Schizophrenia

I recently learned about the diagnosis of Schizophrenia, which was earlier known as dementia praecox, which is latin for "premature mental deterioration". What I found interesting was a myth buster that I even believed up until I read: Schizophrenia is not related to multiple personality disorder. Many people confuse the two and have labeled each in the same category of symptoms. 

This blog defines the two separately and at an understandable level.

There are also many different types and factors that go into play when being diagnosed for schizophrenia. 

"The Many Faces" gives great insight to these types.

The symptoms of schizophrenia can vary and range from having deteriorated in everyday functioning such as through work, interpersonal relations, self care for at least 6 months with two or more of the following:

• Delusions (aliens controlling my brain)
• Hallucinations (hearing voices)
• Disorganized speech (rambling)
• Grossly disorganized behavior
• Absent signs of emotion, speech, and socialization 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these above, it is important to find peace and understanding of the disorder and to do something about it. Don't wait. There is HELP.

Mood Disorders...

When I was younger, I was always told that depression is not a real disease, that it was just something that people talked about when they were feeling sad. Now that I am older, I like to do plenty of reading on subjects that interest me and that I am unsure about the source. Recently though I've read on major depressive disorder, feeling sad and helpless everyday for weeks at a time. The idea that depression has a specific look and is easily identified by trained professionals astounds me. I now believe that depression is a serious issue because of the side effects to being depressed such as:

• little energy
• contemplation of suicide
• hardly imagining being happy
• feeling worthless
• sleeping trouble
• lack of concentration

It is evident that there are many factors that affect why people fall into depression. For most patients, they remember a highly stressful event that could have triggered the first episode, such as the loss of a loved one. After the first single episode of depression, more will follow and much easier too.
Families should be aware of the possible onset of depression if another member has had a history of depression. There is also different kinds of depression and levels of extremities.

Postpartum depression significant in women after giving birth. This 20% reported degree of postpartum depression is real and is flourished by stress as well as hormonal fluctuations. It is also believed that the amount of stressful life events and lack of social support will increase the chance of postpartum depression.

There is a difference between sadness and actual clinically significant depression. The video below is a great explanation of major depression and the changes that occur in the brain.

If you are feeling any of these significant signs or symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor, school counselor, or a trusted source for direction and help in overcoming this disorder. It is important to remember that you are not alone, as the video explains, there are over 20 million Americans feeling the exact same way.

There are ways to help deal with depression and there is hope. In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Stress and a cup of tea

STRESS the hair pulling, teeth grinding, stomach turning feeling that some individuals deal with daily. According to McEwen, stress is brought upon when events that are interpreted as a threat to an individual elicits physiological and behavioral responses. Whether it’s finals week or the death of a loved one, stress takes its toll on our bodies positively and negatively. There are two body systems activated by stress, one is the sympathetic nervous system also known as “fight or flight”- which one professor recently tested by calling for a surprise pop quiz and our second system the HPA-axis which consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the adrenal cortex.

Stress that releases cortisol the “stress hormone” helps the body mobilize its energies to fight a difficult situation, but the effects depend on the amount and duration. In fact, brief or moderate stress can actually improve attention and memory formation as well as ones performance on regular, simple tasks. Stress also helps enhance our immune system. On the other hand, prolonged stress does the exact opposite by impairing memory and immune activity.

But no need to stress! There are thousands of different techniques used for relaxation. The relaxation response is bringing your nervous system back into balance. One widely used technique is deep breathing meditation. In which you sit up straight with one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach, you breathe in through your nose feeling the hand on your stomach rising, and exhale as much air through your mouth, contracting your abdomen muscles, the hand on your chest should only move slightly. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel. 

Another technique is yoga and tai chi, they involve a series of both moving and stationary poses, combined with deep breathing. Feel free to check out this great website sharing helpful techniques and suggestions to help relieve stress.