- DEPRESSION
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- STRESS
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- ANXIETY
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- INSECURITIES
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- SELF HARM
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- SCHIZOPHRENIA
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- BIPOLAR
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- ANGER MANAGEMENT
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- EATING DISORDERS
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- COPING
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Video Description
"Early Intervention in Schizophrenia; What You and Your Family Should know. The 32 minute video covers the common questions that families have when a person is showing early signs of psychosis or schizophrenia and they begin treatment at an early treatment center. Additionally, a young man describes the first symptoms that he experienced when he began to experience psychosis. This video was produced in 2004 by the Maine Medical Center PIER program - for more information go to: www.preventmentalillness.org and for more information on schizophrenia visit www.schizophrenia.comMaine Medical Center / Schizophrenia.com
Director/Presenter: William McFarlane, M.D"
Quotes
"My mind has been both my best friend and my worst enemy."
Elyn
"In 2003 I went to Everest for the first time and trekked to base camp. It was symbolic of my own journey with schizophrenia and conquering my own mountains."
Stuart
"I hadn't had anything to do with street drugs for about 4 years now and was warned that involvement with them or alcohol would cause a worsening of the symptoms."
Garry
"I had gradual onset schizophrenia but a bad LSD trip is what triggered my psychosis. I had smoked pot daily for my last two years of high school, drank every weekend and occasionally took acid."
Nick
"I have to scrutinize my every thought, every attitude, every emotion, everything, and ask, ‘Is this real?’"
Yeon Kim
"It‘s so weird waking up and not really knowing where I am, seeing things that aren’t really there, and hearing things that are in my head but aren’t in front of me or connected to electronic."
Karin
"I fear sleep because my dreams have become too lucid and it becomes hard to know what reality is. Only slowly I remembered the strange things. And I realized that all was fantasy."
Joey
"I was working on my computer and then I heard someone talking to me. She whispered, "Hey... how's it going tonight?" And she hasn't left since."
Anonymous
"My doctor encourages me to get a part time job. I enjoy cooking so I am thinking about getting a job as a cook."
Jason
"I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in my early twenties. I have a university degree, I am self employed as a writer, and artist and engaged to a girl I met at uni. I live independently."
David
"There can be life after schizophrenia: in my own case, nearly thirty years of a very satisfying and rewarding, though not always easy, existence."
Christine
"I was so tired and didn't feel I had much fight left in me, but I knew I had to keep going."
Sophie
"Truth be, many days the only face to face I have with anyone is the checkout clerk, but even that is of value to me."
Jay
"I dont wanna be popular would just love to be able to interact socially and have a good friend or two."
Anonymous
"I continued with my exercise and voluntary work and the weight just came off so quick... it was unbelievable; I looked and felt great. I was no longer sedated and full of hope! I was ALIVE again and I thought that was it."
David
"All is NOT lost. Hope and survival live within your strength to follow the one path that might work for you!"
Tony
"I had just received my college degree in English when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia eighteen years ago. For a long time, I couldn’t concentrate enough to read. But with my new medication, I can read again. I play the viola and love the Bach cello sui"
Elizabeth
"Others believe that schizophrenics never recover from their illness—that they remain deluded for the rest of their life. How untrue. The recovery rates are getting better all the time."
Zack
"What disappoints us a little is that insecurity toward our son, that we almost have to invite them to get in contact, that we have to say: Why don’t you give him a call some time? …And then we hear ‘What should we talk about with him, which questions shal"
Anna
"I had been diagnosed with schizophrenia when I learned that I was pregnant. When my mother told our neighbors that I was pregnant, they asked: ‘When is the abortion going to take place?’ That is stigma, a big stigma. My daughter is now six years old."
Mary
"My illness has been abated, I am productive again, and I plan on having a normal existence for the rest of my life."
Kurt
"I kept hearing the neighbours banging on the walls trying to play on my nerves (or so I thought). My response was to run not just out of the house, but to get as far away as possible"
Mark
"Nobody takes you aside at school and says, "Look you might get a mental illness!""
Mark
"My mom told me she had thought something was wrong with me when I was in high school but she didn't know what it was"
Nick
"I DID NOT have any religious delusions, I did not have delusions about aliens, the FBI, the CIA, or about cameras following me or people plotting against me, or microchips planted in me"
Nick
"I was afraid I would go stark, screaming mad and lose control and not be aware of anything around me"
Nick
"You might feel so embarrassed and worried what people might think or say, but the most important thing is to talk"
Bethany
"Creative people, like those with psychotic illnesses, tend to see the world differently to most. It's like looking at a shattered mirror."
