Posts by Nicole Barrett76

Arthur Jackson8 said:How should I handle myself when I run into someone like this, especially if they aren't in a friendly mood and are looking for a fight instead?

Simply explain to them that we all hold vastly different perspectives on how the world operates; however, should they attempt to force their views through aggression, such actions will prove utterly futile. Is it not certain that they will inevitably face consequences if they choose to resort to violence?

Larry Lewis said:Honestly, these intrusive thoughts are driving me absolutely insane... 🙂

Where on earth have you been hiding, Larry Lewis?

I often find myself reflecting upon that particular post of yours where you jokingly lashed out at us, asking, "Where have you all gone, you crazy bunch? Are you back in the hospitals again, drooling over pills, packing on weight like hogs, and peeking under nurses' skirts?"

He strikes me as being so incredibly refreshing—it is truly akin to that wonderful feeling when you head out to a local pub with all your closest friends, only to have someone burst through the doors a little late with such a witty remark that the entire group erupts into fits of uncontrollable laughter.

Could anyone who has experienced hospitalization for mental health issues—not necessarily Schizophrenia—share their perspective on whether psychiatric wards are currently seeing many patients claiming they are being stalked online? Specifically, those who believe people are mass-discussing them or plotting to cause them harm through the internet?

Arthur Jackson8 said:In that case, can the obsession actually fixate on a specific, living person? I'm talking about someone who is convinced another person is stalking them everywhere, simply because they happened to cross paths in the same spot. They hadn't even seen each other in over a year and a half... so there's zero sense of objective time passing or reality checking. On top of that, you've got these massive mood swings—going from totally fine to being combative in five minutes flat. Just straight-up outbursts of rage.

Yes, unfortunately, the focus can absolutely be centered on a specific person. In such an instance, if a psychiatrist suspects a patient might become aggressive toward that individual, they are legally obligated to report those concerns to the police.

The fact that there is no temporal distance, nor any objective reality regarding the delusion of being followed, is precisely why we call this paranoia. It stems from the Greek roots *para noia*, which essentially translates to being "beside reason."

Arthur Jackson8 said:I’m not entirely sure if this is the right place to bring this up, but I’ve been wondering about something. Is it considered a specific type of mental illness when someone is genuinely convinced they're being followed or stalked by someone else, even when there isn't actually any truth to it?

Indeed, some clinicians categorize it as its own distinct entity known as Paranoia—following certain traditional American psychiatric frameworks—while others prefer to classify it under the broader umbrella of Schizophrenia.

William Price16 said:According to some recent studies, there’s actually no evidence suggesting psychedelics trigger mental health issues. In fact, if anything, they might be linked to lower rates of them: http://www.iflscience.com/brain/new-...ealth-problems

Here's the link to the full scientific paper: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/art...l.pone.0063972

Just putting it out there... 😉

If this premise holds true, could we perhaps consider the possibility that mental illnesses arise because the brain fails to effectively process the toxic byproducts naturally generated during glucose metabolism and the constant cellular repair processes? Might it be that because our neural pathways are so densely packed with delicate cells, any significant movement of harmful substances would cause catastrophic damage, leading the brain to simply leave those toxins where they fall if it cannot successfully hand them off to red blood cells to be transported through the digestive tract? What various toxic elements might then be expelled from the system?

Could it be that psychedelics actually serve to more efficiently "incinerate" this accumulated debris scattered throughout the mind? If so, could the resulting mental health struggles merely be a side effect of this heightened metabolic combustion? Therefore, is it possible that an individual who uses psychedelics consciously and intentionally is actually attempting to trigger smaller, manageable psychological shifts to prevent the much greater harm of massive, unplanned mental breakdowns later in life?

Consider, for instance, an ammunition depot being breached by an intruder who sets fire to one section; wouldn't the internal defense systems drop heavy barriers to ensure the explosives detonate one by one rather than all at once, preventing a single cataclysmic explosion that could level an entire American city?

Is it not then true that the person using psychedelics is simply regulating the manner and volume in which these toxic substances are "burned" away?

analogeagle10 said:Is there any way to find out if I carry the schizophrenia gene? Can you actually test for that?

I’m perfectly healthy right now—everything is fine—but I’m asking because I plan on experimenting with certain substances down the road, like DMT or maybe LSD. If that gene is present, those could trigger schizophrenia.

Do you not find that THC and MDMA offer a far more agreeable experience?

I simply cannot bring myself to even contemplate the possibility, let alone actually attempt, taking LSD, given that it produces such grotesque hallucinations.

