I keep thinking of the expression about being in/of two minds over an issue, which speaks of the inability to decide on a matter. If it's a dinner menu, it's a lot less stressful than say, choosing between two love interests–though the latter seems a fascinating dilemma.Schizophrenia is a case of being in/of two minds, literally. It's not a situation of indecisiveness but rather one of essentially using two minds in one's existence."Schizophrenia most often includes hallucinations and/or delusions, which reflect distortions in the perception and interpretation of reality. The resulting behaviours may seem bizarre to the casual observer, even though they may be consistent with the schizophrenic's abnormal perceptions and beliefs." (psychcentral.com)
I know of a paranoid schizophrenic who is married and remains part of a beautiful well-balanced family with adult children in good health. Her interactions on a "normal" day are not unlike those of any other person you know. She cooks, does housekeeping and has conversations with her children and husband when they return from school or work.On days when she is of the other mind, all her actions and expressions seem irrational but each family member has learnt over the years to accept the other person, or the other state of mind, with love and compassion.I can hardly imagine what terror attended my son living with a seemingly bipolar mother for most of his first 18 years and not having the resources to deal with such a relationship. Far more living with someone and never being able to anticipate what would come out of their minds/mouth! It all sounds so rough.
A friend told me of her experience with her sister, who woke up threatening to burn down the house next door. The sister said she had grown tired of the neighbours putting ice in her water tanks at night and she having to wake up to freezing water every day.
My friend said when her sister made such outbursts they would talk her through the situation and make attempts at logic and reasoning to calm her down. As with many people living fulfilling lives with the complications of schizophrenia, medication and patience would bring her back soon enough to the reality in which the rest of the family lived.For those living outside the family though, schizophrenia is taboo.Dr Michael Bengston writes, "It is easier for the average person to cope with the idea of cancer than it is to understand the odd behaviour, hallucinations or strange ideas of the person with schizophrenia."People often imagine a person with schizophrenia as being more violent or out-of-control than a person who has another kind of serious mental illness.But these kinds of prejudices and misperceptions can be readily corrected."As with many mental disorders, the causes of schizophrenia are poorly understood. Friends and family commonly are shocked, afraid or angry when they learn of the diagnosis."
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has affected people throughout history.People with the disorder may hear voices other people don't hear. They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. This can terrify people with the illness and make them withdrawn or extremely agitated.People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. Sometimes people with schizophrenia seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.Families and society are affected by schizophrenia too. Many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, so they rely on others for help.Treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people who have the disorder cope with symptoms throughout their lives. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia. In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness (www.nimh.nih.gov)
Warning signs
The Web site psychcentral.com, lists the warning signs that someone is heading towards a schizoid episode as follows:
Social isolation and withdrawal
Irrational, bizarre or odd statements or beliefs
Increased paranoia or questioning others' motivations
Becoming more emotionless
Hostility or suspiciousness
Increasing reliance on drugs or alcohol (in an attempt to self-medicate)
Lack of motivation
Speaking in a strange manner unlike themselves
Inappropriate laughter
Insomnia or oversleeping
Deterioration in their personal appearance and hygiene
While there is no guarantee that one or more of these symptoms will lead to schizophrenia, a number of them occurring together should be cause for concern, especially if it appears that the individual is getting worse over time. This is the ideal time to act to help the person (even if it turns out not to be schizophrenia).