Would a Support Group Help Recovery?

I'm not affiliated with any group or program. I am just trying to get the word out about methods that help people recover from schizophrenia. NAMI the National Alliance of Mental Illness is an altruistic organization that offers information and support to people suffering from schizophrenia in several ways. NAMI support groups are places where people who are facing the same challenges come together and share their experience, strength and hope with each other. This video shows real people telling about their experience with support groups and how it has effected their mental health.

Schizophrenia - Overcome Mental Illness Together - Ashley Smith

Ashley was diagnosed with adult-onset Paranoid Schizophrenia in 2007 at the age of 20. Since then she has been active with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about recovery from schizophrenia. She founded a non-profit organization called, Embracing My Mind, Inc. (EMM). EMM works with community-based organizations that provide services to people affected by mental illness who have little or no income. They offer peer support in the form of support groups, educational classes, and presentations adapted to the needs of various audiences.

Ashley shares her experiences in hopes of empowering others and promoting understanding. She firmly believes, "We can overcome mental illness together!"

Schizophrenia Test

To complete the test, choose the response listed below the statement that best represents your level of agreement with the prior statement.

1.  I think that I might be able to predict the future.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

2.  I may have felt that there could possibly be something interrupting or controlling my thoughts.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

3.  I have had the experience of doing something differently because of my superstitions.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

4.  I think that I may get confused at times whether something I experience or perceive may be real or may be just part of my imagination or dreams.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

5.  I have thought that it might be possible that other people can read my mind, or that I can read other’s minds.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

6.  I wonder if people may be planning to hurt me or even may be about to hurt me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

7.  I believe that I have special natural or supernatural gifts beyond my talents and natural strengths.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

8.  I think I might feel like my mind is “playing tricks” on me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

9.  I have had the experience of hearing faint or clear sounds of people or a person mumbling or talking when there is no one near me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

10.  I think that I may hear my own thoughts being said out loud.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

11.  I have been concerned that I might be “going crazy”.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

Scoring the test: If you chose Agree, three or more times please take the time to investigate further. This doesn't mean that you have schizophrenia, it means that you might benefit by speaking with a doctor. Obviously, a multiple choice test on the internet cannot give a valid diagnosis. A professional psychiatric evaluation is the right place to start. Life is stressful and everyone needs help sometimes. If you are concerned about your mental health take care of yourself by reaching out. You may click here to find a doctor:
Mental Health Services Locator or call the 24 hour helpline 800-662-4357

Diagnosing and Treating Schizophrenia

This video narrated by Dr. Erdelyi, a professor of psychology at Brooklyn College, gives an overview of the main symptoms of schizophrenia and how they are treated.

Art Therapy - Don't Despair, Share.

Create. Express yourself. Explore your artistic side without judgement. You have a perspective that few people have. Share.

Will Marijuana Help?

When it comes to mixing marijuana and schizophrenia, the facts could not be more clear. They go together like gasoline and a lit match; Dangerous! Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia sometimes turn to marijuana or other street drugs in an effort to self-medicate. What kind of results do they get? Study after study shows marijuana to be an instigating factor in the onset of schizophrenia and a trigger for schizophrenic episodes.

In one example, a study interviewed 50,000 members of the Swedish Army about their drug consumption and followed up with them later in life. Those who were heavy consumers of marijuana  at age 18 were over 600% more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia over the next 15 years than those did not take it. Experts estimate that between 8% and 13% of all schizophrenia cases are linked to marijuana / cannabis use during teen years.

Use of street drugs (including LSD,methamphetamine,marijuana/hash/cannabis) and alcohol have been linked with significantly increased probability of developing psychosis and schizophrenia. This link has been documented in over 30 different scientific studies over the past 20 years.  

Marijuana is not the answer.

You Can Recover

Studies conducted over a 30-year period show that 60% of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia recover completely or become much improved. There is reason to be hopeful. But this is not something to tackle alone. A devastating 15% of the people diagnosed as schizophrenic take their own lives. Help is needed. The medical community is not perfect but they are the right place to start.

Here are the Schizophrenia Statistics from the National Institute of Health:

• 25 per cent recover completely
• 35 per cent are much improved
• 15 per cent are improved but require extensive support
• 10 per cent are hospitalized indefinitely
• 15 per cent commit suicide

Schizophrenia Success Story

This is a really well done video by a young woman who is having real success with her treatment. It is from a loving and informative website from Canada  mindyourmind.ca

The Devil Was Talking To Me

This 21 year old woman experienced schizophrenia that felt like she was possessed by the devil. It was scary. She spent 3 weeks in a mental hospital and was put on medication that made her feel as if she had been "reset."  Now she is going to school and doing volunteer work. She posted this video to help people who might be going through the same thing.

