Schizophrenia - General Discussion

mistybison said:My take is that such individuals are smart and dangerous. 😁
You aren't wrong, briskgull27, but we can't change how society functions. People struggle with anything outside the norm, and most of us (as I've mentioned before) sacrifice bits of our individuality just to fit in. You simply have to find a way to protect yourself within those existing circumstances. 🙂

Quincy:

Those theories about sheer willpower are usually peddled by people who had it easy.

"Willpower" works for mentally healthy people facing life crises who just need a little self-improvement to bounce back. Mental illness is an entirely different matter.
We have a friend who has struggled with depression since she was a teenager (she actually grew up in the foster care system). She has been in treatment her entire life and is now in her 60s. She has a wonderful husband and children who love her. She is also a brilliant architect—an incredibly intelligent and engaging person. However, she is constantly on medication and has been hospitalized several times. During her low periods, she lacks even the strength to get out of bed to wash her face or brush her hair. To speak of "willpower" to such an intelligent, highly educated woman—someone who relies on medication just to stay alive—is not only ridiculous, it is insulting.

Me? I'm looking at him and seeing nothing but an insecure, weak, aggressive narcissist—someone who uses fast logic to hide how shameless and terrified he actually is.

I'm sorry my mention of willpower was taken the wrong way.

Hi everyone... talk soon!😉

briskgull27 said:Honestly, I know exactly where I'm headed.

Imagine finding a doctor in Kenya and then working as a beach waitress in a bikini on those sunny Kenyan shores. Doesn't that sound like quite the adventure?😁

😲 You're killing my dream! 🙂 😁
I'd much rather be on some tropical island, running a beach bar where I could mix cocktails and flirt with handsome tourists all day long. 😍 🤣

Dana Brooks3 said:First, I have to say this isn't about willpower as a theory, but rather having enough will just to start.
And honestly, sometimes it's just about forcing yourself to do things to make life better.

Who wants to tell their boss they have schizophrenia?
If you believe in yourself and your ability to do a job, go apply and prove it.
If you feel like you lack certain skills, go back to school or take a course.
If you're low on energy, hit the gym at least three times a week... and even when you don't feel like it, force yourself to go. Go with your husband. Make it an absolute necessity.
Start building discipline through physical training, one small step at a time... you'll see how your spirit gets stronger too. You'll feel stronger.

Let those be your first steps.

I'm afraid that's often far too difficult even for healthy people when they hit a sudden crisis, let alone for those dealing with mental illness. For someone who lacks the strength to live, to get out of bed and simply exist, to eat, or to bathe, this advice sounds like pure science fiction.

mistybison said:😲 You're killing my dream! 🙂 😁
I'd much rather be on some tropical island, running a beach bar where I could mix cocktails and flirt with handsome tourists all day long. 😍 🤣

Ha ha ha

Okay, maybe I'm just being a silent logician because I got burned
scared
crazy brave
or something like that

mistybison said:I'm afraid that's often far too difficult even for healthy people when they hit a sudden crisis, let alone for those dealing with mental illness. For someone who lacks the strength to live, to get out of bed and simply exist, to eat, or to bathe, this advice sounds like pure science fiction.

I could take three showers a day if I wanted to, but I manage.

mistybison said:But then you find yourself unable to put food on the table or provide for your family, forcing you to work and suck up to all sorts of bosses just to get by. I wonder where you'd actually end up if you lived by the "just be yourself" or "follow your instincts" mantra you see in every commercial. 😁

Oops, we drifted off-topic again. 😲 That terrible ego will be the death of us. 😈 😁

I think you're looking at this the wrong way. It depends. One path leads there (though it seems pretty unlikely to me), while the other could see you becoming a highly successful manager at some major corporation. Either way, you can lead a high-quality life regardless of external circumstances... everything else is just an excuse or a way to rationalize things.

mistybison said:I'm afraid that's often far too difficult even for healthy people when they hit a sudden crisis, let alone for those dealing with mental illness. For someone who lacks the strength to live, to get out of bed and simply exist, to eat, or to bathe, this advice sounds like pure science fiction.

Does she even get out of bed?
Does she sit at her computer?
Does she talk to us?
Am I talking to someone who can't even get out of bed?

Have you ever been in a crisis like that?
Do you know how it feels?

I do.

