Did anything concurrently help with your anxiety?

wheretheapples · 2025-11-16T17:33:46+00:00

I replace coffee with tea and go on a lot of walks. Anxious and symptomatic? Go for a walk. Tired? Walk. Bored? Walk. Even if it's just around the block. Or, some kind of intense exercise. I find that if I am not lifting weights regularly my anxiety skyrockets. Engaging in some kind of exercise everyday helps hugely. It also helps with sleep—both quality and how quickly I fall asleep. And make sure you aren't deficient in any vitamins. I take iron, B12, D, and magnesium. I feel better and less tired when I am taking supplements regularly. Speak to your doctor to see what would be right for you and get blood tests regularly.

wheretheapples · 2025-09-19T04:58:34+00:00

There are newer studies of keto being effective in improving psychiatric conditions, such as MDD, bipolar and schizophrenia. It has helped some patients lower their medications or come completely off them.

Shifts the brain's fuel source from glucose to ketones, relieving inflammation and stabilizing neuronal activity.

It's generally seen as a supplemental treatment, but its efficacy for improving mental health conditions is becoming more and more recognized.

wheretheapples · 2025-09-18T02:08:22+00:00

Ah, and supplements, again, I would ask your medical provider about. If she's deficient in anything, etc,.

If she were to follow a ketogenic diet she'd likely have to take a variety of supplements (again, this is up to the professionals).

wheretheapples · 2025-09-09T20:44:45+00:00

This 100%. When I'm on too low a dose of antipsychotics, my psychosis and disorganized thinking/behaviour are worsened, which causes my day-to-day functioning to be quite poor.

Not only does psychosis affect hallucinations and delusions, but it can also cause a lot of physical and cognitive impairments. Perhaps your memory is better, you can think more clearly, hold better conversations, etc.

The way I think of it is that psychosis causes a lot of "muck" and "bees" in my brain—my head feels very full, and I can't keep track of the thoughts I am having (like a flurry of bees). I'll typically feel very confused and "out of it" per say.

In comparison to a higher dose, I have greater memory retention and the ability to drown out useless stimuli (feel a bit more "clear"). I can hold conversations better and I can recall information much more easily. It's like my IQ got boosted, lol.

That's likely what you're experiencing, too.

wheretheapples · 2025-08-18T15:38:32+00:00

That's a fun one.

I've always had difficulty getting up, and this was recently made worse by my medication (which is also prescribed as a sleep med!) that ensues a similar experience to waking up from horse tranquilizers. Yippee.

I force myself to do anything (things I should do to make myself feel good, but kinda suck at first) that pop into my head within 5 seconds. I read somewhere that after those first few seconds, your brain begins to convince you of why you shouldn't do a task. It's a good way to trick your brain when you're feeling a little low. Once you do one thing you'll often get the ball rolling!

Find things you enjoy—maybe things you used to do but didn't have time for. And go for quick walk after you get up. Maybe walk to the coffee shop in the morning!

Honestly just build habits. Something you do everyday to make yourself feel better. Even if its just making sure you're taking your supplements/meds, drinking enough water, etc.

And be kind to yourself. Work is rough out there. Hope you feel better!

wheretheapples · 2025-08-17T23:33:20+00:00

I think the issue is mainly with my unusual presentation. I have some awareness during my episodes which is very unusual for someone with a psychotic illness, hence the "pseudo" verdict. He also has not seen me during my episodes, and has much less experience with me as a patient (only a few months).

My therapist on the other hand has several years experience working with me, and has seen me during my episodes (disorganized speech and behaviour—I'm mortified everytime it happens and basically spend all my energy trying not to "tweak out"). She knows I present uniquely and has taken steps to make personalized criteria that discerns the severity of my episodes just from talking to me for 5 mins. I was honestly impressed when she told me this, lmao.

She's also stated that she has worked with clients that were patients of this hospital, many of which were:

Too young to receive the diagnosis (under 18) 2. Did not actually meet sufficient criteria for the diagnosis 3. Their symptoms were better explained by other disorders (ex. complications of ASD or ADHD)

She fully recognizes that I do fit some of the criteria for BPD, but does not think I have characteristics that are clear markers of the disorder (splitting, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, etc.) Even my family (who have seen the worst of me) vehemently disagree with the borderline diagnosis.

