#schizophrenia help

WARNING: THIS WILL BE TERRIFYING INFORMATION AND BE AWARE.

I became very curious as I was watching a well known tv show named Lucifer and someone had said, if people had a bad seed like compulsions in themselves that was triggered and finally bursted out.

I'm a Schizophrenic who has been through compulsions and I can honestly say that it's the hardest thing to go through.

You stand there as the voices tell you how to do it, when to do it and who too. It's disturbing that our minds can come up with these terrifying images and ideas to harm other people.

It has only happened to me twice, one, I wasn't even diagnosed at this point and my parents were out. They went down the street to pick up my nephew's. Nobody but my older sisters friend and I was there, home alone. I grabbed a knife from the kitchen because the voices told me to find the biggest knife possible and the sharpest. I was walking towards her room. I got to a baby gate that broke the hall from the main living room. My dog at the time Trouble saved me from committing a crime. He started barking and jumping I could barely hear him. I remember the voices getting louder. I slid down the wall and started crying , Trouble got under my arms and started wining and kissing me.

It was then I had realised something was happening to myself and my brain and I had no control.

Not all people suffer from compulsions when they have Schizophrenia. But if you do you know how terrifying it can be. It's like your mind has been on overdrive and you have no control over.

The second time this had happened I have not told anyone before.. the only person who knows is who it happened too. I was 12 and I was constantly stuck in a Psychotic Episode for 2 years at the time but it had gotten so bad I almost committed a crime at school.

Things like making comments on social media or even aloud to family or friends about an actor or a role they play in movies or TV shows doesn't help the situation of having compulsions. It can inhance your emotions to that person and cause your mind to go over drive and you'll notice that hallucinations and voices will use this against you.

The best way for yourself and others is to gain control. The best way of doing that is to not make comments aloud but to learn to be kind to yourself and others. It will be hard, I was in high school when I had a serious Psychotic Episode and it was difficult to not be sarcastic and rude to bullies but I ignored them and pretended that I couldn't see them. It got hard when things got pyshical but luckily I got through it without harming anyone. I soon learner that not speaking aloud to people like bullies helps you gain control over the voices and what they would say.

When you are trying to gain control over the voices it will take a long time to gain that type of control. I went through many different stages but it's been about 10 years and I can honestly admit that when I have a Psychotic Episode I don't give in as easy as I did when I was younger.

So, I ended up cloning an app which I can do on the phone I have and I cloned my Instagram app so that if any of you unique people want to see more pictures that will have the following on there:

1. Photography (animals, plants, flowers,sunrise and sunsets)

2. Pictures and videos of myself that includes (selfies, make up ideas, video updates and much more)

3. Inspirational quotes

4. More into my personal life

Look up this username: schizophrenic_brooklyn9

There are many people who have the mental illness Schizophrenia and usually those who have Schizophrenia experience hearing Voices or as a more professional term, Auditory Hallucinations. Usually these Voices would be nasty, unsupportive, scary, rude and just negative in general.

For myself when it comes to dealing with hearing Voices, when it's during day time I like to find the sun outside, sit down, put some music on and enjoy just sitting in the sun while I listen to music or play a game on my phone. But, as it may sound very easy it really isn't. The best way to enjoy music is too get headphones (not earphones) play some music that you like and put it as loud as comfortable it is for you and just enjoy the sun. Sometimes singing along helps because it pushes out the voices and the nasty things they have to say. During night time I like to keep myself distracted with a movie or TV show but something simple and funny. When it's that time of the night where you need to sleep, if you put on the headphones and play music that makes you calm or that matches your mood I believe you'll fall asleep in just a matter of time.

A photo I found on Pinterest!

Hey Katie :) Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating disorder, characterized by an inability to distinguish between what is real and what isn’t. This can worsen through stress and anxiety as well. I think it would be best to reduce your stress and anxiety so your derealization and hallucinations are less severe.

(I am not an expert on this, so if I am not helpful, I recommend seeing a doctor/therapist or contact someone who knows more about it than me)

I also recommend contacting an amazing mental health organization that Jordan and I are collaborating with. They’re called NAMI and there are many ways to contact them and get support from them here: http://www.nami.org/

Here are a few coping tips you can try out to feel more in control of yourself: 

1. Schizophrenics often exhibit signs that a psychotic episode is coming in which their mood and behaviors become upset and potentially destructive. These signals could be an angry, frightened or confused facial expression, or a physical action such as wringing of hands, pacing back and forth or rubbing the forehead.

By recognizing that an episode is imminent, you may be able to help diffuse the situation.

Speak to a therapist regarding ways to implement a calming environment when you know a bout of psychosis is coming.

2. Avoid situations which are likely to cause stress. Many schizophrenics are uneasy in crowds or situations where more than one unfamiliar individual is present. According to Internet Mental Health, it is often helpful to take yourself out of an over-stimulating environment in order to calm down. (I do this almost every time I’m in a crowded/small space/loud place and I try to reduce my panic attacks when I feel one happening asap) If you’re required to return to the place, you’re often better able to cope after having a break.

3. (I know, this is pretty cheesey) Engage in relaxing and fun activities. Schizophrenics enjoy hobbies in the same way as all people. Encourage experimentation with different things such as painting, drawing, music, dance and collecting. The most effective hobbies for schizophrenics are ones that are creative and do not require much logical reasoning. (Sometimes when I feel really overwhelmed, I immediately take out a pen and paper and start drawing without thinking too much about it. It’s good to let go of your emotions in a way that makes you feel better; for me, it’s drawing…and sometimes crying).

4. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Yoga strengthens your immune system, gets rid of excess stress and anxiety, and helps you focus more. You would feel more at peace. Try doing some form of yoga about 15-20 minutes for three days a week..or however much you want! Be patient as these relaxation methods often require repeated attempts to achieve the benefits. (I have severe anxiety and yoga has helped me so much that I no longer take medication for it). 

5. Participate in a support group to share experiences and enjoy camaraderie. MayoClinic.com recommends these groups for schizophrenics :)