Hey y’all and happy Saturday! Today I ranted a bit about something that I’ve noticed ever since I’ve gotten help for my depression and anxiety and am living a happier and healthier life…. I just can’t decide if it’s a good or bad thing 🤣 Also included is my theory on why old people don’t stop at crosswalks when driving!
Once I got diagnosed and treated for depression and anxiety, my life changed. That was nearly 30 years ago, and I cannot describe how much better my life has been and continues to be. It is not perfect, but one day at a time it is worth living. Thank you for sharing with truth hand honesty.
Thank you, Corey! And yes, as an abuse survivor and someone who has been prone to depressive episodes most of my life, after getting some help and working with it in the background most of the time, I have those antennae you’re talking about. The need to help is strong! The thing I’ve learned to do is to be open and to listen actively when a person who is suffering peeks through the door. And hey, enjoy your kid without guilt. ❤️
Thank you Corey! I have experience on both sides. I’ve had struggles my whole life from being socially awkward and bullied as a child to some serious trauma as an adult on multiple occasions. I also worked part time as a psych nurse in a residential setting where I got to know the people who lived there. If anything ever touches your heart like how those folks touched mine, I’d say you’ve been truly blessed! Mental illness should be as easy to talk about as having high blood pressure or old knees that get stiff and creaky on rainy days. Thank you again for being such a positive role model and such an outspoken advocate for something that is so misunderstood by so many people yet so incredibly common at the same time. Honestly, I worry more about people who claim they don’t have any sort of problem than people who admit this and get help. The people who claim to be fine are more often than not either in denial or suffering with a very serious personality disorder. These are the folks that end up as CEOs and politicians... 😕
Looking forward to this week’s Sunday sermon, Pastor Corey!
Is there another way to send you money as I am happy to report that we have finally seen the light at the end of the financial tunnel. We are now in our second year of retirement and I do earn cash now and again as I am working once in awhile, which does hit ! I don’t have access nor want access to PayPal. E transfer is not possible as I am a Luddite when it comes to computer technology. I follow you and Trae on most platforms, instagram, sub stack, YouTube and Twitter or as it is now known as “ToXic”, which I seldom use. Can I send a annual contribution any other way? Western Union is my best option. Please advise as I love love love and appreciate what you all put out on the sqewniverse.
Corey - thanks so much for this. I am a therapist (now in academia) and it is a bit of a curse to constantly see the signs like some crazy x-ray vision but unable to just walk up to someone and help. LOL But seriously, I'm so moved by all the posts of fans suffering even with access to mental health services. Truth is, therapy is a bit of an art, as much as science. There are dozens of models with hundreds of experimental trials and yet we can't isolate human beings into vials and pods to seek definitive answers. We're all so different with so many different experiences. Even in a PhD program, we don't teach/learn constant tactics for every case. There is nothing as definitive as "You have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, so here is a prescription for Zixicam." Which was very frustrating to me when I first started out. Ok I diagnosed "this" but there is no set prescription for "this". Just try different therapies and see what works. And some of us are better at some therapies than others. You do have to test out your rapport with therapists until you find the one you feel most comfortable with. Sadly, it's not always easy or timely. I'm an advocate for using meds if truly needed, or to just bring a light to the end of the tunnel but have always found more success if in conjunction with talk and behavior modification, and as you mentioned, learning some tricks or skills to navigate through the flare ups. Clearly we need to get help to more people as easily as if it was diabetes or a broken arm. Asking for mental health assistance shouldn't be embarrassing or stigmatized. If your brain is off, your body is suffering too. The only bright side I currently see is that we've moved many therapeutic services online so people are reaching therapists through zoom, without needing to rely on what's just in their area. If anyone needs to talk or locate a therapist in their area or on a certain subject matter, I will gladly help. (My specialty is marital issues and domestic abuse.)
Thanks again Corey for broaching this topic and I hope others can find some refuge and peace soon.
My job (already part-time) was eliminated in early April. (And being "eliminated" does make one feel like a piece of shit.)
