To start this off, I'm going to be telling you guys about schizophrenia actually is. This is a biochemical brain disorder that affects a person's ability to know what is reality ans what is not. It's like it sends messages to the brain that go along the wrong path, leading to the wrong conclusions. People with schizophrenia are affected by delusions (false beliefs that can be terrifying to that person), hallucinations (sensory experiences, such as hearing voices talking abut them when there isn't actually anyone there), social withdraw and disturbed thinking.
This video shows you what it's like to live with Schizophrenia.
That video, the first time I saw it, freaked me out because of all the voices talking at the same time. I was scared for that person.. I can't imagine living with schizophrenia.
"If you are talking to God, you are praying; If God talks back to you, you have Schizophrenia." ~Thomas Szasz
The next thing I will be talking about are there early warning signs of schizophrenia. There are many warning signs for this kind of disorder, such as: inability to cry of express joy, depression, inappropriate laughter or crying, oversleeping or insomnia, forgetful or unable to concentrate, extreme reaction to criticism, strange use of words or way of speaking, and others.
Schizophrenia doesn't really have a cause but researches believe that a combination of genetics and environment contributes to the development of this illness. Problems occurring with the brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate also may cause schizophrenia.
Not only are there the warning signs, but as always, SYMPTOMS. For this type of disorder, there are VERY different kind of symptoms, oppose to depression and anxiety. One of them are called 'delusions' and there are four different types:
-The first one is called: Delusions of persecution. This means that the person believes that others, often a vague ''them'', are out to get them. These often involve strange ideas and plots (ex. Martians are trying to poison me with radioactive particle delivered through my tap water.) Yikes!!
-The second one is called: Delusions of reference. This is a neutral environmental event is believed to have special and personal meaning. For example, the person on the TV or radio is sending them a message meant specifically for them.
-The third one is called: Delusions of grandeur. This means that the person thinks that God is talking to them and saying that they have some sort of power (ex. ability to fly.)
-And last: Delusions of control. This is when a person thinks their actions and thoughts are being controlled by alien forces. For example, ''my private thoughts are being transmitted to others''.
Hallucinations is another big symptom for his disorder because that's where a lot of those delusions come from. For example, if they are hallucinating, they will either see a person right in front of them holding something terrifying in their hand. In a video that I saw on YouTube, the guy said that when he has hallucinations, he says that the people he sees are usually carrying either a knife, a rope or a gun. I can never imagine having this kind of mental disorder!
Sources:
1. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-signs-types-and-causes.htm
2. Google Images
"There are things that tend to moderate with age. Schizophrenia is somewhat like that." ~John Forbes Hash Jr.In conclusion, I wanted to write about Schizophrenia because not many people know about this kind of mental illness but they should because a lot of people in the world think that depression is the only reason why people commit suicide but that's not the ONLY reason. Yes, when people are schizophrenic they get depressed but there is more to it. This is a very scary thing. Anyway, this is it for my blog today. I'm sorry about this, I feel like my blogs are very depressing, I'm not trying to make them like that but I just want to give you guys the information needed. Until next time my fellow readers!
Sources:
1. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-signs-types-and-causes.htm
2. Google Images
Hi Corinne! I've been reading your blog and so far it's very interesting. I love reading about scientific and medical subjects and this is no exception. Your post on schizophrenia was particularly interesting because of the simulation of the illness you incorporated in your post. It really gave me an idea of how difficult it is to cope with this disease. Also, I was curious to know if you'd be willing to do a post on OCD. It seems to be an overlooked and misunderstood illness throughout the most part of the community and I would appreciate it if you could show the world what this illness is actually about.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Ryan, I appreciate it! I thought it would be a good idea to talk about this disorder because so little people know and understand this so I'm very happy that you are interested. I would be willing to do a post on OCD, I agree with your statement, it might not be right away but I will make a post, thank you so much for the suggestion.
DeleteWow Corinne the layout of your blog is so great. I like that you've chosen a serious topic that effects so many people and families these days. The visual effects you have included are exemplary and very well chosen. I can't wait to keep reading your informative posts. Good luck the rest of your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you Allison, in my opinion, everyone should know what people go through when they have a certain mental illness and how it happens just to know and be more aware. By being more aware, people might change the way they act and be more helpful which is what I am hoping for. Thank you :)
Delete