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Mental Health Questions

Dismissed as a Patient After 26 Years

For the past 26 years, I’ve been a patient at the same medical office, practically since the moment I entered this world (or rather, since I began my existence). Admittedly, I did transition from a pediatrician to a general practitioner when I turned 18, but I’ve mainly seen the same doctors throughout my life, including a general physician and a sports medicine specialist. During this extensive period, I have only missed a couple of appointments—perhaps just two in total—which seems quite reasonable considering I’ve had numerous check-ups and consultations due to various health issues, largely stemming from accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for someone like me, who tends to be accident-prone, to have over a hundred visits in nearly three decades. However, I recently discovered that I’ve reportedly missed three appointments in the span of six months. This unexpected revelation is frustrating, as those missed appointments occurred while I was recovering from orthopedic surgery following a significant work-related accident—I tumbled two stories off a ladder, highlighting my tendency for mishaps. The appointments I failed to attend were routine check-ups with my general practitioner, my sports medicine doctor, and a blood test. Unfortunately, they all coincidentally fell around the same period just after my surgery. I learned about the need for the surgery only a few weeks ahead of these scheduled appointments, and post-surgery, mobility was a challenge. I had asked my husband to cancel them on my behalf, but he neglected to do so—an oversight we share. While I take some responsibility for not ensuring the calls were made, I was heavily medicated with prescribed pain relief at the time. Despite my generally good attendance record, this series of missed appointments led to my dismissal as a patient. Today, when I contacted the office to request a refill for a chronic medication unrelated to the surgery, I was informed that I can no longer receive care there, as I was discharged as a patient back in early January. This came as a shock, especially since they had filled a different prescription for me just weeks ago without any issues. It raises the question: how can they discharge me and then assist with a prescription shortly before? I’ve been on the same medication for over seven years, and I am not asking for anything out of the ordinary. If they want to sever ties after 26 years, I’m willing to find another provider, but it feels absurd to deny me vital medication after such a long-standing relationship. Is this a common practice? When I explained my situation—politely and respectfully—the response was still a firm refusal to refill my prescription. My discussions were limited to administrative personnel, leaving me at a loss about my next steps. I’ve always been a reliable patient, with the exception of these recent three appointments occurring immediately after the surgery. The urgency of my medical needs can’t be understated: I am in need of key prescriptions and follow-up care due to significant health concerns from my recent injury, numerous corticosteroid injections, and a positive result from a cancer screening test. Although statistics suggest the probability of a false positive at my age, it still necessitates thorough follow-up, especially given my family's history of this condition. For the past week, I’ve reached out daily, always with courtesy, yet I’ve received no resolution, just the run-around among various office staff. They mentioned they sent me a letter to inform me of my dismissal, yet I never received a call, email, or any subsequent communication. One single letter does not suffice to terminate a patient’s long-term relationship with their medical practice, especially when it involves critical prescriptions and post-surgery care. Is this standard protocol? I cannot stress enough that I am not embellishing my situation. With an almost flawless attendance record and a recent misstep due to surgical recovery, being abruptly cut off feels excessive. I truly appreciate my general practitioner, need my medication, and face a myriad of concerns—from continuity of care to other pressing health issues—which makes this entire experience deeply troubling and perplexing.

PsychiatryTherapyDepression
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Uncertainty Surrounding My Health Incident

I am a 15-year-old girl currently battling a cold, and I also have a confirmed diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additionally, I suspect I may have POTS, although that's not officially confirmed. Earlier today, I got up to visit the bathroom, which requires navigating around twenty steps from the living room. As I stood up, I noticed my vision starting to blur, but that’s a familiar sensation for me, so I didn’t think anything was amiss. Upon reaching the bathroom, my eyesight faded to complete darkness. Losing my sight entirely isn’t unusual for me, and while frustrating, I merely found it bothersome rather than alarming. Once inside, I turned on the light, and although I couldn’t see it illuminating the room, I heard the click of the switch, indicating it was on. I then attempted to locate the sliding door to close it. However, I misjudged the doorway completely on my first try. I felt it was odd, yet I dismissed it and tried again, but I encountered the same issue. After my second attempt, I experienced significant trembling in my limbs, so intense that I realized I was on the verge of falling. To prevent that, I quickly lowered myself to the floor, remaining blind to my surroundings. After about five seconds, my vision began to return, and I noticed my legs were still shaking. A few seconds later, the shaking subsided, and I regained control over my body. I stood up right after, feeling relatively assured that it wouldn’t happen again, but I opted to sit for safety's sake. This event occurred just a couple of hours ago, and thankfully, it hasn't recurred. Although my vision tends to dim when I stand, that is a typical occurrence for me, and I’ve since retained partial sight. I did not lose consciousness during the incident and have clear memories of the entire experience, without confusion or disorientation afterward. Notably, epilepsy runs in my family; my aunt has it, and my mother’s cousin experienced several seizures a few months back, although he hasn’t had any recently. Personally, I have never fainted, though I’ve come close multiple times. It’s important to mention that I’ve never experienced a seizure before, and I remain uncertain whether what transpired was a seizure or something different altogether.