They were nice about it, I guess. I accepted a severance package, I was told that it had nothing to do with my work and they'd be delighted to give me a good reference, etc. So why was I fired?
I'm old. (Seventy-one as of last week.) They can't SAY that was the reason (or I'd sue their collective asses) but they aren't forbidden to THINK it.
I have to say that I do not miss the work, the commute, or even the people. I suspect the business is doomed -- this was a company that published several newspapers and the daily paper isn't far removed from being a place mat. I was already on Social Security, I've made adjustments and so far, barring catastrophe, I'm getting along financially.
But I sleep too much. I simply do not want to get out of bed -- I'm sure that sounds familiar.
I am on Zoloft which worked wonders about three years ago, but nowadays, I'm scraping bottom most of the time. It really resonated with me when you described yourself as lying in bed, telling yourself all the things you ought to do.
So, it sounds like I need to pay someone to listen to me, but ... I have no idea how to go about it. And, being an intellectual snob, I have no patience with the jargon of the compassion industry.
The happiest I've been this year was when I said to myself "to hell with what this might cost" and drove to Asheville to see the Well-Red show at the Orange Peel. I coasted on that good feeling for a week or three. (And thank you again. All of you.)
Here endeth the rant. It's incredibly generous of you to offer this space for people like me to vent. I am sure you have lots of other things to do!
Man, I wish getting effective therapy was as easy as simply having access. I have free-at-the-point-of-service access through the VA. The clinic is an easy 15-minute drive from my home. And yet, none of the therapists I've been assigned to over the years have had ANY clue how to help me, not even the ones that say they specialize in my particular type of trauma. It doesn't help that I haaaaate with a passion all of the thick packets of worksheets they hand out and expect to be filled out by the next session. I was actually told by one therapist that we wouldn't get along if I struggled with the homework. Obviously, we didn't. I think I lasted four sessions.
Besides, my trust in them is shot anyway. They kept insisting I didn't have PTSD because I didn't meet their strict 2-week timeline criteria (Uh, yeah, because I got the boot from two jobs within 7 months, decided to opt out of the workplace at the age of 55 after the second job loss, and became a recluse to get the reactions to (somewhat) stop. Are you suggesting I search out a job where I know I'll be triggered, get fired, and then HOPE to get an appointment within 2 weeks to fill out that checklist AGAIN?!) Turns out the psychiatrist I'd been assigned to had diagnosed me with PTSD in 2007; twelve YEARS before I finally got the "official" diagnosis and compensation because no one could be bothered to actually read through my chart. Am I angry and bitter? Yes. Yes, I am, and I don't know how to let that go because it affected my life and many others' lives negatively because I was continually denied the full scope of help I needed. I mean, how do I go back to get help with trauma to the place that caused further trauma? FML!
Sorry for ranting. I'm really struggling lately. :(
Corey, I love you SO MUCH right now. It's our job to have empathy, show kindness, support, guidance as best you can. My therapy and medication and helped me enormously. I've learned to stay a little bit quiet when I can see that someone else is lost in the despair I experienced. Your thinking, your concern about evangelicism speak volumes of your self-awareness. Next time you're in L.A. we gotta have coffee or something. (you might dig this piece of mine - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-q9HXlZ92vQwJoUAgePY6G2fbYQ-qIZu/view?usp=drive_link )
Corey, my youngest had the same problem with most ADHD meds. But finally was put on Vyvanse and she found it much more “mellow.” Not that I’m a doctor nor that I have any personal experience, just thought I’d let you know her experience.
Corey, I went through 45 years of mental health illness verging on crisis, and after 40 years of talking to “therapists” and psychologists who were convinced that there was nothing wrong with me that a good ass-kicking wouldn’t fix. Wasn’t till maybe 15 years ago I finally got a psychiatrist who prescribed me something. And yeah, I almost immediately noticed emotional problems and bad behavior in my parents. I don’t know if it’s genetic, that they passed on their shitty brain chemicals to me, or what. But I keep it to myself, because dear ol Dad is paying the shrink bills, whether he’s sick himself or not.
