Hello all... Yes I am back! Seriously!

Hello everyone,
  I realize that I have not posted in quite some time, and already apologized for this. However, I still did not blog for a while, I will not give any excuses, it just happened. The why is irrelevant. However, I am back! I hope you are as happy as I am. I am sorry for all of you who faithfully follow this blog, as well as any other readers out there.
Now, it is March 13th, 2010, and I will make a personal promise to blog, if not EVERY day, almost everyday. I am here and ready to inform. I am ready, once again, to spread awareness about mental illness. Considering that it has been a while, I have a lot of catching up to do!  I am sure you all can realte to "spreading yourself too thin", "burning the candle at both ends", and the like....however, I am now focused on what is important here. You are. Your education. Your health. Your wellness. Our communication.
So, without any delay, tomorrow I will begin posting again. The topics, as always, will vary, depending on various factors.
Please continue to follow, again my apologies, and thank youfor supporting me...and being patient!  I will surely not disappoint. I hope you have a great day/night and until tomorrow- Erica :))

Signs and Signals of Mental Illness...What to look for

This is a general list of signs of mental illness.  Later on in further blog postings, there will be more indepth discussions of each sign/symptom.  For now, here is a somewhat brief listing of signs of mental illness:
Anti-Social Behavior
Sadistic Traits/cruelty toward others
Anxiety
Appetite Disturbances
Avoidance
Body Image Issues
Compulsions
Confusion
Cravings
Deceitfulness/pathologically lying
Delusions
Denial
Depression
Dissociation/restricted awareness
Euphoria/feeling on top of the world
Fatigue/persistent fatigue
Fears/phobias
Flashbacks
Grandiosity
Grief
Hallucinations/Auditory or Visual
Hyperactivity
Identity Confusion
Impulsiveness
Intoxication
Jealousy
Learning Difficulties........
These are just some of the signs of possible mental illness.  Many of the above listed items/emotions/issues are quite normal, but they can also mean underlying mental illness.  Just as being impulsive happens to just about eveyone at some point, we buy that DVD player though we really shouldn't, there are extremes.  These signs are not suggesting there is a definite mental illness involved, but may/should have further analysis.  Should you be experiencing several of these signs simultaneously, then it would be advisable to seek some professional help to rule in or out the possiobility of mental illness. There are many more signs, as stated, this is a somewhat brief listing.  The book, "50 Signs of Mental Illness", by James Whitney Hicks, M.D. was used as a reference to these signs.  Printed by Yale University Press (yalebooks.com). Also available at Amazon.com, and many other establishments.  The cost as of today is $18.00 USD.  This book was selected as a best Non-Fiction Book of 2005 by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and recipient of awards as well.
In depth discussion on these and other mental health issues will be continually discussed here at http://www.mentalhealthawareness.blogspot.com/ ....Please be sure to become a follower of this blog...Bookmark it, feel free to leave comments or questions, and anything else relevant to the topic of mental ilness and wellness.  Feedback is crucial!!!  Thank you -

