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.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, December 14, 2009
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.)
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!)
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
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
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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
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
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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.
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