Question: I started having intense depression and anxiety out of nowhere about a week ago. About three weeks ago I was in a pretty significant car wreck where I was banged up a little, and about a month and a half ago I had a bad mushroom trip where I believed I had died. I have also done some competitive MMA fights as well, but I haven't done any in a few years, and do kratom on a regular daily basis. Any thoughts on what could help my situation?

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Hi there and thanks so much for your question.

You've certainly have had a lot going on of late

My first thought is to always get checked medically

I'd suggest seeing your Primary care physician for a consult

just to err on the side of caution.

The recent car crash was I'm sure overwhelming

Coupling what may have been a traumatic experience with the

overwhelming emotional experience of the experience you had on mushrooms

Those two events alone would leave one susceptible to a depressive episode.

I don't know your history and am mainly curious as to whether you've struggled with

feelings of depression in the past?

Either way - it feels like this is a good time to take stock and become introspective.

Do some journal writing about where your life is - what if any unmet needs exist,

what still hurts? Is your life moving in the direction you want it to? Are you living in

a way that provides fulfillment and satisfaction?

It doesn't have to be the case that something is wrong to increase your investments in you.

I hope you have loved ones who support you and who offer feedback about what they're seeing in you.

If I can answer further questions please email me: Jim@sobernow.com

Question: Hi, as a result of sever PTSD, I've tried every treatment imaginable, including TMS, Ketamine/Mushroom/MDMA and ECT therapy. Nothing has worked for over 25 years. Except alcohol. When I drink a bottle of wine I feel normal, happy, healed and at peace with the world. I am wondering, considering the severity and intractability of my mental illnesses, does being a drunk justify my decisions regarding substance abuse?

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Hi Eric,

Thank you for your question as it's one that a lot of folks struggle with.

My experience is that a lot of us seek solace and serenity in alcohol

especially when we live with PTSD.

It's only a matter of time before what helps starts to hurt

and it's a downward spiral from there.

Most of the folks I provide treatment to are in recovery from both trauma and addiction.

I hear you loud and clear that you've tried everything. I'm wondering if you have tried EMDR?

It's the most effective treatment I've seen for trauma recovery and the success rates are higher than any other form of treatment.

I'm struck by the last thing you wrote, "does being a drunk justify my decisions regarding substance abuse?"

My firend, if something is healthy, it doesn't need to be justified.

I hope you'll reach out and be open to new treatment options and to exploring what helps you to feel safe.

Alcohol is a problem waiting to happen for people like you and me.

Question: I have a child one month from 16, female believes she was born in the wrong body, should have been a boy. Has never been able to form friendships unless online. Always depressed diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, very smart but exhibits some autistic symptoms soon to be tested. Genetic testing done with no abnormal findings. Trauma brain testing just dome. She was born with bi-lateral cleft pallet which is in process of being corrected but has been halted surgeries because of her emotional state until she is stabilized. The school and local mental health facility whom failed in motivating her to engage in any group or individual talk therapy and after fighting with them has agreed that residential treatment is needed. I would like to know what recommendation you may have for treatment in New England.

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Thank you for reaching out and seeking support. My experience is that PTSD often presents with many of the same symptoms and presentations of a person living with a developmental disorder like Autism. Traumatic Brain Injury seems very unlikely given what you've described. Gender Identity seems very much at the forefront and there are a myriad of challenges in treating PTSD. I am not able to recommend a specific treatment center - I'm familiar with forms of treatment but am not aware of which treatment center achieves the best results. The expert I recommend on all things relating to trauma is Michelle Rosenthal and I recommend contacting her through her site: healmyptsd.com I am happy to answer other questions or concerns as I am able. Blessed be, Jim LaPierre

Question: My AH and I are separated, he tells me he does not love me to meet someone else, then he texes he is sorry etc then I find out he is sleeping with 3 women and has lots more on his secret phone. We were together 25 years and split for 8 months he has lost everything in 8 months me, kids our home, business his lies are out of control hardly works now is always depressed. Why all these women? when he is trying to get home to me. I am so confused by the women

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Thank you for writing. I'm so sorry to hear that your husband is in this downward spiral. Very good women often tell me that they are "confused" when in fact there's nothing confusing and everything is simply hurtful. Active alcoholics tend to be self centered and very immature emotionally. Your husband is behaving childishly and seeking lots of immediate gratification. Unfortunately, he also wants to retain you as a back up plan (alcoholics always have a back up option). Sometimes the cliches - even when they become Fcebook memes still hold true "Never make someone a priority who treats you as an option."

I'm not saying walk away permanently. I am saying walk away - at least until there is a lot of evidence that he is sober and willing to make a lot of changes. It's time to take care of you. Blessed be.