Eric Mitchell55 said:That’s a bit much, isn't it?
Look, I've only ever taken out two people, so there's really no reason to be afraid of me. 🙂

I have only ever taken one life—simply because they forgot to take their medication. Truly, there is no reason to be afraid of me.

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

We accused you for good reason. If he is behaving exactly as you described, then he has clearly lost his grip on reality. Once someone loses touch with what is real, getting them to accept treatment becomes an uphill battle requiring immense persuasion. Can you not simply realize that this isn't him anymore? It isn't his true self; it is merely his illness.

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

If this is an ordeal for you, can you even fathom the agony he is enduring? It is no different than saying, "I should run away from someone battling cancer because watching them suffer is just too difficult for me."

But in this situation, who is truly suffering more? Is it the one enduring the actual pain, or the one who is "merely" forced to witness it? Really now...

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Why is it so incredibly difficult to grasp that the man is psychotic—that he is mentally ill—and that these actions are driven by his sickness rather than HIM???

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Everything he does to you is not intentional; he does it because of his condition.

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Is that friend of yours truly a dangerous individual?

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

If anyone possesses the capacity to offer him support, then it must be those individuals who stand by his side alongside his true companions. Can we truly hope that you are a genuine friend, rather than merely someone who offers fair-weather loyalty when things are easy?

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Perhaps you should direct your attention toward that family member instead, for surely they are a far more significant figure in your life? Yet, I implore you, do not let this individual be overlooked as well.

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Is there any greater gift an ordinary person can offer to someone facing illness than the simple, profound act of presence? Truly, for those of us without medical training, staying by a loved one's side from the very beginning until the very end is the most significant and meaningful service we can possibly provide.

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Don't just go along with everything he says.

granitepuma26 said:Thanks for the input, everyone.

I get that you're all coming for me, but how am I supposed to maintain a friendship that isn't mutual? Constant accusations, insults, swearing, even threats.
I still pick up his calls because—just like you guys—I feel like I should, but it’s totally irrational. I couldn't just cut him off because I feel bad about his illness. I don't want to be like everyone else who just walked away. But this is genuine torture. That's why I'm struggling—do I stick by him or isolate myself just to survive? It doesn't feel like my presence actually helps him anyway.
Everything I say gets twisted; he acts like I'm attacking him, lying, or just being stupid. Real dialogue? Almost never happens.
He even puts me in awkward spots in front of people, trying to intimidate them. He's had run-ins with the law, too.
I tried to make it work—whatever, he's my friend—but it's getting harder every single day.

@Laura Castillo6, your comparisons don't hold water. I wouldn't run from someone with a disability or a Muslim woman, but I'd definitely run from a psychotic killer. And this guy isn't either of those. Or am I supposed to look at a psycho killer and say, "Well, it's not his fault, he's just sick"???

I talked to his parents. There's nothing they can do.

Look, if all of you who have more experience with this think staying is the right move, fine. That's why I asked. But this is the first opinion I've heard like this—everyone else tells me to get out before I end up in trouble or just wasting my life and energy. They tell me it shouldn't be my burden since he isn't alone and has parents. Honestly, I'm dealing with similar issues with a family member, so this hits extra close to home.

So, give me some actual advice: how should I carry myself? How can my company actually be useful to him? How do I act when he attacks me or mocks me... How am I supposed to force myself to validate everything he says, even when he's saying horrific things? And how do I handle it when he demands I defend him to others, or wants me to tell people he's a god?

Explain to him that while we all hold different perspectives on how the world operates, any attempt to force his views through violence will be utterly futile, and he should fully expect to face consequences should he resort to such aggressive tactics.

granitepuma26 said:Hey everyone.

Don't blame me—I don't have the bandwidth to slog through all 230 pages.

I’ve been noticing symptoms similar to schizophrenia in a friend (if you can even call him that anymore).
I'm guessing most of you agree that the best move is just to run for the hills. At first, I was actually scared to ignore him—he genuinely unnerved me.
I tried playing along—pretending everything he said was true, acting like he actually had superpowers or some kind of 4D insight. But it wasn't enough for him, and I couldn't keep up the act forever.
More than the actual stories, though, his attitude was the problem. He acts "arrogant and haughty. He feels superior, omnipotent, all-knowing, called to give advice, invincible, immune, and 'above the law.'" (I pulled that quote from a site about Narcissistic Personality Disorder).

Anyway, I've distanced myself, and he's stopped pestering me—he's pulling away from everyone now. In his mind, everyone else is beneath him and unworthy of his company, so there's no point in talking to us. He thinks we just don't "get" him and think he's crazy, when really, we're the ones living in a delusion.

