Hopefully this is ok to ask and discuss about.

Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
55,705
113
Besides myself, if you’re suffering or dealing with any kind of mental health issues/diagnosis, would you be interested in discussing any of that on this forum?

Since my 30’s I’ve been put through the wringer. In 2012 I had my first trip to the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health over in Greer, SC. Since then I’ve had three separate hospitalizations there and one more in Lancaster, SC

Started seeing a psychiatrist in 2012. A psychologist diagnosed me in 2017. Anyone else like to share? If you’d like to know more about my situation or just need a sounding board to let your guard down here?
 

Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
55,705
113
My father is bi-polar w/ schizophrenic tendencies....in and out of VA mental institutions since the 60s. He's been through the wringer as well (as has our family). Sorry you're having to deal with that AND the American mental health system--it' SO broken. Might I ask what your actual diagnosis is?
I began my journey just seeing my general practitioner. He tried in vain and finally in 2012 after seeing him since 2006 told me “it’s either a psychiatrist or the hospital.”

I came in one day absolutely sick with severe depression and suicidal ideation. He sent me to the Carolina Center.

After first seeing a psychiatrist at a nearby clinic, I asked and asked what’s my diagnosis?? You’re giving me these medications but for what??

In 2017 I found a psychologist who in just a few days diagnosed me with severe clinical depression with suicide ideation, ADHD, severe obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder 2, severe generalized anxiety disorder, severe panic disorder. The psychologist explained that all these diagnoses amount to when multiple mental health conditions exist together, they don't just sit side-by-side; they interact, often amplifying one another. This is sometimes called "diagnostic overshadowing" or "complex comorbidity."
 
Jun 16, 2025
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I began my journey just seeing my general practitioner. He tried in vain and finally in 2012 after seeing him since 2006 told me “it’s either a psychiatrist or the hospital.”

I came in one day absolutely sick with severe depression and suicidal ideation. He sent me to the Carolina Center.

After first seeing a psychiatrist at a nearby clinic, I asked and asked what’s my diagnosis?? You’re giving me these medications but for what??

In 2017 I found a psychologist who in just a few days diagnosed me with severe clinical depression with suicide ideation, ADHD, severe obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder 2, severe generalized anxiety disorder, severe panic disorder. The psychologist explained that all these diagnoses amount to when multiple mental health conditions exist together, they don't just sit side-by-side; they interact, often amplifying one another. This is sometimes called "diagnostic overshadowing" or "complex comorbidity."
I hope talking about it here helps, but if I had any advice, this isn’t the place for someone who is already depressed.
 

RagnarLothbrok

Heisman
Jun 11, 2025
4,686
13,416
113
Besides myself, if you’re suffering or dealing with any kind of mental health issues/diagnosis, would you be interested in discussing any of that on this forum?

Since my 30’s I’ve been put through the wringer. In 2012 I had my first trip to the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health over in Greer, SC. Since then I’ve had three separate hospitalizations there and one more in Lancaster, SC

Started seeing a psychiatrist in 2012. A psychologist diagnosed me in 2017. Anyone else like to share? If you’d like to know more about my situation or just need a sounding board to let your guard down here?
The fact you know how to properly spell wringer leads me to believe you are likely not a Trump supporter.

In the court of public opinion, I have been diagnosed with an acute case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). I am still being treated for this debilitating condition. Ts and Ps would be greatly appreciated.

All kidding aside, I wish you well (even if you are a Trump supporter lol) on your journey to mental health and well-being. I don't personally understand a lot of it, but I have had family members and friends who have dealt with various forms of depression and anxiety-related disorders, so I know it's very real. And I know the brain is no different than less stigmatized conditions and organs in the body, so screw anyone who would judge you. I also know recovery is possible with the right medication and therapy.

Also, humor can be a good remedy...for a lot of things. Something my grandfather taught that has been beneficial to me is the realization "...nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems. No matter what, all of us have the same destination in life...the other side of the grass. Might as well find a way to enjoy each day."

I understand that can seem overly trite and simplistic, but sometimes perspective can make a big difference (along with the other aforementioned treatments) in providing the daily reprieve and levity necessary to making life tolerable.

Best wishes to you.
 

JohnBeckwith

All-Conference
Apr 28, 2022
1,395
2,851
113
I hope talking about it here helps, but if I had any advice, this isn’t the place for someone who is already depressed.
He comes from boards that actually take mental issues seriously and dont allow childish posters to inject their humor/politics into them. I know thats not possible on the Iowa board, but I've visited other boards and these types of threads are taken seriously and offer individuals guidance and help/conversation.
 

Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
55,705
113
He comes from boards that actually take mental issues seriously and dont allow childish posters to inject their humor/politics into them. I know thats not possible on the Iowa board, but I've visited other boards and these types of threads are taken seriously and offer individuals guidance and help/conversation.
Appreciate you
 
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Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
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113
The fact you know how to properly spell wringer leads me to believe you are likely not a Trump supporter.

In the court of public opinion, I have been diagnosed with an acute case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). I am still being treated for this debilitating condition. Ts and Ps would be greatly appreciated.

All kidding aside, I wish you well (even if you are a Trump supporter lol) on your journey to mental health and well-being. I don't personally understand a lot of it, but I have had family members and friends who have dealt with various forms of depression and anxiety-related disorders, so I know it's very real. And I know the brain is no different than less stigmatized conditions and organs in the body, so screw anyone who would judge you. I also know recovery is possible with the right medication and therapy.

Also, humor can be a good remedy...for a lot of things. Something my grandfather taught that has been beneficial to me is the realization "...nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems. No matter what, all of us have the same destination in life...the other side of the grass. Might as well find a way to enjoy each day."

I understand that can seem overly trite and simplistic, but sometimes perspective can make a big difference (along with the other aforementioned treatments) in providing the daily reprieve and levity necessary to making life tolerable.

Best wishes to you.
I’ve never felt judged, but I definitely know that having a severe mental illness, sometimes it absolutely means “it definitely feels like it’s as bad as it could be. I didn’t start a post for attention but for conversation. I’m 55 and live in a very large house with my soon to be 81 year old father. Since my difficulties began he’s never not once started a conversation with “How are you?”
 

lonestar50

All-Conference
Dec 21, 2022
1,004
3,358
113
My wife struggles with anxiety and depression and attempted suicide before we met and as strange as it sounds sometimes I wish I struggled with depression and anxiety as well just so I can understand better what she's going through and how it feels. I try not to get upset but there are times when she doesn't get out of bed for 3 days i do get frustrated.
 

Aardvark86

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
1,733
2,733
113
I’ve never felt judged, but I definitely know that having a severe mental illness, sometimes it absolutely means “it definitely feels like it’s as bad as it could be. I didn’t start a post for attention but for conversation. I’m 55 and live in a very large house with my soon to be 81 year old father. Since my difficulties began he’s never not once started a conversation with “How are you?”
One more thing to remember when things get dark. Whether you know it or believe it or not, there is someone in your life who will actually do heroic things to keep you in their life.

I’ve had to be that person - never planned on it and never would have thought I had it in me. But having to do so was the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. Sometimes the value and joy we bring to others can be counterinuitive.
 

Thebears-165

Junior
Feb 9, 2006
261
239
43
The fact you know how to properly spell wringer leads me to believe you are likely not a Trump supporter.

In the court of public opinion, I have been diagnosed with an acute case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). I am still being treated for this debilitating condition. Ts and Ps would be greatly appreciated.

All kidding aside, I wish you well (even if you are a Trump supporter lol) on your journey to mental health and well-being. I don't personally understand a lot of it, but I have had family members and friends who have dealt with various forms of depression and anxiety-related disorders, so I know it's very real. And I know the brain is no different than less stigmatized conditions and organs in the body, so screw anyone who would judge you. I also know recovery is possible with the right medication and therapy.

Also, humor can be a good remedy...for a lot of things. Something my grandfather taught that has been beneficial to me is the realization "...nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems. No matter what, all of us have the same destination in life...the other side of the grass. Might as well find a way to enjoy each day."

I understand that can seem overly trite and simplistic, but sometimes perspective can make a big difference (along with the other aforementioned treatments) in providing the daily reprieve and levity necessary to making life tolerable.

Best wishes to you.
What the **** is wrong with you? Way to make it about “look at me…….” NM. It fits

To the original OP, I hope talking about this helps you. I have never experienced it and didn’t know anyone until I met my ex 20 years ago. It wasn’t a direct reason we broke up, but I learned so much about how it impacts people’s lives. She ended up in multiple different medications and saw many doctors until she found the right meds (don’t recall which one ended up working). I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I honestly cannot imagine and truly hope this board and your therapy sessions help. Wish there was a magical answer for you, and I mean that in the sincerest way possible.
 
