Posts by Dana Brooks3

Brenda Cook4 said:Tell me, Dana Brooks3, based on how you write—I get the feeling you might even work in this field professionally—what do you think are the actual triggers for schizophrenia?

Specifically, do you believe (as much as modern medicine suggests) that this condition is strictly a brain disorder? Like, just a simple chemical imbalance that's treated almost entirely with medication?

What actually causes schizophrenia... to me, it feels like asking what makes a person human in the first place...

Even for older patients around age 50, it's really just a chemical imbalance. It’s a progressive disease that can't be cured... depending on the type, it permanently erodes someone's personality.
I'm no expert, but I don't think there's a simple answer to this... A chemical imbalance could be both the cause and the result.
Medication is definitely necessary during acute phases when there’s simply no other way to stabilize a patient... I used to believe that all mental health issues were just chemical imbalances that needed to be treated like any other physical ailment. That doctor's perspective—that diabetics have to live with insulin forever—really shapes how we view these things...
It’s not that simple. Even with medication, results vary so much from one person to the next. What I really want to figure out is how to preserve someone's actual personality... before we just focus on keeping their body functioning like everything is normal...
I believe in healing too. A combined approach... medication paired with psychotherapy. Any quality, proven system that allows for continuous self-work to master the underlying mechanisms of the mind...
I really think we need to focus more on studying the brain—not just how it functions biologically, but how it shapes the psyche...
The soul and body are inextricably linked. No medication on earth can fix what an emotional breakdown does to you... There isn't a formula out there that could ever explain it...

I've been working on this post for ages, but I just deleted it because I started rambling with too many examples... it was getting out of hand...
It’s worth noting that in certain spiritual traditions, like those found in old monastic orders, there are accounts of people having truly terrifying experiences. We’re talking hallucinations, visual and auditory disturbances, intrusive thoughts—all the classic symptoms we’d categorize today as schizophrenia or similar conditions. But back then, they had specific methods to find calm and clarity... and those individuals went on to live peaceful, healthy lives. I mention this because I know a young man who didn't head to a doctor when he hit his worst psychotic break. Instead, he worked through it using a different, more systematic approach. He shared his experience with me while I was convinced he’d end up in a psychiatric ward—especially seeing him struggling on the floor, making these haunting sounds that didn't even seem to come from his own throat. He wasn't afraid, though. He just told me that if he ever lost control completely, there were specific places he needed to be taken. He viewed it as a common part of the journey for some people. It took a long time, but he managed to pull through without taking any medication. To be clear, I am not suggesting anyone stop their prescriptions or blindly dive into a "struggle" thinking they can handle it all alone. Most patients shouldn't try that. I just want to say that there might be something more out there...

I'm not saying that every struggle with mental health is some profound spiritual journey leading toward enlightenment... or someone else's Calvary...

We should view every illness, whether physical or mental, as a trial designed to test our strength and resilience. These struggles aren't just random things that happen to us from the outside; they are rooted within us, often passed down through our families. To truly heal, we have to face them head-on... because it's only through this process that we actually get to know ourselves. Only we have the power to untangle these issues, master them, or learn how to live alongside them...

I went off track again.
So, medication? Sure. As a tool...
But the real key is understanding how the mind actually works—its underlying mechanics. Once you get that, you can apply techniques to actually solve these issues for good.
Also, maybe one day we’ll design a pill that shifts our intelligence exactly how we want (just like drugs mess with consciousness), but you can essentially boil our entire lived experience down to chemistry. Theoretically, you could design a pill for every single thing that messes with our mental state or emotions. But you still have to live life.

Anyway, I'm all over the place. I rambled through a million introductions because I didn't want anyone to misunderstand my point, but we could go on forever about psychology and personal anecdotes... it would be way too long. I just tried to pull out the main points and shift the focus to certain things.

Here blue bird, it isn't as scientific as I’d like it to be or as much as you probably expected😉 but that's my take on it in broad strokes.

