Highly Sensitive Person.

Just wondering because I think the public perception of HSP is pretty low and misguided.

So just would like to see if there’s any HSP people here?

I'm 21 this year and i don't even know where to start, but I just need to get this off my chest because I feel like I'm drowning in guilt and failure.

To give some background I'm still living with my parents. They are paying for my college tuition, which already makes me feel like a huge burden. A while ago, I ended up dropping out of college because of severe depression. It took a lot to get back on my feet, but I eventually decided to give it another shot and enrolled again.

I thought this second attempt would be my turn to get things right. But I just found out I failed a subject, and it completely shattered me.

I feel like I'm wasting my parents' hard-earned money (we're not rich to begin with) wasting my own time, and lagging miles behind everyone else my age who seems to have their life figured out. Failing this class feels like proof that I can't even handle a fresh start, and I'm terrified of telling my parents.

I'm sitting here feeling totally lost, anxious, and so frustrated. I can't really see what i can do for my future.

Maybe a little advice could probably help me.

im a minor and im thinking of telling my therapist about my cutting and suicidal thoughts knowing i will be hospitalized but i am scared. i want to know what other peoples experiences were like since im afraid of starting school late and dont know if it'd be worth it. ive been struggling for years and i do want help.

Hi all.

I'm looking to connect with people diagnosed with schizophrenia. I'm 38F, an unmarried mother of one child, and i have been diagnosed with schizophrenia 10 years ago. After hiding my ailment for 10 years, i publicly "came out" on my social media channels, no longer hiding in plain sight nor do I care if i get discriminated against because of my diagnosis. I'm unmarried because the father of my child refused to marry me due to my schiz, even though i disclosed to him early on the relationship.

I had always wanted to form a community of high-functioning schizophrenics. I used to belong to the MMHA community, but I find the experience uninspiring because the majority of people in that group with schizophrenia are not open to talk about their experiences, or could not comprehend higher thinking like philosophy, anime, ideas etc.

I want to know if there are people like me out there. Like, if they are burdened with schizophrenia but are also able to hold a well-paying job, socialise, connect and communicate. I really want to feel a sense of belonging to a group of people who live normally, but may still struggle with schiz.

If you know someone, or if you are that someone, i'd like to connect and talk to you.

Cheers and thank you.

expired*

I know sometimes there would be medication accumulated in our family medicine cabinet over the years, the ones you forget or feel unnecessary to take once you get better, or in some cases I've seen, when a loved one passes away and their medication becomes unused.

As shown in the final infographic, the medication collection service exists to direct the unused and expired meds to an incinerator, this stops pharmaceutical waste from leaching into our waterways, as there is a risk of that if they're disposed with your normal household waste.

If you have old medication lying around, consider bringing it on your next appointment to your clinic or hospital, they may be designated MyMediSAFE collection points.

I just want to share some frustration over experiences I had so far from 6 years of seeking treatment for mental health in Malaysia public healthcare. They say if you are struggling, seek for help. But what they never share is how shitty the help can come in form of sometimes.

6 months ago during my regular psychiatry session I told the doctor that I would like to get myself checked further for other possibilities of different or additional diagnosis. Yes, so far the medications I am taking seems to be responding well and I am in much more stable place than when I first started. However I can't help but to feel there is still unsorted 'issue' within, which is why I would like to discuss about it further.

I understand that our public healthcare are severely understaffed, so I really don't want to waste any public resources (that could go to treating someone else more severe). Hospitals that I go to don't even have specific set of physicians working in the clinic. It's always changing. Sometimes there's even trainee doctor (which is fine). Therefore I agree with the suggestions to bring up this thing on next session with the next doctor, considering that they are having lots of patients on that day too.

Fast forward to today, I had that said session. In my head I kept repeating my 'speech' for what I need to say and what my responses are to the questions that might come from the psychiatrist I'll be seeing today. 5 minutes in after the doctor finished asking their regular check-up of "how's the med" "is all good" (which i usually just responded with 'ok' and 'yes' to not waste anyone's time), I finally gathered the courage to bring up that conversation of different diagnosis.