My question is: what do I do if he keeps reaching out? Do I sit there and endure the nonsense, or just ghost him entirely?
Also, how do people like this actually seek help? There's zero chance he realizes he's sick or would ever agree to see a psychiatrist, yet I know people with schizophrenia do get treatment. How does that process even start?

And what's your take on all this? To add to the list, he shows these traits: total indifference (he doesn't care about anyone, even regarding death); he constantly perceives changes in himself, others, or nature; he claims his vision has changed; he believes he has an intense sixth sense; he makes prophetic claims about world shifts; he's convinced people are jealous of him; he belittles everything; talks about "energy"; considers himself "chosen"—he even claimed to be God once.
He refuses to work. He looks down on labor and other people's achievements.
He's rarely depressed. Most of the time, he's smiling.

He’s used hallucinogens and weed. After using psychedelics, he had experiences that convinced him he has special powers. He thinks what he sees while tripping is the real world, and that what the rest of us see is just an illusion. Basically, he thinks we're living in the Matrix—that we're all stupid and blind. It frustrates him that nobody believes him.

Sorry for the long post.

It truly feels as though we are left with no choice but to wait until a tragedy occurs, either for the individual or those around them. Since they will refuse to see a psychiatrist, and under our laws, you cannot forcibly hospitalize someone unless they pose an immediate danger to themselves or others, what else is there to do?

Larry Lewis said:Where have you all gone, you absolute lunatics? Back in the hospital again, I suppose—creeping around trying to peek under the nurses' skirts while drooling over your pills and packing on weight like a pig at a state fair...

🤣 🤣 🤣

I find myself reflecting on this specific post quite often. I don't suffer from any mental illness; my recent hospital stay was purely for physical health reasons—nothing major, just a routine checkup at a local clinic.

However, let us be clear: none of us are out here peeping under nurses' skirts. If such a thought had even crossed my mind during my brief time in the hospital, I would have judged myself harshly.

For just imagine being stuck in a hospital bed, and because of the side effects from constant blood draws and endless testing, you suddenly experience such intense dizziness that you can't even make it to the restroom—meaning you can't delay your bodily functions, and God forbid a nurse actually has to put a diaper on you.

(And then you'd be left looking under her skirt... though if she ever noticed that... 😵)

According to reports published by the news outlet "Alternative for You," Seroquel has been ranked as the sixth most dangerous medication among the top ten.

What are your thoughts on this troubling revelation?

Kenneth Garcia9 said:Maybe cats are just socially conditioned too? 🤷 I wouldn't bet my life on it... someone "healthy" might still be lured in by a family member if they weren't aware of the blood connection.

Oh, heavens, spare me from such skepticism...

Alex Thomas27 said:I’m with you on that. There’s actually this concept called "genetic attraction." It’s that weird pull you feel when you run into a long-lost relative. It even applies to parent-child dynamics.

The thing is, you don't perceive them as a relative; you see them as a potential partner, and the attraction is amplified because your genetic material is so compatible.

It works the exact opposite way with childhood friends. If you've known someone since you were kids, you end up seeing them more like a brother or sister. Even if you can clearly tell the difference between an actual blood relative and a friend, that feeling remains. And that goes for real siblings, too.

For example, my brother listed one of his first-grade buddies as a sibling on Facebook. Since I grew up with my twin brother and we spent every single summer vacation together until we were eleven, the idea of anything romantic happening between us is just revolting.

Still, marriages between people who grew up together aren't exactly a rare phenomenon.

steelcrane5 said:I was sitting around the other day and this question popped into my head—it might sound a bit silly, honestly. I was thinking about how I have quite a few attractive cousins in my family, and obviously, there isn't even a flicker of attraction there, which got me wondering... what is it that actually stops us from seeing relatives in that way? Is there some sort of built-in mechanism in our brains that just shuts down any kind of sexual thought when we look at a family member? Like, why is it fundamentally impossible for me to imagine being with a cousin?

I hope you guys get where I'm coming from, I really don't mean anything bad by asking! 🙂

"Hillbilly," man... I nearly had a heart attack just reading that thread title. You could have at least phrased it a bit more delicately. For a split second, I actually thought you were going to ask why we aren't sexually attracted to our parents or siblings.

In truth, attraction to cousins isn't quite as taboo as people tend to assume. However, that certainly doesn't mean anyone would immediately act on such impulses. It is much like how one wouldn't simply walk up to a complete stranger they find attractive and ask if they want to sleep with them.

