Mental health lawyer, poker player, and gay schizophrenic

Hi all, For those of you not familiar with my poker blog here, 1/3 Grinding and Bankroll, I started as a drunk tourist player the regs salivated over, playing sporadically for fun. Then life hit me with a baseball bat across the face and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but not before I had gotten my law license and started practicing criminal and post-conviction law. Poker gave me a way to pass the time and not give up on life, and eventually the hobby turned into a job and I went pro or semi-pro for several years. I did very well, playing in the biggest games in my room up to 100/200 occasionally but much more often the big live PLO5 games. I just started my most recent full time law job as a mental health lawyer defending people like me, those with psychiatric disabilities, and I am starting another cool chapter in my life. Now that my poker volume has decreased by a lot again I thought it was a good time for this thread. Ask away! DT

Schizophrenia is always intriguing; to my knowledge it occurs from a variety of factors and in some cases can develop without genetic predispositions. What environmental factors do you think contribute to schizophrenia in our society? Also, have you found your condition able to help you in certain ways while playing at the table? Are there also negative effects while playing?

What's an article/or something you would recommend I could read about your diagnosis?

by ruo44 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58915128#post58915128)

Schizophrenia is always intriguing; to my knowledge it occurs from a variety of factors and in some cases can develop without genetic predispositions. What environmental factors do you think contribute to schizophrenia in our society? Also, have you found your condition able to help you in certain ways while playing at the table? Are there also negative effects while playing?

child abuse and other childhood trauma are environmental factors that have been studied. Some say drug use might. I really don't know for sure, I have not studied the causes extensively. The disability has helped with my poker play because the game provides a distraction from wandering thoughts and I am happily focused on the game. Also some antipsychotic drugs used to treat the disease have gambling as a side effect, probably because the high counteracts the severely sedating impacts of the meds. These both allowed me to put in high volume. Negative effects are misinterpreting social cues and being triggered by things most aren't, like prolonged eye contact, or getting overly emotional over losing.

by Enn Sink m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58915159#post58915159)

What's an article/or something you would recommend I could read about your diagnosis?

I recommend Elyn Saks', the renown schizophrenic law professor's, autobiographical book The center cannot hold. You can also read more in my blog on this site. I would search for posts with the word psychosis or schizophrenia. Webmd and other medical sites have info as well.

You had me at hello.

by limon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58916167#post58916167)

You had me at hello.

Hello! I know my life is sorta a nightmare turned into a dream come true.

Why r u ghey

As a lawyer with mental health stuff going on, I thought you might be able to aid me with an argument I'm trying to make. Long story short, I have full blown insomnia that comes and goes. In 2021, I obtained a prescription for Ativan which helps me sleep and manage it. I've used it extremely carefully, so much that do this date I still have 6 pills left from the original script. Unfortunately, I'm going through an episode of insomnia, and like I said, I only have a few pills left. I've already been rejected by two doctors on zocdoc after they read my blurb about needing medicine to treat insomnia. On monday I have a meeting with my psychatrist. In the past, she has told me she doesn't believe in prescribing Ativan because it has a link to dementia. However, my read is that she can be convinced otherwise. (I also think it's total bullshit and she doesn't prescribe it for other reasons.) I also can't take seroquel because it makes me sleepwalk and do risky things. I'm aware there's virtually no other medicines out there for sleep...I'm not taking anything like Lunesta. I take an abillify injection once a month in case you were wondering, and my main diagnoses is Bipolar w/psychotic features. Any advice on what I can say to my shrink on monday?

by BigBananas m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58916360#post58916360)

Why r u ghey

That's a good question. Another one I really don't know the answer to! Maybe genetics. My mom didn't dress me up in high heels and dresses or anything like that, ha! Funny because for a time I played it straight to blend in as my mom had made some homophobic comments as a child and I was afraid to be open, and in college I was actually horny enough to bang a few girls (though not all) even though I knew I was really only attracted to guys. If my girlfriends hadn't been on birth control I might have ended up with a kid.

by Tuma m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58916401#post58916401)

As a lawyer with mental health stuff going on, I thought you might be able to aid me with an argument I'm trying to make.Long story short, I have full blown insomnia that comes and goes. In 2021, I obtained a prescription for Ativan which helps me sleep and manage it. I've used it extremely carefully, so much that do this date I still have 6 pills left from the original script.... See full post

Thank her for letting you know about the risks associated with the drug, but as the patient you think the benefits outweigh the risks right now and the benefits to your sleep outweigh the downstream risks of dementia at this point in your life. Remind her you use it sparingly anyway which should reduce the risks. I wish you well. I have been diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective and schizo by three different prescribers. Sometimes only you know what's best for your body. Ever consider melatonin? Latuda has helped me. I sleep like a baby most of the time, almost excessively. I have not had insomnia in many many years.

Melatonin is great and can get me into alpha-phase, and works well when I don't have insomnia, but unfortunately what I have right now is full blown. Thank you so much for the free counseling. I will be using your words and will report back.

