716 posts shown.
ja444 said:I remember my brother
he was very ill
he thought he was being filmed, watched, or even poisoned...
He eventually ended up in a psychiatric ward on medication...
He believed the rest of us were demons or spies...
That there was some massive conspiracy being built against him
In the end, when he was released to come home
He picked up a shotgun and shot himself in the head
It was incredibly hard on all of us
Looking back now, I wonder if things could have been even worse; I fear it might have ended with:
Him killing the entire family while they slept and then taking his own life
That is terrible. Honestly, you guys are crazy—how could you keep a shotgun in the house while he was like that?
Why don't you try spending a month in a mental institution just to see how you'd feel?
And since you're thinking so much about yourself—maybe it would have been better if you had ended it too.
I would never kill myself because of my brother.
I don't want to leave behind psychological trauma just because his sister killed herself, especially since we don't even have a mother.
I love my BROTHER. 🙂 🙂 🙂 👋 👋
druid said:I almost find it hard to believe in that specific brand of "madness." To me, the whole thing smells like the "manufacture of insanity." It feels completely illogical and inhumane to just slap an "F-22" label on someone, as you put it, or simply assign them a disease name. But I suppose that’s what the system needs to function. "Crazy" people are often on the fringes or entirely outside the system, and the system is terrified of that. They are frequently romantics, and by that definition, they are "inefficient." And the system demands nothing but promptness and efficiency. Then there's the mountain of social syndromes to consider. Again, I'm not saying there aren't actual dangers or that someone isn't perfectly fine if they aren't labeled "insane." After all, what does it even mean to be "completely normal"? Nobody truly knows, yet everyone pretends they do—especially those who invent these illnesses. They define it as behaving according to norms, even if those norms are unhealthy. In that sense, "crazy" people might actually be the "healthier" ones. It brings up so many other questions about the true causes behind these conditions, beyond just the medical diagnosis itself.
It is also quite interesting to note that while there are about 20 recognized "types" of schizophrenia in Russia, there are at least 100 in the USA. I might not have the exact statistics on hand, but in any case, the number in the States is five to ten times higher. Is it because our medicine is more advanced? You can certainly think that if you want. Or perhaps it's just bigger business and higher profit margins.
On a related note, the work of psychiatrist Ronald Reagan is fascinating; he exposed the secrets of his own profession, which is why he wasn't exactly the favorite among many of his colleagues. He is often associated with the concept of "anti-psychiatry." There are plenty of similar authors out there; if anyone is interested and hasn't encountered them, I'd be happy to share specific names and their seminal works. Of course, they weren't just talking nonsense; they very often backed everything up with their own lived experiences and were distinguished by their unique approaches and, quite often, their selfless dedication to their patients.
I couldn't agree more. For instance, a woman I work with says this, yet her own daughter barely survived because she lacked access to medication for AIDS—so surely, there must be a cure for schizophrenia too, right?
Besides, every doctor has contracts with certain pharmaceutical companies
to provide the medications they prescribe. Not just the major ones, but smaller side deals as well.
Well, considering how rotten the world is, I suppose things could be much worse.
Personally, I'm doing great; what hit me hardest was seeing that difference in how we are classified compared to everyone else.
Even my immediate family looks at me strangely, almost unnervingly, because they started treating me like some precocious child, asking me for advice when I was only 15 or 16.
Perhaps there is some sort of privilege in that.
RESISTANCE is FUTILE😂 😂 😂 ☕
George Cruz4 said:So, what’s the actual definition of beauty? Personally, I think it's entirely subjective. It all comes down to taste, doesn't it? Which leads me to believe everyone has an equal shot at life when it comes to this one issue.
As for me, I've got a straight nose, average lips, blue eyes, a healthy complexion, and great teeth—plus my hair is perfectly straight, just like Nicole Bennett's look in Discovery.
My BMI sits right at 24.
I actually lead a pretty decent life, though I wouldn't be where I am today without everything I've been through dealing with a chronic illness.
But here's the kicker: even before I got sick, some of my friends who aren't exactly "conventionally attractive" always seemed to have way more self-confidence than I ever did.
