@Sminismoni I too experienced a lot of frustration with suggestions I keep a positive mental attitude and things of that nature. It just isn't workable advice at the level on which you are suffering.

You're an intelligent person, and you know what is going on and happening to you. So, I think you're better off hearing the truth, which is when it is this bad, surviving until it eventually isn't is all there is.

I very much know what it's like to be unable to do pretty much anything to pass the time, but I'm not like that anymore, and neither will you be, eventually. The time passes either way, whether we are suffering immensely or not. All you can do is survive. The day reaches an end whether you're able to do things or not, whether you're suffering or not.

It's absolutely brutal, but whether you can watch TV or not for example, it's utterly miserable and you get to the end of the day one way or another. It's good that occasionally evenings bring some relief, I hope that that happens more often.

As harsh as this truth is, it's also very much not sugarcoating it to state that I was in this state for a long time, and then eventually I came out of it. It's just a fact. I believe that if you survive long enough, you will too.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. You are not alone.

Dear @Sminismoni I am so sorry for your terrible suffering. I have read many of your posts and I can see that you are very strong woman, you have lived through a lot of suffering even before withdrawal and you have never given up. So hearing you now saying that your suffering is almost unbearable makes my heart ache. I believe you.

I agree with @Saar8srl : from reading your post I also have the impression that you are a very wise and competent woman. Once you have this terrible terrible ordeal behind you, you will be able to bring incredible valuable contributions to the health system. As a very accomplished psychiatrist who has firsthand experience with Deprescribing these drugs you will be heard more than any of us and your influence will be able to save lives.

Here and now on this forum you are very appreciated and well respected.

Please do not give up, dear @Sminismoni , it will get better overtime, as long as you survive, you will get better. I do not know if you like to receive hugs, but if you want one, here’s one.

Take care, Nemina

22 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

Being told to stay positive, remember my old self or choose my attitude can feel like telling a person on fire to think their way through it by imagining a block of ice.

People mean well. What else could they say…

But if you haven’t experienced this state yourself, you don’t just say "stay positive." Instead, you say... try to get through the day somehow and stay safe. Words like "it will be okay" have always meant a lot to me. But right now, in this state, I can’t think clearly, and there isn’t a single molecule in my body that believes things will turn out alright. It’s impossible; my brain has shut everything down. So, dear lady: stay safe and keep going. I’m thinking of you.

Maybe this can help you, @Sminismoni :

https://youtu.be/nx9fnu3BnfE?si=NLXUqf-TvR_ITRq_

@Sminismoni When you get through this, I believe you can be a powerful spokesperson against ADHD meds. Think Mark Horowitz tier.

More people need to realize the dangers of stimulants and SNRI's. Especially those with "ADHD" like yourself and I.