Help The up-and-down. [Psychotic depression]

[BRAINWORMS]

I've been in a slump. I talked to my therapist (whom I love dearly, big cool aunt energy) yesterday and she said a lot of my symptoms sounded congruent with psychotic depression. I bounce between thinking this makes total sense and thinking that she's lying to me and wants to sabotage me (hi there, non-bizarre delusions). Does anyone have advice for staying as lucid as possible, especially during the holidays? Self-care tips for the certifiably insane? Most of the places I look at online say psychotic depressive episodes need to be treated in the hospital, but since I'm still lucid besides the potently shitty emotions and intrusive thoughts, I think that's way overkill.

 

[bluejane]

I love big cool aunt energy. In my experience, being hospitalized for mental illnesses only forces you into silence and further misery. You cant be open about your true feelings and desires without penalties, plus its the most expensive hotel in America if youre in this shithole like I am. This time of year is dark for a lot of us. If you dont already, it may help you to write out a schedule for your days, eating meals and snacks at certain times, a daily walk, ext... I know it sounds stupid, but it really helps your life not sink into one continuous mush, constantly eating or sleeping or slouching. I hope you find what you need, message me if I can help in any way.

 

[BRAINWORMS]

I love big cool aunt energy. In my experience, being hospitalized for mental illnesses only forces you into silence and further misery. You cant be open about your true feelings and desires without penalties, plus its the most expensive hotel in America if youre in this shithole like I am. This time of year is dark for a lot of us. If you dont already, it may help you to write out a schedule for your days, eating meals and snacks at certain times, a daily walk, ext... I know it sounds stupid, but it really helps your life not sink into one continuous mush, constantly eating or sleeping or slouching. I hope you find what you need, message me if I can help in any way.

Thank you. I'm in the U.S. too, unfortunately. Having past hospital stays only reinforces my desire to stay out since it *is* so expensive and would probably be unhelpful, given my therapist is the only person I feel comfortable talking to about my brain muck.

Thanks for the tips as well. I haven't been able to exercise at all lately thanks to huge spikes in COVID cases. Going to the gym was basically my only regular outside activity. Making a schedule that includes outside time sounds really helpful.

 

[Albert]

I've found that strong scents like peppermint or citrus (fresh orange or grapefruit cut I half) can put you in a calm and lucid state of mind. You do need to sit there and huff it for a while before it takes affect. Good luck.

 

[muffin222]

Can you spend time outside or in nature at all? I always find that this calms me and grounds me in the present moment. I'm sorry you're struggling with this- psychotic depression is no joke and is very debilitating

 

[BRAINWORMS]

Can you spend time outside or in nature at all? I always find that this calms me and grounds me in the present moment. I'm sorry you're struggling with this- psychotic depression is no joke and is very debilitating

I'm super pale and generally avoid being outside. Tonight's sky was pretty and grounding, though. Crescent moon piercing through overcast clouds. I'll take your advice and go out more in the evenings. Thank you for your kind words.