Child Abuse: Traumatic Disorder

Repeated trauma in childhood can form and deform the personality.(TaR)  The person in an abusive environment must learn to adapt in finding ways to feel security, trust, safety, and control.  "Unable to care for or protect herself, she must compensate for the failures of adult care and protection with the only means at her disposal, an immature system of psychological defenses."(TaR)  Childhood abuse creates extraordinary capacities, which are both destructive as well as creative.  It enables abnormal consciousness states to where the normal relations to mind, body, imagination, reality, etc., no longer hold their continuity.  This can produce an array of symptoms, "both somatic and psychological."(TaR)
Many sufferers of this trauma experience disturbed intimate relationships, depression, suicidal thoughts/actions, promescuity(adolescence), troubled personality issues, trust issues, fear, PTSD, developmental issues, nightmares, and many other issues. 
"Survivors [of childhood abuse/trauma] describe a characteristic pattern of totalitarian control, enforced by means of violence or death threats, capricious enforcement of petty rules, intermittent rewards, and destruction of all competing relationships through isolation, secrecy, and betrayal."(TaR)
many people also describe a fear of death, which could be caused by childhood trauma of family members, or pets being abused or threatened.  Survivors of childhood trauma and abuse also tend to have a sense of helplessness. 
Children that live in an environment that is abusive develop "extraordinary abilities to scan for warning signs of attack."(TaP)  They learn body language, tones of voice, facial gestures and expressions.  This becomes "highly automatic" and happens mostly outside of the child's conscious awareness.  Usually the child adapts by avoiding the abuser or the abusive situation altogether, as often as possible.  If this does not work, then the child will tend to please the abuser(s) by being obedient and not creating anything that would cause an issue.  "Many develop the belief that their abusers have absolute or even supernatural powers, can read their thoughts, and can control their lives entirely."(TaP)  These children try extra hard to be "good".
Children in abusive or traumatic situations tend to be isolated from not only family members, but also from the larger social world. 
** This information was compiled via "Trauma and Recovery", by Judith Herman, M.D.**
The fact is, there is so much more to this issue, I cannot recommend enough reading this book.  It is compelling, unbelievably captivating, and also accurate.  There is more that needs to be discussed on this issue, as well as recovery options and coping skills, which will be discussed further.  This is just a primer on the issue of Traumatic Disorders, regarding the issue of child abuse.  This issue is so terribly horrifying, so completely upsetting, and very distressing, that I feel it necessary to discuss this issue in segments, rather than all at once.  I personally have not suffered from childhood abuse or trauma, however, am close to some who have.  This issue, if you have experienced such trauma or know of someone who has, is diffu=icult, at best, to discuss, especially in one sitting. 
There will be further discussion on this issue, and there will be discussion on RECOVERY from these traumas.  Now that you know a little more in depth the psychological issues surrounding childhood trauma, we can further discuss the issue, as well as redcovery, in future segments.
Thank you for reading, and as always, please feel free to comment, email or post your questions...

Sorry it has been so long since the last posting.... HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!

I apologize for the delay in postings.... It is a New Year and I will be discussing all topics pertaining to mental illness/mental wellness and mental illness awareness as well.   Topics will include Brain Function and Mental Illness, Signs of Mental Illness, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Illnesses and disorders, including "cutting", personality disorders, psychotic fetaures and issues, suggestions for wellness, coping skills for different disorders, all of the Major illnesses such as BiPolar Disorder, Schizophrenia (http://www.theschizophreniadaily.blogspot.com/), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Eating Disorders, Dissassociative Disorder, and much more.  I hope you will continue to read this blog, as I have a lot of information to share with all of you!! Thank you for your support and I hope you have and will continue to pull a lot of good information from this blog, and possibly pass it on to someone who needs it! Please remember to always stay forcused, remember that mental illness is not "craziness", and there is a help and assistance out there.... Just stay aware!!! Have a wonderful day and Happy New Year to everyone reading!!  Happy Reading!

Overcoming Anxiety: The Anxious Mind

Anxiety..... We all at some point experience anxiety. For some, it is a temporary feeling, a moment. For others, it is an ongoing issue.  But what is anxiety? Anxiety is stress, fear, a feeling of angst, worry, distress, and much more.  Anxiety can cause trouble focusing, can interrupt sleeping, can make life less enjoyable.  This fear, this feeling, can be crippling for many.  Anxiety can cause someone to lose their job, their family, their life.  Now, obviously, there are levels of anxiety.   Many get anxious when going on an airplane, or to a job interview.  But for many, anxiety is a chronic disorder. "At least 19 million Americans alone suffer from anxiety disorders-even more than those who suffer from depression."(TAB)  Common forms of anxiety are general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and many more.  Although it is widespread, anxiety disorders are "among the least recognized and treated mental health conditions."(TAB)  Some famous people that have been open about their anxiety disorders include Oprah Winfrey, John Madden, Barbra Streisand...the list goes on. 
So, how does anxiety work in regards to the brain?  Well, the brain sends danger signals throughout our body system.  We all know about the "fight or flight" response to situations and events, which kicks our autonomic system into high gear.  Our senses pick up danger in our environment.  Without going into the details of the inner workings of the brain, basically, our brain sends messages through various parts, which pumps out hormones, stress hormones, which cause our blood pressure to elevate, quickens our breath, and increases blood flow.  These responses are normal and healthy, however, in those afflicted with anxiety disorder, the system becomes so hypersensitive that it had this reaction to as kinds of harmless stimuli as if those stimuli were danger.  We become on perpetual alert.
An then there is Social anxiety Disorder.  Trouble with crowds, speaking in public, work issues, and the like.  There is a fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in social circumstances for many.  It is a social phobia.  It creates anxiety.  Often times, people with this disorder become anxious when speaking to persons of authority, publicly disagreeing with other people, and more.  Physical reactions are intense.  Sweat beads up on the forhead, heart beats rapidly, and this adds to the stress.  These events can be terrifying for those who suffer.   "Social phoobia is the most prevalent form of chronic anxiety." (TAB)  There is still a great deal of information to be learned about the biology of Social Anxiety.  It is known that SSRI's (Selective Seratonin Reputake Inhibitors) are quite effective in relieving symptoms.   This suggests that serotonin is involved in this disorder.  Benzodiazoapines can also alleviate symptons as well.  These indicate that GABA is disturbed in those with Social Anxiety.  Research will hopefiully lead to better drug treatments in the treatment of this, and other anxiety disorders.
So, what to do??? Part two of Overcoming Anxiety will discuss ways to handle anxiety, from drug treatments to other treatments, many of which you can do on your own.  Remember, anxiety can be managed, if you take the time to seek treatment.