We can keep filling them up😉

briskgull27 said:Maybe my only hope is sheer intellect—or if I’m being honest, just pure stubbornness.
In the hospital, it’s nothing but medication.
It’s honestly a mystery to me how my brain would even function without these drugs.
I mean, if I had lived in any other century, I probably would have been a goner!!!!!!!

I’ve actually spent time studying under three different Reiki masters,
two bioenergy practitioners,
and three holistic healers, so I’ve picked up a few things along the way.

To be honest, I don't think any of those methods would actually help you. In fact, they might do the opposite.
For someone like you—intense in every sense and incredibly sensitive—you create this whole complex, unknown world. Most people, even those practitioners, don't truly grasp how that energy works. That kind of treatment isn't right for you, especially not jumping from one person to another...

You aren't like most people who can just absorb any suggestion or type of energy passed their way.

I imagine you've taken bits and pieces from everyone, trying to fit them together like puzzle pieces.

What you really need is stability, structure, and continuity in how you handle everything...

briskgull27 said:What’s a doctor supposed to think when everyone I know is already aware of my schizophrenia, especially since I actually have it?

That’s just the other side of things.
Dealing with a diagnosis affects you and everyone around you.
Just like any diagnosis.
I mean, regardless of what they call it, your struggle is still yours.

I think focusing on what it actually is for you—on your own experience—rather than all those shifting clinical definitions, might help.

Forget the numbers, the letters, and what people say (that's an old story, been saying that for 10 years...)😉

But the doctor's opinion matters, because they are responsible for you and your health.😉

Just one more little thought while I'm sitting here thinking about you.

Basically, it seems to me that when someone is as true to themselves as you are—because it doesn't matter who refills your prescriptions or drives you to the hospital and checks you in—they are simply following their nature. Your nature, who you truly are, defines how you relate to everything you're going through.
Your strength lies in being energetic, lively, and spirited by nature. So, no matter how this illness tries to play games with you, you find ways to push back during those moments when you aren't feeling completely broken or defeated...
A third advantage is your intellect. That’s the key player in systematic problem-solving, where you should really pour all your energy to break out of this cycle.
I don't mean you can change your fundamental nature. Or that you can just reason your way out of mental imbalances. Reason is for control... in the sense that... it can help manage the behavioral patterns that contribute to the illness and its impact on your life and personality over time.
There are psychotherapies designed for exactly that kind of deep, systematic self-work that lasts for years.
I honestly don't know who does what or where in America, since I've only lived here for a year and a half.
I'm not sure if I missed something you already wrote about this somewhere.
I don't know what kind of therapy they offer in the hospitals here. Whether they educate you on the mechanics of the disease, how the medications work, or train you to observe how and when you react to your surroundings and your meds... and then gradually learn to control all of that.
I assume they do, and I apologize if I'm repeating myself.
But even if they don't, I know you likely understand quite a bit about all of this already...
I just wanted to say that if you focus on those things and head in that direction... I believe you can help yourself.

Yeah, doctors tend to just copy the initial diagnosis onto every follow-up visit after that first hospitalization.
No, I’m not saying you don't have something else going on.
I'm talking about that bit of laziness—where they take the easy way out instead of really digging into the whole picture, even though every single encounter is a new situation...
I mention it because that one habit reveals how much they miss through oversight.
When someone actually tracks your progress and studies each episode closely, even if the diagnosis stays the same—which doesn't mean much anyway, since you just have to live your life regardless of whether they call it schizophrenia or something else entirely...—there's a much better chance they'll understand what's truly happening deep down...

briskgull27 said:Check this out—the last time I was in the hospital, back during the summer, a group of my girlfriends came to visit me. There were four of them, all around 25 years old.
They showed up looking totally put together, wearing all sorts of trendy graphic tees and those cute sandals with the little pearls on them.
Then one of them looks at me and says, "Jesus Outoftheblu, I would drink absolutely anything they give me just to never have to be stuck in a place like this again. Seriously, whatever you need, I'll drink it."

