Thanks for the info., Christina.
A cognitive behaviour therapy group just started in my small city a few weeks ago. I started to go, full of anticipation, but after going a few times I had to stop. My past was being dragged up, all my delusions and visual hallucinations were returning. The memory of them was simply too much.
I think the point of the group was to treat people who were having symptoms. And while I believe that this form of therapy is great for some people, it wasn't for me.
You spoke about denial of having an illness. I was in denial for about 24 years. I wove the hospitals, boarding homes, medications, psych. doctors and so on, all into my delusions.
Here at the BCSS we're still focusing on early intervention. Most of the work I do (speeches etc.) is about raising awareness of young people to try to diagnose persons with schizophrenia at a young age. One prominent doctor was quoted as saying "If they are diagnosed early, given one pill a day for 3 years - the illness is gone"
The work goes on.
Don Fraser
Hi Christina,
Thank you for all your wonderful articles! I can't wait to read more of them. Your mom proudly spoke of you at the NAMI lecture. I have been trying to find help for my brother who has been having problems for over 20 years. We are in the early stages of getting help for him- anosognosia and our own denial have let too many years go by.
Best,
Liz
Hi Liz,
You're welcome.
I suggest you read the 2010 Xavier Amador book I referred to. His techniques: LEAP and motivational interviewing have helped tens of thousands of family members help their loved ones stay in treatment. Because a person will take medication, even if he doesn't think he's sick, if he sees the benefit in doing so as regards: achieving a life goal.
Regards,
Christina
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
10 Signs You May Be in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship 
10 Warning Signs of Childhood Schizophrenia 
10 Schizophrenia Myths Busted 
7 Ways to Improve Your Mood 
Hi Christina,
Thanks for sharing, that was good reading. I've experienced a lot of the positive symptoms described but the anxiety by far is the most challenging symptom that I deal with today. I didn't read any of the links yet but I noticed that this symptom wasn't mentioned. A few posts back, I explained what it felt like for me when I had an anxious moment and you mentioned that it was the worst symptom to have. Just was curious why this may have been left out.
By the way, my daughter has bi-polar disorder and refuses to take medication. She was on lithium for a short time but she said it made her feel like a zombie. She told me that she was strong enough to make it on her own now and didn't need medication. I told her that statement offended me because it was like she was calling me weak. I explained that I was on medication for schizo-affective disorder and without it I would have never reunited with her. Do you have any tips on how I can convince her to take medication. I mean I have my story but I don't know if it means anything to her since I wasn't around for 15 years. She'll be 18 in January. Any tips will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rene
Rene,
Read the 2010 edition of the Xavier Amador book: I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help. I'm reading it right now myself because I want to find a solution to convincing people to take their meds. Regardless of whether she has anosognosia, I feel the book will; help you know HOW to talk to her and WHAT to say to help her seek and stay in treatment. Using motivational interviewing and the LEAP technique are the tools described in the book.
In June I will be devoting a specific SharePost to this topic.
Christina