Overcoming Mental Health Challenges: My Ongoing Struggle with Multiple Conditions
At just 21, I find myself in a daunting battle with various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite having sought treatment through 27 different medications, therapy sessions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), relief continues to elude me. I've also experienced the distress of being hospitalized 16 times, a fact that weighs heavily on my heart. **Personal Profile:** - **Age:** 21 - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 6’3” - **Weight:** 202 lbs - **Substance Use:** None - **Alcohol Use:** None - **Smoking Status:** Non-smoker - **Location:** United States My daily reality is overshadowed by persistent anxiety that compels me from dawn until dusk and even disrupts my sleep. This is the aspect of my mental health that troubles me the most. Living with such heightened anxiety has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It manifests in various ways, from general worries to overwhelming panic about my future and academic pressures. I've exhausted numerous forms of treatment in my search for stability. This includes trying TMS, Spravato (esketamine), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and various psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and internal family systems (IFS). The gravity of my condition has resulted in multiple psychiatric hospitalizations following suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts, with the most recent episode occurring just a week ago. **Medications I've Explored:** - **SSRIs:** Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro - **SNRIs:** Cymbalta, Effexor - **NDRIs:** Wellbutrin - **Stimulants:** Adderall and Ritalin - **Non-stimulant ADHD treatments:** Strattera - **Antipsychotics:** Seroquel, Abilify, and Risperdal - **Mood Stabilizers/Anti-Epileptics:** Gabapentin, Lamictal, Lithium, and Depakote - **Novel Antidepressants:** Mirtazapine, Ketamine, Auvelity - **Benzodiazepines:** Ativan, Xanax - **Others:** T3 (cytomel), Hydroxyzine, Prazosin, Trazodone, propranolol, Clonidine, Tiagabine, L-MTHF **Current Medications:** - **Gabapentin (3,200 mg):** Prescribed for managing anxiety and depression - **Risperdal (2 mg):** Utilized for anxiety, autism-related irritability, and depression - **Seroquel (200 mg):** Aids in sleep and alleviates anxiety - **Cymbalta (20 mg):** Gradual withdrawal is planned due to insufficient effectiveness and side effects - **Adderall (5 mg):** Also being tapered off due to possible adverse effects - **Metformin (750 mg):** A preventative measure against weight gain resulting from other prescriptions - **Hydroxyzine (10 to 100 mg as needed):** Used for acute anxiety episodes - **Zofran (8 mg):** Helps control nausea linked to Metformin - **Propranolol (40 mg as needed):** Responsible for regulating heart rate fluctuations related to anxiety - **Robaxin (750 mg):** Addresses physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly muscular tension. This ongoing search for effective treatment is exhausting, and yet my journey continues as I seek new avenues for healing and stability. If you’ve faced similar challenges or are seeking support, know that you are not alone in this fight.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 4:02:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's clear that you're facing an incredibly tough situation with multiple mental health challenges, which can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Your desire for relief and stability is completely understandable, and I want to reassure you that you're not alone in this battle. Finding the right combination of support and treatment is often a complex journey, particularly when dealing with multiple conditions.
Key Points:
- Heightened Anxiety: Your dominant concern seems to be persistent anxiety affecting your daily life and sleep.
- Treatment Exhaustion: You’ve tried various medications and therapies with limited success, leading to feelings of discouragement.
- Ongoing Support Needed: Given your history, ongoing support is crucial.
Explanation:
Anxiety can be a pervasive issue that interferes with day-to-day activities and overall well-being. Since you've already explored an extensive range of treatments, it may be helpful to focus on a few tailored strategies that could complement your current regimen and offer some immediate relief.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize Self-Help Techniques:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Regular mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and body. Apps like Headspace or Calm might be beneficial.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise, even light activities like walking, can significantly boost mood and reduce anxiety.
- Routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine can provide structure, which may help lessen anxiety.
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Optimize Sleep Hygiene:
- Since anxiety disrupts sleep, practice good sleep habits: keep a regular schedule, create a restful environment, and avoid screens before bed.
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Nutritional Considerations:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may support mental health. Staying hydrated is also essential.
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Explore Peer Support:
- Consider joining support groups where you can connect with others facing similar struggles. Sharing your thoughts and hearing others’ experiences can be cathartic and support connection.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a journal to track your emotions, triggers, and responses to treatments. This can help identify patterns and may be useful information to share during therapy or with your prescriber.
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Consult with a Specialist:
- If you haven't already, consider working with a psychiatrist who specializes in complex cases. They could offer insights into possible combinations of therapies or newer treatment options like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy or alternative methods (like art or music therapy).
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Emergency Preparedness:
- Given your history of hospitalizations, have an emergency plan in place that includes phone numbers for crisis hotlines and emergency contacts. Knowing where to turn can bring peace of mind.
Remember, your journey towards healing may take time, and progress can be gradual. Each small step forward is significant. If you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out to trusted friends or professionals who can provide support. You are resilient, and there is hope for better days ahead. If you need more specific resources or wish to discuss any particular strategy further, feel free to share.
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