cosmiccharlie

Hang in there my friend, I'm sure things are scary but know that you're not alone and many of us have been exactly where you are now. Your situation will change eventually given enough time. Try not to obsess over the condition and at the same time try not to avoid it. The visuals, the feelings and sensations are what they are. You did not ask for this. For me, once I got a handle on the cycle of anxiety that HPPD creates I started feeling better. What I mean by this is not avoiding and not judging the experience but allowing it to unfold as it is and comforting myself because I am a suffering human being caught in a difficult situation and I still deserve to be loved. So what if I see the walls breathing and colors flashing over the face of my boss as I discuss my work with him; this happened to me a few hours ago and today that no longer disturbs me. It's just part of my experience of being alive and I don't hate it. We can give this condition so much power over us, but we have the ability to take it back. DM me if you'd like to chat on WhatsApp.

This is amazing, thanks for sharing.

For me, consistent meditation has helped manage stress. I know this can seem impossible when your ass is on fire, but I have found even taking a few moments to pause, breath and come back to the moment can help. Check out Tara Brach's program RAIN (see the link below). https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-light-rain-difficult-times-2/ https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/ Hang in there my friend, DM me if you'd like to chat.

In addition to HPPD, I have legitimate diagnoses of OCD (mild thankfully) and ADHD.

I fully agree with Jay, plus I will add that your age will probably work in your favor. Let your mind heal and over time you will recover. Don't worry about the state of your situation just let it be and let it change and it will.

Don't worry about the thoughts that tell you this will last forever, it won't. One thing I know about pregnancy (from my wife's two experiences) is that your body undergoes tremendous amounts of change. I wouldn't be surprised if such changes can influence the state of HPPD. Try and remain calm, focus on self care and believe that things will get better with time. Hang in there.

For me, meditation and self care help with this. In the beginning of my HPPD journey, some days just had to be endured. Hang in there, this too shall pass.

This is an old post but yes, I have had Lyme and currently have HPPD. I suspect I still have Lyme as well from what I have heard about the condition being long term.

Hi Jim, I'm sorry things are difficult now. Try and ride it out. You said it yourself, a few weeks ago you were better. That's evidence that you can get back to that point. Try not to judge your symptoms just notice them and let them be. I am confident that if you stay off drugs, you will continue to get better. Take Care, Nick

Hang in there my friend.

I misread the post, sorry it was early morning for me.

I agree with Jay. My only addition is that if you are in the US, there is a chance of getting small amounts of THC in these products even if they are not supposed to have it. I believe the standard is below .3% is considered zero. However, there is so little regulation on the industry I wouldn't be surprised if it drifts far above this. I personally have used a CBD balm that I believe gave me a THC like buzz. Just be careful.

Hi Alain, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles (your English is fine by the way, very clear). I would try and remain calm and know that you're doing everything you can to get better. Try to minimize the time spent researching on the internet as I have found this to be primarily a creator of anxiety. If you do have HPPD the best solution in my opinion is to learn the most effective way of managing your anxiety because as you probably have experienced, anxiety and HPPD symptoms are very much connected. There are very practical ways to manage anxiety on your own and I tell everyone the same remedy that worked for me: Stop all drugs, even alcohol for a while. Take it one day at a time, try not to think about the past or future just be here now. Keep yourself busy with healthy, productive things; hobbies, work, etc... Exercise even if it makes your symptoms worse Do the best you can to not focus on HPPD; minimize time spent online looking into it and time thinking about it (this tends to generate anxiety which is not helpful for us) Try not to feel guilty, you didn't ask for this. Try learning to meditate, even if it's just for a minute or two. We all have the ability to go inward for strength and healing. For example, you can spend 30 seconds or a minute sitting and noticing your breath and thinking the following: when I breath in I notice I am breathing in when I breath out I notice that I am breathing out and I smile because I am alive. It's that simple! Try and get as much sleep as you can. If you're open to it, pray to God in whatever way you think is appropriate. You don't even have to believe in anything, just ask for help and see what happens. I personally believe that we all possess a spring of internal strength that we can call upon. Your life is not over and recovery is always possible we just have to let it happen. Over time, things will get better but try not to ask yourself daily "am I better or worse today?". You'll find that recovery happens over the span of months and is hard to notice day to day; think of physical growth when you were a child. Hang in there. If you'd like to chat on WhatsApp send me a DM. Take Care, Nick

Hello and I'm sorry to hear how difficult things are for you now. Try and remain calm and not worry too much. First of all, you are very young which is a good thing when it comes to recovery from any mental condition including HPPD. Additionally, your drug history not being very extensive will also work in your favor for recovery. I recommend taking your reaction to the marijuana as a sign that your likely sensitive to psychedelics and I strongly encourage you to stay away from marijuana and any other psychedelic substances. WHatever your condition is, it is likely to change if you start and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I tell everyone the same remedy that worked for me: Stop all drugs, even alcohol for a while. Take it one day at a time, try not to think about the past or future just be here now. Keep yourself busy with healthy, productive things; hobbies, work, etc... Exercise even if it makes your symptoms worse Do the best you can to not focus on HPPD; minimize time spent online looking into it and time thinking about it (this tends to generate anxiety which is not helpful for us) Try learning to meditate, even if it's just for a minute or two. We all have the ability to go inward for strength and healing. For example, you can spend 30 seconds or a minute sitting and noticing your breath and thinking the following: when I breath in I notice I am breathing in when I breath out I notice that I am breathing out and I smile because I am alive. It's that simple! Try and get as much sleep as you can. If you're open to it, pray to God in whatever way you think is appropriate. You don't even have to believe in anything, just humbly ask for help on your knees everyday. Additionally, it sounds to me that you are under a great deal of stress. I can only imagine what you and your family/friends/fellow Ukrainian citizens are going through. Stress can have a very negative impact on our body and mind. That being said, it's another reason why meditation could be a good idea for you. Consistent meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and improve brain function over time. And it's free with no side-effects! Hang in there and know that you're not alone. Take Care, Nick

For me, consistent meditation has helped manage stress. I know this can seem impossible when your ass is on fire, but I have found even taking a few moments to pause, breath and come back to the moment can help. Check out Tara Brach's program RAIN (see the link below). Hang in there my friend. https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-light-rain-difficult-times-2/ https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/