[UPDATE] Something Happened (And I'm Not Happy About It)

[@UnreliableAdvice4all]

My psych died unexpectedly from covid a year ago. It was a bummer starting over with someone new, but was probably for the best because my old psych was like 80 and I think he got caught up in an MLM (pyramid scheme). Every session he tried to recruit me to his company, and it was getting really awkward, but he prescribed me whatever I asked for so I went along with it. Now I have a new psych and its going well, he doesnt spend the last 10 minutes of each session telling me its a good investment to join whichever company he was with. Thanks for the video Kit.

[@petersecola883]

Thanks for the update! Glad you found a med that works! Praying things get better 😊❤

[@binkjar]

Similar thing happened to my psychiatrist a couple years back. I hit such rock bottom, found out that she didn’t make any notes about a struggle I had been telling her about for years (being trans, she was extremely supportive when I came out and she said she knew before I told her). New psychiatrist (who I didn’t get until 8 months later) didn’t believe me and said I was experiencing psychosis, wanted to send me back to the loony bin. I tried to convince myself that we just got off on the wrong foot but she just wasn’t interested in hearing me out. Third appointment a really sweet young lady was replacing her cause the other was sick and so this young lady became my psychiatrist and helped me so so so much. Sadly she left without a note but hearing from other patients, she seems to have went away cause she was expecting a baby. Been sitting here for a year and a bit without a psychiatrist but I have social rehab as my main support and the most amazing therapist ever. I don’t know what I would do without her. Thanks for anyone who took time to read, I needed to ramble.

[@motionless_horizon]

I’m so glad your new psych has been good!! One thing with gabapentin is that withdrawals can be really hard and you will build a tolerance (I’m sure you know this, but just incase) so definitely keep an eye on any changes!! Gabapentin helped me a lot when I was first diagnosed with OCD, I hope it continues to help you ❤️🐝

[@SchizoKitzo]

It’s def turning out to be great and I’ll keep an eye on it for sure!

[@renejuarez7788]

I’m glad the gabapentin is working!! I’m sorry you had to change doctors. That must of been heart breaking

[@SchizoKitzo]

It was rough but I’m feeling much more hopeful now.

[@renejuarez7788]

@@SchizoKitzo that’s good! I hope your new therapist is as good as your last one or even better^^

[@RonnyAndersson-q9b]

Don't let the diagnosis rule your world. Find ways to move forward despite of the diagnosis. It's all about collecting good memories.

[@christineknippelberg3975]

I have been on gabapentin for about 6 years for anxiety it works great! and I am still on the same dose. I also have schizo affective disorder.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Oh this gives me hope. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesmullaney5841]

I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder when I was 22, in 1985 [which makes me 61.] The psychiarists [I had 20 or so over my life] gave me many different antipsychotics, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant drugs over the years. In retrospect, they ruined my body and deeply damaged my brain. They prevented me from healing the underlying structural dissociation at the core of my personality, by masking it. The drugs gave me fears I never had before: fear of talking to anyone; fear of having dinner with my own family members; etc. I never had those fears before taking the drugs. If I tried to go off them,vI spiraled out of control, due to severe withdrawal. The shrinks always said, 'Tsk, tsk - you know you need the medication, you have a schizoaffective disorder; but I really didn't. I finally managed to get off the psych drugs completely in 2013 when I was 50, and I've been improving ever since. But the best years of my life are gone and I'll never get them back.

[@TherapyKitt]

I’ve been in therapy since age 7, and I have always found NPs far easier to work with than psychiatrists. They have much better bedside manner, in my experience, and listen a bit better to patient concerns. I hope you continue to have a good experience!

[@catthorn2973]

What is an NP?

[@TherapyKitt]

@@catthorn2973 - A nurse practitioner

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks for this! It’s encouraging

[@ianmininger]

@@catthorn2973 An NP in this context is a nurse practitioner

[@PeterBondeVillain]

Dear Kitzo, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I also have schizoaffective disorder and have been through the same thing and it's really hard to feel like you have to start all over again. I wish you nothing but love and understand.

