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Seeking Guidance and Perspectives

**Age: 25, Female** I find myself in need of some thoughtful advice, so I sincerely hope you take the time to read my story and share your honest thoughts. I appreciate your consideration and wish everyone here strength and healing for the journey ahead. **A Brief Background:** Approximately two years ago, in December 2023, I took a single dose of Lexapro to cope with my overwhelming depression. I constantly expressed to those around me that all I felt was sadness. The morning after taking that pill, I woke up feeling entirely disconnected from reality. Battling health anxiety, I turned to Reddit to read about Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), and made a few posts using an old account. The responses were disheartening, leaving me feeling as though I had irrevocably altered the course of my life. The worry consumed my existence for an entire year. I found myself perpetually scrolling online forums, consulting various doctors in a state of panic, convinced that I had ruined everything. During this tumultuous period, my boyfriend was treating me poorly and was unfaithful, which led to a painful breakup that left me heartbroken. The point I want to emphasize is that I repeatedly conveyed to my therapists and doctors that I felt emotionally numb and was experiencing symptoms of anhedonia. Nevertheless, I still experienced joy, sadness, and anxiety—just dulled. Soon after, I entered another relationship that I believed was transformative. My sex drive appeared to diminish, and while I attributed this to the Lexapro, I wondered if my worries fed into it after reading similar concerns online. During intimacy, my mind would race, questioning whether I felt sensations as I once did. However, I could still achieve orgasm, often feeling so sensitive that I would ask my partner to pause. **Overview of My Current State:** Fast forward to today—although I have encountered numerous ups and downs over the past two years, life has been manageable for the most part. Yet, the concern over possibly experiencing PSSD lingers in the back of my mind. I’ve noticed fluctuations in my emotional numbness; I feel alive and different when I love someone. There are moments that still make me blush, and I often feel anxiety mixed with excitement around those I’m attracted to, sometimes experiencing butterflies in my stomach. While I still smile spontaneously and can feel a rush of excitement from good news, such moments are fleeting. I have the ability to orgasm, and I still experience intense arousal. Recently, during a massage, I didn’t feel that ethereal sensation that previously overtook my body. It seems that I cry often and frequently feel emotionally dulled. Just the other day, I found myself laughing uncontrollably after slipping on ice. Through it all, I’ve shared laughter with friends and family during many joyous moments. Although my libido has waned, I’ve discovered some sparks of desire at times, and I can achieve orgasm with a vibrator even through my clothing. I acknowledge it may sound odd, yet I perform this action to reassure myself of my capacity to feel anything at all. A few months back on vacation with my boyfriend, I experienced a heightened libido and even reached orgasm from his gentle touch. There might be some desensitization pertaining to my genitals, which could stem from overthinking. **My Question for You:** Based on my experiences, do you believe I am grappling with PSSD, or could this merely be indicative of deep-seated major depression and dissociation? Is it possible my challenges stem from that one Lexapro pill I took two years ago? I often feel like I’m lost in a haze, disconnected for much of the time, while occasionally, I experience bursts of normalcy throughout the month. I still find joy in cooking and have moments of energy where I sing and dance in front of the mirror, sharing those joyful updates with friends. Yet, I feel something is missing—like a vital connection that needs restoration. I'm returning to therapy soon, as the last few years have been particularly difficult due to grief and experiences of abuse, both physical and emotional. Recently, I watched a TED talk from someone who battled major depression and found hope years later. Their concluding statement resonated with me: "The feeling I have right now is that I don’t want to die; I want to live forever.” I aspire to reach that feeling myself someday. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. Even though tears may accompany my words, I hope I am not destined to remain trapped in this state. I welcome any questions or insights you may have. Wishing peace, love, and healing to everyone. ♥️

