Mental Disorders

[Guest Glyph]

Your English is damn good one man ! Siow is not crazy ,and crazy is not mental disorder and mental disorder is not siow .....

siao peh (mental illness/disorder), siao geng (mental hospital/asylum) are all (somewhat) literal, technically accurate translations. But siao, as it stands alone, is usually a derogatory term used to describe someone as a mad person, or of mentally unsound, deranged, demented mind, or insane. That said, using Hokkien as a medium of language to describe anything related to mental illnesses generally carries a stigma. Most tend to avoid doing so.

To sum things up for you,

siao (adjective) = crazy (adjective)

mental disorder (noun) ≠ crazy

Hence, siao ≠ mental disorder.

My language proficiency bueh zai but I also hear people say this before. "kiang jiu ho, mai kay kiang." Better off spending your time brushing up your bua tang zhui English, perhaps Hokkien as well?

[MadMan]

I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia after his breakup with his BF of 5yrs. He was already displaying some signs and symptoms half way thru the relationship, making his BF then v frustrated with his behavior which eventually led to the breakup, but that was before we all were made known of his medical condition. Now he continues to text his ex and ex friends with weird messages. I told his ex not to respond and I don't know how to help him, every time we spoke I asked if he was taking his medication and following up with his psychiatrist, but that got him quite upset bcos he complaint I was insinuating that he is siow.

[Guest Guest]

Anyone with accumulated PTSD from receiving child abuse that can be emotional, sexual or both, followed by perpetual bullying from his peers well into adulthood? How are you coping with it? How did you get to recognise your situation and when? How did you recount your experience and to whom? How did you receive assistance from others? What treatments have you tried or are trying?

[ouat1972]

Many people, particularly our society, lack empathy, or are not very understanding with regards to people with a mental condition.

Sad.

[Guest Guest]

Our society is highly ignorant of both homosexuality and mental illnesses. Mediacorpse shows often parodies those for entertainment, or portrays them in very irresponsible, sketchy, misinformed, skewed or patronising ways, resulting in reckless and inhumane treatment of them by society. Shame on this land for such shoddy standards in treating vulnerable and marginalised communities. Shame!

[Guest Guest]

Anxiety disorder equal to mental disorder?

[The.Intrv.]

Much like everything else, nobody knows if you're going to get a cardiac arrest, encounter stroke, or have a seizure attack. So to answer your question, yes, it is true that operating a vehicle comes with certain risks with or without the fact that the driver is suffering from any form of anxiety disorder unless it is driving phobia.Your concern is misplaced here, you'll do better urging drivers to not drink and drive instead. And perhaps get ample rest before they take the wheel, because sleep-deprived driving is if not more, just as dangerous as drink driving.Let's get back to the topic.

Ditto.

[The.Intrv.]

You can still ride a bike. For me, my anxiety has stop me from driving alone. As i always have fear of panic attack while i am driving, since then i do not have the courage to drive alone again. Quite a sad case for me. And i dont know what should i do to overcome and cure this fear?

I am sorry to hear about your plight. If your anxiety has incapacitated your ability to drive/ride, my only suggestion for you is to seek professional help from a psychiatrist and/or a psychologist.

I'm sure that you wish not to endanger your own life, and also, the lives of others.

The road to recovery is a long and arduous one, but I am certain that you'll be able tide through this storm if you are willing to take the first step.

We are all here to support each other.

[The.Intrv.]

Anxiety disorder equal to mental disorder?

No. Anxiety disorder is just one form of a mental disorder; there are many, many more types of mental disorders such as clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia nervosa and so forth. Edited July 27, 2015 by The.Intrv.

[Guest Guest]

Watch Call me crazy: a five film. It's 5 stories of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression & PTSD. Educational film highlighting personal and familial experiences of mental illnesses. It is illustrative of challenges faced by mental illness patients and their immediate families, and inspires the right directions and attitudes to have both for and towards people dealing with them. Moving scenes in the 2nd, 3rd & 5th stories.

[EasleyLim]

ITT: Guests who think disorders are simply problems that you solve with a shift in mindset.

You have depression? Oh, I know, just try thinking about happy stuff instead?

