Hi Metafilter,
I'm about to graduate this Summer from a college in Europe. It's for a creative profession and I'm currently honesty considering to repeat the year. Considering the circumstances (more below), would it be silly to volunteer a rerun of the year?
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posted by ahtlast93
on Jun 8, 2013 -
13 answers
I was sexually assaulted a few times and stalked/harrassed by an abusive, predatory and highly manipulative man who was in a position of trust to me. (We weren't in a relationship; he is nearly three times my age.) I am confused about where I should "be" or where I amin terms of getting over the events.
Counselors and websites are quick to point out things like PTSD and rape trauma syndrome; they are suggesting things like EMDR and strongly hinting that I'm traumatized. I'm not convinced. Is it possible to actually be traumatized and not realize/recognize it? Is a "trauma response"... with panic attacks, flashbacks, and such... the only possible response to rape and harassment? Secondly: Is therapy always necessary to deal with this sort of thing? Or is it possible that I have/will get over it by myself? I don't want to pathologize myself. I don't want to create new problems for myself by going to therapy that I might not actually need. I wanted to ask metafilter because the counselors I speak to are obviously going to be somewhat biased in telling me that I am "traumatized".
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posted by gemutlichkeit
on Jun 1, 2013 -
26 answers
I went to a couple ones and they just say “uhh huh” and “ya” and “how does that make you feel?” all the time and dont give me any advice. Are there any that actually help you and give you advice? I also want to mention that going just made me focus on my problems and feel sorry for myself instead of changing things and going just seemed to make my problems worse.
posted by john123357
on May 15, 2013 -
34 answers
And I mean anything. People, school, projects, hobbies... I always, always give up on the things I start. And it isn't even about losing interest. Yeah, there are things that I'll eventually lose interest in and quit and that's not really a problem. What bothers me is that I quit things I'm actually interested in, too. For example, I was so completely into a book I was reading last week. Really, really into it. You'd think I'd finish it, then, but I didn't. I have an entire library full of half-read books, most of which I'd love to start reading again but just can't. Won't. Cant. Ugh.
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posted by marsbar77
on May 5, 2013 -
23 answers
How do you get used to yourself as bipolar (II)? Trying to understand my lows and mixed highs better, but find myself slipping into despair.
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posted by elephantsvanish
on Apr 28, 2013 -
11 answers
Hi.
I'll try and cut a long story short, about 6 month ago I've been diagnosed with ADHD and now I'm doubting my diagnosis.
(more down there, all sappy again)
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posted by ahtlast93
on Apr 16, 2013 -
12 answers
My girlfriend is about to start a series of medical-related procedures as part of her gender transition (M2F). What can I, as a cis(ish) woman, do to be a good support to her?
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posted by divabat
on Apr 10, 2013 -
4 answers
A while ago I read a two-word term relating to mental health that I can't remember and it's driving me crazy.
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posted by side effect
on Mar 29, 2013 -
6 answers
Clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and other mental health professionals: can you tell me of blogs, magazines, or other resources that help you keep abreast of the field in an interesting way?
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posted by Hennimore
on Mar 13, 2013 -
2 answers
My very mentally ill brother may be in a dangerous situation. It appears that his guardian has revoked the consent my brother gave so that I can talk to his caregivers. What the hell can I do now.
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posted by angrycat
on Mar 12, 2013 -
13 answers
Depression has upended my life and the people trying to help aren't really helping, what do I do?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 7, 2013 -
19 answers
Two days ago I had some sort of emotional/mental breakdown. I got help in the immediate sense, but I'm not sure how to process and get over it.
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posted by trogdole
on Mar 1, 2013 -
26 answers
What was your experience coming off of anti-depressants? When you were on them, did you experience blunting of feelings and emotions and when you were tapering or went off cold turkey, did you feel a return to your former self/return of your personality?
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posted by BlueMartini7
on Feb 25, 2013 -
14 answers
My dad went to a doctor; the doctor told him, out of nowhere, he had early-onset dementia. What gives?
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posted by orangutan
on Feb 8, 2013 -
16 answers
Help name this event:
It's a day long event starting with an art show, leading into an evening of music and experiential art, and it's aim is to celebrate the creative works of those with mental illness. The higher goal is to destigmatize mental illness and educate attendees about the services available in the community.
I like Revisionary Ball but someone else has claimed "Revisionary". Any ideas out there?
posted by Gusaroo
on Feb 5, 2013 -
7 answers
Is it safe to admit to a new psychiatrist that I have tried some anti-anxiety drugs given to me by friends who were trying to help me out?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 4, 2013 -
19 answers
I'm having a hard time dealing with feelings of profound loneliness and paranoia about the states of friendships which in turn affect my dreams and my moods (being a vivid dreamer) and I don't like the affect it has on my happiness. Is there any good literature or advice that you can give to help me conquer these feelings and appreciate what I have in my friends or branch out to finding others? Any communication advice to being clear with friends and alleviating my paranoia without insulting them or sounding weird?