InsomniaAnxietyDepression
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Navigating the Fine Line Between Anxiety and ADHD: Seeking Insights on Dual Diagnoses

At 28 years old, I find myself seeking a better understanding of whether my primary challenges stem from anxiety, ADHD, or perhaps a combination of both. From a young age, I have experienced difficulties with focus, restlessness, impatience, and discomfort in social situations. These challenges didn’t suddenly arise in adulthood; instead, I recall struggling to pay attention in class, often needing to reread material multiple times. I frequently felt as if my brain was racing, easily becoming overwhelmed by background noise, conversations, or any form of pressure. Currently, reading continues to be a struggle, as I often rush through texts without fully absorbing the information. The same pattern emerges in tasks like problem-solving and programming—I require repeated attempts to truly grasp the concepts. In addition, I have dealt with considerable anxiety throughout my life, characterized by fears of being judged, persistent worry, heightened alertness, compulsive behaviors like constant checking, and physical manifestations such as agitation and a racing heart. After consultations with various healthcare professionals, I was diagnosed with anxiety, leading to medication that I began taking about a year ago. This treatment alleviated some fears and allowed me to function better, yet the fundamental challenges related to focus, motivation, impatience, and mental agitation persisted. When I abruptly halted the medication, my anxiety symptoms returned with a vengeance. My current psychiatrist initially viewed my situation as stemming from anxiety and traits of OCD, recommencing treatment for anxiety. However, by our third appointment, considering my symptoms have been present since childhood and the anxiety treatment only provided partial relief, he proposed that ADHD might be the root issue, suggesting that anxiety could possibly be a secondary concern. Thus, I am now prescribed medications addressing both anxiety and ADHD. What complicates my understanding is the significant overlap in symptoms: - Persistent mental restlessness and a sense of being "on edge" - Challenges in maintaining attention and completing tasks - Low drive, tendencies to avoid tasks, and procrastination - Social anxiety coupled with fear of judgment - Feeling overwhelmed by sounds, conversations, or stressors - Anxiety medications mitigate fear but do not resolve focus issues or cognitive restlessness I seek clarity on the following questions: 1. How do medical professionals distinguish between adult ADHD and anxiety disorders when the symptomatology is so intertwined? 2. What methods can help determine if ADHD is the primary issue rather than anxiety taking precedence? 3. Is it typical for ADHD, particularly when undiagnosed since childhood, to predominantly manifest as anxiety in adulthood? 4. How can one assess whether ADHD medication is effectively making a difference, especially with concurrent anxiety symptoms? Any professional insights on delineating these conditions in adults—especially when their roots appear to date back to childhood—would be immensely beneficial. Thank you for your attention and assistance.

ADHDOCDAnxiety
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Severe Pain and Dryness in Hands and Toes: A Continuing Struggle