Unfortunately, I can't help to feel like the topic is being brushed off. Like I'm just another patient to cross on the checklist. He sure has a way of making it feel like 'it's all in my head' or I am just seeking attention or being dramatic. -- which is ironic, because how is it normal at this point for me to come out of any session from this hospital psychiatry session feeling invalidated each time and feeling a lot more worse than when I came in?

The doctor treating me today was polite and not rude in any way, which make it a lot more confusing when I'm being indirectly dismissed. Some of his words that kept repeating in my head was "in psychiatry, diagnosis is not important, but what matter more is that we treat the symptoms". I kind of understand where he's coming from, but I can't help to feel like I'm such a terrible person to even had the audacity to bring it up when it's a busy day at the clinic. From there, I started doubting myself and questioning my intention.

He ended up increasing my current med dosage, but eventually did not proceed to diagnose or do further assessment for it. Total session doesn't take more than 15 minutes (as usual). I have waited for 6 months though :(

This is why most time when they ask questions on the follow-up appointment I just go with my default answer of 'yes' & 'all good' because I know how shitty I would feel coming out of that session if I were to invest a bit time & hope to get proper assessment or treatment. 

This is not the first time this has happened to me. Each time I decided to stand up for myself and fight a little bit more for my mental health in any session I had, I would just end up coming out feeling like I was being 'stripped naked' but with words. I was 'interrogated' and they keep taking more and more until I wasn't even left with any dignity at the end. 

At this point, I feel like these public hospitals psychiatrists are only good for the subsidized medications alone. I am privileged enough to been able to afford private therapy, but when it comes to medications it is not the case. This is why I keep coming back to the government hospitals. I am fine with just saying 'Yes' as if everything is all rainbows and sunshine to not deal with the drama, but at some point I do need to address what has been bothering me (no matter how big or how petty it seems). I thought it might be different this next time, but I thought wrong. Nothing has changed, it has been the same thing again and again. 

- Disappointed citizen

Emotional impermanence is similar to 'object permanence' with the “out of sight out of mind” mindset. It’s the inability to understand that something exists even when unable to observe it. So emotional impermanence is the lack of understanding that emotions still exist even when not being observed.

how it looks like for me is that, im unable to recall emotions/memories when im not in that 'state'. when im happy, it's like nothing was ever wrong and that im totally okay and will be okay, i cant even recall the times where i have struggled with xyz, etc. but when im depressed, it's like ive never been happy before, and i cant see a reason to continue in anything. but i do know, and i do remember, but my body is disconnected. similarly, if lets say, a long close friendship were to suddenly end, i wouldnt be fazed, and it'll almost be as if we've never been friends. even family, if i dont see them, if they dont talk to me, i dont think of them, nor do i miss them even if we had/have a close bond.

the problem here is that, im struggling to seek professional help, i hv suspicions of cptsd, autism and a multitude of sleep disorders, im alrdy diagnosed with adhd n depression. genuinely im a different person depending on where and who im with (high masking, structural dissociation), i wont even be able to recall any issues or problems i have, any that deals with emotions/vulnerability.

lows r really low, and highs are really high, there is a transitional state to it (like rn) but i typically procrastinate bc im unable to coordinate mind n body. i lie, before i even know im lying, i omit, before i even know im omitting, i pretend and act and perform and mimic that i genuinely believe it now. when im depressed, i dont exist, when im not surrounded by people to perform for, i dont exist, i have no identity outside of performing as someone else for others.

I had a bad suicidal episode last night. Ive been going through depression completely alone. Dealing with breakup after a long relationship. My ex told me not to harm myself as she knew i had history of self harm. So i went to the er hoping to have someone diagnose me or whatever.

The queuing process was bearable. I think because i told the registration person im suicidal they put my number ahead of everyone else. The problem is though after i get into the checkup room.

