Despite the fact that 1.5% of the world’s population has this illness, it’s still little understood by the general public. Contrary to popular belief, Schizophrenia isn’t the same thing as multiple personality disorder. But if it isn’t multiple personality disorder, then what is it? Schizophrenia in a nutshell If you have Schizophrenia or know somebody […]
Have you ever been told your reality was defective?
Understanding Psychosis. “Schizophrenia [like psychosis] cannot be understood without understanding despair.” –R.D. Laing According to the latest definition in the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, psychosis is a “fundamental derangement of the mind (as in schizophrenia) characterized by defective or lost contact with reality especially as evidenced by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior.” Have […]
Psychosis: dealing with the voices
Many people hear things that others can’t hear. These are called hallucinations, but for the person hearing them, they’re real. Sometimes the voices can be terrifying. They’re belittling and constant and overwhelming. They can be so loud it’s hard to ignore them. Occasionally they even tell the person to do dangerous things. Voices aren’t always […]
10 tips for family and friends of someone with Schizophrenia
Refusing TreatmentFamily support and friendship can make a world of a difference for individuals with Schizophrenia or psychosis, but it isn’t always clear how we can help. Where do you start? What can you do? Here are some tips. 1-Educate yourself about the disorder. Do online research and talk to your loved one’s providers. The […]
Everything you need to know about Schizoaffective Disorder
Perhaps your doctor diagnosed you (or someone you care about) with schizoaffective disorder. Your first thought is, “Does that mean I have Schizophrenia?” The second is typically, “I’ve never heard of schizoaffective disorder. Is the doctor making things up?” The quick answers: No, you don’t have Schizophrenia. No, your doctor isn’t inventing the diagnosis. Although […]