Mark
"My greatest fear is this brain of mine….The worst thing imaginable is to be terrified of one’s own mind, the very matter that controls all that we are and all that we do and feel."
M. Torrey
"The most of people would want a friend to tell them if they were diagnosed with schizophrenia, but only a few persons say they would tell friends if they themselves were diagnosed."
Marlena
"You may learn something about yourself as you learn about a family member's mental disorder."
Anonymous
"Don't forget your sense of humor!"
Ian
"I think that mental illnesses as Schizophrenia, are a part of the varied fabric of life."
Bill
"Recognizing that a person has different capabilities than you, should not mean that you expect nothing of them."
Marilyn
"It is as hard for the individual to accept the disorder as it is for other family members."
Dan
Tips & Hints
Spot the signs of an acute schizophrenic episode
Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your app...Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your appetite, feeling anxious or stressed or having disturbed sleep. You may also notice some of the milder symptoms developing, such as feeling suspicious or fearful, worrying about people’s motives, hearing voices quietly or occasionally, or finding it difficult to concentrate. You might wish to ask someone you trust to tell you if they notice your behaviour changing. Recognising the initial signs of an acute schizophrenic episode can be very useful. It may be possible to prevent a full-blown schizophrenic episode through the use of antipsychotic medicines and extra support.MoreAvoid drugs and alcohol
While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse ...While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse in the long run. Alcohol can cause depression and psychosis, while illegal drugs may make your schizophrenia worse. Drugs and alcohol can also react badly with antipsychotic medicines. If you are currently using drugs or alcohol and you are finding it hard to stop, ask your care coordinator or GP for help.MoreTake your medication
It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can ...It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can help prevent relapses. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication you are taking or side effects, talk to your GP or care coordinator.MoreHave regular reviews
As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team mea...As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team means that you can easily discuss your symptoms or concerns. The more the team knows, the more it can help you.MoreSelf-care
Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from ...Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from the people involved in your care. Self-care includes the things you do each day to stay fit, maintain good physical and mental health, prevent illness or accidents, and effectively deal with minor ailments and long-term conditions. People living with long-term conditions can benefit enormously if they have support for self-care. They can live longer, have less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life and are more active and independent.MoreList all your questions
Make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor or therapist and take it with you to your next visit. You won’t forget to ask an...Make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor or therapist and take it with you to your next visit. You won’t forget to ask anything you want to know and will get all the answers you need.MoreDon’t neglect your physical health
Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is ver...Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is very important too. So remember: do some exercise, control your weight, establish healthy eating habits, have your blood pressure checked…MoreRecognise the signs
Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling a...Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling anxious or sleeping badly. Someone you trust may be able to warn you if they see you becoming unwell.MoreAvoid stress
Try to avoid getting too stressed, or using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Make sure you are able to do things that you enjoy....Try to avoid getting too stressed, or using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Make sure you are able to do things that you enjoy.MoreMedication
Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia...Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia treatment is sustaining the regime of medication.However, sticking with the medication is the best way to control the condition, and cope with living with schizophrenia.MoreAvoid stress and other environmental triggers
Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers...Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers for those living with schizophrenia, so it is important to maintain a mentally and physically healthy environment to prevent relapses.MoreTake therapy
There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary...There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary to the prescribed drugs. That is what would help those living with schizophrenia move beyond coping with their condition, and live a successful life.MoreEstablish routines
For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who...For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who suffer catatonic symptoms to establish daily routines to follow. This can help them overcome the difficulty of coping with regular tasks through regular practice and inculcation of good habits.MoreCommunicate with family and peers
For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophren...For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophrenics do not live by themselves. Finding support from loved ones can be a major boost to schizophrenics.MoreLooking after yourself
Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have s...Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have suggested there are benefits in EPA-rich fish oils that can be found in sardines, pilchards and supplements.MoreTalking treatments
Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia...Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia. Talking treatments help you to identify the things you have issues with, explore them and discuss strategies or solutions.MoreAlternative therapies
Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehan...Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehand with a qualified teacher.MoreAlternative therapies
Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehan...Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehand with a qualified teacher.MoreSelf-help Groups
Self-help groups provide an important opportunity for you and your family to share experiences and ways of coping, to campaign for bett...Self-help groups provide an important opportunity for you and your family to share experiences and ways of coping, to campaign for better services, or simply to support each other.MoreManage stress
Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know you...Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know your limits, both at home and at work or school. Don’t take on more than you can handle and take time to yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed.MoreTry to get plenty of sleep
When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have troubl...When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have trouble with sleep, but lifestyle changes (such as getting regular exercise and avoiding caffeine) can help.MoreGet regular exercise
Studies show that regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. That’s on top of all the emotional and physical hea...Studies show that regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. That’s on top of all the emotional and physical health benefits! Aim for 30 minutes of activity on most days.MoreDo things that make you feel good about yourself
If you can’t get a job, find other activities that give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Cultivate a passion or a hobby. He...If you can’t get a job, find other activities that give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Cultivate a passion or a hobby. Helping others is particularly fulfilling.MoreSet and work toward life goals
Having schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work, have relationships, and get involved in your community. It’s important to set m...Having schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work, have relationships, and get involved in your community. It’s important to set meaningful goals for yourself and participate in your own wellness.MorePursue therapies that teach you how to manage and cope with your symptoms
Don’t rely on medication alone. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, pro...Don’t rely on medication alone. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, protect against relapse, and motivate yourself.MoreDon’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia
Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth...Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth that you can’t get better. Associate with people who see beyond your diagnosis, to the person you really are.MoreCommunicate with your doctor
Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figu...Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figure out the dosage and drug that’s right for you. Be honest and upfront about side effects, concerns, and other treatment issues.MoreMost people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse
People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, the...People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.MoreYou can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful life
When treated properly, most people with schizophrenia are able to have satisfying relationships, work or pursue other meaningful activi...When treated properly, most people with schizophrenia are able to have satisfying relationships, work or pursue other meaningful activities, be part of the community, and enjoy life.MoreStrange Behaviour
Don’t take it personally when your loved one behaves strangely. It’s a symptom of the condition....Don’t take it personally when your loved one behaves strangely. It’s a symptom of the condition.MoreDon’t threaten
The patient may interpret this is as a powerplay and increases the chances of scaring them or causing them to become agitated and viole...The patient may interpret this is as a powerplay and increases the chances of scaring them or causing them to become agitated and violent.MoreDon’t Shout
If your loved one isn’t listening, there are probably other “voices” interfering....If your loved one isn’t listening, there are probably other “voices” interfering.MoreComply with requests
If the patient asks you to do something and it’s nothing harmful or unreasonable, do your best to do it. This lets them feel like the...If the patient asks you to do something and it’s nothing harmful or unreasonable, do your best to do it. This lets them feel like they’re a bit more in control.MoreYou can’t fix schizophrenia with talk
Although addressing social complications is of course possible....Although addressing social complications is of course possible.MorePerson ? Disorder
Separate the person from the disorder. Love yourself, although if you hate the disorder. Separate medication side effects from the diso...Separate the person from the disorder. Love yourself, although if you hate the disorder. Separate medication side effects from the disorder/yourself as well.MoreBehaviour and family
Family members or friends must remind that strange behavior is symptom of the disorder. Don't take it personally....Family members or friends must remind that strange behavior is symptom of the disorder. Don't take it personally.MoreTo treat with the ill family member
In general, treat the ill family member with dignity as a person and make communication brief, concise, clear and unambiguous....In general, treat the ill family member with dignity as a person and make communication brief, concise, clear and unambiguous.MoreGetting better over time
Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become...Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.MoreSchizophrenia is treatable
Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but the illness can be successfully treated and managed. The key is to have a strong sup...Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but the illness can be successfully treated and managed. The key is to have a strong support system in place and get the right treatment for your needs.MoreAbout hospitalizations
Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticki...Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticking to it, you are much less likely to experience a crisis situation that requires hospitalization to keep you safe.MoreFind ways to stay involved with others
If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, con...If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, consider joining a schizophrenia support group or getting involved with a local club, or other organization.MoreTake advantage of support services in your area
Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & Re...Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & References section below for links to support services in your country.MoreSide effects of medication. Talk to your doctor
Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable mo...Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable movements, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Your quality of life is important, so talk to your doctor if you or your family member is bothered by side effects. Lowering your dose or switching medications may help.More
