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rixon My antidepressant turned my natural lean muscle tone into fat and its not getting better :(
  • replies: 29

Hello there, I’m a 34 year old male who started taking medication to treat my anxiety and depression in early December 2018. I took one tablet a day for just a month before stopping. Although I could definitely feel the treatment was helping my mood,... View more

Hello there, I’m a 34 year old male who started taking medication to treat my anxiety and depression in early December 2018. I took one tablet a day for just a month before stopping. Although I could definitely feel the treatment was helping my mood, I noticed that the composition of my body began to change quickly. I began to lose my naturally lean muscle in my arms and chest and grow a layer of fat (giving me a man boob look). My stomach muscles also became incredibly soft and lost all their natural tone. It actually seemed like all of the muscles in my body softened considerably in just a matter of weeks. I did not make any modifications to my diet or exercise habits during this period, leading me to believe that these changes can only be related to this medication. Also, rather than putting on weight (which was what I was initially concerned about), I have lost several kilograms. I assume this is because I have lost muscle mass but I cannot be sure. I was worried that this medication may have affected my hormone levels (mainly testosterone), but all my tests have apparently come back normal. My doctor is perplexed at what has happened to my body in such a small space of time as there is no mention of muscle determination/fat accumulation in the listed side effects. Also, other than a couple of anecdotal reports, there is very little information about this phenomenon online. It has now been over 2 months since I have stopped this medication, and despite my regular cardiovascular exercise, weight training and healthy eating the problem has not resolved. I feel very self-conscious about what has happened to my body (particularly my chest) and feel even worse than I did before starting the medication. I worry that my body composition may have now permanently changed or will at least remain in such a state for a long time. Has anyone experienced or come across anything like I have described? If so, what more can I do to try and recover from this? Thank you Ricky

anonymous_00 I think that I have a narcissistic partner or emotionally abusive partner
  • replies: 2

I have been in a relationship with my partner for 15 to 16 years. It's a same sex relationship. We have two kids together (one has autism). I am the main care giver for our youngest child with autism. I'm the biological mum for our youngest kid.I fee... View more

I have been in a relationship with my partner for 15 to 16 years. It's a same sex relationship. We have two kids together (one has autism). I am the main care giver for our youngest child with autism. I'm the biological mum for our youngest kid.I feel really unhappy in the relationship. She constantly puts me down, blames me, and attacks me. It's always in private, although she tends to infer to our friends she's unhappy with me as a person/partner. But the nasty stuff is ONLY in private. On the outside, she is a very charming, friendly "lovely" person.She tells me fairly consistently that "all my friends hate you". Or, "all my friends are concerned about me being with you". She also says the kids are scared of me (this is an outright lie, I have a fantastic relationship with my kids).Sometimes she makes me feel very unwelcome in my home or feel very scared (as in, what mean/nasty thing is coming now). sometimes it's a monologue full of nasty things.She lies about what she says - so she will say something and 5 minutes later, deny she said it. She says I made it up. It makes me feel like I'm going crazy!She never apologises for anything and if I get mad and say okay enough/or you can't speak to me in this way - then the relationship is over. She's leaving etc. I get very scared about this because I want to live with my kids. I REALLY WANT to live with my kids. My youngest with autism would significantly struggle without me. So I put up with it. I don't know what to do. I tell myself to "take the hit and get on with it".The only way to "manage" her is to grovel, don't complain, don't ever say you're unhappy -- pretend you're happy (this is what I do usually). I feel like a shell of a person. I feel inauthentic because nobody knows how I really feel. I'm writing this because I felt suicidal last week (I'll never do this though, it was a fleeting thought - as in, I know a way to end this pain! - but obviously I would never leave my children) - but I'm just saying I feel extremely sad and distressed.I wonder if that's bad for the kids even though I do my best to shield them from it. That's why I am still here! I'm trying to shield them! I suspect/fear that she'll go crazy if I leave (but I can't leave my kids anyway). I know there's no easy answer. If I got lawyers, this would make her "rage".Sharing this here as a first step.

Train_Rambler In constant pain and very sensitive to noise
  • replies: 4

I have had ongoing nerve pain in my right leg, seen a whole lot medical professionals some specialist and found it lost cause.......I have ongoing numbness, pin, needles, cramps and burning stabbing pain going day and night.....Incomplete muscle acti... View more

I have had ongoing nerve pain in my right leg, seen a whole lot medical professionals some specialist and found it lost cause.......I have ongoing numbness, pin, needles, cramps and burning stabbing pain going day and night.....Incomplete muscle activations, Nerve test clear, sign of numbness but test for nerve conduction remains clear and MRI cleared....so the cause is unknown....but deep inside my gut instinct tells me the cause is external all documented but no help and treatment. Now after suffering bad side effect from pain med from GP after they knew about it and informed I just grin and bear it, Phyiso and adrenal rushes to numb the pain! Add it with sensory issues and wearing muffs to ease the pain of noise.... Just accept is long term and nothing can be done! Oh well such is A life!