About Schizophrenia

If knowledge is power, here are some interesting facts about schizophrenia:

• More than 3.1 million Americans now have schizophrenia. There are more Americans with schizophrenia than there are residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming combined.
• Schizophrenia can be found in approximately 1% of the world’s population, regardless of racial, ethnic or even economic background.
• Three-quarters of persons with schizophrenia develop the illness between 16 and 25 years of age.
• The disorder tends to “run” in families, but only among blood relatives.
• To be diagnosed as having schizophrenia, one must have associated symptoms for at least six months.
• Treatment and other economic costs due to schizophrenia are estimated between $32.5 and $65 billion annually.
• Between one-third and one-half of all homeless adults have schizophrenia
• Fifty percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia have received no treatment

Janssen Pharmaceutica - Schizophrenia Simulation

Years ago Janssen Pharmaceutica, a pharmaceutical company that specializes in treatment for Schizophrenia created a training program that allowed trainees to experience what it is like to be schizophrenic. Part of the program is the above video simulation of a schizophrenia patient going to a  pharmacy to refill a prescription.

How It Feels - Schizoaffective Disorder

Kathryn Lum explains how it feels to have schizophrenia. This is an excerpt from an episode of Mental Health Matters, a program about mental health.

Dramatization: What Is It Like?

What does it feel like to have schizophrenia?
This is a dramatization that shows what it feels like to have schizophrenia.

Joanne Verbanic - Schizophrenia Anonymous

Joanne Verbanic tells her story of the creation of Schizophrenics Anonymous, a support organization created to:

• Promote hope and recovery for persons with schizophrenia and related disorders
• Eliminate the stigma and myths about schizophrenia
• Raise awareness so that early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance for recovery
• Ensure that consumer-driven and recovery-oriented services are fully accessible

Please check out their informative and helpful website at www.sardaa.org

A Man With Schizoaffective Disorder

A 21 year old man gives an honest account of his schizophrenic symptoms, his drug use, his delusions, obsessions and his hospital stays. Perhaps one of the things about self medicating with non-prescription drugs is that it becomes difficult to tell if the hallucinations or other schizopaffective symptoms are a result of the drugs.

Johnny - Schizoaffective Disorder

Johnny talks about his schizoaffective disorder, which is a mental illness combining the symptoms of schizophrenia and depression.

Family Don'ts

DON'T THREATEN-This may be interpreted as a power play and increase fear or prompt assaultive behavior.

DON'T SHOUT-If the person isn't listening, other "voices" are probably interfering.

DON'T CRITICIZE-It will make matters worse; it can't make things better.

DON'T SQUABBLE WITH OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS over "best stratiegies" or allocations of blame. This is no time to prove a point.

DON'T BAIT THE PATIENT-Into acting out wild threats; the consequences could be tragic.

DON'T STAND OVER THE PATIENT-If he is seated. Instead, seat yourself

AVOID CONTINUOUS EYE CONTACT OR TOUCHING

COMPLY WITH REQUESTS-That are not endangering or beyond reason. This gives the patient the opportunity to feel somewhat "In control.
"
DON'T BLOCK THE DOORWAY-But keep yourself between the patient and an exit.

Hallucinations - Sean Blackwell

 

Sean Blackwell made this super informative video. He seems to have been helped by first getting ample professional psychiatric care and then taking careful responsibility for his illness. He seems to have found a way to thrive and feel complete. He has a lot of videos and information and has even written a book.  
Check out his website: Aware Silence

Establishing a Routine

Making healthy habits a routine part of life can help a lot with overall recovery from schizophrenia.
Healthy habits can include:

• Taking medication regularly as prescribed
• Getting regular exercise (talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program)
• Eating healthy meals
• Limiting caffeine and sugar
• Getting enough sleep
• Learning relaxation skills, such as yoga and meditation
• Reaching out for support
• Avoiding illicit drugs and alcohol

Start with small changes, and after mastering one or two, add new ones. For example, a person who is not used to exercising may be able to make a commitment to spending just 10 minutes a day doing some kind of enjoyable activity. If cutting back on coffee is a goal, decrease your intake gradually each day. The therapist or primary care doctor may offer help with quitting smoking and substance use and abuse.