Do u n ur bf call each other **** slurs? For example when greeting each other u say like 'sup faggit' or something like 'yo fairy wyd?'

by BigBananas m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58916603#post58916603)

Do u n ur bf call each other **** slurs? For example when greeting each other u say like 'sup faggit' or something like 'yo fairy wyd?'

No the gay community has not co-opted that word as widely in the way that the black community has done with the n word. I would be very interested in the reason why one was and the other wasn’t. Also I don’t have a bf in case anyone is looking for one. But my friend says some gays throw the f word around around sometimes.

hi mr trunk. nice to see you flourishing. how long since your first diagnosis? what symptom was the final straw that caused you to seek help? nice insertion of "wandering mind." seems apt.

Hi, I had some paranoia and extreme fear and depression on and off, some mania, from college years on. Final straw was a psychotic episode when I had a delusion that everyone around me was trying to kill me and I had to be hospitalized. I was diagnosed around 9 years ago.

My uncle was diagnosed schizophrenic and his symptoms included paranoia and delusions. He’s stable with a productive career thanks to meds but his family monitors him closely to make sure he takes them. Some of his stories are rather outlandish and it makes me wonder if it’s a manifestation of his mental illness or he just likes to lie. For instance he told a story where he was at Home Depot and 3 men were following him because he had an American flag on his shoe (brand logo) but he managed to evade them all thanks to his sharp former marines skills and he was about to corner and call ICE on them until he saw a woman with a young child who he knew belongs to one of the men so he spared them. Another story was of him leaving $100 on a $20 check at a diner because the waitress looked like she was having a bad day and he read into her soul that her mother is terminally ill. He is the cheapest mofo ever (he rarely gave gifts for the kids in his family and if he did they from the dollar store) so I find it hard to believe but every story he has told is of him being a generous, virtuous, and amazingly skilled hero while everyone else is jealous and out to get him. He also claims he could’ve made millions in his business but chooses to undercharge to provide a service to the community but he is always scheming on how to hurt his competitors and get ahead. As a schizophrenic, what do you think? Do meds not work 100% on schizophrenics so they remain delusional or is my uncle also a pathological liar which meds cannot fix?

by Rainbeauman m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58917358#post58917358)

My uncle was diagnosed schizophrenic … As a schizophrenic, what do you think? Do meds not work 100% on schizophrenics so they remain delusional or is my uncle also a pathological liar which meds cannot fix?

I am also very frugal but I am not a habitual liar. I contribute to various charities I am passionate about (LGBTQ youth suicide prevention, mental health law protections, etc.). I believe your uncle when he says many of those things, the part about undercharging rings true. I could have stayed pro full time and continued to have made hundreds of thousand of dollars a year, but instead I chose a more fulfilling job for now for much less money that actually helps people. People who have experienced delusions may also have experienced unique things that sound delusional. My life story is an example. Separating fact from fiction sometimes can be hard. Having a delusion about everyone wanting to kill you sounds pretty whacky in itself, right? But that happened to me. I heard people from my AA meetings on the roof and I grabbed an aluminum baseball bat to defend myself. I am sure my parents were terrorized a la The Shining. God bless them for not calling the police, I could have been shot and killed very easily. (And I soon dropped the bat anyway.) He may just have memories of his delusions that he believes were reality. Meds don’t fix a faulty memory. They just stop you from having new delusions. (And they help me sleep like a baby.) A lot of genius physicists probably sound delusional when they talk about how we are all living in a simulation on the edge of a black hole and this is not reality. I had a case where the patient said something similar. The judge held him in the hospital.

I heard a voice saying I am a phophet. got offered a good life by this voice. phophecy aint for sale. then had a visual vision like a movie. not once but twice. in emergency with the light pointed at the ceiling after I stared into the light and the gay nurse told me to turn the light at the ceiling and look into the light on the ceiling so my eyes dont get damaged. full vision movie related to gangsters and all the dreams i have. still have dreams about the same stuff months after and before this episode. got shown another vision after i said my sins to security and another vision but this time in the light on the ceiling. me and people i know. one secruity guard said i liked the big secruity guard meaning im gay for him. later had a voice telling me if i go to a place they will find me and kill me because i didn't beat up small secruity guard. told me to go back where im from and play poker and they will come visit me. but they said i got to be a stupid idiot poofter. later had voices telling to go sell drugs etc and 4 locations one overseas. abilify didn't work at all and i was a mess. on good meds now though. still have the gangster dreams and i dont wanna go into great detail about it on a online fourm just in case this **** is real and people are after me. Maybe i do wanna find out though. this is a very brief and im not going into great detail about it. even the doctor asked what i was seeing while i was making noises loudly while looking into the ceiling and i didn't say a word. i doubt anyone from that hospital would read this unless i went to las vegas and won the wsop, posted it in goals and brags fourm and im front page news in my country but ya never know. maybe thats what i need to do go to vegas and win the main event. that is related with dreams at night also and the gangsters who I know are serious about their lifestyles and not all talk. GTO WIZARDS

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58917651#post58917651)