Subject: Ongoing Hand and Foot Discomfort – Seeking Insight Greetings, medical professionals, For the past several months, I have been dealing with distressing symptoms affecting my hands and feet, and I'm eager for some clarity. I have appointments lined up with an allergist and a dermatologist, but I won’t be able to see them for a few months. My previous tests for autoimmune conditions came back negative, though my ESR levels were elevated. Currently, I’m suffering from significant pain in my toes, resembling joint discomfort. Additionally, both my hands and feet appear swollen, especially with pressure applied. Some fingers have remained swollen for several weeks. According to my recent lab results: - A Complete Blood Count (CBC) revealed chronic anemia, although it has improved since the last test. - A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) indicated slightly elevated liver enzymes, with plans to recheck in three months. - However, my Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) indicated normal kidney function, while ESR results suggest mild inflammation. - Further laboratory results are pending. Moreover, I have noticed extreme dryness in my hands, characterized by peeling and cracking skin. Random bumps have developed on my knuckles, and the itchiness has become unbearable. The sequence of symptoms seems to transition from intense itching to swelling and redness, ultimately leading to dryness, which has persisted since November. I received a seven-day course of steroids for my asthma, which initially facilitated improvement but the symptoms returned, even exacerbated, once the treatment ended. Currently, the issues have spread to my feet, with severe pain specifically in my big toes and discomfort in all of my fingers. My left index finger has been particularly troubling; it became swollen and limited in movement after I attempted to point at something. This relentless cycle of pain has been incredibly draining. Even light pressure causes discomfort due to the pain within my skin and bones. I've experimented with prescription steroid creams, cortisone treatments, and various over-the-counter ointments, but none have provided relief. Since mid-December, breathing has also posed challenges for me. Although I have a rescue inhaler, I haven’t been able to utilize my maintenance inhaler as I am currently nursing, due to potential transfer into breast milk. Additionally, I should mention that the previously mentioned index finger has shown signs of nail pitting near the cuticle, which has also become inflamed, dry, and itchy, alongside my other cuticles. This is quite unusual for me, as I have never experienced dry hands before this episode. I have not introduced any new soaps or cleaning agents into my routine. Any insights or recommendations regarding these symptoms would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this challenging time.

InsomniaPsychiatryStress
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Should I Be Worried About These Symptoms?

I frequently use Q-tips to clean my nostrils due to my septum piercing, and I’ve noticed a brownish-black substance in my left nostril, while my right nostril produces thick, clear mucus. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I suffer from chronic mucus, which has darkened over time, along with post-nasal drip that’s led to persistent bad breath. Additionally, I deal with a dry mouth, and my tongue often appears coated in a brown and white film. Inside my mouth, I have sores and red spots, and my skin peels, problems that seem to linger without resolution. Swallowing food can be difficult, occasionally requiring me to cough up what I’ve eaten because it feels stuck. My throat makes gurgling sounds, and I constantly have the sensation that something is lodged in there. Recently, my voice has taken on a raspier tone, and I’ve noticed tenderness and swelling around my lymph node on the right side of my throat. At 23 years old, standing 6’4” and weighing 130 pounds, I’m struggling with unintentional weight loss. No matter what dietary approach I adopt or how much I consume, gaining weight remains elusive. I smoke approximately 12-15 cigarettes daily. I’m uncertain whether my symptoms are alarming or merely a consequence of my smoking habit. With a $3,600 health insurance deductible that has just reset, visiting a doctor is currently beyond my financial reach, which is why I decided to seek advice here. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I apologize for the lengthy message.

PsychiatryAnxietyDepression
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Experiencing a Manic Episode Despite Medication: Is This Typical?

Age: 38 Gender: Male Height: 6’5” Weight: 225 lbs Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: I began experiencing manic symptoms in November. I have a bipolar diagnosis that dates back to when I was 16 years old. Location: Pennsylvania Pre-existing Health Conditions: Diagnosed with Bipolar 1, ADHD, anxiety, and an eating disorder. Current Medications: Currently prescribed include: Lurasidone HCl 60 mg tablets, Doxepin HCl 6 mg tablets, Lithium 300 mg, Lisdexamfetamine 70 mg, Zolpidem 12.5 mg controlled-release, Pregabalin 225 mg, Jardiance 10 mg, Lisinopril 10 mg, Naltrexone 50 mg, Mounjaro 15 mg/0.5 mL solution, and Topiramate ER 200 mg, along with Atorvastatin 20 mg. I hope I’ve followed the guidelines for this post. I’m currently enduring a manic episode. It began with symptoms such as restlessness, excessive irritability, racing thoughts, impulsive spending, and rapid speech. Now, I’m facing the aftermath with symptoms of profound depression, thoughts of self-harm, very low energy, and ongoing irritability. I'm quite disheartened as my medication regimen seems ineffective in preventing this episode. Should I reach out to my physician to discuss adjusting my medication or increasing the dosage? It feels like my lithium intake is relatively low at 300 mg taken three times daily. Is it frequent for someone to experience a manic episode while on multiple types of medication, particularly a combination like lithium, Lurasidone, and Doxepin? The Lisdexamfetamine I’m taking is aimed at managing ADHD and my eating issues. Any advice or insights would be immensely valuable. Thank you!