The Addictive Personality: Part 3- What to do to RECOVER

Recovery from the Adictive Personality, the addiction.  Why recovery?  The answer to the non-addict is very obvious.....because the addict's life has generally become out of control and has been lead down a spiral of "hopelessness, despair, constant fear, and terrible lonliness." (TAP)  There is a need for renewal.  There is a need for loving the Self.  There is a need for developing meaningful relationships with family, friends, and others.  Recovery.  Okay, so what does the addict do to recover?  How does it begin?  Well, the first step in this process is TRUTH. Being true to the self.  It is possible for the Addictive Personality to seek help.  This is if they have a momentary lapse in their delusional system of belief.  In other situations, family members or friends, or even others may intervene.
Why does it hurt so much?  The addict may be asking this once the recovery process has begun.  This is because the addict needs to recognize that until he/she is willing to be open and honest about their particular addiction(s), there will be continued pain. There is a great motivational tool out there, which is not about addiction, per se, however, is most helpful, if one is willing to listen.  This tool is called "Lessons in Mastery" by Anthony Robbins.  He touches on many aspects of emotion, even addiction, as well as many other issues that surround why we do what we do and ways to go bout doing it.  I recommend this CD collection to EVERYONE, ist is lso vilble in book form as well.  But LISTENING to it is the best way to bsorb the informtion, this hs been my experience.
But, I digress.  Let's go back to addiction, specifically.  Our need for connection, our drive for meaning, the view we hold about life, what we hold as important, are all factors that are part of the addictive recovery process.  If our drive in life is for pleasure, "then we define who we re by our ability to find, create, receive, and give pleasure.  By focusing on pleasure, life's values are measured by the amount of pleasure we can receive.  We also, while seeking pleasure. seek to avoid pain and anxiety.  The more "raw" pleasure is pursued, the more fearful we become to let it go.  Pleasure does stimulate primitive functions within the brain, but it can also change our views of ourselves and the world around us. 
The Addictive Personality must admit he/she lives within danger, this endless desire and drive for pleasure.  Pleasure by itself is fine, but when seeking plesure from mind and body altering drugs, alcohol, overeating, gambling, and many other addictions, it becomes a danger , not only to to addict, but to those who surround him/her.  Honesty is needed  here.  This is the key point to any recovery program.  Also, forming a relationa ship with a higher power is essential in the recovery process.  Sometimes, an outside support group is too nerve racking for the addict.  In accepting a higher power and forming that relationship, the addict has attained unconditional love and care.   Remember, the recovery process is a slow process, in contrast to the high paced lifestyleset by the addict generally.  Learning positive, life-improving principles will aid in recovery as well.Many addicts need help from a sp[onsor, a mentor, someone willing to be there for them to listen to them, help them through the rough patches of recopvery, and to guide them on their course of action.  This could be from a self-help group, this could be a friend, family member, anyone willing to put themselves in the position to be there for the recovering Addictive Personality on an ongoing basis.  And, obvioously, the addicut must, MUST, break the relationship with the addictive behavior, substance, or event, knowing that thr recovery process begins within themselves.  When this road to recovery is continued, the adddict him/herself will begin to see when he/she is backsliding, having negative thoughts, cravings for the desired addiction, and can stop it before the cycle begins again.  Forming healthy relationships is essential in the recovery process.  It truly helps the addict overcome his/her addictions.  Complete abstinence is essential as well in the recovery process of an addict.  The Addictive Personality must stay away from the causation of the addiction the he/she has spiraled down into.  That means, if one is an alcoholic, not one drop of alcohol should be taken into the body. Not one.  Not one more pull of the slot machine, not one more rolling of the dice.  Abstinence.  Sounds easy, I know, however, this is the most difficult aspect of the recovery process.  When the recovering addict begins to feel better, he/she may think, "well, one drink won't hurt anything", "overeating today won't hurt, it is just one day", and statements like that can bring the addict right back into their old addictive process. 
So, taking responsibility for your addiction, seeking help, honesty, abstinence,self-scrutiny, making amends....these are all part of the recovery process.  There are millions of addicts, millions who suffer from the Addictive Personality, and millions who recover.  If you or someone you love is an addict, has an Addictive Personality, seek help.  Seek it now.  It is never too late.  Often times, people have to hit "rock bottom" before they can even begin to think about recovery.  Don't wait.  Do it now.  Every day you live without an addiction, is another day you live within your own freedom.  You will no longer be tied to this adddiction.  You can do it. I know you can.
Resources:
"The Addictive Personality: Understanding the addictive process and compulsive behavior"; Craig Nakken, Second Edition.  $14.95
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): http://www.aa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): http://www.na.org/
Overeaters Anonymous (OA): http://www.oa.org/
Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersananymous.org/
Sex Addicts Annoymous: http://www.sexaa.org/
These are just a few of the available resopurces and self-help groups available.  Within these organizations, you will find information, metting places and times, online meetings and information, and meet others struggling with the same addictions.