Taylor Howard36 said:The stigma surrounding mental illness
Stigma regarding mental health issues is widespread throughout the public. People living with mental disorders are often unfairly labeled as dangerous or irresponsible😵 , while having a mental health condition is frequently misinterpreted as a flaw in one's character. Due to this lack of understanding, mental health facilities are sometimes viewed as overly restrictive, and treatment itself is often dismissed as ineffective.
As the American psychiatric system undergoes restructuring—moving away from large institutions toward community-based care models—new support programs are being developed for patients and their families. The goal is to improve overall healthcare quality and ensure smoother reintegration for patients back into their local communities.
http://mentalhealth.mayoclinic.org/schizophrenia/stigma
Oh boy... Honestly, once you leave the hospital, it feels like they just stitch you up and leave you to figure out the rest on your own.
As for "reintegrating into the community,"
I have my own struggles with people—to be honest, if I showered everyone with all the love I have, they’d probably suffocate!
But life has taught me to keep my distance.
Hypothetically speaking, I think I would actually adjust better if I moved to a new country
in a neighborhood where everyone knew from day one that their new neighbor was a woman with schizophrenia and her family. What a wild fantasy, right?🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Anne, just grab him and slap some duct tape over his mouth—problem solved!
I'm actually really curious to see what the IMF report says. It should be ready in about a week.
If I had a hole in my bank account right now, I'd be a total disaster.🤣 🤣 🤣
Taylor Howard36 said:Is it possible for people living with schizophrenia to have children?
People diagnosed with schizophrenia can certainly have children. While there is a higher statistical risk of the condition being passed down if both parents are affected compared to just one parent, it isn't a certainty.
Every day, we see examples of how individuals managing schizophrenia can be wonderful, loving parents who raise kids who go on to become successful students and professionals. 👋
That said, it’s important to mention that anyone navigating this should be honest with their partner about their diagnosis before getting married, especially if symptoms have already appeared. Unfortunately, in our society, that level of transparency doesn't always happen as it should, which can lead to a lot of difficult situations down the road.
👋 👋 👋 You are so kind; my partner and I actually had an abortion for that very reason.
Well, you can't please everyone, right? Not everyone can fit perfectly into what society expects.😠
Our child will be smart—that’s just how my spouse and I are wired—and if they end up having schizophrenia, we'll manage it.
Plus, it would be nice since we're both good-looking!
I was actually just watching Nash.
In that documentary, he bows so many times when he receives his Nobel Prize
it actually made me cry. I guess every Shizo has to learn how to bow at some point in their life.
😢 😉
Why don't we all head over to FOX right now to watch A Beautiful Mind? Even if the portrayal of John Forbes Nash's life isn't exactly accurate, wouldn't it be worth watching just to see a good documentary?🙂
briskgull27 said:I honestly have no idea what they're even talking about. It’s true that maybe 10-15% of people actually recover.
It feels a bit off.
What are they even writing?
I'm heading out to go shopping.😘
I picked up a shirt at the Target in town
and another one at the mall... what a rush!
I stick to my therapy, and for the most part, things are going okay.
But I feel like this page was actually started for a different reason—to help people realize
that
schizophrenics are just regular people like anyone else.They aren't mass murderers, though of course, if a schizophrenic does kill someone, it's all over the news immediately, unlike almost any other crime.
It's the same thing when a victim is involved; if a schizophrenic is killed, it doesn't make the news, but if a PTSD sufferer is killed, it’s headline news right away.
And what about when FOX once came to film me? They had to protect my identity in the segment because
if people recognized me, I might have been targeted. :2up:
Taylor Howard36 said:It says it isn't incurable! Does that mean there really is a cure?
I honestly have no idea what they're getting at here, but the reality is that maybe 10-15% of people actually recover.
It feels a little strange, doesn't it?
What are they even trying to say?
Anyway, I'm off to hit the mall.😘
Taken from medicine.com.
There aren't many medical conditions that spark as much debate and controversy as schizophrenia. It’s actually quite fascinating how we can't even reach a consensus on what to call it; some prefer one spelling or term, while others insist on another. The etymology itself is pretty telling, though—it stems from a Greek compound where "schizo" means to split and "phren" refers to the mind or soul. Isn't it interesting how much weight a single name carries?