[@dbp192000]

You're courage is inspiring! Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is really hard in general, so major respect for you. Losing a confidant is never easy. Treatment is definitely a journey with many twists and turns.

[@Hermitthecog]

Glad you're holding steady, sounds like things worked out better than expected when that forced resignation/termination happened (although that in itself is concerning when it's becoming increasingly difficult to find and/or afford services - the word "investors" is an immediate red flag in my book.)

[@Chris-farmer]

My mom who recently passed was skitophrenic and bipolar. Kinda learn a little about what she went through with the help of channels like yours! I have major depression disorder and it's not like either of those! Thanks for the content 💙

[@RobbW-ay]

So happy to hear that Kit! I think I’m discovering I have bipolar 2 with OCD marine something else. I got put on lithium my last visit three days ago. I was put on Prozac at first for the OCD, along with caplyta. I think the Prozac put me in a hypo manic episode. So he took me off the Prozac and gave me a different antidepressant for the OCD (not an SSRI) and low dose lithium. It’s not an official diagnosis but it’s the symptoms that match up with it being treated. He put me on caplyta right away. That is helping with the depression and worthlessness I felt. Thank you so much for sharing your story. My hopes and prayers are with you. You are awesome!

[@xronald619x]

My original doctor stopped seeing me but she oversees my treatment cause she's the boss. I now see another psychiatrist and she's as good as my original doctor. My original doctor has to renew her license hopefully soon she will be seeing me again. For now I'm content with the psychiatrist that sees me now she's a good psychiatrist.

[@MarcusAnthonyCornwallWilliams]

Gabapentin is also addictive. Not as much as benzos typically, but it still has an effect on the GABA receptors, like alcohol and benzos. It used to make me ehoporic. Except gaba pentin tends to gain tolerance very quickly, and should not be mixed with benzos.

[@chandlersleziak6416]

I'm glad that you found Gabapentin to work for you! As someone with ADHD and Depression, I know what it's like going through meds that seem to work, but then stop working as well for a while. I have veen taking ADHD meds since I was in 2nd grade, started with Concerta then went to Vyvanse back in 2010 when I was in 4th grade, but then the Vyvanse stopped working as well as it used to when I was a Senior in High school. Then I got put on Adderall back in 2019 in my Senior year and it has been working great eveg since. As for my Depression I didn't get diagnosed with it until 2022, but thankfully I was prescribed a medication that works great for me on the first try for that; that being Lexapro. Lexapro has especially changed my life, and has made life more livable and manageable for me. Keep up the great work advocating for mental health care Kitzo. ❤️

[@hayleeramos278]

I hope you’re ok you deserve so much better and I hope everything is ok in your life😇😊

[@user-cs3zc8un5v]

You make me feel at ease in case the same ever happens to me. Thanks.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Glad to help!

[@germainelowpt7206]

So happy for you that it ended up well

[@SchizoKitzo]

Me too! Phew!

[@TheCalucita]

❤ happy for you ❤ :)

[@MJLangdon175]

My MP visits me at home. In the UK MP’s can’t prescribe medication, they have to go through the doctor they work under. This makes it very hard to get anywhere with treatment.

[@WWS322]

An NP is paid less than a psychiatrist. I recently started seeing an NP and I wish I was able to ask her the questions you asked yours. Our visits are very short and I don't care after thirty plus years at this. I got off of benzos and I don't think they were working in the end. My dosage decreased over a decade until I was on so low a dose I just told my psychiatrist I wanted off which was okay for her since she didn't like them. I knew a guy who took klonapin and it affected him by making him intoxicated and I believe he should have been taken off. You are somebody I'd listen to and that is saying a lot because I never listened to anyone much.

[@JohnyBoyCCX]

I feel this. I've lost my shrink back in July. It's really hard to find a specialist that you can form an honest therapeutic alliance with.

[@johnphantom]

It is hard finding a good psychiatrist. I'm in Florida now, a huge change from Charlotte, NC. Charlotte I actually saw a doctor for my medication, and could get counseling. Here the last time I saw a doctor was 5 years ago, and my PA that prescribes my meds doesn't even know that schizophrenics have physically altered brains.