The Addictive Personality: The Struggle... Part 2

Okay, so we know a little more about addiction and the Addictive Personality... and Part 1 of this section was just a small, small piece of information available on the Addictive Personality.  With that being said, let's move on to the struggle of addiction....
There is an inner struggle that ensues a person who is suffering from addiction.  The addict also feels shame.  Although the addiction goes against the person's belief system (in most cases), the self feels shame and guilt.  In the second stage of addiction, the addict tries to set limits on their behavior, however, it generally does not work.  This is in attempt to control the addiction, however, is basically a mute point.  This shame causes isolation, even more isolation than the addict has felt before.  "A praxcticing addict is an emoptional loner,truly preferring to be alone."(TAP)  This is regardless of the fact that the Addictive Personality may be craving a human connection.  As the addiction progresses through time, the oerson who is addicted starts to become more inwwardly directed which can cause "people problems" for them.  Addiction is quite often self-centered.  Having a relationship with an object instead of with people seems attractive to the Addictive Personality because the object does not talk to them, does not harrass them, does not bother them.  Mistrust in others begins in stage two of the addictive process. 
How others react to the addict begins with trying to understand what is going on with the addict.  Then, others may begin to label the Addictive Personality of the person.  Labels such as "irresponsible", "lazy", "crazy", and others will be used in an effort to explain the addicted person's personality or way about them.  Using such words as "bum", "Not trustworthy" and the like is a sign that the addiction has progressed to the point where others such as friends and family have taken notice of it, and these people feel the need to protect themselves from the person with the addiction.  Labeling is an attempt to control the situation at hand.  Even the addict begins to buy into these labels, thus giving them more freedom to act irresponsibly. 
In stage three of the Addictive Personality, the addict has a "life breakdown".  "By stage three, the addictive personality is in total control...What it cares about is getting high from acting out." (TAP)  The enormous stress will cause the addict to literally break down because of anger, frustration, fear, and pain.  "There is a point where a person emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and, finally, physically, breaks down under the stress and pain produced by the addiction." (TAP)
The Addictive Personality will stay stuck in stage three unjtil there is some sort of intervention, an attempt to break up the addiction. Though there are many ways of intervention, not all are successful.  "To recover, the person must not only break off the emotional dependency within, but also turn to the Self and others."(TAP)
(Excerpts taken from the book"The Addictive Personality", by Craig Nakken.  Please view Part 3 -What to do to recover for further reading.)

