You're right. Show's over. None of us actually exist - we are all but figments of your imagination. I would have liked to have continued on with this charade, but I can see that there's no fooling you any longer.

We're not real.

___________________
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

quote:

Originally posted by BTG http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/sz.overview.htm there's a bunch of things on that list that i am guilty of

like what, if you dont mind saying?

Distorted Perceptions of Reality
People with schizophrenia may have perceptions of reality that are strikingly different from the reality seen and shared by others around them. Living in a world distorted by hallucinations and delusions, individuals with schizophrenia may feel frightened, anxious, and confused.

In part because of the unusual realities they experience, people with schizophrenia may behave very differently at various times. Sometimes they may seem distant, detached, or preoccupied and may even sit as rigidly as a stone, not moving for hours or uttering a sound. Other times they may move about constantly – always occupied, appearing wide-awake, vigilant, and alert.



Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a common concern of the family and friends of people with schizophrenia. Since some people who abuse drugs may show symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, people with schizophrenia may be mistaken for people "high on drugs.” While most researchers do not believe that substance abuse causes schizophrenia, people who have schizophrenia often abuse alcohol and/or drugs, and may have particularly bad reactions to certain drugs. Substance abuse can reduce the effectiveness of treatment for schizophrenia. Stimulants (such as amphetamines or cocaine) may cause major problems for patients with schizophrenia, as may PCP or marijuana. In fact, some people experience a worsening of their schizophrenic symptoms when they are taking such drugs. Substance abuse also reduces the likelihood that patients will follow the treatment plans recommended by their doctors.

Schizophrenia and Nicotine
The most common form of substance use disorder in people with schizophrenia is nicotine dependence due to smoking. While the prevalence of smoking in the U.S. population is about 25 to 30 percent, the prevalence among people with schizophrenia is approximately three times as high. Research has shown that the relationship between smoking and schizophrenia is complex. Although people with schizophrenia may smoke to self medicate their symptoms, smoking has been found to interfere with the response to antipsychotic drugs. Several studies have found that schizophrenia patients who smoke need higher doses of antipsychotic medication. Quitting smoking may be especially difficult for people with schizophrenia, because the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may cause a temporary worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. However, smoking cessation strategies that include nicotine replacement methods may be effective. Doctors should carefully monitor medication dosage and response when patients with schizophrenia either start or stop smoking.

Disordered Thinking
Schizophrenia often affects a person’s ability to “think straight.” Thoughts may come and go rapidly; the person may not be able to concentrate on one thought for very long and may be easily distracted, unable to focus attention.

People with schizophrenia may not be able to sort out what is relevant and what is not relevant to a situation. The person may be unable to connect thoughts into logical sequences, with thoughts becoming disorganized and fragmented. This lack of logical continuity of thought, termed “thought disorder,” can make conversation very difficult and may contribute to social isolation. If people cannot make sense of what an individual is saying, they are likely to become uncomfortable and tend to leave that person alone.

Emotional Expression
People with schizophrenia often show “blunted” or “flat” affect. This refers to a severe reduction in emotional expressiveness. A person with schizophrenia may not show the signs of normal emotion, perhaps may speak in a monotonous voice, have diminished facial expressions, and appear extremely apathetic. The person may withdraw socially, avoiding contact with others; and when forced to interact, he or she may have nothing to say, reflecting “impoverished thought.” Motivation can be greatly decreased, as can interest in or enjoyment of life. In some severe cases, a person can spend entire days doing nothing at all, even neglecting basic hygiene. These problems with emotional expression and motivation, which may be extremely troubling to family members and friends, are symptoms of schizophrenia – not character flaws or personal weaknesses.

etc.

So basically, being a schizophraniac is like being high 24/7. Pretty cool.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'm a schizophrenic
And so am I.

Thanks, I was looking for the damn list. Is there like a Choice D - All of the Above? I'd check that one. Don't totally agree with the diagnosis though even though I match the descriptive phrases.

Hope that's not the same list the nut doctors use when they're ready to lock you up in the rubber room. Lol!!!


[[[smoke]]]

Serge Devant ft Jan Johnston - Transparent

quote:

Originally posted by jennypie Roses are red Violets are blue I'm a schizophrenic And so am I.

___________________
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

On the subject, what is a paranoid schizophrenic?

Is this instead of just seeing people, you think they are watching you as well?

___________________
"The first stage of the great adventure has concluded happily, and here I am installed in Mexico, although I have no idea about the future" Che Guevara

mmmm yum, schizophrenia cake with springkles. Can I have some with my mustard mum??

___________________

just so everyone's clear, schizophrenia is not the same as split personality :P

I have a family member who is a paranoid schizophrenic. Basically they are all of the things listed in that information site, plus extreme paranoia. They think people are out to get them, or that there are people watching them etc.

The best way to describe a schizophrenic experience is an acid trip; but a bad one. One where you don't know you're on acid. You see/hear things and other people cannot figure out why you're acting so strangely. You begin to think they are plotting against you. Being schizophrenic is a very HARD illness because you never have full control of your own mind.

Most have this mis-conception that people with this disease are evil, or are harmful homicidal maniacs. They aren't. Most of the time, a person with this disease is very harmless. They are just scared, and wouldn't you be if you were tripping out but couldn't figure out why?

Think of it this way. You are going about your daily routine, when suddenly you start hearing/seeing shit that you normally wouldn't hear/see. You do not recall ever taking a drug, or being in a position to be drugged. So you panic, like "why am I thinking these strange things? What the hell is going on?" The only thing you could possibly think to console yourself, is that it MUST be real, and that people around you are playing a cruel joke.

Once a schizophrenic realizes they have gone into a psychotic episode (some people never realize this), they are hospitalized and put on drugs to help them think "normally". I am not sure what these drugs do exactly, but they subside the dilusions and hallucinations. Once this happens, the diagnosed schizophrenic can come off as a completely normal, everyday person, which in reality, they are; they just have trouble controlling their thoughts sometimes.

If you HONESTLY think that you are schizophrenic, please go to a doctor immediately and let them know your symptoms. It will benefit you immensely by taking back the control of your life.

I have deepest and sincere empathy for anyone diagnosed with this disease. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it would be to live life in complete confusion, fear, and unacceptance. I have watched my family member go through hell, and I know their closest loved ones have gone through it with them. It is not easy.

As much as it may seem funny to joke about others mis-fortunes, this is something I don't think is remotely humorous. Unless you have this disease, there is no way for any of us to fully understand the suffering people with schizophrenia go through. Or anyone else with a disabilty for that matter.

P.S. I would like to clarify that I do not know this first hand. I am quoting my family member that was diagnosed.