[@robertfrankenburger4672]

i have had a dozen different docs over the years and dreaded it because new docs often had new opinions about how i should be treated and often i paid for it.

[@TibiSum]

I have a major struggle getting medical practitioners to manage me well in accordance with my MH DX's. Solidarity on that!

[@ktlynd]

Gralise is the long-release version of gabapentin. If your insurance covers it, it’s a 10/10 for long term treatment of bipolar anxiety. Ask your NP about it.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Ooooo nice

[@jasonwright387]

Thank you for the new content, Kit. I always look forward to a new video from you!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Awesome! 😎

[@michaelthomas5433]

I have my general doctor manage my meds since I have the best relationship with her after losing my psychiatrist and psychologist. I still see mental health professionals but it's under the umbrella of my general doctor. It works well.

[@stephieshappymadness]

The same thing happened with my doctor, it's so hard to feel comfortable with a new doctor.

[@axatassabrae]

I got anxiety meds from one of my old doctors. I have social anxiety as well as panic disorder. In addition to the schizoaffective. It is Paxil. A pleasant side effect from it is the small but noticeable effect it had on my mood. I am usually depressed. However, it was lessened on Paxil

[@Aks-3202]

Thank you for your input. Follow you every time. It is very helpfull.

[@hakonmjelde]

Really happy to hear that, hope this works out well for you from now on! I've been contemplating becoming a psych NP so I hope it continues to be a success for you, you deserve it.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Omg good luck!!!!!

[@hakonmjelde]

@@SchizoKitzo thank you!!!

[@sophcw]

Interested to hear if the gabapentin helps. I know your body does get used to it as other meds like SSRIs, so if you take it regularly you may have withdrawal effects if you stop suddenly, but definitely not to the same degree as benzos.

[@lisatomihiro3488]

I go to an NP at my general practitioner and I prefer her to many of the others in the practice. I am glad that you are having a good reaction to your new psychiatrist and that he is helping you out. ❤️

[@JeffAiken-ui6hk]

I love listening to you making sense of our lives you do such an awesome job. I rely on my GP and only see a psychiatrist for their opinion, kind of like your NP

[@emleedivinity]

Oh hun I'm so sorry. I had something similar happen when my psychiatrist passed away suddenly. It's hard. They know you I'm a way that no one really else does. I'm glad your new provider is helping!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you!

[@stephieshappymadness]

Gaba made me get really bad twitching at the higher dose so just be careful for that.

[@eco2geek.]

You're right, schizoaffective disorder is way more interesting (and distressing!) than anxiety. And that losing your psychiatrist sucks. Glad you found someone new that you like. (As for Lorazepam (generic for Ativan), I take it every day for anxiety, and have been a long time. We'll see what happens when my psychiatrist retires....)

[@Irishrose777]

There’s a big difference between addiction and dependence. Most psych meds cause dependence because your body is physically adjusted to a certain dose and sudden cessation could cause withdrawals. That’s totally normal. Addiction is a more behavioral psychological issue that can happen but people who are on psych meds aren’t automatically addicted because they can’t just cold turkey off their med

[@kinzhe83]

Good luck with your new doctor Kit, I really hope he's going to be even better than your old one. I don't know if it's just me, but I got the feeling treating mental health in US should get more love from the government (not that things are any better here in Bosnia either). Take care :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@louisatanner7746]

Man do I feel you on the whole plane and Boeing situation 😩 I just never get on planes 😂 guess I’m stuck at home 🤷‍♀️ So glad the NP seems to be doing a good job so far!

[@a-ms9760]

Brilliant!

[@anniscalling]

Such a relief that the NP turned out to be good. And congrats on getting the anxiety medication. I don't have schizoaffective, but I do have social anxiety disorder (with panic attacks), which flares up very similarly to what you described about your experience of conventions and work meetings. My psychiatrist prescribed me a beta blocker (propranolol) which is mainly a heart medication, but used off label for (performance) anxiety, as it significantly calmes the physical symptoms of the fight-or-flight response. I use it before nerve racking social events and it works wonders for me, allowing me to do things I was never able to do without it. I also take an antidepressant specifically meant for treating anxiety disorders, which does help, but I additionally need the beta blocker to get through situations.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Glad you have meds that work for you!!!!