Bipolar DisorderAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

I'm Coming to Terms with My Lack of Taste

Hello! I’m finding it hard to articulate this without feeling peculiar, but I think I might have never truly experienced taste the way most people do. I can perceive a hint of flavor on the initial bite, but shortly after, it feels like the sensations just fade away. The taste vanishes almost instantly, or maybe there's a very brief transition phase. After a couple of bites, all I can discern is the food's texture and temperature. I am an 18-year-old woman, and I have no known health issues or family conditions that might clarify this situation. I also suspect that my sense of smell might be related to this peculiarity. It seems that if smell significantly impacts taste, then my olfactory perception is also atypical. Throughout my life, I believed this was standard and that most folks were exaggerating their ability to detect flavors. As far as my health is concerned, I have always considered myself healthy, without any evident issues that could shed light on this phenomenon. I have never endured illnesses that could have lasting effects on my senses and this has just been my reality for as long as I can remember. Another peculiar aspect: if I consume the same dish repeatedly over a series of days, I eventually can’t taste it at all—even the initial bite becomes flavorless after a while. It’s as if my brain ceases to acknowledge it as being flavorful. Consequently, I've developed significant issues with food textures. Since taste is scarcely present, I become overwhelmed by texture, making certain foods intolerable to eat, regardless of their perceived quality. I'm becoming increasingly aware that this might not be typical, and I’m eager to know if anyone else has faced something similar or has insights into what might be causing this. Could it be associated with sensory processing? Is it a smell-related concern? Or is there a neurological or psychological component? I genuinely am at a loss, but it feels quite odd to realize that something I believed was the norm my entire life might not be.

InsomniaPsychologyAnxiety
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Waking Up Feeling Under the Weather Every Day

For the past four months, I (25M) have started each morning with a frustrating accumulation of mucus. I can distinctly sense it lurking behind my ears. The initial experience of this sensation began during the early summer months. At first, I assumed it was a temporary allergic reaction since it only lasted for a few days. However, by late September, the discomfort returned, and it has persisted ever since. While it doesn’t affect my hearing perception, whenever I swallow, I notice a slight sound coming from my ears. Interestingly, by midday, I generally feel quite normal, yet I am greeted with this mucus predicament each time I wake. Some mornings are particularly worse than others. It’s been a decade since my last medical check-up, and my intense anxiety about visiting a doctor makes me reluctant to seek help; thus, I’m eager to gather some advice on how I should proceed. During the initial month of dealing with this issue, I experimented with Sudafed and Mucinex, but I was concerned about overusing medication and have since refrained from taking more.

Seasonal AllergiesHay FeverAsthma
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Understanding Phosphate Levels in My Case

Subject: 34-year-old female, 45kg, from the UK. On the 10th and 11th of October 2025, I contracted Covid-19. I experienced flu-like symptoms that lasted for two weeks while I stayed at home. When I tried to return to work, I was met with significant weakness in my legs. Unfortunately, this condition persists, along with other lingering issues from my long Covid diagnosis, and I now require a wheelchair for mobility. What stands out to me are two specific phosphate readings taken just over three weeks apart: **First Reading (I was feeling absolutely terrible):** Phosphate Level on 3rd November: 1.25 mmol/L → within normal limits. **Second Reading (Condition worsened):** I sought treatment in the Accident & Emergency department due to extreme difficulty in walking. The staff informed me that recovery would take time and recommended a multivitamin since my magnesium was somewhat low. However, reviewing my medical notes, I noticed my phosphate level: Phosphate Level on 24th November: 0.68 mmol/L → below normal (hypophosphataemia). I realize that the intricacies of long Covid can be quite complex, yet I can’t help but wonder what these phosphate fluctuations signify for my symptoms. Could there be a connection worth exploring?

Multiple SclerosisLupusCrohn's Disease
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Experiencing Bleeding Post-Third Banding Procedure

A 22-year-old male diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids has undergone a total of three banding treatments, all of which were without complications. Following the latest procedure, I felt optimistic about my recovery. However, I encountered two separate instances of significant straining during bowel movements, after which I discovered bright red blood mixed in with my stool. This occurrence was not nearly as severe as what I experienced prior to the treatments. Additionally, I felt a mild discomfort, rated around 4 out of 10, in the upper left area of my abdomen afterward. I suspect that incorporating a stool softener and increasing my fiber consumption might be beneficial. While I have a follow-up consultation scheduled for the 26th, where I plan to address these concerns, I wanted to seek advice on whether this bleeding is a common post-operative reaction.

Internal MedicineEndocrinology
Male • 25-34
2 minutes ago

Unusual Purple Mark Following Blood Test

After undergoing a blood test, I noticed an unexpected purple line on my arm. The initial attempt to draw blood only resulted in thick blood, prompting the technician to search for a different location for the needle. They applied a bandage after the second attempt. Upon removing the bandage three hours later, I discovered the prominent mark. Despite having numerous blood tests in the past three years, I have never experienced anything like this before. I am a 26-year-old male.

AgingWellnessPreventive Medicine
Male • 25-34
12 minutes ago

What Could a Dark Spot on My Toenail Indicate?