Once I got diagnosed and treated for depression and anxiety, my life changed. That was nearly 30 years ago, and I cannot describe how much better my life has been and continues to be. It is not perfect, but one day at a time it is worth living. Thank you for sharing with truth hand honesty.
Great sermon Brother Corey, but could you sob about halfway through? That would up the tithing.
Thank you, Corey! And yes, as an abuse survivor and someone who has been prone to depressive episodes most of my life, after getting some help and working with it in the background most of the time, I have those antennae you’re talking about. The need to help is strong! The thing I’ve learned to do is to be open and to listen actively when a person who is suffering peeks through the door. And hey, enjoy your kid without guilt. ❤️
Thank you Corey! I have experience on both sides. I’ve had struggles my whole life from being socially awkward and bullied as a child to some serious trauma as an adult on multiple occasions. I also worked part time as a psych nurse in a residential setting where I got to know the people who lived there. If anything ever touches your heart like how those folks touched mine, I’d say you’ve been truly blessed! Mental illness should be as easy to talk about as having high blood pressure or old knees that get stiff and creaky on rainy days. Thank you again for being such a positive role model and such an outspoken advocate for something that is so misunderstood by so many people yet so incredibly common at the same time. Honestly, I worry more about people who claim they don’t have any sort of problem than people who admit this and get help. The people who claim to be fine are more often than not either in denial or suffering with a very serious personality disorder. These are the folks that end up as CEOs and politicians... 😕
Looking forward to this week’s Sunday sermon, Pastor Corey!
Hey Corey
Is there another way to send you money as I am happy to report that we have finally seen the light at the end of the financial tunnel. We are now in our second year of retirement and I do earn cash now and again as I am working once in awhile, which does hit ! I don’t have access nor want access to PayPal. E transfer is not possible as I am a Luddite when it comes to computer technology. I follow you and Trae on most platforms, instagram, sub stack, YouTube and Twitter or as it is now known as “ToXic”, which I seldom use. Can I send a annual contribution any other way? Western Union is my best option. Please advise as I love love love and appreciate what you all put out on the sqewniverse.
I want to suyyour efforts and your young family
Love from🇨🇦
🇨🇦
Corey - thanks so much for this. I am a therapist (now in academia) and it is a bit of a curse to constantly see the signs like some crazy x-ray vision but unable to just walk up to someone and help. LOL But seriously, I'm so moved by all the posts of fans suffering even with access to mental health services. Truth is, therapy is a bit of an art, as much as science. There are dozens of models with hundreds of experimental trials and yet we can't isolate human beings into vials and pods to seek definitive answers. We're all so different with so many different experiences. Even in a PhD program, we don't teach/learn constant tactics for every case. There is nothing as definitive as "You have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, so here is a prescription for Zixicam." Which was very frustrating to me when I first started out. Ok I diagnosed "this" but there is no set prescription for "this". Just try different therapies and see what works. And some of us are better at some therapies than others. You do have to test out your rapport with therapists until you find the one you feel most comfortable with. Sadly, it's not always easy or timely. I'm an advocate for using meds if truly needed, or to just bring a light to the end of the tunnel but have always found more success if in conjunction with talk and behavior modification, and as you mentioned, learning some tricks or skills to navigate through the flare ups. Clearly we need to get help to more people as easily as if it was diabetes or a broken arm. Asking for mental health assistance shouldn't be embarrassing or stigmatized. If your brain is off, your body is suffering too. The only bright side I currently see is that we've moved many therapeutic services online so people are reaching therapists through zoom, without needing to rely on what's just in their area. If anyone needs to talk or locate a therapist in their area or on a certain subject matter, I will gladly help. (My specialty is marital issues and domestic abuse.)
Thanks again Corey for broaching this topic and I hope others can find some refuge and peace soon.
My job (already part-time) was eliminated in early April. (And being "eliminated" does make one feel like a piece of shit.)
They were nice about it, I guess. I accepted a severance package, I was told that it had nothing to do with my work and they'd be delighted to give me a good reference, etc. So why was I fired?