[@anniscalling]

@@SchizoKitzo Yesss, it's a blessing! Same to you!

[@robertobetorob]

I'm happy you got the anxiety meds!

[@SchizoKitzo]

ME TOO AHHHHHH

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

I hate flying to. I almost had a heart attack on my last flight.

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

I've been on Diazepam for 3 years and I've not become addicted but it's different for everyone and their Psychiatrist

[@SchizoKitzo]

Oh that’s good to hear, I’m glad it’s worked for you for so long! I hope it continues to!

[@NavigatingthePeriphery]

Awesome video! I recently switched to a different psych who also has NP's under her and so far it's working out well. But it was super stressful in the beginning.

[@SchizoKitzo]

It’s still a tad nerve wracking but I’m more hopeful now for sure

[@w.okkerse915]

Love you schizo-kitzo. You seem quite anxious about the new situation with your new dokter. Wish I could do something to eleveate your anxiety. But I can only say that I believe thqt things are going to work out fine in the long run. And, I am personally convinced that all the boxes that psychiatry has created are arbitrary and quite meaningless. In that way schizoaffective disorder doesn't really exist. I am convinced that very high and systematix anxiety is the root of nearly all psychiatric diseases. And that manifests itself in depression, global anxiety desorder, schizofrenia, schizo-affective disorder, OCD, etc. I for myself don't see much differance between a prolonged general anxiety disorder that has gone out of the rails and let to psychosis, and schizophrenia. A lot of schizophrenics have comorbid compulsions (40 percent?). Just showing the enormous overlap in symptoms.

[@bookswithcrys]

Gabapentin is a controlled med, although not at the level of benzos or amphetamines.

[@LollygaggerFX]

I want to say this without talking down or placating you……. You …. Are …. a ……badass! It’s incredibly brave to open your self up and speak about your life about good and hard. Keep kicking ass!!!! 🤘

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video! Hope your meds keep working for you i take those too😁

[@SchizoKitzo]

Nice!

[@tinaunderwood7766]

My cousin is schizophrenic diagnosed in his early teens but it was there way back when he was a toddler or at least something was. He was medicated for like a year, stopped taking his meds and going to therapy nd the whole family just ignores it. NEVER acknowledges it. Now he’s 33, lives at home still with his girlfriend too and walks around listening to nordic chants strapped with multiple guns and walks around the house. Glad I don’t see them much. Lol (but not funny at all)

[@kimlec3592]

Magnesium glycinate for anxiety.

[@JamieTheSassenachLass]

I am sorry your doctor had that happen to him, and his patients too. You have way more control than I do! I hope these new meds treat you good, you seem to be doing ok, but I'm an outsider looking in. You are a sweet girl, love hearing your stories every video. My husband and I are fans :) There is one thing I hate, (I'm bipolar 1 btw)..I hate Seroquel! Only because I feel my freedom has been taken by them. I can't hardly go or do anything. I have insomnia really bad; I've had it all of my life. Now this pill works well sometimes yes. But I'm a prisoner in my own home again, worse than before! Now its meds and finances killing anything fun or even sanity saving. gone! I love going to work with my husband, that's gone. At least until 2 more people get hired on. Then he will be back on the normal shift of 1:30pm-11:30pm. I can't get a job because my psychiatrist thinks I'm too unstable to have a job. I actually agree with her. I don't want to cause my employer problems I can't see coming until they are on my doorstep. I'm sorry, I am a tad lit right now, freedom got taken today so I can't go to work with my husband tonight. But I did watch your video, so that is a small bright spot for my brain today. Hugs, till you post again :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

Best of luck in your future and I hope you can live a life that you love! Glad I can help :)

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

I lost mine recently after 3 yrs 😢

[@SchizoKitzo]

I hope you get a Good new one soon!

[@mattlinton1456]

I take propranolol for anxiety. I was offered gabapentin but did not do it

[@piperlynne1]

I know someone who take clonazapam .5mg about once a week for anxiety. She knows it addictive and her Dr has assured her that taking it as needed once a week at this low dosage would not cause addictions and she has used this medication for over 8months and it really helps with her anxiety when it peaks. There is another drug called Buspirone that is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and it's not addictive if used as prescribed. My friend has also used this medication and said it was helping with her daily anxiety but she wanted to reduce the medications she was taking and went off it but it's another option for people who need it. I hope the gabapentin works well for you.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you!

