Schizophrenia
| Discussion in 'All Categories' started by Zee - Sep 24th, 2011 7:18 pm. | |
Zee
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Hi, I'm 18 years old and lately I have started obsessing about the fact that I might have schizophrenia. Schizophrenia runs in my family, my uncle (from my dad's side) had it and he passed it on to his daughter, my cousin. I started reading online about the symptoms of schizophrenia, I know that wasn't such a great idea, but there were some symptoms that I could relate to. I mean there were always small things that made me worry that I might have it but now there are more distinct things going on that are really concerning me. For instance, I am constantly bombarded by thoughts that don't belong to me and it's pretty hard to get them out. These thoughts mostly happen when I am alone, when it's quiet, when I'm reading, and when I'm trying to fall asleep. Some of the thoughts are repetitive and some just come out of nowhere. Sometimes these thoughts can really mess with my concentration at school, like I will have to read a sentence over and over again until it finally sinks in. A couple of years ago I used to see shadows that would run across really fast, and I never really thought it was weird, but now I'm doubting that. Also, sometimes just out of nowhere I'll start thinking about someone like a friend for example and I'll say (out loud) she's such a b***ch and I'll snap out of it and be like no she's not, and this is something that happens to me all the time and I just can't help it, it comes out of nowhere. I read that one of the symptoms is feeling someone touching you when there is no one there. That happened to me once, it felt like someone's finger brushed against my lower back, and that was terrifying to say the least. Another I suffer from is mood swings. I will just wake up one day and just be so mad at the world, and the next moment I feel happy and complete. I just need some advice from an expert about what they think this might be, and whether or not I need to see someone. Maybe I might not have schizophrenia but I definitely know something is wrong! |
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re: Schizophrenia
by Dr Sadhana -
Sep 25th, 2011
11:33 am
#1
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Dr Sadhana
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Dear Zee It is important that you should not think that you are mentally sick. Keeping a positive outlook is much easier when you have others you can turn to for support. Like your loved one with schizophrenia, you too need help, encouragement, and understanding. When you feel supported and cared for, you, in turn, will be better able to support and care for your loved one. You should join a support group. One of the best ways to cope with schizophrenia is by joining a family support group. Meeting others who know first-hand what you |
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re: Schizophrenia
by Dr Sadhana -
Sep 25th, 2011
11:35 am
#2
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Dr Sadhana
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Dear Zee It is important that you should not think that you are mentally sick. Keeping a positive outlook is much easier when you have others you can turn to for support. Like your loved one with schizophrenia, you too need help, encouragement, and understanding. When you feel supported and cared for, you, in turn, will be better able to support and care for your loved one. You should join a support group. One of the best ways to cope with schizophrenia is by joining a family support group. Meeting others who know first-hand what you are going through can help reduce feelings of isolation and fear. Support groups provide an invaluable venue for the relatives of people with schizophrenia to share experiences, advice, and information. You should give time for yourself. Schedule time into your day for things you enjoy, whether it be spending time in nature, visiting with friends, or reading a good book. Taking breaks from caregiving will help you stay positive and avoid burnout. You should look after your health. Neglecting your health only adds to the stress in your life. Maintain your physical well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and staying on top of any medical conditions. Cultivate other relationships. Its important to maintain other supportive, fulfilling relationships. Do not feel guilty for looking after your social needs. You need support, too. These relationships will help buoy you in difficult times. Please also consult any good psychiatrist if you feel more problem. It is not uncommon for us to experience any one of the above listed symptoms which you have experienced in times of stress and hence the symptoms, which come and go with the situations. We think we do not require psychiatric intervention but we are wrong. It is only when a number of symptoms persist simultaneously for a period of more than two weeks and interfere with the daily routine life that they merit psychiatric consultation and management. With regards Sadhana |