I'm old. (Seventy-one as of last week.) They can't SAY that was the reason (or I'd sue their collective asses) but they aren't forbidden to THINK it.
I have to say that I do not miss the work, the commute, or even the people. I suspect the business is doomed -- this was a company that published several newspapers and the daily paper isn't far removed from being a place mat. I was already on Social Security, I've made adjustments and so far, barring catastrophe, I'm getting along financially.
But I sleep too much. I simply do not want to get out of bed -- I'm sure that sounds familiar.
I am on Zoloft which worked wonders about three years ago, but nowadays, I'm scraping bottom most of the time. It really resonated with me when you described yourself as lying in bed, telling yourself all the things you ought to do.
So, it sounds like I need to pay someone to listen to me, but ... I have no idea how to go about it. And, being an intellectual snob, I have no patience with the jargon of the compassion industry.
The happiest I've been this year was when I said to myself "to hell with what this might cost" and drove to Asheville to see the Well-Red show at the Orange Peel. I coasted on that good feeling for a week or three. (And thank you again. All of you.)
Here endeth the rant. It's incredibly generous of you to offer this space for people like me to vent. I am sure you have lots of other things to do!
Take care, invisible neighbor.
Man, I wish getting effective therapy was as easy as simply having access. I have free-at-the-point-of-service access through the VA. The clinic is an easy 15-minute drive from my home. And yet, none of the therapists I've been assigned to over the years have had ANY clue how to help me, not even the ones that say they specialize in my particular type of trauma. It doesn't help that I haaaaate with a passion all of the thick packets of worksheets they hand out and expect to be filled out by the next session. I was actually told by one therapist that we wouldn't get along if I struggled with the homework. Obviously, we didn't. I think I lasted four sessions.
Besides, my trust in them is shot anyway. They kept insisting I didn't have PTSD because I didn't meet their strict 2-week timeline criteria (Uh, yeah, because I got the boot from two jobs within 7 months, decided to opt out of the workplace at the age of 55 after the second job loss, and became a recluse to get the reactions to (somewhat) stop. Are you suggesting I search out a job where I know I'll be triggered, get fired, and then HOPE to get an appointment within 2 weeks to fill out that checklist AGAIN?!) Turns out the psychiatrist I'd been assigned to had diagnosed me with PTSD in 2007; twelve YEARS before I finally got the "official" diagnosis and compensation because no one could be bothered to actually read through my chart. Am I angry and bitter? Yes. Yes, I am, and I don't know how to let that go because it affected my life and many others' lives negatively because I was continually denied the full scope of help I needed. I mean, how do I go back to get help with trauma to the place that caused further trauma? FML!
Sorry for ranting. I'm really struggling lately. :(
Corey, I love you SO MUCH right now. It's our job to have empathy, show kindness, support, guidance as best you can. My therapy and medication and helped me enormously. I've learned to stay a little bit quiet when I can see that someone else is lost in the despair I experienced. Your thinking, your concern about evangelicism speak volumes of your self-awareness. Next time you're in L.A. we gotta have coffee or something. (you might dig this piece of mine - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-q9HXlZ92vQwJoUAgePY6G2fbYQ-qIZu/view?usp=drive_link )
Corey, my youngest had the same problem with most ADHD meds. But finally was put on Vyvanse and she found it much more “mellow.” Not that I’m a doctor nor that I have any personal experience, just thought I’d let you know her experience.
Corey, I went through 45 years of mental health illness verging on crisis, and after 40 years of talking to “therapists” and psychologists who were convinced that there was nothing wrong with me that a good ass-kicking wouldn’t fix. Wasn’t till maybe 15 years ago I finally got a psychiatrist who prescribed me something. And yeah, I almost immediately noticed emotional problems and bad behavior in my parents. I don’t know if it’s genetic, that they passed on their shitty brain chemicals to me, or what. But I keep it to myself, because dear ol Dad is paying the shrink bills, whether he’s sick himself or not.