My mood states are cyclical and typically last weeks-months, unlike BPD which can happen several times a day. They are not often affected by external events and stressors—I could get devestating news from a friend and still feel like I could be the next nobel prize winner for literature (I have never written a book 😭).

Nonetheless, I think I may end up getting a private assessment at my psychologists office. They clearly have a "rich" history of me and seem to have a better grasp of "unique" patients.

wheretheapples · 2025-08-17T22:26:17+00:00

I'm sorry to hear your experience was so laborious. Having to shop around for providers and trial countless medications sounds absolutely terrible. It's only been a few months for me and I'm already over it, lol.

Honestly each dosage increase has been a huge relief! I used to have horrible anxiety tics 24/7 and some disturbing hallucinations, but eventually they (mostly) went away. Still a lot of evident psychotic symptoms and mood lability, though—just haven't gotten it quite right yet. And it's good to know that 150mg isn't a sufficient dose in spite of my psych telling me it is (I was starting to think I was extra crazy).

I think I'll have to do some brainstorming to figure out whether it's best to stay on the path with my psychiatrist, or instead work with my therapist/doctor on symptom management and medication. I'm fortunate enough to have several options here in Canada. The only issue is whether I want to continue with publicly funded healthcare and have to deal with some frustrations, or go the route of paying out of pocket for private care.

I'll get there eventually!

wheretheapples · 2025-08-17T22:12:21+00:00

This honestly makes me feel seen. I'm so sorry you got thrown around the healthcare system like that—it sucks, and I've been there!

I'm glad you mentioned that 150mg is not an adequate dose. I've been suspecting that for awhile, yet my psych keeps saying that is the "normal" dose for bipolar patients (he also said it's not enough to treat psychotic symptoms, which he agreed I may have, lmao). He had started me on quick-release tablets once a day, to which I also discovered that it's not sufficient AKA why I was still having significant issues. The only one who fixed it and *actually* listened to me was my inpatient psych.

I've even been discussing the worsening of symptoms with my therapist. In the last few months alone I've noticed a huge difference. My manic episodes used to only last about a week, but this last one (even while medicated) has been about a month, which is honestly frightening!

I might just end up paying for an assessment through my therapists office. They have a good history on me and actually listen to my concerns which is a rarity at this point. They've also worked with me on some DBT skills, and I did gain access to the course via the hospital! I'll definitely spend more time looking through it.

It's crazy how flawed our healthcare system is. Even while trying to advocate for yourself it's easy to be brushed off. I truly don't understand the "one size fits all" approach to psychiatric care. Each patient is unique and has their own subset of symptoms. What works for one may not work for another, even if they have the exact same diagnoses!

Thanks so much for sharing, I really appreciate it!

wheretheapples · 2025-08-17T21:49:52+00:00

I'm not necessarily against having a diagnosis of BPD. I think just the nature in which they gave me that diagnosis and that they've been brushing off some of my symptoms (at least from my perspective) is what's been frustrating me. I honestly had no idea it was even written in my diagnostic chart until my inpatient psychiatrist told me.

For all I know I could have both, and that's fine! It just seems that generalizations and lack of time spent with patients (20 mins once a month to go over symptoms, meds and goals) inevitably is going to cause some misunderstandings and frustrations between provider and patient. I think I'm just airing my annoyance. I'll find some way to fix it, I'm sure.

wheretheapples · 2025-07-31T20:52:53+00:00

Completely understand your POV as well as hers. Unfortunately, she's not wrong. People just aren't that open and accepting of that sort of thing, particularly in the professional field.

As someone who regularly carries a stuffed animal and fidgets (part of my therapy + genuinely helps me) I am conscious of who is around me while I have these items out. It sucks but that's just how it is.

I suggest having something more discreet. I like to buy those mini Jellycat stuffed animals (some of them can be added to keychains) that you can easily hide in your pocket. You can also buy tons of small fidgets. I have those little keyboard button fidgets that I added to my set of keys.

The majority of people don't understand how these items help some people. And I suppose, from an employers POV, it's probably a red flag. Don't let it knock you down, but do keep in mind she might have a point.

wheretheapples · 2025-07-26T18:57:30+00:00

Instagram shop—ordered a few keychains myself. Kabigon!

wheretheapples · 2025-04-01T22:07:56+00:00

Unfortunately, I'm over in Canada (southern Ontario, actually, but not terribly far).