Last edited:

Ty7

All-Conference
Jul 7, 2025
571
1,222
93
diagnosed with anxiety, depression and panic disorder in 2004. The lovely roller coaster of lets try this med until we finally found something that works. It sucks but it does get better. Getting a gene site test is a must if you are on meds (simple blood test). It will tell you how your DNA works with meds and if you are on the correct ones. It will also tell you what meds will work for you.

I am also a Psychotherapist and love working with my clients.
 

Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
55,705
113
My wife struggles with anxiety and depression and attempted suicide before we met and as strange as it sounds sometimes I wish I struggled with depression and anxiety as well just so I can understand better what she's going through and how it feels. I try not to get upset but there are times when she doesn't get out of bed for 3 days i do get frustrated.
@lonestar50 I hear ya, and I promise you if you don’t have it you certainly don’t want or need it. I’ve been dealing with these issues well over twenty years and it’s just hard to explain to someone who doesn’t have it.

True story. One of my childhood friend’s father was always on him about grades or whatever. Long story short, my friend Chris called home on his birthday to say hello as he was in the armed forces. When his mom tried to pass the phone over to dad, he refused to speak to his son. A few weeks later a car parked at the Mauldin K-Mart got the attention of an officer. When he shined his light my friend pulled a jacket up and blew his head off.

Years later, his father, I don’t know his age, was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. It eats away at him everyday that he couldn’t be a better father.
 

Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
55,705
113
One more thing to remember when things get dark. Whether you know it or believe it or not, there is someone in your life who will actually do heroic things to keep you in their life.

I’ve had to be that person - never planned on it and never would have thought I had it in me. But having to do so was the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. Sometimes the value and joy we bring to others can be counterinuitive.
I certainly appreciate that!
 

alaskanseminole

Heisman
Oct 20, 2002
245,004
10,938
103
I began my journey just seeing my general practitioner. He tried in vain and finally in 2012 after seeing him since 2006 told me “it’s either a psychiatrist or the hospital.”

I came in one day absolutely sick with severe depression and suicidal ideation. He sent me to the Carolina Center.

After first seeing a psychiatrist at a nearby clinic, I asked and asked what’s my diagnosis?? You’re giving me these medications but for what??

In 2017 I found a psychologist who in just a few days diagnosed me with severe clinical depression with suicide ideation, ADHD, severe obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder 2, severe generalized anxiety disorder, severe panic disorder. The psychologist explained that all these diagnoses amount to when multiple mental health conditions exist together, they don't just sit side-by-side; they interact, often amplifying one another. This is sometimes called "diagnostic overshadowing" or "complex comorbidity."
Man, that's a lot to unpack. Wowzers! Sounds like you've been through the "wringer" for a long time. I can only imagine how difficult it was dealing with all of that before you finally got some answers. If you don't mind me asking which of those conditions do you feel impacts your life the most? How's your experience been w/ the mental health system?
 
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Moral

Heisman
Dec 16, 2022
9,654
35,531
113
He comes from boards that actually take mental issues seriously and dont allow childish posters to inject their humor/politics into them. I know thats not possible on the Iowa board, but I've visited other boards and these types of threads are taken seriously and offer individuals guidance and help/conversation.

People used to share a lot more stuff on HROT. It was a very open forum with considerate people.

Then there was a shift in the culture and trolls would use stuff like this against you if it suits them.
 
Jun 16, 2025
3,342
7,305
113
He comes from boards that actually take mental issues seriously and dont allow childish posters to inject their humor/politics into them. I know thats not possible on the Iowa board, but I've visited other boards and these types of threads are taken seriously and offer individuals guidance and help/conversation.
I was only insinuating this place can be depressing all by itself. Wasn’t trying to come across in any other way. Hope it helps him.
 
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Esso Club

Heisman
May 24, 2006
166,469
55,705
113
Man, that's a lot to unpack. Wowzers! Sounds like you've been through the "wringer" for a long time. I can only imagine how difficult it was dealing with all of that before you finally got some answers. If you don't mind me asking which of those conditions do you feel impacts your life the most? How's your experience been w/ the mental health system?
It depends brother. When I got out of the psychiatric hospital in late January of this year I was still very sick. At that time my bipolar disorder was awful. Still severely depressed and very much suicidal. My PA wanted to put me back in the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health but I absolutely refused. Instead he put me on 400MGS of Seroquel. That has really helped me with depression and bipolar.

In recent weeks it’s been the obsessive compulsive disorder and it’s really been tough. Very difficult for me to put into words, but at the end of each day I’m physically and mentally exhausted and I don’t even work.
My experience with the psychiatric clinic I’ve been with since 2012 has mostly been a good one. I appreciate your concern and kind gestures.😊