And honestly? I drank it.
On another note, I’ve actually sought help from about ten different holistic healers over the past year and a half—I've been seeing one almost every single day!

In my opinion, taking lithium instead of some other heavy antipsychotic medication has been a really good move for me.👍

Based on everything I've read, this all sounds more like schizoaffective disorder to me... basically bipolar mixed with schizophrenic symptoms...
And that explains your treatment.
Have you considered asking about alternatives to lithium to help manage the mood swings? (Just so everyone knows, lithium isn't technically an antipsychotic, though I know you already realize that.)
But you can't really switch easily. It’s not recommended or safe to stay on it indefinitely because it affects everything... blood, liver, kidneys... that much is certain.
Also, from what I understand, people with issues like yours have done better on it. In the sense that they didn't make huge mistakes. But honestly, they weren't exactly feeling fully alive either.
Under lithium, people become different. Some even deal with physical changes to their appearance.
It probably has something to do with the dosage.😉
I thought it wasn't prescribed nearly as often lately. Instead, they tend to use anticonvulsants for the same purpose, like Carbamazepine.
I don't read every single comment because I just don't have the time.
But I truly believe you'll be okay one day. For good.
The schizophrenia I saw through a close friend was something completely beyond her control while it was happening. That doesn't seem to be the case with you. You don't have that disconnect where the healthy part of your mind can't reach or see the illness to heal it.
I see an advantage there. And she ended up figuring herself out, too. She's doing great now—work, career, personal life... everything is fine.
But with her, the mood swings weren't quite as intense as yours (which is why I reached my conclusion earlier).
It's all just so complicated...

I'm following this thread, but I admit I'm inconsistent and miss a lot of replies... I just don't have the time.
That's all for now.
Sending big hugs...😘

They gave you good advice. Sending a message like that to a child when you're panicking just isn't helpful...
My cousin went through the exact same thing at that age.
It was just a phase. Pure curiosity. And it passed.
She turned out perfectly fine.
Just to ease your mind, she grew up to be a wonderful young woman. She's healthy in every sense of the word 😉 So, there it is. Just talk to her kindly. Like someone once said, explain how people make money from those things. But also have a real conversation about what’s sparking her interest. Take it slow and stay calm. Kids are incredibly sensitive—especially when it comes to sexuality. If you don't want to cause harm, your approach matters. Don't make her feel guilty.
If it helps, and you're feeling lost on what to say or how to handle it, maybe see a therapist.
Let them help you find some peace😉

Does it actually have a point?
I don't know much about these Koans, but it feels to me like if the goal is to confuse you, distract you, or weaken the mind—all that talk about how "the present moment is what matters"... then maybe the point is just a mental exercise to reach something. But realized truth has this quality of being permanent. When I try to think in terms of "permanent categories" or lasting values, this whole idea of "now" seems to slip away from me...😁

"Don't look for geese where they don't belong"😁

wiredrider2 said:I see there’s already been some talk about Dr. Tešić—well, her sister. Fine. Apparently, the sister is an idiot. I have an appointment at 6 PM, does that mean I should show up at 4, or can I roll in at 6 and wait until 8? Help?

What’s she like as a doctor? Does she skimp on lab work? Besides the basics, I need some extra tests done, so I’m wondering if she’ll just order them or if I’ll have to beg...
How does she feel about referrals for hormone panels?

Show up a little before 6, hand over your insurance card, and then just wait for your turn. It all depends on how busy they are...
She doesn't skimp on testing, actually. She's very thorough.
I think you'll be able to get everything you need without any issues...