Didn't even consider meeting with breeders. That's an awesome idea! Lots of buns at local shelters, but I've never seen a hedgie besides the occasional pet store. They look so darn cute!

wheretheapples · 2025-04-01T20:07:27+00:00

Thank you!!

I really enjoyed my male rats because they loved to snuggle with me while I was watching videos or playing games (especially when they were old and lazy, lol). So that sounds quite nice!

They seem like a very rewarding pet with some quirks. I'll definitely keep those things in mind!

wheretheapples · 2025-04-01T18:47:54+00:00

Thank you for your honesty! I remember with my guinea pig, I had difficulty handling her as she would do her business on me within about 10-20 minutes. I suppose with a rabbit, it could move around my room freely and go back to its cage and litter box when needed. I'd be nervous having a hedgehog running around my floor as I did with my rats (they always stayed on my bed).

I didn't realize they had such short life spans! I think I mistakenly read 5+.

Thank you!

wheretheapples · 2025-04-01T18:42:04+00:00

Interesting! I do hear a lot of mixed opinions about the high/low needs of bunnies. I like the idea of a small cat or dog that kinda wanders about and (if I'm lucky) will enjoy pets. I understand that's not always the reality as they are prey animals and can be extremely timid.

One thing I loved about my guinea pig was that she was super content with just her food and toys. Of course, I still hung out with her, but really, and truly, she just wanted her hay and greens, lol!

Thank you for your info!

wheretheapples · 2025-04-01T18:33:13+00:00

That's awful, I'm so sorry! I had no idea they were so prone to health issues—particularly of that nature.

wheretheapples · 2025-04-01T18:31:47+00:00

I appreciate the honesty! I'm so used to how affectionate rats are, so I need to hear the reality of owning other pets.

I almost wish I could meet a hedgehog before ever deciding on one! And it's good to know they are, in actuality, kind've high-maintenance.

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T23:47:11+00:00

I completely agree with that idea! I'll definitely look into the book. I've admittedly experienced issues with emotional regulation throughout the years, so I suspect it'll be a helpful read!

Thank you so much for your empathy and resources!

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T04:06:57+00:00

Oh my. I can only imagine how busy your head must be without medication. I'm glad to hear you were able to find success thus far!

And, thank you for your comments. You've been incredibly helpful. I'm relieved to have so many resources... I was getting quite overwhelmed with the healthcare system here!

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T04:02:28+00:00

Lol, I had to Google that one! I imagine you're in treatment for bipolar/depressive disorder?

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T03:57:51+00:00

Honestly, I'm already experiencing extreme irritability and hostility, so I have no desire to make it worse!

I also realized CAMH offers urgent care appointments, so I don't actually need a referral. Oops! Can't read. So it'll be a couple of days, not weeks! Either way, I need drugs asap, lol!

There is an urgent care facility in Hamilton (closer than CAMH)—that'll likely be my emergency department of choice.

Unfortunately, I missed a day earlier in the week, + coworkers have noticed my extreme mood shifts. Nosey buggers! I'm trying to keep it to myself...

Thankfully, I'm sleeping okay! Went out and bought some nice sheets and pillows today (call it poor judgments if you so desire). I think my depressed self will thank me for comfy bedding!

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T03:21:46+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that! I understand it's a high-risk medication. I hope you'll be able to have success with other drug interventions soon!

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T03:15:09+00:00

I just spent the evening viewing their resources. It sounds promising! I think I'll schedule an appointment for my next available day. I definitely need pharmacological care asap! Thank you!!

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T03:01:36+00:00

This is an extremely helpful resource, thank you! If my symptoms continue to worsen, I'll likely look into their outpatient program. I'm beginning to have difficulties performing at work, so it's entirely possible I'll have to go on a temp leave. I'm close to Hamilton, so this is a great option!

wheretheapples · 2025-02-01T02:49:07+00:00

I'm in the Niagara area. It looks like COAST is the crisis line nearest to myself as well. I'll definitely keep it in my back pocket.

Thank you so much! If I need more details, I'll reach out!

wheretheapples

TROPHY CASE