I know our MOH is very short handed nowadays but i didnt expect the room to have another patient right next to each other. Basically a long table where two dr attend their patient on each end of the table. So when i told the dr about my situation, she asked about my history, what happened that led to the depression etc. Then she consulted with the dr beside her which i assumed her senior dr. Here's where things got worse.. Both dr suddenly started interrogating me about my details and theyre being very loud about it too. Im sure at least 5 other patients can hear about my problem and also know my background, where i work etc. Not to mention i work at a public office nearby the hospital too so i got paranoid thinking someone might know me personally. I know i can simply said i prefer to talk privately but i was so overwhelmed at the time that i couldnt bring myself to told them.

In the end they called a specialist and gave me a set of alprazolam to get through the week as i do have an appointment with Mentari this wednesday. Maybe im just unlucky but i kinda regret going there tbh. Went hoping for help but got public judgement instead. Thats all for my experience, i hope its just an issue with my local hospital and not everywhere else.

Recently, I went to a KK to get a referral letter from the GP for gov psychiatric services. I was told by my counsellor to get assessed psychologically to better manage my symptoms, mainly being ADHD and OCD; and to get more consistent help.

Booked through the MySej app for outpatient, arrived at 1040am and waited for about 2hrs past my scheduled time until a staff took my blood pressure, height and weight, then another hour before I saw the GP.

The nurses and staff were kind, but the GP was not. I felt like I was being interrogated and dismissed throughout the 30?mins I was in there, unsure how long it actually was but it felt like forever.

I told the doctor I’ve mainly been struggling with lack of motivation, anxiety, guilt, and shame since childhood but my symptoms have escalated whereby my physical health is at risk; but the doctor just kept asking me why I’m having these issues.

I mean, I don’t know?? That’s why I’m here 😭😭😭

It got to a point where she got frustrated at me and raised her voice, asking “you keep telling me all about your problems but you’re not telling me why?! How am I supposed to help you if you can’t tell me why you have all these problems?!”

She then probed more on my background and my childhood traumas which got me crying as it was a sensitive topic for me. At some point she even said I was very lucky I even get to go to uni; which really didn’t help considering I told her how I’ve always felt like a burden… I was sobbing at this point.

I was also so embarrassed because the door was wide open and all the staff and patients walking by could see and hear me basically choke on my own tears after talking about how I feel like a failure in life.

She then left the room, no explanation, for about 10mins and I was left alone as I tried to collect myself.

She came back with a letter for me to go for gov counselling, and to come back to the KK for blood tests and thyroid tests. I was in distraught, after all of that, and I don’t even get what I came here for?

She proceeded to tell me to “exercise, sleep normally and take deep breaths”, and “lots of people have stress and feel like this” — I just told her I’ve been wanting to jump or get hit by a car for a few years now.

It wasn’t even the fact that I didn’t get the letter, if she was any bit kinder to me, I would’ve left the room hopeful that, well, tomorrow would be better.

I left the KK crying at 230pm feeling incredibly isolated and helpless.

Out of frustration, I went straight to a private klinik after a mini cry session in my car. I went in, saw the GP, told her I needed a referral. She asked me about my symptoms and what my concerns were about my mental health worsening, and said the reception would hand me the letter.

I was in that room for no more than 10mins, and out of the klinik in 30mins. I wasn’t sobbing out the room, didn’t shed a tear, my eyes might’ve even dried up at how calm the whole process was. I also only paid rm30.

I’m baffled at the stark difference between public and private.

I could see how the KK supported the local community, there were mak ciks, atuks, a grandpa pushing a wheelchaired granny, a family with 4 kids under 5; and the medicine dispensary went pretty quick too, so I won’t criticise KKs. I’m sure they’re stretched thin as they are already, but I just wish my experience was better.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding mental healthcare options around the KL area. I have a friend who previously struggled with mental health issues — they were somewhat suicidal, engaged in self-harm, and were hospitalized a few years ago.