Wow. Thanks. Surely the depressed person has never thought of such a simple fix. Such a brilliant breakthrough in psychology and psychotherapy.

[Guest Guest]

After reading so many posts on sharing on anxiety disorder here, anyone can share what will you do at the point of time when your anxiety and panic attack is trigger in order to stop or recover from it?

[Guest Guest]

ITT: Guests who think disorders are simply problems that you solve with a shift in mindset.

You have depression? Oh, I know, just try thinking about happy stuff instead?

Wow. Thanks. Surely the depressed person has never thought of such a simple fix. Such a brilliant breakthrough in psychology and psychotherapy.

That's patronising sufferers' situation. It can potentially worsen their condition too, as it may make them feel guilty for failing to "magically" recover by doing things as "simple" as "think positive". What well meaning people should instead try offering, and not ramming down their throats, are specific, concrete steps to feeling better instead of simply asking them to think positive, which is more easily said than done for depression sufferers.

[The.Intrv.]

After reading so many posts on sharing on anxiety disorder here, anyone can share what will you do at the point of time when your anxiety and panic attack is trigger in order to stop or recover from it?

Personally, I have a sedative/anxiolytic prescribed by my psychiatrist to be taken before, and even during an episode of a panic attack.

There are also alternative means as well, such as breathing technique and whatnot. But, they just don't seem to be of any help to me at all.

[HendryTan]

1. According to this post, the App Might Save You During Your Next Panic Attack
Emergency Chat is useful in a number of situations.

 

2. Please Note I am just posting from source, check with your medical care taker to see it is ok first.

___________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.mtv.com/news/2225430/autistism-app-panic-attack/

 

Imagine having a panic attack and literally not being able to let anyone know what’s going on. For some autistic people, it’s a reality they deal with every day. Because for many people on the autism spectrum, communication and interpreting social cues is already a challenge even before you add in the potential extra hurdle of anxiety.

 

Jeroen De Busser knows that struggle all too well. Which is why the autistic computer science student at the University of Antwerp in Belgium designed the “Emergency Chat” app for those situations when communication breaks down. De Busser shared the story of his app’s creation with Upworthy, explaining that he came up with the idea after a meltdown where he went nonverbal and his friends could not figure out how to help him.

 

Googleplay/Emergency Chat

 

“It has a base text that explains to the person you gave your phone to that you can’t use speech and want to use this app to communicate,” he said about the app, which pops up on the screen and allows the person you are with to better understand what your needs are. “Both the title and text can be adjusted in the settings to be whatever you want the person you give your phone to to know.”

The app is available now on Google Play and should be available for iOS soon, according to the Chat Facebook page.

As De Busser explained, sometimes when autistic people are overwhelmed, a flurry of questions is the least helpful thing and could potentially increase the panic, making it harder to talk or deal with a stressful situation. Your friends might want to help by asking you what they can do, but because you can’t verbalize what is going on, your level of frustration just multiplies.

The app — which already has more than 500 users — works in a number in situations, including asthma attacks. The text and title can be adjusted to fit whatever you need the other person to know in that situation.

 

GooglePlay/Emergency Chat

 

Once the initial screen pops up, the app moves into the chat setting, where the phone owner can type in exactly how they are feeling and give the person they are handing the device to explicit instructions on what to do next.

 

 

 

Google Play/Emergency Chat

[Guest Guest]

Personally, I have a sedative/anxiolytic prescribed by my psychiatrist to be taken before, and even during an episode of a panic attack.

There are also alternative means as well, such as breathing technique and whatnot. But, they just don't seem to be of any help to me at all.

You mean the sedative given by your psychiatrist works when you have an attack of panic attack? Think when a person got strike by panic attack, nothing seems to help to stop or recover a person? As we all know how to avoid being strike by anxiety and panic attack, but many of us cannot have a good solution to counterstrike when we got attacked?

[The.Intrv.]

You mean the sedative given by your psychiatrist works when you have an attack of panic attack? Think when a person got strike by panic attack, nothing seems to help to stop or recover a person? As we all know how to avoid being strike by anxiety and panic attack, but many of us cannot have a good solution to counterstrike when we got attacked?