When you start explaining schizophrenia, maybe the best way to begin is by defining what it actually isn't.
Split personality or multiple personalities?
Is it all rooted in how parents behave, or perhaps just the way someone was raised?
Is there truly such a thing as an incurable condition?
Is there any actual guarantee that someone who falls ill will start acting out violently?
Is there any guarantee that someone who falls ill will end up staying in the hospital for the rest of their life?
Dealing with this illness is incredibly tough, not just for the individual, but for their entire family as well. However, there really is reason to be hopeful. Did you know that about one in ten people who experience symptoms of schizophrenia go on to achieve a full recovery? In recent years, we've seen significant breakthroughs in treatment methods. Because of this progress, many people living with schizophrenia can lead remarkably normal lives, maintaining deep social connections and staying fully integrated with their families and friends. Isn't it encouraging to see how far medical science has come?
What are the typical symptoms of schizophrenia?
When looking at schizophrenia, it's helpful to think about symptoms in two distinct categories: positive and negative. Have you ever wondered why they're labeled that way? It isn't necessarily about whether the symptoms are "good" or "bad," but rather whether they represent an addition to a person's experience or a subtraction from it.
Do you notice that positive symptoms tend to pop up more frequently during the acute stages or right when a disease first takes hold? On the other hand, negative symptoms seem to be much more common as the illness settles into its long-term phase. Isn't it interesting how the progression changes over time?
What kind of positive symptoms should we be looking out for?
What exactly defines a hallucination? Essentially, it happens when someone sees, hears, feels, or smells something that isn't actually there. There is no external trigger or real-world stimulus causing the sensation; instead, the entire experience is generated entirely within the person's own mind. Isn't it fascinating how our senses can sometimes create a reality all on their own?
False beliefs and deceptions—it’s a fascinating phenomenon, isn't it? Often, there is clear evidence suggesting that what someone is experiencing is nothing more than an illusion. Yet, regardless of how many logical explanations are presented, the individual remains unshakably convinced of their reality. To everyone else, these delusions seem completely unfounded and disconnected from the world we live in. Why is it that some convictions remain so bulletproof against the truth?
People often end up drawing conclusions based on their own delusions, which only serves to drag them deeper into a cycle of further misconceptions. It’s a slippery slope, isn't it? You see it all the time—individuals or even entire organizations that feel like they're being targeted or hunted by outside forces, leading them straight into those paranoid, persecutory delusions.
When it comes to thought patterns, things can get pretty complicated, can't they? On one hand, you might experience a racing, disorganized stream of consciousness that feels like it’s just swirling around uncontrollably inside your head. On the other hand, there's that sudden, jarring sensation where your mind just goes completely blank—like an abrupt mental block. Then there are the distortions regarding the thoughts themselves. It’s common for patients to struggle with certain delusions, such as believing that everyone around them can somehow read their every private thought, or feeling as though their very identity has been swapped out for someone else. Isn't it fascinating how complex the human psyche can be?
Mood swings can hit pretty fast, can't they? Sometimes you find yourself feeling completely out of sync with whatever is actually happening around you.
Any other symptoms?
Given all the shifts we've discussed, it isn't really surprising that patients often find themselves becoming intensely preoccupied with certain things. They might feel slightly distracted or lose their focus, or perhaps they tend to withdraw altogether. Everyone reacts differently, don't they? People will experience a wide range of behavioral patterns, with varying levels of symptom severity.
It seems like there is almost always a gap between what a patient is actually going through and their ability to truly grasp the reality of their condition. Why is it so difficult for people to wrap their heads around their own health struggles?
Once the acute phase of an illness finally passes, a patient often transitions into a chronic stage characterized by what we call "negative symptoms." This usually manifests as a lack of motivation, social withdrawal, or a tendency to avoid others altogether. While some of the initial symptoms from the acute phase might linger into this period, they typically aren't quite as intense or overwhelming as they were at the start. Is it possible that this shift is just part of the body's way of recalibrating?
