Kenneth Lee16 said:It sheds its bark, loses hair... even leaks resin
But it still grows, right? It bears fruit... feeds itself... survives through spring, summer, and winter
So, I guess it gets some kind of organic orgasm feeling out of all those processes?
Everything you just listed describes the characteristics of a living being, and a tree certainly qualifies as one. As for an orgasm, I couldn't say for sure, but if we look at it from an evolutionary standpoint—if such a thing provides a biological advantage to the tree—then perhaps it does experience something similar.
stormycyclist432 said:I’ll jump in here; I stumbled upon this thread by accident. Just to be clear, I’m not schizophrenic myself, but my husband is. It hit him about two years after we got married—he was only 29 at the time. He lost both of his parents within a single year, and he had to sell the house he grew up in just so we could try to start over somewhere else. That was eight years ago. Fast forward to now: I gave birth to a beautiful son ten months ago, and I just pray he stays healthy. My husband was first hospitalized when he was diagnosed six years ago; he spent three months in the ward and another six on medical leave. Since then, he’s been back in the hospital once more, just for a couple of weeks for preventative care. These days, he takes N/A, once in the morning and once at night, which he’s been doing for about three years now. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without his crying fits, because mine are nothing compared to his. Does anyone ever stop to ask what it’s actually like to live with someone struggling with schizophrenia? There are moments when I genuinely want a divorce. He can be so incredibly immature, snapping at me with these horrible things, and then acting as if everything is perfectly fine. I’m expected to just swallow it and move on, but I refuse to do that, so we end up fighting. If anyone out there is going through something similar, please reach out. I really need to know how anyone else handles a situation like mine.😕
You are truly going through a difficult time, especially since your husband fell ill so shortly after you tied the knot. I think it’s important to remember that you have to view him as both a person and as someone dealing with a serious illness. If you find that you simply can't accept his condition or who he is because of it, then divorce might eventually become an option. I can tell you’re also worried about your son and whether he will be healthy; that really depends on the environment you provide, so please try to focus all your energy on him right now. Just remember: those first three years are absolutely vital. Hang in there.👋
I thought I’d pivot to something a little more on-topic for a change... I just spent the last three weeks checked into the psychiatric ward over at Johns Hopkins. Now, I can already hear some of you regulars wondering why on earth I'm bringing this up, but here’s the deal: While I was there, I met all sorts of people dealing with mental health struggles, including several folks living with schizophrenia. And honestly? Not one single person I met views their condition the way our dear Dubravka does. Everyone else uses every trick in the book—all possible ways, really—to distract themselves from anything else just so they don't have to confront the heavy reality of what they're going through. But Dubravka? You're a total outlier (and maybe a bit of a deviant phenomenon) 🙏
Noah Sanchez7 said:Hey there, "little Bud," you've been quiet lately...
What are you guys even talking about? Back when I was 19 living in New York City, I actually bought some magic mushrooms from a shop—back when that was perfectly legal there—and I spent time connecting with a tree. Well, maybe not "talking," but we shared this deep silence where we just totally understood each other. It basically told me how lucky it was to be right where it was. I mean, I just had a single mushroom, nothing like LSD or heavy chemicals.
Everything you're describing sounds like nothing more than that person's hypersensitivity. And honestly, that's where those beautiful, noble thoughts come from—along with the ugly, destructive ones. That’s just how it works. It isn't strange at all. It really bugs me that you guys keep labeling him as sick. The world is incredibly, INCREDIBLY diverse. There's so much variety out there. You've got hundreds of thousands of insect species, millions of different types of everything else. Humans are the same way. No one is "sick"; it's all just part of the design. Who is "responsible" for that design? We could say God. And I don't think God would appreciate some of you trying to divide up His "fruits" on this earth... So, use your heads!👍
I wasn't the one who called him that; the psychiatrists did. No, seriously, the guy is genuinely ill, and he isn't to blame for his condition. While you're right that the world is diverse, what we're discussing here are massive variations within a single species. When those differences prevent someone from living a normal life—and schizophrenia definitely does that—we call that an illness. You're a bright guy, I can tell, but there are just some things in life you simply cannot change..
I recently met someone named Vanja. He’s 28 years old and honestly such a kind soul; I get the feeling he’d feel terrible if he accidentally stepped on an ant. He struggles with some serious mental health issues, though. He takes a cocktail of medications—Moditen, Prazine, Akineton, and Normabel—all in pretty high doses, which makes his speech a little slower than usual. He tends to cry quite easily, too. He lives with this heavy feeling that he's cursed, and while he truly loves his parents and his dog, he’s convinced they actually want to hurt him. He describes himself as a "sacrificial lamb," whatever that might mean in his eyes. He feels his upbringing was flawed, which he believes is the root cause of his condition. He’s the type of person who would never insult anyone unless there was an incredibly, genuinely good reason for it. Most days, he just seems weighed down by sadness and low spirits. He told me that back when he was 19, he had these experiences where he felt he was talking to birds and seeing Jesus; he believes in Him, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to provide much relief. For those who couldn't tell, Vanja is living with schizophrenia.