 

Yes, the sedative works—even during the onset of a panic attack. (as long as you are able to swallow pills) The only downside to this group of medicines is that they possess an extremely high dependence liability, which may cause one to develop a gradual addiction to them.

 

Edit: Please note that drug dependence ≠ drug addiction.

Edited August 1, 2015 by The.Intrv.

[Guest Dent]

When the dentist numb my gums.The feeling of numb and losing feelings in the mouth may trigger a panic attack.Anyone dentist or similar sufferers have ways to deal with this.

[alien]

Yes, the sedative works—even during the onset of a panic attack. (as long as you are able to swallow pills) The only downside to this group of medicines is that they possess an extremely high dependence liability, which may cause one to develop a gradual addiction to them.

 

Edit: Please note that drug dependence ≠ drug addiction.

Didn't know there is med to stop the onset of a panic attack? But like u said although it helps but the person wld depended on the med which is no gd.

[Guest bob]

I have very serious social anxiety and OCD last time. Nearly lost my job. But now much better after medicine and counselling by psychiatrist. 

 

Advise you guys to see psychiatrist for your mental problems asap. Dun prolong your suffering.

 

Kudos for starting this thread to raise awareness of mental problems so common nowadays.

[darkflame]

I have very serious social anxiety and OCD last time. Nearly lost my job. But now much better after medicine and counselling by psychiatrist.

Advise you guys to see psychiatrist for your mental problems asap. Dun prolong your suffering.

Kudos for starting this thread to raise awareness of mental problems so common nowadays.

I really needed this post, thx!

I'm in something similar so I will also be seeking treatment once my job assignment overseas is over.

[Guest Guest]

If ur anxiety is serious enough to take med still not so bad. My anxiety condition is not serious until need to take med when i went to see a psychiatrist. But i feel that my anxiety still there if something trigger it.

[The.Intrv.]

If ur anxiety is serious enough to take med still not so bad. My anxiety condition is not serious until need to take med when i went to see a psychiatrist. But i feel that my anxiety still there if something trigger it.

 

If your psychiatrist had decided to prescribe you with meds, chances are your anxiety is of a certain severity. If you aren't able to identify your stressor(s) by yourself, go back to him/her for advice.

[Guest GAD]

I am on nightly dosage of Lexapro 5mg for GAD. Works well but isn't cheap.

I carry small amount of prescribed xanax to use whenever a panic attack occurs. Luckily I don't have to use it yet.

 

[Guest Teddy]

I am on nightly dosage of Lexapro 5mg for GAD. Works well but isn't cheap.

I carry small amount of prescribed xanax to use whenever a panic attack occurs. Luckily I don't have to use it yet.

 

I feel like trying. How well does it work? Do you feel nice and cool? Any side effects?

[The.Intrv.]

I am on nightly dosage of Lexapro 5mg for GAD. Works well but isn't cheap.

I carry small amount of prescribed xanax to use whenever a panic attack occurs. Luckily I don't have to use it yet.

 

Great for you, -GAD-.

A lil' tip to cut down on your medical expenses: instead of purchasing brand name drugs ($$$) like Lexapro (escitalopram) & Xanax (alprazolam), you could request from your doc for generic ($) escitalopram & alprazolam. They are much cheaper, and equally effective.

 

Take Panadol as an example—its main constituent is paracetamol (acetaminophen if you reside in the US). paracetamol by itself, is a dirt cheap drug available in generic form. However, once the brand name Panadol is stamped on it, it transforms into a brand name drug.

Edited August 9, 2015 by The.Intrv.

[Guest Guest]

Great for you, -GAD-.

A lil' tip to cut down on your medical expenses: instead of purchasing brand name drugs ($$$) like Lexapro (escitalopram) & Xanax (alprazolam), you could request from your doc for generic ($) escitalopram & alprazolam. They are much cheaper, and equally effective.

 

Take Panadol as an example—its main constituent is paracetamol (acetaminophen if you reside in the US). paracetamol by itself, is a dirt cheap drug available in generic form. However, once the brand name Panadol is stamped on it, it transforms into a brand name drug.

 

Are you sure the branded ones and generic ones equally effective? Have you tried both types before? If really so then i'll ask doc for generic to save costs.