Honestly, sometimes she doesn't even look at the scheduled time. She just grabs the files, checks who's on the list, and calls names in order. Which means you could show up earlier, though I'm not sure if it's worth the risk...
I had to show up much earlier once, and it turned out fine. It was early enough that the usual crowd hadn't arrived yet.

darkmaker said:I don't have a social gynecologist, but I need one just to issue referrals, prescriptions, and stuff since I go to a private doctor anyway... I've heard nothing but praise for Dr. Mirić-Tešanić so I'm wondering if there's still space and what exactly I need to do... my doctor is also my student health provider, so do I need her referral or what?

Linda Harris explained it nicely for you. You need to register her as your gynecologist, grab the paperwork from Mile and the lovely Nurse Marine, head down to the Social Security office, and follow the usual drill... you know how it goes.
There’s definitely room, 100%. And sure, the nurse will probably try to discourage you, but just ignore whatever she’s rambling about. There aren't any appointments left this year—that's just the backlog (which wouldn't be such an issue if she actually knew how to do her job). But for referrals, it doesn't matter. The booklets used just for referrals and prescriptions are separate, so you don't even need to book anything for that.
Yeah, I waited over 1.5 hours for that specific form myself 🙂

@Linda Harris, no, I don't think she even likes it, though she keeps herself polite enough to stay quiet. The doctor is truly patient; she'll step in to find files or fix things when everything gets messy, staying calm and without criticism... just ignoring the chaos. But you could tell by her face that she isn't happy when she's left without tools, for example...

I just wanted to say that Dr. Danka Mirić-Tešanić at the University Hospital in Chicago is wonderful. But having a complete moron for an assistant... I’m honestly considering filing a formal complaint with the Department of Health. You rarely run into a jerk like that.
Em, she can't even find a medical file. If you're bleeding or it's an emergency and they are legally required to see you, she makes you sit there for hours in pain from some unknown cause, only to tell you to leave because SHE won't see you. SHE refuses.
They made someone wait two and a half hours just for a referral for a pregnant woman.
She refused to take a girl who arrived thirty minutes before the deadline for submitting booklets. NO, she just picked up her little box and decided she couldn't help. When the girl asked what the cutoff time was, the jerk just pointed to the sign on the door. The girl explained she had arrived thirty minutes early, so when exactly was the limit? The jerk, visibly annoyed, said he didn't know. The girl asked who would know if he didn't. Well, if he doesn't know, idiot. It's just "yeah," like... she can't, she doesn't know. You end up having to argue and fight just to handle basic things... it takes so much unnecessary effort.
I'd pass a law banning people like that. Their very existence...
It's like she was born without a brain. How can anyone work in healthcare?
She can't stamp a paper, can't schedule an appointment, can't manage a filing system. And she acts all sweet... with that soft voice and "dear" tone...🙂every single time she screws you over.
👎
It's such a shame that such a kind, attentive, and thorough doctor has such pathetic help.

What about the other side?

look at yourself. leave me out of it...
That’s actually the core of the spiritual growth I’m talking about: focusing on your own soul and what's happening inside you, rather than obsessing over everyone else...

But people are constantly fixated on one another. No one gets a pass—not you, not me, nobody. We have to engage enough just to understand what someone is trying to say. From there, it isn't a huge leap to start getting caught up in them. It happens way too often.

Maybe through better communication, we could practice making those distractions happen less frequently...

As for focusing strictly and exclusively on my inner self? I don't know... I'd probably need to head out to the Rockies, somewhere totally isolated, just to meditate on a rock.

Given how much this world has rubbed off on me, I’d likely end up naming the pebbles and imagining they were people, talking to them and arguing with them... who knows...😬

What makes you think this thread would be any different from the usual bickering?

From my perspective, looking through some of these discussions, it felt like you were setting up a direct challenge to Ivanov’s school of thought.
Since you claim to be an expert just like he is... people are bound to see this as a provocation.
If you already knew people would jump in to argue or try to rattle you, why go ahead and start the conversation anyway?

Just wondering...