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posted by Recca
on Jan 22, 2013 -
6 answers
My psychiatrist, who practices holistic/integrative medicine, says non-food-based brands of vitamin B are useless because the body does not actually absorb them. Is this true?
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posted by shiggins
on Jan 13, 2013 -
22 answers
Mefites with psych issues, do you have tips for getting through the holidays?
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posted by Katine
on Dec 17, 2012 -
14 answers
My closest friend has been admitted to an excellent psychiatric hospital for about 90 days due to some major issues with her bi-polar disorder. Due to her noncompliant behavior & some comments that she has made, she is on restriction right now but I have been told that I can send her a care package & they will allow her to have it when they feel like she deserves privileges. I've looked all over the internet for some help on what is ok & not ok to send but I'm finding little information.
Does anyone have suggestions on what someone in that situation would appreciate & what is allowed & not allowed per hospital regulations? I'm sending the obvious stuff like snacks (small, pre-packaged in cellophane), books, hard cover journals, pictures (no frames), socks, toiletries & a few other things to keep her busy.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 24, 2012 -
12 answers
There are some people who are excellent draftsmen when it comes to drawing. Their sketchbooks are full of architecture style drawings or similar, with straight lines as if drawn using a ruler and little erasing. Or they're sign painters or car details who can just pick up a brush and literally draw a straight line on the car as they're walking the length of it. No visual planning or measuring or masking off areas, they just do it.
Are there scientific studies about the particular set of physical and mental skills these people have and what exactly those skills are? Are their specific differences in their brain or anatomy that enable those skills?
posted by Brandon Blatcher
on Nov 20, 2012 -
24 answers
I somewhat successfully moved out of
this situation...But I'm too drained to make any major moves forward, even though the urgency is much greater. Please advise.
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posted by Ashen
on Nov 12, 2012 -
36 answers
I am unemployed. My disorganization, lack of goals and mental illness (ADD first and foremost) is taking a toll on my job hunt, and life in general. Fellow ADD'ers, what do you do to cope/deal? Details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 3, 2012 -
14 answers
What do I do about my mom, and my 6 year old sister who may possibly have a mental problem? Long, snowflakey details inside. My first question on Metafilter, please bear with me, I really need your help.
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posted by thegunner100
on Oct 26, 2012 -
31 answers
How do I make friends in an unfriendly place for young folks (18-20), and how can I make him believe that I've made changes to myself?
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posted by orchidgenes
on Oct 6, 2012 -
13 answers
What to do about a mentally unstable brother who's taking advantage of my elderly mother?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 27, 2012 -
8 answers
What kinds of mental games can you play to soak up time? You're in a meeting or sitting through a presentation. You don't need to pay attention, but you can't leave. What do you do?
posted by leotrotsky
on Aug 24, 2012 -
61 answers
I need help in guiding my brother-in-law, who may be developmentally challenged, with some important life decisions. I am pretty much his only family contact, am at a bit of a loss, and not quite sure where to start; (slightly lengthy) details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 23, 2012 -
12 answers
Are there online forums/communities for support for medical professionals/students with serious mental health diagnoses?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 26, 2012 -
2 answers
Looking for a relatable, compassionate, pill-free mental/emotional/marital health specialist in Seattle, for a spouse who hates doctors. Any recommendations (or advice in general)? Details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 25, 2012 -
9 answers
Help me learn how to control my own mind. How do I stop thinking about things that I shouldn't be thinking about?
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posted by tokaidanshi
on Jul 15, 2012 -
23 answers
Imminent break of self imposed celibacy after a few years. Going away on romantic trip next week. Gentleman in question unaware of my choice or relationship history. How to prepare? Do I tell him this? What can I do to prepare myself?
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posted by a2
on Jul 14, 2012 -
45 answers
I am working in a Autism lab this summer. I've been wondering whether it is a problem that so many psychological disorders are defined by symptoms and focused on treating symptoms. I think, and this isn't a particularly controversial opinion, that it is also important to investigate their causes. Are there any instances of really effective investigations of the cause/causes of psychological disorders (discussion open to any disorder)?
posted by Lee Shore
on Jun 4, 2012 -
19 answers
Husband's mental health problems led him to compulsively spend over £27,000 (about $44,000) while I supported both of us for three years. I know he'll work hard on therapy, but I don't know if I should divorce him. Should I try and forgive? [warning, long!]
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posted by TriparteGoddess
on Apr 29, 2012 -
62 answers
I'm worried that my little sisters may be in an abusive situation, but don't know what's really going on or where I should go from here.
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posted by whalebreath
on Apr 26, 2012 -
18 answers
Asking for a friend in need (adult, male): Good psychiatrist in the Frederick, MD 21703? Difficulty,
takes Aetna.
posted by Towelie
on Apr 25, 2012 -
3 answers