You might think that it would not be that way. I know that this is not a full representation of everyone affected by sz but it is refreshing compared to what is out there on the web. It could be a consequence of what happens when people suffer. They tend to be more considerate or sensitive to other people who suffer.
Anyway, I do not have symptoms of sz but I am interested in the way the mind works and the people here are quite inspiring to say the least.
I am not so familiar with the medical treatment side of things for sz. It seems to me that medication is used to alter the regular course of events of a person affected. If one medication is not effective another one is tried. My problem is that during the time that the medications do not work, isn't that the same as not being on medication and still having side affects to boot or is it better than nothing?
I just feel for the person that has to be constantly medicated. We all know (or should know) that is still not "normal" in any way shape or form even if the medication is considered to be working but it might be better than before. I get a sense that the medications treat the symptoms rather than treating the cause of the symptoms. This is a common mistake of medicine and of other fields as well. If we knew the *root* cause, we could better treat the illness.
Some might think the cause is not enough or too much of a certain chemical but there could be logical reasons, controllable reasons, why that chemical is not at the accepted level. We know the person can benefit from counseling but it has to be knowledgeable, symptom specific, effective counseling. The real problem is for the person to hear and benefit from the facts.
Genetics predetermines susceptibility for ways of thinking but there are still measures that can be taken and changes that can be made that can result in a different outcome.
Daleri I know you are trying to understand the workings of SZ in a mind. We've butted heads before. I am trying really hard not to get angry.
My meds don't "alter" my course.... I do! Meds are my lifeline. I cannot live without meds.
Yes its true meds treat the symptoms..if there were a cure this site wouldn't be here.
You mentioned other measures that could bring an outcome. What ARE they? Is it some secret the government is hiding?
Dave
Thank you for your kind words you had to say about those of us who come to this site. I must agree with Dave on the importance of medication in those of us that have this illness. One question for you is what about all those other illnesses in the world where people need medication in order to live? Let me close by saying if not for the medication I would not be as stable as I am today and for that I ma glad be living in a day and age that my medicine is working for me and that newer medications are constantly in the works.
Thank you for your kind words you had to say about those of us who come to this site. I must agree with Dave on the importance of medication in those of us that have this illness. One question for you is what about all those other illnesses in the world where people need medication in order to live? Let me close by saying if not for the medication I would not be as stable as I am today and for that I ma glad be living in a day and age that my medicine is working for me and that newer medications are constantly in the works.
Hi Janet,
Good morning!
It is great to hear from you and I always look forward to your wise, thoughtful and sensitive comments.
I agree with you: medication gave me my life back.
The alternative is no option.
Cheers,
Christina
Dave, I don't know of any magic cure for all. I know that many if not most of you need your meds. They must do something even if they don't work as they should. I am not trying to get rid of meds and I don't want anyone blaming themselves for their condition but I would like to know if there is a way to get rid of sz symptoms. My friend was able to do that without meds and I was wondering if what he did would help other people with sz. Sz seems unrelated to anything that we do (besides medication) but there has to be some kind of cause. I find it hard to believe that the mind was working well and then "for no reason" it stopped working as it should. I know the mind is not working as it should but there could be a reason it gets caught in a rut. It tends to follow the same track of reason repeatedly. I am wondering if there is an indirect cause but a cause none the less. The mind is very complex. Its capability could become its own demise if not properly oriented. Also, it may be true that each mind has to work its own way. There is no reason for anyone to blame themselves or find blame as that is unproductive anyway. There is always hope even when it seems there is no hope. My friend noticed that whenever he became intense, angry or in a heated debate, the sz tended to lose its power and influence. It still returned but that bit of repose was reason enough for having the hope that it would go away for good.
Hi Janet,
Yes, we are living in exciting times and we are learning more about the technical side of things like with sz. If I am not mistaken, good counseling is one of the key ingredients in the treatment. Yes, a good example is diabetes where the person needs to actively regulate his blood sugar. I know that people can get out of control. I know that and one way to save the person is through medication. The more we learn about it, the more we can target the problem. That does not mean that counseling is of no use. It is likely one of the more important things. I also know that a person that has been very affected by sz for a long time would be harder to help especially if the person refuses help. The first step in getting over a problem is admitting that you have a problem. I suppose there are some that would want to take the medicine away but I can see the need for it. In a perfect world, there would be no need for it things go wrong. I am just trying to see what the best way to go about helping people is. There are people with pain that need pain medication. I suppose it is somewhat of a lesser of two evils.