I am also very frugal but I am not a habitual liar. I contribute to various charities I am passionate about (LGBTQ youth suicide prevention, mental health law protections, etc.). I believe your uncle when he says many of those things, the part about undercharging rings true. I could have stayed pro full time and continued to have made hundreds of thousand of dollars a year, but... See full post

That's interesting. My only paranoia when in hosptial was taking meds. Last visit i took every med they gave me mutiple sleeping tablets or prns and called me a psychopath the night nurses did. i left my door open wide while a scary person walked around the wards. i ended up no been scared any more. had secruity called on me mutiple times but they just were a presence because i was walking around making noises in the open ward. realised im no threat and left after awhile. its interesting when you don't take a wank for awhile at how strong ya get. 800 pushups in one day in the cell. i don't believe science but i believe ancient teachings on this that we shouldn't ejuculate or only do it to procreate. if your going to ejuculate do it up the spine over the head. i got instructed in a dream to do that as well. im learning martial arts and alot heavier now. this non wanking or sex helps. if ya gay bi trans or whatever just either get married to a chick if you wanna have kids only have sex for procreation and use all that sex drive for other endeavours. just like phil hellmeth won the main even he turned down a hot ass broad on the way to the 1989 world series main event victory. no fap or whatever they call it worked for phil. women can have sex as much as they want and still function well. doesn't effect them like it does men. most women are rubbish though like 99% of them for each man. theres a dime of a woman out there for each man but not many and ya should marry her. it was common thought that masturbation did cause schizophenia back in the early 1900s. its not good for ya at all neither is banging loads of people gay or straight.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58917651#post58917651)

But that happened to me. I heard people from my AA meetings on the roof and I grabbed .

Are you disrespecting these people at all when you interacted with them? I notice you rub some people the wrong way at poker games from your posts.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58917651#post58917651)

I am also very frugal but I am not a habitual liar. I contribute to various charities I am passionate about (LGBTQ youth suicide prevention, mental health law protections, etc.). I believe your uncle when he says many of those things, the part about undercharging rings true. I could have stayed pro full time and continued to have made hundreds of thousand of dollars a year, but... See full post

But the truth with my uncle was he had to charge less because he was getting undercut by an influx of competitors that he tried to put out of business by spreading rumors and posting fake negative reviews online. It’s not because he was trying to help his customers out because he was always looking for ways to milk his customers for more. I just don’t buy it. There was always so much discrepancy between what he did and who he claimed to be. I thought you quit poker because you stopped running good. You still think you can clear several hundred thousand every year as a full time poker pro? Would you coach some of your mental health clients to crush poker? I’ve seen stories of ex-felons who up turned their lives around with poker such as this one: https://www.pokertube.com/article/amp/ex-felon-learns-poker-in-prison PokerTube Ex-Felon Learns Poker in Prison (https://www.pokertube.com/article/amp/ex-felon-learns-poker-in-prison)

You and my uncle do sound very much like. He is an interesting man and he wishes to publish an autobiography one day. I will send you a copy if it happens.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58915088#post58915088)

Hi all,For those of you not familiar with my poker blog here, 1/3 Grinding and Bankroll, I started as a drunk tourist player the regs salivated over, playing sporadically for fun. Then life hit me with a baseball bat across the face and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but not before I had gotten my law license and started practicing criminal and post-conviction law. Poker g... See full post

How can you represent people with mental health disorders if you have them too?

Mental health issues are manageable due to medication and good life hygiene (sleep diet exercise good relationships reducing stress etc.) and I have been asymptomatic for years now thanks to my meds and good habits. Also having been in my clients’ shoes actually gives me unique insight and experience that is helpful to representing their interests zealously and is in part why I got the job. I didn’t shy away from my lived experience in my interviews and it actually helped me get the offer.

When you had symptoms, what were they? What caused you to be diagnosed?

DT, Just wanted to thank you again. I spoke with my psychiatrist this morning and it went about as well as possible. She prescribed me 10 pills, which I can break in half and will last me another 3 weeks. You are the ****ing man.

Schizophrenia is a big mental health issue. Most of those guys are unemployed or on dissability. How you cope with schiziphrenia? How you cope with beeing gay? Since when do you know you are gay? Do you take your medication? antipsychotics like apriprazol, risperdone and seroquel comes to mind.

Interesting thread to read. I have schizophrenia too or schizoaffective.. Currently on Abilify for it. Before that I was unmedicated for a long time... Question: do you still coach? Do you coach PLO6 as well? Thanks

by Tuma m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58918671#post58918671)

DT, Just wanted to thank you again. I spoke with my psychiatrist this morning and it went about as well as possible. She prescribed me 10 pills, which I can break in half and will last me another 3 weeks. You are the ****ing man.

Awesome! And I just won my second consecutive hearing! Good news all around.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920800#post58920800)

Awesome! And I just won my second consecutive hearing! Good news all around.

Second consecutive hearing on what?

by Hanspeter12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58919887#post58919887)

Schizophrenia is a big mental health issue. Most of those guys are unemployed or on dissability. How you cope with schiziphrenia? How you cope with beeing gay? Since when do you know you are gay? Do you take your medication? antipsychotics like apriprazol, risperdone and seroquel comes to mind.