Delusions and hallucinations might persist for a while, but the goal is for the patient to eventually reach a point where they can distinguish those episodes from their everyday beliefs and social interactions. Isn't it vital that we provide them with constant reassurance? We need to continuously remind them that these symptoms are simply a byproduct of their illness.
It’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed when you have a friend or a close family member living with schizophrenia. These facts can be heavy enough to bring anyone down. However, there are two really important points we need to keep in mind:
It’s important to remember that there are varying degrees of severity when it comes to this condition. Not everyone diagnosed with schizophrenia will present the exact same clinical picture, right?
-this condition is manageable through psychological therapies and medication, which—either alone or in combination—can significantly improve the clinical picture and overall prognosis.
How common is this disorder, really?
Roughly 1% of the population will develop schizophrenia at some point in their lives. It appears there is a clear genetic predisposition involved. For instance, among those with a parent or sibling living with the condition, about 10-15% will develop the disorder themselves. If both parents have schizophrenia, that risk jumps to 40%. Interestingly, this risk level remains constant regardless of whether the children were raised by their biological parents or through adoption.
Men face the highest risk of developing schizophrenia between the ages of 15 and 35, with the peak occurring during their twenties. Women also see their highest risk in their twenties, though the likelihood is slightly lower than it is for men during that decade. However, unlike men, where the risk tends to taper off after the twenties, the risk for women actually increases.
So, what does the progression look like for those diagnosed?
About 20-25% of individuals will never experience another acute relapse. Another 20-25% may go through more than one acute phase but remain stable while following a medication regimen. Meanwhile, 40-50% of people will develop long-term chronic phases. It is also important to note that among younger patients at the onset of an acute phase, there is a significant risk of suicide attempts.
Andrew Harris7 said:I was just watching this Spanish commercial for a new TV, and the guy starts talking about how everything is going to sink into hell unless this certain woman comes to save us. As soon as he mentioned things sinking, my mind went straight to our situation. I know I might be overthinking it, but I just can't shake this uneasy feeling. It seems like everywhere I look, I'm seeing signs—both good and bad.
Ivanaaaaaa, you've got to be kidding me😍 😁
Enchantress said:From everything she’s shared, it sounds like most people at the clinic just get "treated" with medication, with very little focus on other types of therapy. It seems like they basically just hand out a diagnosis, prescribe the pills, and call it a day. Sure, you can always schedule private sessions with a psychiatrist, but those come with an extra price tag. Then again, isn't that just how the healthcare system works everywhere? You get the basics for free, but if you want anything better or more intensive, you're footing the bill.
My previous therapist was pretty aggressive toward me, but this NEW ONE is different—she’s constantly refining my treatment plan, and honestly, she's incredibly sharp. I actually show my appreciation by bringing her chocolates, mugs, or even making her a vase or burning a CD for her. When I travel, I always make sure to pick up a souvenir magnet for her.
The thing is, we've been working together for six years now.
I don't know if you realize that you could talk to someone for five years straight, but it won't be nearly as effective as a properly managed regimen of medication.
See, I'm not dealing with neurosis; I'm dealing with psychosis.
Look, I’m not trying to be rude here; I don't have any guilt weighing me down, nor am I feeling anxious or mentally unsettled. There really isn't a reason for me to feel that way.
Besides, we'll probably chat again in a few days once my depressive episode hits.
I'm actually struggling with some different things: I just can't wrap my head around the whole concept of money and material possessions,
and I honestly don't get why everyone seems so incredibly thrilled about life.
And there's one more thing I can't quite grasp—if you truly have faith, why on earth would you be afraid of dying?
Enchantress said:I don't doubt it one bit. 🙂 A close friend of mine works as a psychiatrist at a local clinic, and she’s mentioned how people dealing with schizophrenia can genuinely believe things that aren't true—like thinking their own mother is an enemy trying to harm them. In that moment, it feels completely real to them, so they act based on what they "see" and experience. To everyone else, those reactions seem totally unexpected and irrational, which scares people. Most folks just don't handle anything that deviates from the norm very well, especially when it's something so foreign and incomprehensible that they have no idea how to deal with it.
My dad used to say I was acting a bit "unhinged"—do you guys have a specific term for that here?