So, it seems we've landed on the idea that prominent veins tend to pop out more easily in people who deal with low blood pressure during warmer weather. Personally, I struggle with low blood pressure and circulation issues, so my hands are constantly swinging between being freezing cold or uncomfortably hot. Usually, if I’m just sitting around being inactive, they feel chilled, look a bit mottled, and the veins stay hidden. But once I get moving and get my heart rate up, they turn red, warm up, and those veins really start to show. It all comes down to blood flow—when there's plenty of volume circulating, the veins swell, and when it's lacking (though there's always at least a little), they recede. Basically, if you aren't looking to show off your vascularity, just don't do anything strenuous with your hands or maybe try keeping them in some cold water. 😎
Mark Perez2 said:Like the title says, I get these veins popping out on my hands sometimes, but it’s strictly from my fingers to my wrist—nothing further, just the palm and back of the hand area. Honestly, it drives me absolutely insane. They bulge up and then eventually recede. I've been trying to figure out what actually triggers them... does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this? I'm seriously considering what might help. Maybe if I start using hand cream more frequently?
Don't worry about it, it's actually pretty sexy 😉 By the way, it's just blood flowing under higher pressure in your hands. I've noticed that people with low blood pressure tend to have much more prominent veins in their arms (I happen to be one of those folks 🙂), so as long as it isn't causing you any pain, I wouldn't sweat it too much 👍
Olivia Cook said:I hope I’m in the right spot here. Not really sure if this belongs in Psychology or maybe the Fringe section.
Anyway, my buddy and I have been going back and forth on something. We're wondering if it's actually possible—maybe through hypnosis, autosuggestion, or something else—to just switch off emotions? Like, to completely erase feelings toward everyone and everything (kind of like how the Vulcans are in ST 😬). My friend thinks it's doable, though he can't really explain how, and I guess I'm more of a "maybe not" kind of guy 🙂.
Cheers...
If you don't mind me asking, why on earth would you want to shut down your feelings? You really have no idea how lucky you are to experience them... just like I've realized myself 🙂. By the way, it is technically possible, no question about it...
ironsurfer8 said:Not every medication needs to be taken on a full stomach; it really just depends on what you're prescribed. Generally speaking, drugs meant to be taken with food are those that tend to irritate the stomach lining. You take them alongside a meal to prevent things like heartburn or general indigestion from kicking in. The exception would be certain vitamins that require fat to be absorbed properly—I believe it’s Vitamin A, though I can't recall if there are others—so eating them with a meal ensures there's enough fat present to help the body actually use the supplement.
Thanks 👍 I'm mostly asking because I often find myself without any food nearby right when I need to take my meds, and I'd rather be safe than sorry... though, luckily, I seem to have a pretty ironclad stomach, so I haven't had much trouble with heartburn yet.🙂
I just have one simple question and I'm looking for a straightforward answer... why are we supposed to take these pills after a meal, and will they actually be less effective if I take them on an empty stomach or before eating?
Melissa Rivera5 said:DISCLAIMER This is strictly a theoretical discussion. I’m not trying to promote racism, sexism, or any of that other stuff. I'm just curious...
POINT IS So, I was thinking, maybe Hitler wasn't totally off base. Like, looking at people living with Down syndrome today, or those with severe disabilities and terminal illnesses... they aren't really contributing anything positive to society. Honestly, they just end up draining resources that we never see a return on. Don't you think forced euthanasia might actually be better for everyone in those cases? Let's try to look at this from both an individual and a group perspective—and let's try to stay STRICTLY logical here, instead of getting all emotional. From a group standpoint, it would probably be better to have fewer "weak links" due to bad DNA, but from an individual's view, I guess it's a ? maybe significant? crime.
I honestly don't get why people with disabilities or Down syndrome bother you so much. The idea that they're draining money is really negligible when you consider how much we pour into unnecessary entertainment, theme parks, and, of course, the massive defense budget. Just one question for you: if you had all that money that these "useless" individuals supposedly spend, what specifically (and intelligently) would you use it for?🙂
Sandra Williams70 said:They have the looks, the brains, the pedigree—everything. But my friend is a wreck. Growing than a kid, he had it all: top of his class, strongest in the room, everyone’s favorite. He was convinced he’d conquer the world—wealth, power, the whole nine yards. That dream never materialized—maybe because of some economic collapse or who knows what else. Is that the crux of it? Most kids dream big too, yet they don't end up miserable when reality sets in. Is there actually a cure for this?