I think some psychiatrists prime their patients for less than their full potential which is a barrier to many of them seeking gainful employment. Some really cannot work but many could with the right circumstances. My mental health issues are not really front and center anymore, I sorta consider it in remission at this point due to strict adherence to medication and other good life habits. For example I don’t read the news anymore. I eat well sleep well and exercise socialize etc. As far as being gay I don’t feel a need to cope, raising children is a huge responsibility and I’m not sure I will ever be ready for that. I’ve known since my teens around puberty.

by K2AA72 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920602#post58920602)

Interesting thread to read. I have schizophrenia too or schizoaffective.. Currently on Abilify for it. Before that I was unmedicated for a long time... Question: do you still coach? Do you coach PLO6 as well? Thanks

Yes, I coach a little on weekends. Just PLO5.

by MegaWhale69 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920812#post58920812)

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920800#post58920800)

Awesome! And I just won my second consecutive hearing! Good news all around.

Second consecutive hearing on what?

Involuntary civil commitment hearing. These are civil proceedings where a hospital is asking a judge to commit someone to inpatient hospitalization against their will for treatment and their safety or the safety of others.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920827#post58920827)

Involuntary civil commitment hearing. These are civil proceedings where a hospital is asking a judge to commit someone to inpatient hospitalization against their will for treatment and their safety or the safety of others.

You didn't agree with the hospital that treatment was in his best interest?

man i would really need you, i live in sweden though. had two stints in the psych ward (locked up) 2022 and 2023. got pretty bad psychosis that was drug and anabolic steroid fuelled. now im forced to take depot injections of abilify each month because they claim i have a serious mental disorder . i keep on claiming that i don't ****ing suffer from some disorder, it was drug and steroid fuelled but no my doctor claims that im mentally ill. each 6 months they can prolong their right to jab me with this horrendous medicine, and last court case or whatever you call it they decided to prolong it. they have barely diagnosed me but they claim it is schizoaffective which here counts as a serious mental disorder. in 3 months i will have another kind of court where a doctor looks at my case. i REALLY want to get of this ****ing abilify because it has ****ed me up mentally and physically. i work as a teacher right now and i have my life fully in check (kind off lol - im a pretty bad degenerate but I've been that way for 20 years lol) what would you do for someone in my case that has showed a stable life for over a live to get of the meds?

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920827#post58920827)

Involuntary civil commitment hearing. These are civil proceedings where a hospital is asking a judge to commit someone to inpatient hospitalization against their will for treatment and their safety or the safety of others.

Do you ever not side with the patient and agree with the hospital that someone should be committed because they are a threat to themselves and others?

by ChanY m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920862#post58920862)

man i would really need you, i live in sweden though.had two stints in the psych ward (locked up) 2022 and 2023.got pretty bad psychosis that was drug and anabolic steroid fuelled.now im forced to take depot injections of abilify each month because they claim i have a serious mental disorder .i keep on claiming that i don't ****ing suffer from some disorder, it was drug and s... See full post

Honest question - where do you think you would be right now without the meds? You’re stable with a a job as a teacher right now because you are on meds

by MegaWhale69 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920848#post58920848)

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920827#post58920827)

Involuntary civil commitment hearing. These are civil proceedings where a hospital is asking a judge to commit someone to inpatient hospitalization against their will for treatment and their safety or the safety of others.

You didn't agree with the hospital that treatment was in his best interest?

We advocate for our clients’ stated interests and for liberty when they cannot communicate their interests. That often means we are asking for them to be released from forced inpatient hospitalization against their will so they can go back into the community and obtain outpatient assistance. There are occasionally cases where I am not sure I did what was in the client’s best interest health-wise but many of them absolutely hate being held in the hospital. It’s a terrible environment a lot of the time - patients screaming at night, poop on the floor, nurses checking on your room every fifteen minutes. No wonder so many want to leave I don’t blame them.

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921040#post58921040)

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920827#post58920827)

Involuntary civil commitment hearing. These are civil proceedings where a hospital is asking a judge to commit someone to inpatient hospitalization against their will for treatment and their safety or the safety of others.

Do you ever not side with the patient and agree with the hospital that someone should be committed because they are a threat to themselves and others?

Never. That would be unethical.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921197#post58921197)

We advocate for our clients' stated interests and for liberty when they cannot communicate their interests. That often means we are asking for them to be released from forced inpatient hospitalization against their will so they can go back into the community and obtain outpatient assistance. There are occasionally cases where I am not sure I did what was in the client's best in... See full post

You said you wanted to be a mental health lawyer to "defend" people like yourself. But you admit you advocate for the client's "stated" interest regardless of whether that's truly good for them. Would you consider it ethical to hand an alcoholic a beer because that was their "stated" interest? And if a client can't communicate their interest, you advocate for "liberty"? Wtf does that mean. If a client can't communicate their interest, how can they even seek counsel of an attorney? Be honest, don't bull **** me. After how many of your "victories," do the patients actually go to voluntary outpatient treatment? Can they even afford it? In reality, you claim to "advocate" for the mentally ill. There's a reason the hospital needs to involuntarily commit something. They are a threat to themselves and the public. And you're "helping" them by allowing them to avoid treatment?