The Addictive Personality: What is it? Part 1

Addiction.  It is a huge issue that surrounds the entire globe.  Whether it is gambling, alcohol, drugs, co-dependency addictions, video games, the internet....you name it, and there is more than likely someone addicted to it.  But, why? Why are we so addicted?  How do we get addicted?  How do we free ourselves from these addictions?  Why are we so compulsive in our behavior?  Well, the answer is not simple.... yet there is an understanding of the Addictive Personality.  I have taken some excerpts from the book: "The Addictive Personality: Understanding the addictive process and compulsive behavior", by Craig Nakken (available at Barnes and Noble as well as other sources) and incorporated it into this topic. 
Okay, so where to begin?  We begin by looking at how we view addiction. Many say that addiction is "no will power", "weakness" and many other terms used to describe addiction.  However, asddiction is a PROCESS.  A Progressive process, an ILLNESS "that undergoes continuous development from a definite, though often unclear, beginning toward an endpoint." (TAP,Page 1and 2)
People who are addicted are attracted to specific types of changes in moods and/or highs.  As far as arousal, things like cocaine, gambling, spending, etc., cause intense sensations and feelings of power.  Arousal causes the addict to " believe they can achieve happiness, safety and fulfillment." (TAP)  A "satiation" high, (supplying to excess, to satisfy to the full), gives someone who is addicted a feeling of felling complete, possibly even beyond pain.  Things such as alcohol and valium, and behaviors such as gambling, overeating, playing video games, etc., give this type of high.  This may be attractive to the addict because it gives a numbing sensation to pain or stress/distress.  "Addiction starts out as an emotional illusion that is entrenched in the addict before others around the addict or even the addict himself realizes that the addictive relationship has been formed."(TAP)
Addiction follows an emotional logic, and talk therapy is generally ineffective for people with addictions, as it does not usually end the destructive and addictive relationship the addict has with his/her addiction(s).  Addiction is "cunning, baffling, powerful" (TAP) and addicts are seduced into addiction because the addict begins to trust the addictive mood change they experience when using/doing a particular thing or action.
The wants of an addict become all-important.  "A practicing addict comes to trust the addiction, not people.  Addiction is a relationship problem: it is a destructive but committed relationship.
(Please see The addictive Personality Part 2 for more information....Also, please get the book: The Addictive Personality by Craig Nakken.  It is an amazing, eye-opening read and will surely give a full, well rounded understanding of the addiction process and the Addictive Personality!)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Information and Coping Skills

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide.  PTSD's causation is a traumatic event, often involving injury or near death experiences.  It is a type of Anxiety Disorder, and its effects can be very devastating for those who suffer from it.  It can be caused by a terrifying situation where a person has been threatened as well.  PTSD strikes all different types of people in all economic classes and parts of the world.  Many military personnel who have been in combat suffer from the disorder.  Those afflicted can feel fear and fright even when there is no longer the danger associated with that fear. 
Symptoms of PTSD include:
Flashbacks- the event recurring over and over again in the person's mind
Recurrent memories of the traumatic event or situation
Dreams- consistent and repeated dreams about the event or situation in which the person suffered trauma
Emotions- numbness of emotions, feelings of not caring about anything
Detachment- feelings of detachment in general
Interest- lack of interest in activities, hobbies, and everything in general
Memory- inability to remember important moments regarding the traumatic event
Future- feeling as though the future is grim or non existent, hopelessness
Guilt- Guilt about the traumatic event
Concentration- lack of concentration, inability to do daily tasks.
There are many other symptoms of PTSD, however, these are some of the main symptoms that are displayed regarding PTSD.
As far as treatment of PTSD, psychotherapy is of great assistance.  Helping the person with PTSD to recall the event, express feelings about the event, and give a sense of control over the traumatic event can help tremendously.  Treatment for depression via medication and psychotherapy may be needed as well.  Anti-depressants are very effective in assisting some who have been diagnosed with PTSD.  SSRI's such as Prozac can be especially helpful.  Behavioral therapy may be needed to treat symptoms of avoidance of the traumatic event. 
PTSD can be delayed for months after the event, or can occur immediately after.  Some cases of PTSD show up even years later.  Many suffer from long-term PTSD, though many begin to feel better approximately three months after the traumatic experience has occurred, usually if the person has symptoms immediately after the event.  PTSD can occur at any age, and though a traumatic event can cause stress for most people, not all develop PTSD.  Stress response for those with PTSD changes, as well as stress hormones and chemicals, as well as neurotransmitters.
For further information, please visit www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

Additional Blog: Schizophrenia.... The Schizophrenia Daily...