Bipolar DisorderPsychiatryDepression
Male25-34
5 hours ago

Seeking Guidance for Coping with Eating Disorder Triggers and Thoughts

I'm an 18-year-old female, weighing around 120 lbs and standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall. Over the past few months, I’ve been navigating the transition of living independently while pursuing my college education, making strides to establish healthier routines for myself. Having been a competitive athlete throughout my formative years, I grew up in an environment where maintaining a fit and slender physique was intensely stressed. However, upon entering college, my exercise regimen dwindled, leading me to gain about 5 to 7 pounds. This change was a source of anxiety for me, and following a somewhat offhand remark from my mother regarding my weight, I felt compelled to regain control. Regrettably, my response wasn't the healthiest. I started to severely limit my intake, sometimes going as long as 3 to 5 days subsisting on just gum, water, and the occasional energy drink. There was a sense of pride in my ability to endure such restrictions, and I experienced an unsettling exhilaration from the emptiness in my stomach. However, when I finally succumbed to the urge to eat, I would then purge. Initially, it was an isolated incident, but it soon regrettably escalated into a more frequent occurrence over the next month or so. I found myself meticulously tracking my calorie intake, and despite significant restrictions on certain days, I would often purge any small healthy meals I managed to consume because I despised the sensation of fullness. I began gravitating towards all-zero-sugar and low-calorie options, steering clear of foods I once cherished. To this day, I still experience apprehension surrounding specific dishes that used to bring me joy. After recognizing my behaviors, my roommate intervened, suggesting healthier methods to alter my weight, such as embracing regular workouts. Taking her advice to heart, I dedicated myself to making a change. I’ve done reasonably well since then, only reverting once or twice following that realization. I started engaging in exercise more frequently while prioritizing balanced meals and sufficient sleep, resulting in a notable improvement in my overall happiness. Upon returning to college after the winter break, I set new fitness objectives for myself. Despite never being overweight, my goal was to shed additional pounds and enhance muscle tone, prompting an increase in my workout frequency. Understanding the necessity of a caloric deficit for weight loss, I began eating less. My current practice involves loosely estimating my calorie intake from Monday to Thursday with an aim of keeping it below 1000. I also strive to burn over 1000 calories during those weekdays, reducing my expectations to at least 500 calories burned on weekends. My routine typically includes strength training 5 to 6 times a week, along with around two hours of incline walking on the treadmill and outdoor distance walks. On the weekends, I don’t track my calories explicitly; I try to eat mindfully but find myself skipping meals occasionally when I feel I’ve overindulged. I treat myself to sweets during the weekends, but I have developed a fear of certain foods I used to enjoy, such as pasta, avocados, peanut butter, and even whole bananas, opting instead for a third of a banana for breakfast throughout the weekdays. I've successfully lost a considerable amount of weight and feel pleased with my progress. Nevertheless, I frequently experience stomach discomfort and bloating, often leading me to believe I might feel better when I don’t eat rather than when I do. My current approach includes keeping my caloric intake lower for four days while designating the remaining three days as ‘refueling’ days to maintain a balance. Although this routine has yielded positive mental and physical results, I am now dealing with injuries and am concerned about needing to limit my walking routine to allow my ankle time to heal, as I want to avoid prolonged setbacks due to tendonitis. I recognize this regime has significantly aided my mental well-being and helped manage my anxiety regarding food. Last month, for instance, I logged 229 miles of walking and burned over 30,000 active calories according to my Apple Watch. While I appreciate the structure I’ve established, I’m uncertain about how to proceed with my injury and I am apprehensive about repeating the behaviors I experienced in the past. Does anyone have suggestions or alternatives I could incorporate during my recovery while still staying active? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