by ChanY m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58920862#post58920862)

man i would really need you, i live in sweden though.had two stints in the psych ward (locked up) 2022 and 2023.got pretty bad psychosis that was drug and anabolic steroid fuelled.now im forced to take depot injections of abilify each month because they claim i have a serious mental disorder .i keep on claiming that i don't ****ing suffer from some disorder, it was drug and s... See full post

I don’t want to give legal advice for someone in a different country because I don’t know what the rules are there. If you are doing well and stable on your meds I suggest sticking with them. I have been adherent to my meds for years and I owe my stability and success in poker and work in large part to taking them consistently. I really wish you well. It’s hard to come to terms with having a serious mental health issue but the way I view it I am a stronger person because I am overcoming my diagnosis and thriving in spite of (and in part because of) my unique circumstances. My meds cause side effects the worst of which is sedation but over the years I have gotten used to it. Perhaps you just need a medication with fewer side effects which you can discuss in consultation with your psychiatrist. Be well.

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921042#post58921042)

Honest question - where do you think you would be right now without the meds? You’re stable with a a job as a teacher right now because you are on meds

No man I quit putting bad things into my body thats why I am stable.

I want this thread to be a safe space where people feel free to be open without being attacked. Please keep it civil and respectful. If I think someone is crossing a line I will block them.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921199#post58921199)

Never. That would be unethical.

Did you mean you never not side with the client as in you always side with the client even when the doctors are recommending they are committed and even you believe so yourself?

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921799#post58921799)

Did you mean you never not side with the client as in you always side with the client even when the doctors are recommending they are committed and even you believe so yourself?

I do what the client wants. That’s what being a lawyer is all about.

seems declining the job would be proper if you thought they should be locked up.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921858#post58921858)

I do what the client wants. That’s what being a lawyer is all about.

How would you feel if the client wanted to be free against the doctors wishes and you also know he’s a threat to society and then he ends up raping and murdering some good, innocent people who are productive in society? Trying not to cross the line here but I’m genuinely curious about the ethical dilemmas of a lawyer and this is an ask me anything thread

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921858#post58921858)

I do what the client wants. That’s what being a lawyer is all about.

Holy ****. This makes Me question whether you should even be practicing law. A client is entitled to straightforward advice expressing the lawyer's honest assessment. Legal advice often involves unpleasant facts and alternatives that a client may be disinclined to confront. In presenting advice, a lawyer endeavors to sustain the client's morale and may put advice in as acceptable a form as honesty permits.

It is not only morally wrong to hand an alcoholic a beer. It is also unethical and violates your duty as a lawyer to blindly pursue the client's objectives, without giving them honest advice. Your job is not to just "do whatever the client wants." That's especially true when your client is mentally ill and has no ability to understand their true interests and needs. It is utterly hypocritical for you to brand yourself as a "mental health lawyer and advocate" when you've admitted that you blindly follow the "stated interest" of your clients without critical feedback. And even worse, despite all of the doctors who are testifying in court that your patient is a physical danger to himself and others, you fight to keep him out of the hospital so he can avoid treatment. And you have the balls to call yourself a "mental health lawyer"? You advocate foe the mentally ill like bars do for alcoholics: You enable.

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921920#post58921920)

How would you feel if the client wanted to be free against the doctors wishes and you also know he’s a threat to society and then he ends up raping and murdering some good, innocent people who are productive in society? Trying not to cross the line here but I’m genuinely curious about the ethical dilemmas of a lawyer and this is an ask me anything thread

DumbosTrunk would consider this a "victory" because he allowed a violent, mentally ill person to pursue "liberty." He doesn't give a damn about the "liberty" of the woman he rapes.

From what I’ve read (a few times) over the years regarding mental health court, the patients have little to no rights and it’s more akin to a kangaroo court. Essentially, judges side with doctors/the hospital quite often. Would you say this is an accurate assessment DT? Giving those who have little to no rights a “fair” or “more fair” hearing in mental health court seems like a noble pursuit and something you should definitely be proud of.

by All-inMcLovin m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922086#post58922086)

From what I’ve read (a few times) over the years regarding mental health court, the patients have little to no rights and it’s more akin to a kangaroo court. Essentially, judges side with doctors/the hospital quite often. Would you say this is an accurate assessment DT?Giving those who have little to no rights a “fair” or “more fair” hearing in mental health court seems like a ... See full post

That's bullshit. By the time people get to the point of involuntary commitment, they have severe mental health issues and severe history of violence. The state isn't locking up peaceful, innocent people. Here's what people missing: Ordinary, peaceful mentally ill people aren't being locked up. Involuntary commitment requires proof of imminent violence to oneself or others. DumbosTrunk is actively helping violent, mentally ill people avoid treatment, and he has the balls to call himself a "mental health advocate."

Not all the time, Megawhale. I was involutariliy held for 7 weeks in a hell-place psych ward in 2021. A judge ruled I was a danger to society as well. A psycholgist claimed my "flat voice" indicated a behavioral problem as well. What happened? I didn't sleep for 5 days, ended up at the casino, and screamed at a few police officers who got in my way. I raised my voice, and was declared a threat to the world.

