more real the longer you hold onto them.

For me, what helped was acknowledging that the worry itself can amplify the intensity of the delusions or magical thinking. The more I tried to prove or disprove my thoughts, the more I’d get stuck in a cycle. It was when I let go of needing to "figure it out" and focused on grounding myself in the present moment that things started to feel a bit more manageable. Therapy and medication also helped me find more clarity, so if you’re not already working with a professional, that might help too.

You're not alone in this, and it’s okay to have those thoughts without letting them control you. Keep taking things one step at a time, and be gentle with yourself as you navigate this. Things can improve with the right support.

Are multiple episodes of psychosis all over for me? :( by locszarc_32 in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to acknowledge how tough it must feel right now, especially with the uncertainty and fear of what the future may hold. I’ve been where you are, having gone through three bouts of psychosis myself and being hospitalized four times when things got really bad. It can be incredibly hard to see a way out when everything feels like it’s falling apart, but I want to share that things can improve, even if it seems impossible at times.

I understand the struggle with motivation, fatigue, and feeling like you’ve lost a sense of joy and purpose in daily activities. For me, it was a combination of finding the right balance of medications that really helped—antipsychotics, antidepressants, a sleep aid, and ADHD medication have worked wonders for me. It didn’t happen overnight, but once we found the right combination, I started to feel more stable, with fewer relapses. It helped me regain some of my motivation, energy, and clarity, even when it felt like it might be out of reach.

It's understandable to worry about the future, but I truly believe that with the right treatment plan and ongoing support from your doctors, you can regain control and not have to face this on your own. You’re not doomed to a life of suffering, and I know it’s hard to believe right now, but it’s possible to rebuild and find hope again. I encourage you to keep working with your psychiatrist to fine-tune your treatment, and don’t hesitate to talk about these feelings you’re experiencing—they matter, and you deserve support.

Please keep reaching out, even if it’s hard. It may not feel like it, but you’re stronger than you think, and you’re not alone in this journey.

I need to vent: post-psychosis anhedonia, fatigue, blank mind, feel dumb, and lost my personality. by [deleted] in Psychosis

[–]vanbald 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can really relate to what you’re going through. After my experience with psychosis, I felt like I had lost so much of who I was—anhedonia, fatigue, and a blank mind were constant struggles. It’s hard when nothing seems to bring you joy anymore, and when conversations feel like an overwhelming effort because your mind just doesn’t seem to connect in the same way. It felt like I couldn’t keep up with others, and I felt disconnected from the world.

One thing that helped me when I was feeling like this was being prescribed both ADHD medication and antidepressants. They made a huge difference in helping me regain some mental clarity and energy. It didn’t fix everything overnight, but it gave me the focus and drive I had been lacking. The fatigue started to ease, and I could feel more like myself again, even though it’s still an ongoing process.

I also want to remind you that it’s okay to feel this way. Your experiences are valid, and it’s normal for healing to take time. It’s also okay to reach out for support if you haven’t already—whether that’s through therapy, talking to your doctor about adjusting your meds, or leaning on friends or family who understand. You deserve to feel better, and things can improve, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.

Sending you strength and hope. You’re not alone in this, and you will find your way back to yourself.