 

btw after you take the med do you feel more brave and calm? Do you feel much happier?

[The.Intrv.]

Are you sure the branded ones and generic ones equally effective? Have you tried both types before? If really so then i'll ask doc for generic to save costs.

 

btw after you take the med do you feel more brave and calm? Do you feel much happier?

 

Yes, and yes.

 

The meds do no make me feel brave, but they do put me in a state of calm for a short period of time. Lexapro (escitalopram), however has long lost its therapeutic effects on me. However, do note that all my answers are based solely on my own experience; the same medicines may produce different effects for a different person as not all bodies are made the same.

[Guest Guest]

I am not sure if I have a disorder but I do get anxious especially in crowded and small spaces, I try to avoid negative, annoying people who give me unnecessary stress and sometimes I tell myself I am not the only one, I am still working on my self esteem and confidence.

[Guest Guest]

Yes, and yes.

 

The meds do no make me feel brave, but they do put me in a state of calm for a short period of time. Lexapro (escitalopram), however has long lost its therapeutic effects on me. However, do note that all my answers are based solely on my own experience; the same medicines may produce different effects for a different person as not all bodies are made the same.

 

so the med effect only for short period?

[The.Intrv.]

so the med effect only for short period?

Uh, the therapeutic effects of the meds can only be felt by yourself. Therefore, its therapeutic duration can be extremely subjective on different individuals. We're talking bout a couple of months to a few years here; only a qualified psychiatrist can advise you on such queries.

[Magicerife]

where did you find generic escitalopram in singapore? the only brand registered in Singapore is still Lexapro by Lundbeck. Your doctor went to import his own form D drug ah?

[Guest Guest]

Does anyone have sleep problem at night due to anxiety disorder?

[The.Intrv.]

where did you find generic escitalopram in singapore? the only brand registered in Singapore is still Lexapro by Lundbeck. Your doctor went to import his own form D drug ah?

Yes. He does so to cut costs, and I purchase them to reduce my medical expenses. Win-win.

Edit: Sorry, I forgot bout your question. I got 'em from a private psychiatrist.

Edited August 11, 2015 by The.Intrv.

[Guest Guest]

Insomnia? Now anxiety disorder sounds alot like depression. I'm sure they share many symptoms. How to differentiate the two? Any distinguishing factor?

[alien]

Looks like anxiety, depression, mental disorder and even insomnia seems to overlap each other in terms of symptoms?!

[Magicerife]

Yes. He does so to cut costs, and I purchase them to reduce my medical expenses. Win-win.

Edit: Sorry, I forgot bout your question. I got 'em from a private psychiatrist.

uh private psychiatrist and using generic? doesn't quite add up. even your usual neighbourhood GPs don't use generics usually. Besides, you need poisons and importing license to bring in unregistered products in singapore. that's the first i heard; private practitioners importing their own drugs for their patients. i'm surprise he hasn't lost his license/get paid a visit by HSA yet. could you kindly screenshot your meds for us? if there's really generic available in the market it'll benefit plenty of people. i didn't know the patent for escitalopram in singapore has already expired

[The.Intrv.]

Now, now, we're treading over the line here. As much as I wish to satiate your burning curiosity, I wish not to get my psych into any form of trouble over here. To help you better add up though, think Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Edited August 16, 2015 by The.Intrv.

[Guest -mon-]

I have Body Dismorphic Disorder I think. Even though I have never seen any doctor, I just know.

 

I get depressed cos I am short. I hate my short stumpy legs. In my darkest moments, I look at the mirror and wonder why I existed.

 

At best, I will tell myself that at least I am still able-bodied and can work a normal job. But sometimes it doesnt go away. All it takes is for someone to pass an insensitive remark about height and I will get really affected.

[Guest Guest]

Generic ones are usually cheaper and yes they do have the same effect. Even IMH and pte psychiatrist use generic alprozolam instead of Xanax to treat severe anxiety disorder.

By the way is it cheaper to visit the psychiatrist in jb? Does anyone know where I can go to see psychiatrist in Jb for severe GAD?

[The.Intrv.]

I have Body Dismorphic Disorder I think. Even though I have never seen any doctor, I just know.