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921920#post58921920)

How would you feel if the client wanted to be free against the doctors wishes and you also know he’s a threat to society and then he ends up raping and murdering some good, innocent people who are productive in society? Trying not to cross the line here but I’m genuinely curious about the ethical dilemmas of a lawyer and this is an ask me anything thread

If he was such a threat all my best advocacy would not get him out of the hospital. Same goes for obviously suicidal clients. When the facts aren’t there to support an argument for release the client is usually not getting out. Where I can have more of an impact is in borderline and weaker cases the hospital brings to court anyway.

by All-inMcLovin m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922086#post58922086)

From what I’ve read (a few times) over the years regarding mental health court, the patients have little to no rights and it’s more akin to a kangaroo court. Essentially, judges side with doctors/the hospital quite often. Would you say this is an accurate assessment DT?Giving those who have little to no rights a “fair” or “more fair” hearing ... See full post

I would disagree in my jurisdiction anyway. And that’s principally because our office advocates for the clients’ stated interests. But yes often the judges do side with the hospital where the evidence supports it. Sometimes the client’s actions while in the hospital don’t leave us with much to work with argument wise. Thank you, I feel like I bring dignity to my clients in a very difficult time in their lives. They still have rights even as patients in psychiatric hospitals (which are, by the way, very unpleasant places to be kept against your will).

by MegaWhale69 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58921959#post58921959)

DumbosTrunk would consider this a "victory" because he allowed a violent, mentally ill person to pursue "liberty." He doesn't give a damn about the "liberty" of the woman he rapes.

Not true. The truly violent are not on my docket anyway and sometimes end up in criminal court. They are mostly in state hospital. I deal with private for-profit hospitals right now.

by Tuma m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922267#post58922267)

Not all the time, Megawhale.I was involutariliy held for 7 weeks in a hell-place psych ward in 2021. A judge ruled I was a danger to society as well. A psycholgist claimed my "flat voice" indicated a behavioral problem as well.What happened? I didn't sleep for 5 days, ended up at the casino, and screamed at a few police officers who got in my way.I raised my voice, and was decl... See full post

damn bro I feel you. been locked up twice and its something I don't many people (maybe some i hate the most). hope you are ok now.

by Tuma m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922267#post58922267)

Not all the time, Megawhale.I was involutariliy held for 7 weeks in a hell-place psych ward in 2021. A judge ruled I was a danger to society as well. A psycholgist claimed my "flat voice" indicated a behavioral problem as well.What happened? I didn't sleep for 5 days, ended up at the casino, and screamed at a few police officers who got in my way.I raised my voice, and was decl... See full post

You’re correct, most states do NOT require a showing of imminent violence for someone to be held involuntarily. The standard is “danger to self or others.” What is dangerous to some is not to others and the lines are very blurred in practice. We get a lot of cases like yours where the alleged danger is weak at best.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922297#post58922297)

Not true. The truly violent are not on my docket anyway and sometimes end up in criminal court. They are mostly in state hospital. I deal with private for-profit hospitals right now.

Also even people who commit violence while not in their right minds deserve a fair hearing. Many end up taking medication, getting better, and no longer pose a risk to society and should have an opportunity to be released.

by Tuma m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922267#post58922267)

Not all the time, Megawhale.I was involutariliy held for 7 weeks in a hell-place psych ward in 2021. A judge ruled I was a danger to society as well. A psycholgist claimed my "flat voice" indicated a behavioral problem as well.What happened? I didn't sleep for 5 days, ended up at the casino, and screamed at a few police officers who got in my way.I raised my voice, and was decl... See full post

Buddy, if you're going to talk about your case, why don't you tell the full story? Why did you scream at the police officers? What were the events leading up to that? What is your mental health diagnosis? What's your criminal history? by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922299#post58922299)

You’re correct, most states do NOT require a showing of imminent violence for someone to be held involuntarily. The standard is “danger to self or others.” What is dangerous to some is not to others and the lines are very blurred in practice. We get a lot of cases like yours where the alleged danger is weak at best.

I think due process is important. People deserve a hearing before being locked up. But you have no right to call yourself a "mental health advocate" when you fight to help mentally ill people avoid treatment. And many of these mentally ill people are a severe danger to our society. You are profiting from mental illness in the same way that bars profit from alcoholics and drunk drivers. You help the mentally ill pursue "liberty" - danger to society be damned. Danger to themselves be damned. Treatment be damned. You didn't answer my question earlier: After you "win" your case, how many of your clients end up getting voluntary treatment? How many end up going to prison for rape and murder, because they never got treatment and ended up terrorizing an innocent victim?

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922299#post58922299)

You’re correct, most states do NOT require a showing of imminent violence for someone to be held involuntarily. The standard is “danger to self or others.” What is dangerous to some is not to others and the lines are very blurred in practice. We get a lot of cases like yours where the alleged danger is weak at best.