AddictionAnxietyDepression
Male25-34
7 hours ago

Seeking Medical Advice for Hormonal and Nervous System Symptoms Post-Medication

Greetings everyone, I'm reaching out on behalf of my wife, who doesn't participate in Reddit, to seek advice on what kind of medical professional she should consult regarding her health issues after halting her medications and supplements. Here are some details about her: - Age: 33 years - Gender: Female - Height: Approximately 5 feet 2 inches - Weight: Roughly 100 pounds - Country: United States - Tobacco Use: None - Alcohol Consumption: None - Recreational Drug Use: Discontinued THC gummies 12 weeks ago (used them 1-3 times a week for a year) - Current Medications: None - Past Medications/Supplements: - Concerta for ADHD (discontinued around 8 weeks ago after 15 years of use) - Vitex (chasteberry) at a dosage of 500–600 mg daily for about 1 year (stopped approximately 6 weeks ago) - "Adrenal support" supplements (adaptogenic/cortisol-focused, which have now been ceased) Her main concerns have arisen over recent weeks, displaying a range of physical symptoms that do not align perfectly with one specific issue: - Sleep disturbances, particularly waking up early feeling restless and with adrenaline surges - A sense of discomfort in her nervous system during the evening, without any accompanying anxious thoughts - Infrequent heart rate awareness and a jittery sensation - Periods of brain fog paired with challenges in focusing - Experiencing emotional numbness at times - Symptoms that vary in intensity with her menstrual cycle Regarding assessments conducted thus far: - Routine lab results from her primary care physician (including thyroid tests) came back normal - No known heart conditions - She has no history of anxiety disorders (these feelings do not seem to stem from thought processes) While she does not perceive a significant level of anxiety or stress mentally, she senses a physical imbalance—particularly in relation to sleep and hormonal issues. These symptoms seem to be rooted more in physiology than in psychological factors. We are trying to determine which type of specialist would be best suited for her next steps: - Endocrinologist (for possible hormonal imbalances?) - Psychiatrist (to address medication withdrawal versus potential physiological anxiety?) - Neurologist (to investigate autonomic functions or nervous system issues?) - Provider in functional or integrative medicine - Or perhaps a different specialty altogether I would appreciate insights from anyone, especially those who have dealt with similar health situations after stopping long-term stimulant use or hormone-affecting supplements. What type of medical professional should she consult first, and why? Thank you very much for any support or recommendations you can offer!

ADHDInsomniaDepression
Male25-34
7 hours ago

Help Needed: Hormonal and Anxiety Struggles

I’m a 36-year-old woman with a history of mental health issues. I smoke and am prescribed propranolol to manage my anxiety. Recently, I sought help for severe PMS symptoms and suspected perimenopause. Blood tests conducted on January 27, 2026, revealed slightly elevated DHEA-S levels and low estrogen. Just three days later, I began experiencing heightened anxiety along with frequent urination. I decided to stop taking Slynd, but this led to an escalation of my anxiety, resulting in constant panic attacks and a racing heart that reached 150 beats per minute. This abrupt change prompted me to discontinue Slynd on January 30, 2026. Despite managing my anxiety, my obsessive-compulsive tendencies worsened, leading to irrational fears about serious health issues like cancer. Five days after stopping Slynd (on February 5, 2026), I coped with tremors in my legs, a racing heart, extreme dryness in my mouth, and an overwhelming urge to urinate, compelling me to go to the emergency room. There, despite my heartbeat being at 150 and an intense panic that felt foreign, it turned out I only had a urinary tract infection. I was given propranolol, which significantly alleviated my symptoms. The EKG came back normal, but they did not perform blood tests. I needed to take propranolol four times to keep the tremors at bay. That night, my sleep was disturbed, and I woke up at 5 AM with the tremors returning along with anxiety. Strangely, I managed to cope without taking more propranolol. Today, I've been feeling some depersonalization and a general sense of unease, accompanied by minor paranoia. However, I managed to keep my panic under control without the medication. The antibiotics have helped reduce my frequent trips to the bathroom. Unfortunately, I woke up at 3 AM to find the tremors returning, along with increased anxiety and elevated heart rate. I can’t seem to control the shaking, which comes in two-second bursts. I’m left wondering if this chaos is a side effect of Slynd or if I am simply spiraling into madness. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday, but I worry the response will simply attribute everything to stress.

OCDPTSDAnxiety
Male25-34
8 hours ago