 

I get depressed cos I am short. I hate my short stumpy legs. In my darkest moments, I look at the mirror and wonder why I existed.

 

At best, I will tell myself that at least I am still able-bodied and can work a normal job. But sometimes it doesnt go away. All it takes is for someone to pass an insensitive remark about height and I will get really affected.

 

I feel you. In my case—acne scars & keloids.

[Guest zzz]

Like you guys, I am also someone who has dealing with anxiety, insecurity issues for the longest time ever. In fact, I am probably older than all of you here - 35 yrs old! Has anyone ever joined a social anxiety support group? I think people like us really need to go out there to make friends - but this has to be done with the right people.

[Guest Guest]

Like you guys, I am also someone who has dealing with anxiety, insecurity issues for the longest time ever. In fact, I am probably older than all of you here - 35 yrs old! Has anyone ever joined a social anxiety support group? I think people like us really need to go out there to make friends - but this has to be done with the right people.

Is there such a group exists here? The biggest problem that anxiety is causing me is i will feel dizziness when i am anxious and panic, which really affecting me a lot.

[Guest Guest]

That's because you may be hyperventilating . Try to breathe in deeply and breathe out slowly . Find a quiet place to do it or away from the panic location. It's ok just tell yourself. do for more than 10 minutes.

[Guest Guest]

That's because you may be hyperventilating . Try to breathe in deeply and breathe out slowly . Find a quiet place to do it or away from the panic location. It's ok just tell yourself. do for more than 10 minutes.

I dont have such hyperventilating feeling before i have developed anxiety disorder. Now it just give me problem on and off, if i have anxiety already, dont think breathing will help me much. As when anxiety or panic attack strike me, i will always feel dizzy and have the feeling of fainting which i really hate and dont know how to handle it!

[Guest Guest]

That's why you need to learn how to breathe again . I went for cognitive behavior therapy and learning to breathe due to hyperventilating is what the psychologist insisted that I must practice daily three times a day for 20 mins. It did help as when I panic I will hyperventilate . It's best if you could seek help with a psychologist other than having just medication from a psychiatrist. I will feel dizzy sweaty palms cold hands in very severe condition .Other cbt involves exposing yourself to panic situations such as crowded places like mrt shopping centres etc. My anxiety disorder is so severe I couldn't even go on mrts or crowded places. So cbt involves exposing yourself to such situations where you will usually fight or flee.. Do it with someone close to you your frd or family member. This is called desensitization. After doing cbt for almost a year I really saw very good improvements. I could take mrts and go crowded places now though still on medication but am very glad my dosage is now very minimal compared to the days when I was not on cbt.

Of course there will still be times when there may be episodes of sudden panic attack. Just tell yourself it's ok let it happen and just do your breathing again. Must really learn how to breathe correctly because normal people with no anxiety at all breathes at a correct rate unlike us. The dizziness is really due to our incorrect breathing fast heart palpitations . My advice is go seek a psychologist other than a pyschiatrist.

[Guest Guest]

Sudden panic attack is not fun at all. And when i have the feeling of fainting sensation, i really scare that i will really faint! Although i tried to tell myself its ok let it happen. But many times when dizziness strike me, it makes me even more panic! Dont know how long will my panic goes away and i am back in normal?

[Guest Guest]

Go and seek help. You can go IMH see a psychologist for cbt.

[Guest Guest]

I have seen a psychologist for a few session, the only thing the psychologist taught me is breathing exercise. It does help a bit but my anxiety and panic still dont completely cure with those breathing exercise.

[Guest Guest]

I have seen a psychologist for a few session, the only thing the psychologist taught me is breathing exercise. It does help a bit but my anxiety and panic still dont completely cure with those breathing exercise.

Few local psychologist dare tackle the tentatively underlying root cause - lgbt issues - due to ob markers and red tape. So they teach you breathing exercises instead. Maybe seek other types of psychotherapy like psychodynamics, gestalt, existential or holistic therapies? Most psychologists here like to give cognitive behaviour therapy for some reason, which i suspect is the easiest to circumvent those ob markers and red tape, as they are not focused on tackling the root issues, thus may not be the most effective for some people.