LJpd81 Psychiatrist and patient diaries
  • replies: 5

Hi, so I've been seeing a psychiatrist for a bit now. I have had 5 sessions since October. I have come home from my latest psychiatrist session, feeling depressed and teary.So basically, since the 2nd or 3rd session, I have been writing diaries, of m... View more

Hi, so I've been seeing a psychiatrist for a bit now. I have had 5 sessions since October. I have come home from my latest psychiatrist session, feeling depressed and teary.So basically, since the 2nd or 3rd session, I have been writing diaries, of my feelings. I have been depressed and s/h recently. Sick husband and a lot going on.So a lot of emotions went in to them, postage, or dropping them off.She read my first 2 and discussed with me at my next session. And said I was brave for writing to her.After that, I did send through, 3 or 4 diaries, admittedly quite a bit to read.At todays session, psychiatrist said, she hadn't read it and it was too much!At the time, I said nothing and left, as was the end of my session. I felt so depressed and upset and in tears on leaving. I haven't been able to shake it all day. So upset. I trust her and it's my way to get out my feelings.I fully trust her and look forward to our sessions. Today, for the first time, I thought why bother to go to sessions and does she care?She had even said in one of our first sessions, that some of her patients, do write diaries to her, so I did. Naturally, I am confused. I wrote her a short, one page letter and sent it to her this afternoon, expressing how disappointed I was and upset. My next session is not for 8 weeks. So I didn't want to wait to then, to hold my feelings in on the issue.I don't know if I'm overthinking it or not?Should I call her tomorrow and tell her it's important to me, that she read my diaries?I nearly bought alcohol today as a consequence, but did not, which I'm proud of, as currently not drinking. 18 days no alcohol. Yay. She's only opened on Monday and Tuesdays as well.Thoughts please? And am I right to be upset?

Ria_Boehmig separation in the courtsystem
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone. I hope this is a valid question. Does anyone in this group has experience in dealing with separation/court/lawyers? I am personally looking for family lawyers familiar with, or specializing with narcissism. Thank you so much

Hi everyone. I hope this is a valid question. Does anyone in this group has experience in dealing with separation/court/lawyers? I am personally looking for family lawyers familiar with, or specializing with narcissism. Thank you so much

laureah21 ADHD meds and treatment
  • replies: 4

hi everyone, im really really struggling with ADHD at the moment. Thoughts are racing all over the place, can’t collect them to get anything done. It’s like they are going so fast I can’t focus on anything in particular. Feel exhausted by it. Drinkin... View more

hi everyone, im really really struggling with ADHD at the moment. Thoughts are racing all over the place, can’t collect them to get anything done. It’s like they are going so fast I can’t focus on anything in particular. Feel exhausted by it. Drinking about five cups of coffee a day which is the only thing that focuses them a bit. Takes a heap of effort and list writing to complete tasks and I have zero motivation to do it. Also since having covid the symptoms have gotten worse and my memory has gone also and is replaced by a fog. I can’t seem to rember anything. At supermarket the other day and I completely forgot where I’d parked my car. No idea even the direction. I even struggle to form words sometimes, like I’ve forgotten them. So I got a referral from my GP to go back to a psychiatrist as haven’t been on meds since before covid. I can’t seem to get in anywhere. All psychiatrists im trying, seem to have closed their books. what is the solution to this. I’m sure psychiatrist have much more important clients then me that just needs a prescription. It’s so frustrating though. has anyone had much luck with other things with ADHD other then meds that might help?

JaneS3 Social Anxiety and Facial Blushing - ETS surgery and Miradry
  • replies: 7

I’m a woman who has suffered from facial blushing for as long as I can remember, becoming particularly severe from my early-teens onwards. This has contributed to severe anxiety and depression throughout my childhood and adult life that has affected ... View more

I’m a woman who has suffered from facial blushing for as long as I can remember, becoming particularly severe from my early-teens onwards. This has contributed to severe anxiety and depression throughout my childhood and adult life that has affected all aspects of my life. For me, nothing was more important for my overall health than eliminating my blushing. Especially when years of CBT, therapy and anti-depressants haven’t offered any long-term solution. I had ETS surgery done on just my T2 nerve. The sympathectomy is done keyhole, leaving two small incisions just under your armpit. So far, my results with ETS have been great. Part of me wishes I had more of my sympathetic chain cut (T3/T4), as I still get a heart-rate rise in social situations, and a slight blush in a small patch at the top of my left cheek, but ultimately I’m very, very happy. It’s totally surreal to go from having severe blushing multiple times per day to just not having it at all. It’s been very illuminating to see how ‘regular’ people live. When I exercise now my face stays completely unflushed and almost sweat free which is amazing. I had Miradry done for my armpit sweating which was also quite bad, particularly every time I got anxious. They say Miradry is more effective than sympathectomy for sweating. My results from Miraday were great. I still sweat a bit, but what I love is how it has killed almost all the large sweat glands in my armpits (which produce your BO). It’s been an 80% reduction at least in sweating and the odour I get is very manageable. All in all, if you suffer from facial blushing or sweating that severely impacts your social life, self-esteem and career then I recommend looking into these procedures. It's a lot to go through to overcome these issues, but so much better than a daily pill or expensive, ineffective therapy (in my opinion). Some people find the compensatory sweating they get after their ETS surgery made them regret it, as well as other possible side effects, so it really depends on how severe your issues are vs the potential for side effects and I’ve been lucky to have had no major side effects. Anyway, peace and love to any fellow sufferers. If you have any questions I’ll try to get back and answer them.