Hello all.... I have posted another blog that is akin to this one, however, it is dedicated to Schizophrenia only, and is going to be quite fun and interesting to read.  I say that because I will personally be detailing daily my life with Schizophrenia.  When I say quite fun, I really mean that...well, you will get to know me and hopefully understand the life of a Schizophrenic.  Also, there will be infornation regarding all sorts of issues surrounding schizophrenia, so please bookmark The Schizophrenia Daily at http://www.theschizophreniadaily.blogspot.com/ to follow that particular blog.  There are also going to be links, videos, etc., as well.  Thank you and I hope to see you here AND there!!!!  With the utmost sincerity, Erica

So, I am writing a book...about...yes, Schizophrenia....

Hello all... I wanted to let you all know that I am in the process of writing a new book, a comprehensive guide to Schizophrenia, including my personal experience(s) living with Schizophrenia.  All proceeds will be going to charity, and I will keep you all updated on the progress of this book.  I am sure that it will be a best-seller (I hope so anyway), so please keep up with me and th eoprogress of this.  If there is anyone who would like to add their personal account of their life with Schizophrenia, Please email me or post it here if you are comfortable doing so.  In the meantime, I will continuously be updating this blog, and also invite all facebook users to join my online support group, Schizophrenia Online Connnection.  It is an online support group for those living with Schizophrenia, as well as a way for those afflicted to connect with others that live with the same illness. 
I am looking forward to meeting all of you and hope that you will take advantage of this service and keep up with this blog....Thank you for all your support and well wishes.  Sincerely, Erica

Difficulties finding online community support that lasts....

Hello all... I am writing this, as a person who understands the need for support, especially in this digital age, the necessity of online support.  I am in the process of designing a genuine online support group, and yes, there are some out there that are great, but I also think there is a need for more.  I also would like to your a mentor of sorts, your go to person when you have a question, or just need to talk.  This blog and the group I am developing on Facebook, called Schizophrenia Online Connection, is designed to really be dedicated to support for those of us living with Schizophrenia and related disorders.  As a schizophrenic, I understand the difficulty in communication, and understanding.  On the other hand, I have also been building my skills and knowledge to be able to answer technical questions as well.  Basically, I am putting myself out here, reaching out to you, to have a community that cares, truly and deeply.  It takes time and effort to be a part of a support goup, and I am going to do my best to be able to communicate with each and everymember personally.  I will continue to do so until there are no more Schizophrenics (and related disorders) !!!  Consider me your greatest ally, you r friend, and your comrade.  Please join this new group on Facebook, and please feel free to contact me personally, I will respond to each person individually and with great care, trust, and interest.  With lots of love and compassion, Erica...Admin, Schizophrenia Online Connection, Facebook Groups.

Is there anyone who has Schizophrenia and wants to discuss it????

Anyone want to discuss their experiences with Schizophrenia?  Anyone have questions or rants????

Defining Mental Disorders

There is a large array of behaviors that have been classified as symptomatic of mental disorders.   These can range from maladaptive personality traits, to PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome), hostility toward others, all the way to full blown psychosis. (Psychosis discussed in previous Blog).  There is a lack of clarity between menatl health and mental illness, which contributes to the "impression that  mental disorders encompass normal or willful differences in human thought, behavior and emotion." (1)
Decisions that regard the level of appropriateness of treatment, researching funding priorities, the care of third party payers financing, workplace accomodation, and responsibility (criminal)lay on expert as well as popular concepts oif mental disorders and mental illness.
Mental disorders and illnesses primarilty affect emotion, thoughts, and behaviors which makes it diffucult to arrive at a clear and concise definition of mental disorders and mental illnesses. 
Mental disorders are classified by way of symptomology, due to the fact, as of yet, there are no biological markers or tests in laboratories for them.
Disorders such as Schizophrenia, BiPolar Disorder, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), depression (major), are real, genuine and very often severe and debilitating.  Generally they emerge in the late teens through the twenties, although later onset is also possible in many cases.  Many live with these disorders unaware that they have a mental disorder or illness.  It had been said that Schizophrenia is "arguably the worst disease affecting mankind." (2)  It affects thoughts, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, which in turn distorts a person's personal experience of life, and often cripples that individual's ability to be participating in society.
There will be more on this issue next blog session.