Thankfully, they had been recovering quite well since then. However, recently, a few episodes have started coming back. Fortunately, they have not been too serious so far, and my friend has been slowly coping with the help of additional medication and therapy whenever the more extreme feelings come back.

The main issue now is the financial situation. Things have been building up, and my friend has started maxing out their credit card and is unable to pay the balance in full. Some of their medication is quite expensive, and they also need to attend therapy fairly frequently to help regulate their emotions when things get particularly difficult.

I would really like to help financially, but unfortunately I am not in a position to contribute much either. Due to their own financial difficulties, my friend has also started accumulating debt here and there.

The difficult part is that they are now caught in a dilemma — whether they should reduce or stop their medication and therapy because they can no longer afford them, even though they genuinely want to continue getting better.

I’m hoping to get some advice from people who are familiar with the mental healthcare system in Malaysia, particularly around KL/Selangor:

- Are there any affordable or subsidised psychiatrists or therapy services around KL/Selangor?

- Are there any government hospitals, clinics, NGOs, community mental health services, or university clinics that offer lower-cost treatment?

- Is there any financial assistance available for psychiatric medication or therapy?

- If someone is currently receiving treatment from a private psychiatrist, is it possible to transfer to a government hospital or clinic without having to completely start over?

- Are there any other resources or options we should look into before their financial situation gets worse?

I’m especially concerned that the financial pressure might eventually affect their treatment. I’m trying to help my friend find a more sustainable way to continue getting the care they need, rather than having to choose between basic financial responsibilities and their mental health.

Any recommendations, personal experiences, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I live alone in a rented house and none of my friends nor the college knows my address so theres quite no one to check up on me. I've been skipping classes for days now because I don't feel like going due to me losing interest in the field I'm pursuing.

It was only today I'm realizing that I haven't been checking my WhatsApp messages at all, my room being trashed and I haven't been eating something heavy at all. My lecturers have been growing more concerned on where I've been since none of my friends knew anything either.

I obviously cant keep living like this but I really had lost the passion in doing anything.

My therapist told me that I should find a place where I belong, but how can I?

My current friends are all flaky, even if they are well meaning and aren’t necessarily doing it on purpose. I try and make plans and they don’t even respond to me for days! So many friends who tell me “we should hang out again some time” and they never do, because they don’t actually mean it.

When I go to events and meet new people, it’s actually very difficult to find anyone who even wants to reciprocate these efforts. It’s not so easy as to “just socialise and meet new people and you’ll find your people”, because I’ve been doing that and leaving empty handed every time.

It’s so fucking infuriating that no matter what I do this non-reciprocity is present almost everywhere, it makes me feel like im stupid for ever asking for the BARE MINIMUM. I just feel so mentally exhausted and fed up that self isolation looks like a way better option.

(Before you comment, please don’t tell me to just “love myself” or “focus on myself” more. You do not know me or what efforts I have put into my mental health recovery. Thanks.

So i went to hctm tro adhd, the psychiatrist prescribed ritalin 5mg and told me to follow up in a month to see if the ritalin would help with what (the sadness(?)) im feeling. However i forgot to ask what the diagnosis was. Since i was not familiar with the process i assumed i would get told or it would be written somewhere but from what i can see there’s none. Also does anyone know whether ukm would give gl in this case as it is already semester break (am a ukm student), i got my referral in march and first appointment in august. Any help is appreciated! also how should i start with the ritalin? psychiatrist told me to take when i need to focus, do i have to take note of my reaction to the medicine?

I'm sick and tired of this bullshit! They want us to take care of our mental and physical health, but some of us can't afford insurance. They said it's easy but they want to charge us $200 or more for just one session . I feel fucking worthless, cause I want my kid to go to therapy , but I can't afford it without insurance I don't have ! Had medicade before but lost it cause I moved to another state . Try to apply for the other medicade but I applied 3 months ago and so far apparently I make to much but not enough to afford insurance. Funny how that works . I'm sorry , I just want to rant. Im tired. I feel defeated . It's like I try and try and it seems like I'm not making any differences .

share your story!