Hello everyone,I've recently observed a dark mark on my second toenail, positioned alongside my big toe. Just to give a bit of background, my toenails haven't always been in great shape due to extensive activities like longboarding, snowboarding, and my generally reckless teenage lifestyle. This particular toenail has suffered its fair share of injuries and has developed a thicker appearance compared to the others. However, it was the sudden appearance of this dark spot that caught my attention. Importantly, I can see that it is located within the nail itself rather than beneath it. This raises the question: what could this signify? A bit about me: I’m a 24-year-old male, I smoke and drink, and I lead a fairly active lifestyle. While I don’t have a significant personal history of cancer, my grandmother did succumb to it. Given my Eastern European background, I can't help but wonder if this might be an effect related to Chernobyl. I’d appreciate any insights or advice regarding this situation!

AgingWellnessLifestyle Changes
Male • 25-34
12 minutes ago

Can Zofran Help Manage Vomiting From Stomach Viruses?

I have an intense fear of vomiting, and during a recent hospital visit for an unrelated concern, my doctor prescribed me Zofran, which I still have leftover. With a stomach virus making its rounds, I’m wondering if this medication would be effective in preventing vomiting if I were to contract norovirus or a similar gastrointestinal infection. I'm a 30-year-old woman seeking advice on this matter.

Shortness of BreathSwollen LegsInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
12 minutes ago

Navigating Health Anxiety: Real Concerns or Stress-Induced Symptoms?

Greetings, I’m a 17-year-old female standing at 4’11” and not classified as overweight. I do not consume alcohol, smoke, or take any medications apart from fiber supplements. Recently, I have been experiencing intense episodes of health anxiety. I find myself constantly monitoring my body for possible symptoms, and upon discovering something, I panic and immediately search for information online. What I'm struggling to determine is whether these symptoms are genuine or merely a manifestation of my anxiety and stress. I've become aware that I’m shedding more hair than normal during my brushing routine, and to give you context, I have curly hair. Additionally, my appetite has increased excessively. I experience random muscle twitches throughout my body and encounter a peculiar sensation of dizziness nearly every day; it’s not the spinning sensation, but more of a feeling of being unfocused, if that makes sense. When I look up these symptoms online, I often read that they could indicate diabetes, which only exacerbates my anxiety. However, I don’t feel an unquenchable thirst, I don’t suffer from a dry mouth, and my urination patterns involve about six times a day, without a constant urge to go. Despite feeling somewhat fatigued each day, I recognize that my sleep schedule is quite erratic, usually going to bed at 3 AM and waking up around 2 PM. I fully acknowledge the need to correct this routine. Additionally, I haven’t noticed any skin tags or dark patches on my skin. I never wake up in the night to urinate, and thankfully, that has not been an issue. I have been experiencing constipation for the past couple of months, which is why I rely on fiber gummies for relief—though they only help occasionally. I also encounter bouts of nausea, especially after meals, but I haven’t actually vomited. The texture of my stools seems harder to pass, and I’ve read that stress could be influencing this. Back in October 2025, I visited the hospital due to a sudden rash on my neck resembling hives. The medical professionals conducted a series of blood tests and a urine analysis; the blood work yielded normal results. Surprisingly, my urine had traces of blood, leading them to suspect a urinary tract infection (UTI), and they prescribed a week’s worth of antibiotics. Interestingly, I didn’t experience any symptoms of a UTI prior to this, but I completed the antibiotic course and subsequently had no further issues. Given my tendency to overthink health matters, I also developed anxiety regarding a kidney infection shortly after, fearing that the UTI might have persisted despite treatment. The month following my hospital visit, I was convinced I had developed sepsis, again with no actual symptoms to justify this fear. Fast forward to now, and I’m worried about diabetes. I realize that previously I had indulged in an increased amount of chocolate and sweets, and while I know diabetes doesn’t stem directly from sugar consumption, it’s hard to shake off that concern. If anyone has insights into whether these are legitimate symptoms or just anxieties manifesting, I would greatly appreciate your input.

PTSDAnxietyStress
Male • 25-34
22 minutes ago

Understanding MRI Results: A Simplified Overview

I’m a 27-year-old guy, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 230 pounds. A couple of years back, I sustained a back injury that led to an MRI scan of my spine. I’m scheduled to get another MRI soon, and I’d appreciate it if someone could break down the findings for me in straightforward terms rather than using medical jargon. I want a clear, easy-to-understand explanation for each line of the report.

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male • 25-34
22 minutes ago
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