He actually paid for a whole year of my $67 psychotherapy sessions.
I saw this super modern female psychiatrist, and we talked through everything until I finally realized
that she had become way too much like a close friend, and I just couldn't go back after that.
By the way, right outside the hospital, a veteran once gave me such a hard slap that I thought my ear was going to fly off! Then another guy chimed in, saying, "Don't worry, you'll be fine regardless."
After all that, we just went out for dinner.
I apologize if I'm causing any tension being a Mexican woman.
You are always welcome here.
🙂
Eliljan said:Thanks for responding.
I really enjoy your writing style, so I find myself following your comments.
I've actually had the chance to "encounter" a few people living with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
The reason I asked about side effects is because some of them deal with issues in their hands and feet caused by their medication—they told me it’s incredibly distressing. They experience tremors or restlessness, where they can't stay still and just pace back and forth... I don't remember all the details.
Is it actually possible for medications to act like that?
It's definitely possible. Risperdal used to do that to me. That restless feeling in my legs was just awful!
Now I'm on Lithium, and as long as I don't have kids, I plan to keep taking it:
As for the side effects of Lithium, you get thirsty, and you have to get regular blood work done because having too much or too little in your system is toxic.
Honestly, it's not that bad. I just get my blood checked every four months.
mistybison said:I don't doubt it one bit. 🙂 My godmother works as a psychiatrist at a local clinic, and she’s mentioned how people dealing with schizophrenia can genuinely believe things that aren't true—like thinking their own mother is an enemy out to get them. In that moment, it feels completely real to them, so they act accordingly based on what they "see" and experience. To everyone else, those reactions seem totally unexpected or irrational, which understandably scares people. Most folks just don't handle anything that deviates from the norm very well, especially when it's something completely foreign and incomprehensible that they don't know how to deal with.
And my godmother is a cytologist in nuclear medicine.
My godfather is an internist.
Another godmother is a doctor over at State Farm; I was actually at her wedding.
A good friend of mine is in her third year of med school.
And my dear late mother specialized in general practice.
Well, credit to your godmother, because it sounds like schizophrenic patients don't get the care they need where you are.
If you catch my drift. Here in Washington, D.C., we have doctors who tend to treat us more as individuals, if you know what I mean.
Boy, these pretzels are making me thirsty.
Taylor Howard36 said:🙂
What do I actually think? Honestly, I think you're doing great! Really! You are such an interesting, high-quality person, and you have plenty of reasons to feel happy. Aside from health issues—we all deal with our own set of struggles, one way or another. 😢 The key is knowing how to manage them, and from what I can tell, you’re handling things beautifully! At least, that's my impression. 👏
Thanks! Although, I did make a little vow to myself to just spit three times and wipe it away so I don't end up doing anything drastic.
Boy these pretzels are making me thursty🙂
I'm gonna go watch Voyager
Taylor Howard36 said:Just try to find out how to get in touch with them!!!!! Ask your doctor about it! If she says she doesn't know, tell her she needs to find out!😍
I’ve had enough. Honestly, who cares what she thinks? She seems to believe it's "bad for me" to hang out with anyone she deems unstable. It's supposedly "not good for my health." And she isn't going to look into those contacts because she simply couldn't care less.
She’d much rather grab coffee with her sisters and focus on her own family life, since she isn't actually my mother—so can we please stop this marathon chatting session?
What do you actually think about all this? Should I just be grateful that I have both legs
and that they didn't perform that procedure on me back in Africa?🙂
See how aggressive I'm getting?🙂
Taylor Howard36 said:What if you just started an association? Like one for people dealing with schizophrenia? Is that how you're planning to make an impact?
I actually heard there might already be a group out there; I think they were even featured on Good Morning America once.
I really need to figure out how to track them down, though. They don't seem to have any sort of online presence.
I've already tried calling 988 and 981.😂
Personally, I'm not one to generalize everything. For instance, I could spend my days staring at the walls in Los Angeles, while
some other guy currently in a long-term care unit could go on to become a successful farmer and start a family.
And get this—the ladies over at my dad's office are all gossiping that Secretary Primorac is schizophrenic. Can you believe that kind of rumor?🙂