[@causaestmalleus4605]

This is awfully shitty of them. I hope things work out for you.

[@angusholley1689]

Look into patient, treatment provider transposition. If that helps look into Transpersonal Therapy, say like Dr RD Lange, sadly missed Scottish Phyciatrist.

[@DeezN00tz99]

I have a shitty NP right now, she just said I have "weird thoughts" and forgot I was diabetic lol

[@pacote_se]

SchizoKitzo, kit, YOU ARE FUCKING AWESOME

[@SchizoKitzo]

THIS IS EFFIN GREAT TOO

[@murtazaarif6507]

That doctor had no right to do that to you by leaving you without warning. I wouldn't. He should consider himself fortunate for being in your presence for ten years. I am on the Autism Spectrum.

[@germainedenon311]

im impressed yr brain can survive on so many neurotoxins!!!

[@cosplaymistake]

huh i didn’t know gabapentin can be used as an anti anxiety med

[@SchizoKitzo]

Me neither! Wild

[@mjlove6574]

❤❤❤

[@pennysmith3252]

Have you ever had anyone say they liked your other personality better

[@robertaustin6940]

Did you experience any trauma when you were a child?

[@mattsteckel3386]

Somewhat unrelated, have u ever tried psychedelic or asked a doctor about it. Some studies have shown mushroom or ketamine have helped with conditions like yours. However, it would have to be done under professional supervision

[@professorJorge11]

Anxiety? Puff the Magic Dragon 😅😂

[@SchizoKitzo]

Lives by the sea

[@MarikaStål-q7g]

Are you really sure about not getting dependent on that medicin? I have friends that have eaten a lot of gabapentin and they all say that there is a hard thing to stop doing..

[@bjs301]

By itself, gabapentin is much safer than benzos. We used to think of it as non-addictive. But its popularity skyrocketed during the opioid surge in the late 1990s, and it is now considered a problem drug when used with opioids, alcohol or benzos. But by itself, gabapentin is relatively safe.

[@MarikaStål-q7g]

@@bjs301 oh okey. I did not know that. Thank you for educating me ❤️

[@ariellesarinafirestone7823]

That makes absolutely no sense. Of course she’s dependent on these meds! She’s sick! In the same way someone with diabetes is dependent on Insulin. In the same way someone with an autoimmune disease is dependent on immunosuppressants!

[@KingoftheBlackSun]

Have you ever thought that their words and narratives do not comprehend your being-ship or experiences? I would also be upset if I lost my therapist, as she's the best I've ever had, and lets me speak and process without talking over my narrative - most of them are pretty bad. My dx is similar to yours, though I've never asked what it is. I am a mostly unified system. I have come to believe that we are an evolutionary and spiritual phenomenon that modern psychiatry simply does not yet comprehend. I'm curious if you agree. Yet this topic is not "grounding" so I understand if you might avoid it. I do not believe we are all the same, and I feel our differences must be confronted.

[@robertdaniel1234]

I moved to another state and lost my connection to my doc of over 10 years and I'm a bit lost now . Thank you for sharing

[@SchizoKitzo]

Sorry to hear that, I hope things get better for you!

[@livelife6214]

You can get addicted to gabapentin

[@abbleshawce]

can i marry you?

[@bodybait]

That is so devastating.

[@gckinsey]

Hooray for this update! I'm really happy to hear that you like your new NP so far and that he listens to you! That's such a relief. I'm glad the anxiety med that he prescribed has been helpful and hope it continues to be. (BTW I never would have known that you got nervous cosplaying at cons!) I'm also glad that he's knowledgeable about schizoaffective disorder. It's blowing my mind right now finding out that some healthcare providers don't believe it's a thing. I look forward to hearing more updates about how treatment is going with your new NP - I hope it all goes well!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks so much for this! And yes super nervous at cons omg. Always. But the gaba helps 😎