So please, go easy on those universal statements filled with "understanding."😉

To be honest, it provokes me. Sorry. I don't mean to offend.

But I am offended by people making "truths" about things they haven't actually experienced.

Taylor Campbell4 said:You didn't miss anything (!!) — if anything, I think you handled things perfectly and did a great deal of good.

Oh, by the way—I’ve actually thought about pursuing this professionally outside of this forum. There’s clearly a massive demand for it out there. (I’d probably try reaching out to someone) In theory, it would be my main driver—though, in practice, that "engine" would likely break down a dozen times before I even got started, leaving me just scratching my head. Still, I’d love the chance to refine my skills to become truly proficient.
But honestly, I’m starting to feel like I’m just shouting into the void in this specific thread.

We are certainly entitled to share our own perspectives, though we shouldn't offer professional advice since none of us are qualified experts—I don't think there are any psychiatrists on this forum. That said, it's always a pleasure to hang out with briskgull27 and everyone else who stops by.🙂

Dana Brooks3 said:Does she even get out of bed?
Does she sit at her computer?
Does she talk to us?
Am I talking to someone who can't even get out of bed?

Have you ever been in a crisis like that?
Do you know how it feels?

I do.

So please, go easy on those universal statements filled with "understanding."😉

To be honest, it provokes me. Sorry. I don't mean to offend.

But I am offended by people making "truths" about things they haven't actually experienced.

I am sorry if I hurt your feelings; that was never my intention. 🙂

Dana Brooks3 said:Does she even get out of bed?
Does she sit at her computer?
Does she talk to us?
Am I talking to someone who can't even get out of bed?

Have you ever been in a crisis like that?
Do you know how it feels?

I do.

So please, go easy on those universal statements filled with "understanding."😉

To be honest, it provokes me. Sorry. I don't mean to offend.

But I am offended by people making "truths" about things they haven't actually experienced.

Oh, mistybison, look, just let her be. People dealing with psychosis are just like everyone else—maybe just a little more intense. Don't worry, once I get started on a rant, there's no stopping me.🙂 ☕ ☕ ☕

briskgull27 said:I could take three showers a day if I wanted to, but I manage.

Oh, honey, this is exactly what I've been telling you!
goodnight👍

mistybison said:We are certainly entitled to share our own perspectives, though we shouldn't offer professional advice since none of us are qualified experts—I don't think there are any psychiatrists on this forum. That said, it's always a pleasure to hang out with briskgull27 and everyone else who stops by.🙂

Some people can, some people can't

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOBNkmkoMGc

Someday out of The Blue

mistybison, I know it isn't
I didn't think I would react this way or take
Maybe my involvement in this thread just reopened some old wounds... mine, my family's, and those close to me... I've spent so much time dealing with all of it... living through it and feeling it... I feel like crying a little right now, but it's okay... anyway

briskgull27 said:Oh, mistybison, look, just let her be. People dealing with psychosis are just like everyone else—maybe just a little more intense. Don't worry, once I get started on a rant, there's no stopping me.🙂 ☕ ☕ ☕

That sentiment comes partly from seeing our friend go through those lifeless phases during her battle with depression, and partly because I know firsthand what it feels like when you're sinking. In those moments, life coaches can seem quite ridiculous and their advice totally useless. However, it's clear you were referring to something else entirely. 😉

mistybison said:That sentiment comes partly from seeing our friend go through those lifeless phases during her battle with depression, and partly because I know firsthand what it feels like when you're sinking. In those moments, life coaches can seem quite ridiculous and their advice totally useless. However, it's clear you were referring to something else entirely. 😉

Look, I know exactly what it’s like when you're stuck on the couch and physically unable to move!
At that point, honestly, only some heavy-duty medication can really help.
The good news is that I'm more than halfway to feeling like myself again.

You all make me so happy!!!!
I have friends🙂 🙂 🙂

Dana Brooks3 said:mistybison, I know it isn't
I didn't think I would react this way or take
Maybe my involvement in this thread just reopened some old wounds... mine, my family's, and those close to me... I've spent so much time dealing with all of it... living through it and feeling it... I feel like crying a little right now, but it's okay... anyway

And perhaps I also slipped back into one of my old mindsets, remembering how frustrating it felt when someone offered advice while I was stuck in a dark tunnel with no light in sight.😉

😘