Orchard DNA probability
  • replies: 8

Two years later, this person who claimed to have a child to my partner has finally done the legal dna test we sent it to her, his details are no where to be found on the form so I’m not sure if she knows it was him that sent it….Awaiting results curr... View more

Two years later, this person who claimed to have a child to my partner has finally done the legal dna test we sent it to her, his details are no where to be found on the form so I’m not sure if she knows it was him that sent it….Awaiting results currently- I’m nervous, distraught and just a mess. She tried claiming him on the birth certificate and then tried for child support. He rang both well before the child was born to be noted of file that he wanted a dna test done and will not agree to any assessments etc as it isn’t his child. Both BDM and CSA denied her claims. CSA specifically said we will get this sorted as they didn’t believe her. Next thing you know is she is telling his family that I forged the letters from CSA and BDM and that he is still the father. His sister asked her to do a home dna test which unbeknownst to us she did it (not with his dna) and it came back inconclusive….. if you couldn’t get the alleged fathers dna wouldn’t you use the sisters?!? At least then there would be a familiar match. I can’t wait for this drama to be over with. anyone else who has been in a similar situation? How did you deal with it all. Any advice?

Cleo26 im not sure if therapy will help me
  • replies: 7

helloi'm not sure if this is the right place to write about something like this, but i have nobody else to help so all advice/opinions are welcome. what do you do when you feel like you need help right now. like i cant handle living this way anymore ... View more

helloi'm not sure if this is the right place to write about something like this, but i have nobody else to help so all advice/opinions are welcome. what do you do when you feel like you need help right now. like i cant handle living this way anymore and its so painful to deal with my thoughts and feelings and i've struggled with this for so many years. i know that therapy is a great long term solution to get to the bottom of your problems and learn 'coping strategies' but honestly i feel like i cant wait. i have so many issues and anxieties and different feelings that having a one hour session each week where i try to unpack these topics wont help me much in short term. i just feel terrible. i'm willing to do therapy and i understand how it would make me feel better and how i would benefit from advice a lot, and my friend is willing to drive me to one (since i don't feel comfortable with my parents taking me) but i'm wondering if medication is something i should also consider. for context i'm 18, i've struggled with mental health issues for a long time like depression and anxiety, these issues have gone from severe to moderate many times in my life but for a long time now they have set me back so much and i just feel terrible and so scared for the future constantly. i have had a few short term therapists before. just to clarify, i know i say i cant live like this anymore but i am in no way suicidal, i'm just struggling with the way my life is right now. its just so complicated because i don't know how to ask for medication or from who, and i'm scared that i'm just going to get told that i don't need it or its going to somehow make me feel worse in the end. im sorry if this was unclear or not articulated well, if you have any thoughts or advice on what i should do please let me know. i just feel hopeless and i feel unable to get myself out of this at this point.

Nickname_BF96BC8D-97C3-4022-9260-6703064A15E8 Inpatient Programs and Getting into the Right One
  • replies: 1

I've suffered a history of severe depression and anxiety since my late teens due to PTSD in childhood. It's been going on for over a decade and gotten worse with time with poor self care, bad relationships and unhealthy habits. I'm truly at my lowest... View more

I've suffered a history of severe depression and anxiety since my late teens due to PTSD in childhood. It's been going on for over a decade and gotten worse with time with poor self care, bad relationships and unhealthy habits. I'm truly at my lowest and need to admit myself into inpatient care asap. I started the process and have a referral. It states I've had issues with depression, anxiety, some alcohol overuse and some eating disorders. When I spoke with one of the admissions they are absolutely fixated on the eating disorder. I tried to explain it's purely a symptom of the anxiety and panic attaks and the purging is quite irregular and I'm capable of eating healthly, it's just a symptom when things are tough. I also use alcohol and do other things that are not healthy as a result. They don't want to listen and want to put me in an eating disorder program. The problem is the whole program is focused on nutrition, diet, eating regularly etc. which would be a waste for my health as I am capable of getting this in check and I wouldn't be able to focus on the real problems (even though they'd dedicate some time to it, the ED part would be primary). I can't just take time out for that and then another program afterwards. I really need help but they just want to put me in a 3 week ED program. The only solution they have is to do a full blood test (even though my bloods from November are fine) and they they will 'assess'. But I can't wait another few days for that to come back and they might just say no anyway. Does anyone have any suggestions? Have you been into a program where they let you in for depression even though you may have had ED symptoms? Open to any thoughts or suggestions. I'm just trying to get help but feel like I'm just being shut down left right and centre.