1 and 2.  New Developments in the Biology of Mental Disorders, by the Research and Education Association.  The Authoritative Guide.

Psychosis...signs and what to do...

Psychosis is a loss of reality.  Usually it involves hallucinations, hearing voices, and acting in a bizarre fashion. There is usually impairment in daily activities, and some experience a full psychotic break, which means total loss with reality.  This generally requires hospitalization and/or stabilization.  Those who experience psychosis may try to self medicate or refuse help or treatment.  This is unfortunate, however, sometimes someone involved with the person in psychosis may have to intervene and have the person committed or at the very least, get them some professional help.  Psychosis requires medication, and many in psychosis will refuse treatment and medications, but it is ESSENTIAL in order for that individual to have contact with reality once again.  Psychotherapy is also essential, as well as regular visits to their chosen or assigned psychiatrist and psychologist.  Medications that are used for those in psychosis include Haldol, Seroquel and many others.
Please do not confuse psychosis with psychopathic or sociopathic, as those are terms that are not the same as psychosis.
Many in psychosis experience all types of loss of reality, some claiming to be being watched by the government, paranoia may set in, some experience religious types of psychosis, may be claiming to be Jesus and many other types of symptoms and issues surrounding psychosis.
Many in psychosis listen to the voices they are literally hearing and may \follow what they say either out of fear, pleasure, or otherwise.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing psychosis, immediately get them the assistance they so desperately need, as many in psychosis think there is nothing wrong, some realize they are hearing voices or seeing things, but it is beyond their control.    Psychosis cannot be addressed properly without medication and therapy.
Some books suggested for psychosis understanding  are:
1.  Back to life, Back to Normality: Cognitive therapy, Recoveryand Psychosis (Cambridge Clinical Guides)

2. Insight and Psychosis, by Xavier S. Amador; Editor.

3. The First Episode of Psychosis,: A guide for patients and their families,  by Michael T. Compton and      BethBroussard.

4. Psychosis, Trauma and Dissassociation: Emerging Perspectives on Severe Psychopathology, by Andrew Moskowitz, Ingo Schafer, and Martin Justin Dorahy.


These books are available in some Bookstores, you can order them on Amazon.com as well.

Schizophrenia....Important information to know

Do you or someone you know suffer from Schzophrenia?  It is often a disabling illness that is manageable with medication, however, there is no clear difinitive cure for Schizophrenia.  It's onset generally shows in the teen to the twenties, sometimes even in young children or people in their thirties and above.  Schizophrenia is not "split-personality" as many may think it is.There are two subtypes of symptoms: positive symptoms and negative symptoms. 
Positive symptoms include hallucinations, which tipify psychosis, delusions, as well as bizarre behaviors and dissassociated or fragmented thoughts.
Negative symptoms include impaired emotional responsiveness, loss of motivation, general loss of interest, as well as social withdrawl. (Source:New Developments in the Biology of Mental Disorders; Research and Education Foundation) 
Approximately one (1) in every one-hundred (100) people develop Schizophrenia during his or her lifetime.  There is a worse prognosis for men than for women.  The symptoms and severity may fkluctuqate over time, and there is an increased risk ofsuicide of those afflicted.
Approximately 10-15% of persons afflicted will take their own lives. 
The optimal treatment is anti-psychotic drugs (such as Geodon, Seroquel, Haldol) and supportive psychosocial treatment.
Many individuals afflicted with this illness often are hospitalized one or more times during their lifetime, as symptoms and severity of full-blown psychosis peak.  There are many Psychiatric hospitals and treatment teams in the U.S. and in other areas of the country.  Many sufferers need community support after their hospital stay to continue on the track to wellness.
Next post will be about some of the biological causes of Schizophrenia, and the biology behind the illness.

This is a post for Children without Parents, many whom suffer from mental wellness issues

Please donate to this cause and help Children without Parents today, they need a secure environment to grow strong and mentally healthy. THank you Any donations are accepted, so instead of that Starbucks today, Please donate. You can also look up this cause on facebook.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/birthdays/134733?m=e0bc6388

Types of Mental Illness

There are many types of Mental Illness, ranging from Anxiety to Schizophrenia to Dissassociative Disorder. I will be detailing these at length. Please be patient as i develop this blog.Thankyou-