I want to take a step back. What caused you to be diagnosed with schizophrenia in the first place? What symptoms did you experience back then, and what symptoms do you still have today?

I have no criminal history, and the events in MY life are up to MY discretion to disclose.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58916421#post58916421)

That's a good question. Another one I really don't know the answer to! Maybe genetics. My mom didn't dress me up in high heels and dresses or anything like that, ha!Funny because for a time I played it straight to blend in as my mom had made some homophobic comments as a child and I was afraid to be open, and in college I was actually horny enough to bang a few girls (though no... See full post

Why do you not consider yourself bi sexual? No matter how horny I am no way I am I sleeping with any dude. A few girls seems more than what'd be necessary to get your family off your back.

by Tuma m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922420#post58922420)

I have no criminal history, and the events in MY life are up to MY discretion to disclose.

I have blocked megawhale, I agree his attacks crossed a line.

by WPNdonk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922440#post58922440)

I’m not attracted to women sexually at this point at all and I don’t think I could get hard with them if I tried. I used to consider myself bi but not anymore. Sexuality is more fluid than people think.

only the best of the best mental lock wards actually include treatment beyond meds. these places are mostly holding tanks. therapy is often non existent. they diagnose first. then they medicate. then they monitor. there is no healing there. real recovery often requires ongoing outpatient psychotherapy and psychiatry working together to get the patient on a good path.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922332#post58922332)

Also even people who commit violence while not in their right minds deserve a fair hearing. Many end up taking medication, getting better, and no longer pose a risk to society and should have an opportunity to be released.

A fair hearing is indeed a basic human right. Do you know the stats of how many schizophrenics get on meds and become functional members of society? I saw some stats where 20% of homeless people have schizophrenia. Did you have a lot of familial support after being discharged? That seems critical in how the mentally ill fare. Many do not have the emotional and financial support of family and end up on the streets or in jail.

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58922727#post58922727)

A fair hearing is indeed a basic human right. Do you know the stats of how many schizophrenics get on meds and become functional members of society? I saw some stats where 20% of homeless people have schizophrenia. Did you have a lot of familial support after being discharged? That seems critical in how the mentally ill fare. Many do not have the emotional and financial suppo... See full post

I don’t have those stats but I read that they are largely unemployed. You might Google for that. Yes my family was very supportive. My parents met in a psych hospital unit when my dad was in his medical school residency and my mom was working there too. (Funny given how I turned out.) I lived with my parents for years after my hospitalization. I see a lot of family disengage and give up at the earliest sign of mental decompensation which saddens me. I have been very lucky to have such loving family members my sister included.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58917651#post58917651)

I could have stayed pro full time and continued to have made hundreds of thousand of dollars a year, but instead I chose a more fulfilling job for now for much less money that actually helps people.

Hey dumbo you never answered my question. You still think you can clear several hundred thousand a year playing poker? I’m a slightly winning weekend warrior rec and would quit my job in a heartbeat if I could do the same but I was told that’s very hard to do in the current state of poker. Got any tips?

by Rainbeauman m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58924640#post58924640)

Hey dumbo you never answered my question. You still think you can clear several hundred thousand a year playing poker? I’m a slightly winning weekend warrior rec and would quit my job in a heartbeat if I could do the same but I was told that’s very hard to do in the current state of poker. Got any tips?

I’ve played a low volume schedule this month and I’m on track to have one of my better months lifetime. So yeah I think I can still do it. Play a game that is still relatively unsolved and solve it. Oh and play more aggressively than everyone else.

Did you become gay, schizophrenic, lawyer before or after starting the 1/3 bankroll challenge?

by Stumeister m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58925059#post58925059)

Did you become gay, schizophrenic, lawyer before or after starting the 1/3 bankroll challenge?

All before. Gay around puberty, let’s say 12, schizophrenic around 28, lawyer around 25, and I’m now 37. The 1/3 grind morphed into a lot more than I thought when I started the thread. I have done rather well for myself.

I have the same disorder like you and all my doctors sayd without meds is a no go. I should take meds lifelong. Antipsychotica for life. Worst thing is if you get the zombie drug leponex. It is very unhealthy and sedation is really high. But Abilify or risperdon you have allmost no sedation and close to zero side effects. Ofcourse you will get fat with medication ..

by Hanspeter12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58926277#post58926277)

I have the same disorder like you and all my doctors sayd without meds is a no go. I should take meds lifelong. Antipsychotica for life. Worst thing is if you get the zombie drug leponex. It is very unhealthy and sedation is really high. But Abilify or risperdon you have allmost no sedation and close to zero side effects. Ofcourse you will get fat with medication ..

Thankfully my meds haven’t made me fat. I have lost weight. They are somewhat sedating though although I have gotten used to it over the years. I assume I’ll be on them indefinitely.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58926325#post58926325)

Thankfully my meds haven’t made me fat. I have lost weight. They are somewhat sedating though although I have gotten used to it over the years. I assume I’ll be on them indefinitely.

What medications are you on?

by K2AA72 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58926955#post58926955)

What medications are you on?

I’m only on one, an antipsychotic. Basically another way to say tranquilizer.