He doesn't have everything. He isn't healthy either. Depression is a real illness...
briskgull27 said:Because it grants you certain liberties that healthy, "normal" people can't afford; they're too busy trying to be polite and following social norms. Once you accept that you're crazy, you realize there's an infinite amount of madness available to serve as an alibi for acting out. Or, to put it in "healthy" terms—just making a mess of things.
That’s true, but if you ever decide you actually want to be considered normal again... you're stuck carrying the weight of that XY diagnosis, or just being labeled as someone who thinks a little too outside the box.😘
Brian Moore2 said:1. Let’s get one thing straight: God doesn't just hand out illnesses to people unless they actually want to be sick themselves. You chose this path because you have a craving for being a victim, so fine, God granted your wish. Even an omnipotent God isn't going to override your own free will.
2. And as for the Devil? He doesn't exist. That's just a fairy tale people cooked up to scare the mindless masses.
😁
I'd love to be wealthy, yet God hasn't seen fit to make me rich just yet.🙄
I do have one question, though: why on earth would anyone actually want to be sick?😕
briskgull27 said:If a friend has schizophrenia and is 40 years old, they’re still dealing with the same reality. 10 minutes. The thing is, if you sat there talking to her for 48 hours straight, it wouldn't change a thing. It’d be better to just take her to see Sai Baba.
What’s the point of living? Honestly, I keep going because I’m terrified of what comes next, you know?
Looking at it through different lenses: 1) God gave me this illness and expects me to endure it. 2) The Devil gave it to me, and even if I check out, God won't give a damn about me.
Could it be that the Devil should actually be God? Questions?
Anyway, I believe in that damn karma and I just take it on the chin. Even if it feels totally pointless, so be it!
So, just diapers then?🙄 By the way, we actually got lucky getting ten minutes out of that; usually, it's about three before they yell "next!" And it's not like God handed you this illness... you don't honestly believe you had to get sick, do you? It could have gone a different way. It’s a shame it didn't, but things happen.
My mom has been diagnosed with F20.0. I went with her to her appointment today, which lasted about ten minutes. The doctor asked if she was experiencing any hallucinations, and Mom just brushed it off, saying that even if she was, she shouldn't pay them any mind, and then she tried to pivot the conversation to something else entirely... honestly, my heart just broke for her in that moment. Still, I felt a quiet sense of pride in myself for stepping up, doing my part for her, and having that honest conversation with the psychiatrist. When things get this heavy, it really makes you wonder: what is the point of it all??😕 We also completely overlooked asking how to deal with the nighttime incontinence. It’s likely a side effect from her medication... does anyone happen to know how to manage that? I would truly appreciate any advice you might have.😘
Regarding the decline in health... I have a family member living with schizophrenia. It doesn't necessarily feel like the illness is worsening in terms of physical crisis—they aren't ending up in the hospital nearly as often as they used to. But rather, there's this growing sense of listlessness, an ever-increasing lack of will. When I look at them now compared to how they were seven or eight years ago, they seem like a completely different person, even though the diagnosis remains exactly the same.😢
briskgull27 said:😁 😁 😁 I guess I just lost the race against time and officially transitioned into a full-time professional schizo. Meanwhile, everyone else is just obsessing over designer heels and mascara. Seriously, who cares about shoes? They're such a headache... I'd much rather be deep in discussions about aliens and the mysteries of the universe, but I don't have anyone to talk to about it.🙂 🙂 It feels like everyone else is totally fine—working, spending money, living their lives—while I'm just stuck here on the sidelines.😲 😲 😲 😕
🤣 hehe, looks like we actually have something in common.😉 Honestly, I don't necessarily buy into the whole alien thing, but I absolutely love arguing about whether God exists, the mysteries of space, or if life even has any meaning at all. That’s why this forum is great; you're bound to find some crazies (or let's call them "eccentrics") who are obsessed with extraterrestrials... 😁 Money really does change people... that's probably why being broke makes us the best kind of people.😎 Man, thirteen images! Now there are only ten left.😁
briskgull27 said:A really close friend just told me that listening to me talk about my illness is actually depressing for her, and she’d much rather we just chat about makeup instead. What do you all think about that from a healthy perspective?😁 😁
Maybe it’s better if you don't bring up your health struggles with her. Honestly, there aren't many people out there you can actually be vulnerable with when it comes to mental health. I don't really have that kind of circle myself—I haven't exactly gone looking for those deep conversations, but I'm pretty certain most people wouldn't be thrilled about being burdened by my own issues. I honestly think your friend really wants to step up and help you out, she just doesn't quite know how to bridge that gap between wanting to be there and actually being able to do something. If things are feeling a bit heavy and she’s feeling depressed about it, maybe try shifting the conversation toward something lighter—like talking about those fancy designer shoes or some new makeup trends we saw online. It might just take the pressure off.😘