Take me, for instance; I am somewhat attracted to one of my female cousins because she has such a gentle spirit. Though, I have heard she can be quite the gossip. I don't often think of her in a sexual way, but if the thought does cross my mind occasionally, I don't feel any sense of shame. Rather, it feels like a moment of quiet fulfillment. And yet... when that feeling arises, I feel no need to escalate or prolong it, nor do I feel the need to suppress it.

Mind you, she isn't exactly a beauty.

Carol Davis36 said:I’ve been sitting here wondering if there’s actually a meaningful distinction between remorse and guilt.

My own take? I get the sense that remorse is that internal ache—that genuine regret for something WE actually did. Guilt, on the other hand, feels like it could be something external, a weight shoved onto you by someone else.

Or am I just overthinking it? Are they essentially two sides of the same coin?

What’s your perspective on this?

I find myself in complete agreement with your perspective.

neonsailor26 said:Do your past mistakes ever come back to haunt you?
Do you find yourself looking back with regret over them?
I’ve certainly made my fair share—some minor slip-ups, and others that were quite significant...
And yes, I do regret them, but it feels as though they’re still lingering right there beside me—almost like some kind of curse, heaven forbid 😢 .
How about you all? How do you deal with those old shadows?

I speak with absolute sincerity. Even now, those moments from when I was between ten and twenty years old seem to chase me out of nowhere. And yet, here I am, nearly forty-one.

placidheron7 said:I used to have all these intense ideas, and everyone was talking about me—obviously in a bad way. Every single thing felt targeted, you know? Like, every action had some specific reason tied directly back to me, the shows I went to were definitely about me, anything on TV was somehow signaling me, even the songs... it was all connected. And I mean, when you're watching a movie, you can interpret any line or scene however you want, but in those moments of psychosis—when I actually believed everything was real—nothing could talk me out of it. I just figured everyone was out to get me anyway. Ever since I realized on my own that I’m dealing with this, having people say things to pull me back to reality has been a huge help. Honestly, I think you can do so much more (in a good way) for someone once there's even a tiny bit of doubt in their mind that they might be sick. Before that realization hits, it's just so much harder... you need a ton of long-term work with a professional.

Actually, now that I see some of you mentioning that relationship delusions are more abstract, I'm wondering if what I just wrote counts as that. Because if I genuinely thought I was living in some kind of demonic world, then I guess that's pretty concrete, not abstract :P

I suppose I didn't express myself quite as clearly as I intended. While those thoughts are indeed specific, they remain somewhat more abstract when compared to the truly paranoid delusions where a patient "knows" for a fact that a specific individual or organization is following them, projecting beams at them, or bugging their home and so on.

Eric Gray2 said:For instance, someone might hear a news report about the arrest of Eric Adams (or some similar high-profile scandal) and be convinced it’s somehow connected to their own life. Or they walk past a street vendor and think the booth was set up specifically because of them. They might feel like a play is being performed just for their benefit, or hear an announcement on the radio or TV for an event and believe they’re being personally summoned to attend.

I understand your point perfectly. However, I must ask: did any of your roommates, or perhaps the medical staff, ever harbor such a notion? Was there ever a moment when you or anyone else found it difficult to be talked out of such a belief?

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Paranoia involves a much more concrete conviction regarding what is happening and who is pulling the strings. It is the belief that the government is beaming rays into my brain to transmit specific voices telling me one thing or another. Paranoia carries a very distinct, focused premise about who is acting upon us and what their true intentions are.

In contrast, ideas of reference tend to be far more abstract in nature.

(It should be noted that paranoid delusions do not necessarily have to be linked to auditory hallucinations or other sensory experiences).

One potential symptom of schizophrenia involves the development of delusional associations. Essentially, a patient may begin connecting disparate elements and perceiving them as being linked to themselves, often through a negative lens.

Has anyone you shared a room or a ward with ever displayed such an intense fixation on these types of connections? In what specific ways did they manifest this behavior?

Richard Diaz50 said:For Nicole Barrett76: What about the genetic component? Has anyone in your family dealt with schizophrenia or anything along those lines—I’ve heard it often manifests in the eldest daughter, though who knows...
Please, my grandmother struggled with it too—but what exactly are you experiencing? Are we talking hallucinations, bouts of sadness, bitterness, an obsession with perfectionism, or just feeling completely lost?
I can certainly empathize—just try to walk me through it, if you don't mind...
Best wishes

I am actually dealing with a rare endocrine disorder that no one else in my family has ever had. Neither I nor any of my relatives suffer from SCH. My condition is worsening, but I cannot go into specific details right now because I am using someone else's laptop and don't have access to my own computer.