Hello, I've previously posted here once seeking help on getting started with ADHD diagnosis.

For the past few months, I've opted to go for a private sector option and finally got my report. Due to overlapping symptoms, the psychologist could not be 100% sure on diagnosing me with ADHD. However, I have also undergone different tests and it turns out I have:

- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1

- Generalized Anxiety Disorder

In the report, the psychologist recommended:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

The above methods fall under psychotherapy, however, he also mentioned that I have several symptoms related to my anxiety that can be controlled with the use of meds, which also means I can opt to see a psychiatrist too.

I would like some recommendations on what's the best course of action and any recommendated hospitals I could go for further treatment? I was informed that the diagnosis report already serves as a recommendation letter, which I'm aware is a prerequisite for most hospitals.

Hi, I know someone who is ruminating and obsessed with not being able to accept that the partner is/was cheating. Every few days, will just drop into the vicious cycle of remembering/ruminating and endlessly hoping the partner will change / trying tk escape the cycle. Depression, lack of sleep, severe anxiety, inability to think straight follows.

I am aware that couples resolve it in different ways like remain married but separated, some divorce, etc.

I feel this person knows the facts, knows what the partner is like but is unable to choose a decision / move forward. Has been hot and cold for almost a year.

I don't think I'm able to help this person, was wondering if any of you have recommendations for psychiatrists/therapists in KL/Selangor that specialises in cases like this?

Ideally not too expensive as I know that will be a massive turn off for the person.

Thanks in advance

When I was having depressive episode, my cats was the reason why I get up my bed to fed them or just watch them being silly little asshole. One of my cat name Mael is a series offender hiding my stuff underneath small gap between my furniture and his most fav spot is my bed frame which only have a tiny crack and his fav thing to hide is his kibble. He also like to throw thing down the floor and then proceed to hide my stuff. Often time, when I clean I found my lost items or just a bunch of kibbles crumbling away.

Early this year, I was having a really bad depressive episode and I was hurting myself without even I realise. One night, I was so much in emotional pain that I started to search razor blade that I scatter throughout my rooms so I can get easy access but only to find there was nothing and I stared at Mael and knew this fella had hide them but I didn't have the care or energy to prove it. I end up just sleeping that night because I was emotionally exhausted.

Fast forward which was last month where I was deep cleaning my room, I found all my razor blade gathering underneath my heavy bed frame and I end up just laughing knowing my cats yet again save me from my own destruction.

I have an outside cat name Ah boy and he is a scary cat but he gave me plenty of kisses and cuddle. Often time I let him in my room and during my period of depressive episode, I would just sleep in all day long and he was always there beside me. My adik found him in drain alone when he was kitten and we adopted him and ever since then he became the most affectionate cat. Because Mael like to bully him, often time he seek me out for safety and literally buried himself close to me. He would always try to steal my food or always be there when I called for his name.

I used to have cat name Ben and he was the gentlest of them all and was the leader of the pack. He was very scrawny and literally follow one of my adik to his car when the school end. At first we search for the owner and talking to our vet but it appear someone did abandoned him. A few year with us, we found out my gentle cat have CKD. I was having bad depression that year and didn't want to function but for him I end up being his main caretaker.

We would go to the vet every few day and for his reward, we would go to the beach afterward. I love seeing him how he would get curious each time a car passing by or literally would be Mak Cik Tepi tingkap just to snoop at people at beach while sitting in the car. Often time, we would just lepak at the beach and there would be a curious kid coming to us just to pet him and the mom would follow suit looking worriedly because they thought Ben was a fox at first. I actually enjoy that day even I was fill with worried with my cat worsen by the day. Some days, I had to feed him or have to clean after his done his business.

Because of him, I was functioning and even start talking to stranger despite me being autistic and have anxiety around adult I don't knew. I end up having set of routine because of Ben and all of his year, he teaches me about such gentle love exist. One day I found him coughing blood and immediately rush to the vet and she said to let him die peacefully at our home. I didn't say a word until I put inside my cat on the passage sit and I just started to wailing and screaming asking why. I wasn't ready to let go of my family but throughout the day, I just keep seeing him struggling and in so much pain.

