Hello all, thanks for putting together and being part of this awesome website! I don't think I have any "official" health problems, mental or physical, but I do have a lot of things I'm working on and have found myself stuck in a rut for awhile. So I'm here to see if I can find support and insight in this community!

I'm 28 years old, beginning a career as a lawyer, married, no kids (recently miscarried our first pregnancy, which was a big-time downer for us), middle-class family background with 2 divorces while I was growing up. I've never been diagnosed with any mental health disorders, and I'm generally a very high-functioning person, but I do have low-grade symptoms associated with a few different disorders. I've struggled intermittently with moderate anxiety -- especially performance-based anxiety -- and I experience moderately strong mood swings, sometimes feeling totally euphoric about life and its limitless exciting possibilities, whereas other times I feel really down in the dumps and I'm unable to see the point of the whole thing. My down times are never debilitating and never reach the point of suicidal ideation. But they are deeply discouraging, and they drive me to isolate myself, stay at home and do nothing (or do unproductive things -- see the discussion of self-control issues below), and during such times, I'm generally not much fun to be around (I'm always kind and caring; just not much fun during the down times).

I've also struggled with impulse control in a variety of different areas, ranging from junk food binging and excessive video gaming to obsessively continuing to work (at my job) without taking much-needed breaks and without going home when I know I should.

For about five years of my life, beginning in college, a lot of these issues were pretty well under-control, largely because I was deeply religious at the time and felt a deep sense of mission and purpose in my life. I lost that a few years ago when I ceased to believe, and ever since then, I've frequently struggled with feelings of purposelessness, and around that time, a lot of my old self-control problems have resurfaced.

At this point in my life, faith, theology and organized religion are not options for me, even though I recognize that they were helpful to me (on a pragmatic level), for the simple reason that I no longer believe in the central tenets they propose. (I am, however, open to and experimenting with meditation, yoga and other practices that do not require me to subscribe to particular belief systems.) I'm striving to become a person who is happy more consistently, less anxious, and more capable of controlling my own actions. Any thoughts and advice would be very welcome! Peace,

J

Welcome to Neuro Talk. There is a forum for mental health issues also on NT. You will find alot of compassionate people on this site. I was lucky to know a psychology personally as a friend for 30 years. After that long talking to him, one sentance stuck the most all , these years. When you see something you don't like about yourself, the only one who can change you is you. No amount of council does much good unless you really want that change. I have had my issues over the years and still do. Do get council if you feel it will help. Obviously I talked to this friend I have many times over the years. Bi Polar is another issue. That can have some really intense mood swings. Tell your Primary Doctor about it too. Talk with your wife, and try to stay close. ginnie

Hi and welcome to the forum. I am new here myself and getting use to the ropes. Everyone has been very kind so far.

I, myself am not into any organized religion. I grew up Catholic but left that faith many, many moons ago. I do believe in a higher power though.

The first thing that came to mind for me while reading your post was bi-polar. I do not have bi-polar but my father does. He would have extreme highs and extreme lows and strange impluses.

You may want to to talk to your doctor about this.

Good luck to hun, I hope you find the answers you seek.

I am new to the forums, but just a thought. You talked about being religious in the past. It sounds like something might have happened to pull you away from maybe being involved with a church. It sounds like something is missing in your heart that makes you feel alone. You don't have to go to church to have peace with God. Try using the time when you are down or don't feel productive to just talk to God, one on one. You have nothing to lose. It sounds like he gave you purpose before. Your relationship with him is yours, he really does give our heart peace and love. I also love watching Joel Osteen on TV he has such a positive outlook on life.

J,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Click onto the following forum, there is a great number of fellow members there to help you.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum38.html

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Welcome to NT!

Thank you for your intro!

You'll find this forum to be very caring, supportive, and understanding.
The atmosphere is very down-to-earth and people are easy to talk to.

The thing that helped me the most when I first joined was realizing that I'm not alone. Coming from a small community, it seemed nobody really understood my pain condition, let alone what it was doing to me mentally!

Make yourself right at home!

Glad you're here!

Rae