Mental Health-

I absolutely adore the New Zealand author, Janet frame.
I came to learn of her existence when I’d rented a movie one lonely night, many years ago. It was just one of those films, that  screamed out to me from the dusty shelf.
The movie was titled, “Angel at my Table”, and it was based on the true story of this amazing woman, from her childhood to woman-hood.
Janet Frame, or Jean, as she was also known, struggled with her identity, a shy but loving soul, who grew up in an era when life was very simple, and for those like the Frame family, well, you made do with what you had, and that was the bare necessities of their entire life.
The movie scared me, but spoke to me. It told me of a lady that was beyond her years, yet always doubted herself. She was definitely misunderstood and because of her difference, was left to feel there was actually something wrong with her.
Janet’s timid, quiet behaviour, was also hindered by her lack of self-confidence, so for most of her life she lived as a recluse, shunning society and always seeking isolation. This was where she was ‘safe’ and where she felt she belonged. The world was just far too big a place for Janet to deal with, so as she dreamt of having an imagination, continually longing to be an artist, little did she realise, she was just that! An amazing poet, writer of stories, student, teacher, carer. But when confronted with a crowd of staring eyes, Janet was quite fearful, and this led to the shocking institutionalising of a woman with great dreams. Her diagnosis?? It would take the doctors many years to give it a name, probably because they themselves were ignorant to people like Janet, shy and timid people, who simply prefer their own company.
Schizophrenia was their prognosis, and ten years in a mental hospital their solution!
It is because of Janet Frame, that I looked up the following information, because Mental Health is such a grey area….not everyone fit’s the mould of merely black or white. Janet was a unique individual with a gift to write!
I encourage all writers, authors and poets, to pick up one of her books today!

For you Janet Frame….you did indeed have an imagination!

The following is information about Schizophrenia-

Understanding Schizophrenia-

Supportive Guide to the Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Effects

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that don’t exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like they’re being constantly watched. With such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it difficult—even frightening—to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response, people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

Most cases of schizophrenia appear in the late teens or early adulthood. For men, the average age of onset is 25. For women, typical onset is around the age of 30. However, schizophrenia can appear for the first time in middle age or even later. In rare cases, schizophrenia can even affect young children and adolescents, although the symptoms are slightly different. In general, the earlier schizophrenia develops, the more severe it is. Schizophrenia also tends to be more severe in men than in women. Although schizophrenia is a chronic disorder, there is help available. With support, medication, and therapy, many people with schizophrenia are able to function independently and live satisfying lives. However, the outlook is best when schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated right away. If you spot the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia and seek help without delay, you or your loved one can take advantage of the many treatments available and improve the chances of recovery. Common Misconceptions about Schizophrenia-

MYTH: Schizophrenia refers to a “split personality” or multiple personalities.

FACT: Multiple personality disorder is a different and much less common disorder than schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities. Rather, they are “split off” from reality.MYTH: Schizophrenia is a rare condition.

FACT: Schizophrenia is not rare; the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100.MYTH: People with schizophrenia are dangerous.

FACT: Although the delusional thoughts and hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior, most people with schizophrenia are neither violent nor a danger to others.MYTH: People with schizophrenia can’t be helped.

FACT: While long-term treatment may be required, the outlook for schizophrenia is not hopeless. When treated properly, many people with schizophrenia are able to enjoy life and function within their families and communities.

Early warning signs:

In some people, schizophrenia appears suddenly and without warning. But for most, it comes on slowly, with subtle warning signs and a gradual decline in functioning long before the first severe episode. Many friends and family members of people with schizophrenia report knowing early on that something was wrong with their loved one, they just didn’t know what. In this early phase, people with schizophrenia often seem eccentric, unmotivated, emotionless, and reclusive. They isolate themselves, start neglecting their appearance, say peculiar things, and show a general indifference to life. They may abandon hobbies and activities, and their performance at work or school deteriorates.

• Social withdrawal
• Hostility or suspiciousness
• Deterioration of personal hygiene
• Flat, expressionless gaze
• Inability to cry or express joy
• Inappropriate laughter or crying

• Depression
• Oversleeping or insomnia
• Odd or irrational statements
• Forgetful; unable to concentrate
• Extreme reaction to criticism
• Strange use of words or way of speaking

It is important to know, that these signs/symptoms, unlike anything else, don’t neccessarily mean a person HAS schizophrenia, it is merely a guide.When out-of-the-ordinary behavior is causing problems in your life or the life of a loved one, seek medical advice. If schizophrenia or another mental problem is the cause, treatment will help.

Effects of Schizophrenia-

When the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are ignored or improperly treated, the effects can be devastating both to the individual with the disorder and those around him or her. Some of the possible effects of schizophrenia are:

Relationship problems – Relationships suffer significantly because people with schizophrenia often withdraw and isolate themselves. Paranoia can also cause a person with schizophrenia to be suspicious of friends and family.

Disruption to normal daily activities – Schizophrenia causes significant disruptions to daily functioning, both because of social difficulties and because everyday tasks become hard, if not impossible to do. A person’s delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts typically prevent him or her from doing normal things like bathing, eating, or running errands.

Alcohol and drug abuse – Schizophrenics frequently develop problems with alcohol or drugs, which are often used in an attempt to self-medicate, or relieve symptoms. In addition, they may also be heavy smokers, a complicating situation as cigarette smoke can interfere with the effectiveness of medications prescribed for the disorder.

Increased suicide risk – People with schizophrenia have a high risk of attempting suicide. Any suicidal talk, threats, or gestures should be taken very seriously. People with schizophrenia are especially likely to commit suicide during psychotic episodes, during periods of depression, and in the first six months after they’ve started treatment.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/schizophrenia_symptom.htm