Posts tagged schizophrenia

I am Schizophrenic. Understanding Mental Illness in the Wake of the Newtown, CT Tragedy

I am schizophrenic. Or rather, I have schizophrenia.

I’ve been told many times by mental health professionals and peers in my situation over my years of recovery that I should not identify myself as the illness. I see their point.

I am still a human being; I still contribute to society and I still have thoughts, feelings and emotions just like any other person. Although sometimes those thoughts, feelings and emotions are a bit more intense than what the average joe would experience. 

Being that I am still a human being, I deserve to be treated like one.

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Mike Hedrick is an author, photographer and graphic/web designer in Boulder, CO. His written work includes the novel ‘Connections’ and the short story collection ‘Delusionalism: The Collected Ramblings of a Schizophrenic’ as well as work in various magazines and journals. 

Hearing Voices

  • Patient: You have to help me. I keep hearing voices!
  • Me: Well, according to the chart, the doctor changed your medications quite a number of times. Is this one not working for you either?
  • Patient: No, no. I think they all worked for me to some degree, even this one. But I still hear the voices. Like, I know they are not real, but I just keep hearing them everywhere I go! I think I need to increase the dose or something.
  • Me: What do the voices say to you?
  • Patient: I do not think they are talking about me. No. It's just random talk that keeps popping up when I go out. Nobody around me is speaking but that voice is loud and clear.
  • Intercom PA: Maintenance to reception. Maintenance to reception, please.
  • Patient: See, there's that voice again!
  • Me: I think I see what is going on here...