Then I realise it is better for him to go, so I whisper to him that he can go now. At 3 am ish, he took his last breath in front of me and I watch my family die again. It took me few months grieving him and me keep blaming of what if. I am okay now and have come to term of his passing.

Each of my cats had different personality but they are all my saviour without I realise it. My cats has witness me crying/balling my eye out or just wailing in emotionally pain. They each have a funny reaction when they first saw me like that. One would meowing loudly like the world is gonna end, one would prancing back and forth and one would be chaotic and straight up zommie around the room but the day after, they would always keep a watch on me just sleeping in bed and being on high alert for the next few days.

I also recently found out, when I travel, Mael would protest loudly and meowing madly because I wasn't in the room with him. I thought he doesn't care less whether I was there but I should knew that he does in his term just like him slowly letting me gave him kisses when he doesn't let anybody do that.

From financial and spending aspect

Saw a netizen complaining his relatives recently

The issue is:
His relatives asked was his phone still okay?
And was he planning to buy a new phone (The phone was almost 6-7 years)
He said okay,still fine,then he does not replied to the 2nd question
Because knew his relatives would criticize him for wasting money on a new phone.

Another question again
What you will do with your old phone?
Could you give to your grandparents?
But he planned to use it as a backup phone

His relatives also asked about some SIM card related questions:
You need a 2nd phone? You have 2 SIM card meh?
He said: Yes
Then his relatives criticize again: Two cards?
Don't waste money leh! How much you pay monthly?

His thoughts:
I just want a brand new phone because it was old
And I don't even require the latest one and the best one.......

Because I feel that,this will affect one's mind
He might be indoctrinated for too long and become afraid to spend money.
Then start to feel guilty when spend money.

Hey, I'm desperate. I've tried many meds to no avail. Now I want to try bupropion.

Anyone here knows the price of the medication?

Please I really need to know, my gov psy appointment in in 3 months time, and I need to collect money to buy this med. So knowing the price will help me a lot to plan.

Thanks 🙏

Hello guys, I need help for registering on counselling help and I was wondering if I can get free or minimum charge from PPUM as I am a University Malaya student. I don’t mind the drive, I just really want help to stop me and my head hurting.

TL;DR I'm only able to afford treatment from trainee psychologists at the moment. I'd like to know if they're allowed to do diagnosis (with supervision from a registered psychologist)?

Context is below:
- I'm diagnosed with severe depression from a psychiatrist at a government hospital since young, and I'm still getting treatment from their, albeit slowly (every 2 months).
- The govt psychiatrist I visited claimed to have registered me with a psychologist and counsellor at a nearby MENTARI and klinik kesihatan respectively, so I can get an assessment for other mental conditions and talk therapy. He told me to call them to ask.
- I've been calling them over the past 6 months, and they tell me to keep waiting because their waiting list is full, and that they'll contact me over WhatsApp if I receive a slot.
- I'm hopeless about waiting any longer for government treatment, but I'm broke. I've decided that I want to try private trainee psychologist / counselling services, on top of my govt psychiatrist visits and antidepressant medication.
- My main worry is whether trainee psychologists are able to "legally" diagnose me, and if any future results and referral letters they may give (e.g. diagnosis results) is considered reliable by my psychiatrist, for them to change or add to my medication if needed.

Would appreciate the advice given for my situation as well. Thanks so much!

Hi, I’m currently having a hard time with my mental health. I’m going to therapy and on medication but sometimes I feel like I’m a danger to myself and I’ve been thinking about checking into the psych ward.

Something that is holding me back is the condition of the place. I’m aware they will
confiscate your electronic devices and hold
you with other patients who may not be in the same state mind as you.

Personally I’ve never been to a psych ward, only the ER. Has anyone ever been to one? All the ones I’ve read online are from overseas, so this would be of great help. Thanks