Does your family monitor you to make sure you take your meds? Do you ever accidentally skip a dose or a few and notice symptoms coming back? If yes what was it like?

by TheTruthSayer m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58927063#post58927063)

Does your family monitor you to make sure you take your meds? Do you ever accidentally skip a dose or a few and notice symptoms coming back? If yes what was it like?

No, I live independently with a friend/roommate now. No one really monitors me. I never intentionally skip a dose. I rarely miss one here and there, maybe a few times a year. Typically I feel a little more depressed the next day, but nothing major. The medication builds up over time in my fatty tissue so even if I miss one pill I don’t immediately feel symptomatic. When I was on a lower subtherapeutic dose I had some paranoia but nothing more than that. Once I thought a client was going to put a hit on me if I didn’t get him out of prison. I knew it was just a symptom of my illness though and was able to ignore it as annoying as it was.

You are basically very lucky and it could go downstairs ... One antipsychotic is good. Mostly it is enough. Most of the schizophrenic guys are on disability money? You are poker pro? how much do you pay for health care? Where i life, you have to pay like 400 euros each month for health care only. Thats a state with very good health care system ...

by Hanspeter12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58927726#post58927726)

You are basically very lucky and it could go downstairs ... One antipsychotic is good. Mostly it is enough. Most of the schizophrenic guys are on disability money? You are poker pro? how much do you pay for health care? Where i life, you have to pay like 400 euros each month for health care only. Thats a state with very good health care system ...

I have insurance through my employer. I recently started a law job again. I pay $125 a month.

by DumbosTrunk m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58916436#post58916436)

Thank her for letting you know about the risks associated with the drug, but as the patient you think the benefits outweigh the risks right now and the benefits to your sleep outweigh the downstream risks of dementia at this point in your life. Remind her you use it sparingly anyway which should reduce the risks. I wish you well. I have been diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaff... See full post

Yes, I use ativan (I call it lorazepam) for occasional insomnia. I also use regular and time release melatonin and one with theanine. I use ativan very sparingly such that I don't expect my GP doctor to object to a refill request. Before this doctor my regular doctor refused to refill it. He was a real dick. I couldn't play WSOP events without my ativan pills to fall asleep after a long day at the tables. They are worth more than gold. Incidentally they are very inexpensive. The trick is getting the prescription.

I’m almost six months into the new job playing poker semi-pro. Bumping.

I am playing with psychedelics, hoping to heal childhood traumas. Am I flirting with schizophrenia?

Wow what a combo

by WSOPeddie m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59209382#post59209382)

I am playing with psychedelics, hoping to heal childhood traumas. Am I flirting with schizophrenia?

Drug use alone does not cause mental disabilities, there’s more than that - probably a genetic component. Drugs can trigger episodes though in people predisposed to the illness. Probably better ways to cope with trauma than drug use. Some good therapy and self care for example.

Recently hit over $1MM lifetime poker profit in just around 7 years. Open to answering questions about that as well.

Are you taking new clients? lol

What did you do for health insurance while you were playing pro?

by Matka_Boza m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59297431#post59297431)

Are you taking new clients lol

Lol no, my clients are appointed counsel by the state. by Matka_Boza m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59297432#post59297432)

What did you do for health insurance while you were playing pro

I had private health insurance.

by Matka_Boza m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59297432#post59297432)

What did you do for health insurance while you were playing pro

I had private health insurance.

Could you be more specific? Like did you run yourself through an LLC? Did you go on a public exchange?

by Adam_Edward m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59298904#post59298904)

by Matka_Boza m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59297432#post59297432)

What did you do for health insurance while you were playing pro

I had private health insurance.

Could you be more specific? Like did you run yourself through an LLC? Did you go on a public exchange?

Care first blue cross blue shield. No LLC.

appreciate you sharing something this personal openly. the intersection of managing a serious mental health condition while maintaining a professional legal career and being competitive at poker is genuinely interesting and i imagine the cognitive demands of all three overlap in ways most people would not expect. what has been the biggest unexpected challenge in managing schizophrenia specifically in high pressure decision making situations like courtrooms or final tables?

by mohsin85 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59302570#post59302570)

appreciate you sharing something this personal openly. the intersection of managing a serious mental health condition while maintaining a professional legal career and being competitive at poker is genuinely interesting and i imagine the cognitive demands of all three overlap in ways most people would not expect. what has been the biggest unexpected challenge in managing schizo... See full post

I have not noticed my mental disorder interfering with any of these high pressure situations very much if at all. I have occasional irritability and anxiety but that’s par for the course with anyone with as demanding a schedule as I have. Thankfully my medication handles my symptoms very well and I can excel at most things I do.

by RapidMaple3 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59383028#post59383028)

That’s great to hear—sounds like the medication has kept the disorder from being a meaningful obstacle in those settings. Occasional irritability and anxiety under that kind of workload seem pretty understandable.

Yeah it’s been working for me so far. Thanks! I still try to manage my stress levels as much as possible to reduce the risk of any symptoms re-emerging. And get plenty of sleep decent diet and exercise.

Hope you are well Dumbo!