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Schizophreniform Disorder

Lately, I have heard more about schizophreniform disorder. Some individuals wonder if it is really a mental illness. The answer would be “Yes!” So, what is schizophreniform disorder? It is a psychotic mental illness with symptoms very much like those of schizophrenia but occurring in a relatively short period of time, usually less than 6…

My Friend, Sandy!

Many years ago, I had a friend named Sandy. To protect what is left of her family, I will not give out her last name. I met Sandy when I was just in my early twenties. We hit it off right away at an arts & crafts show. It seemed that Sandy loved to paint…

What is the Difference between Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder?

I have found that there are a lot of individuals, even in different areas of the medical field as well as family members, friends, and even individuals themselves, who are not fully educated about schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. When comparing the two disorders, one might assume they are the same. Therefore, it is especially important…

Living with Tardive Dyskinesia

I have a family member who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder over twenty-seven years ago. Throughout the years, he has developed an involuntary neurological disorder called “Tardive Dyskinesia” that is frequently referred to as TD. This is an irregular movement that affects mostly the face. Unfortunately, many areas of the body can also be affected…

One Young Man’s Struggle

Thomas Mayfield is a 31-year-old, white, single male. He stands a little over six feet tall and weighs around 278 pounds. He is a very pleasant young man with dark black hair and deep brown eyes. Thomas is a soft-spoken, easy-going, and gentle young man. The few friends he does have state that he is…

Musician Tom Harrell: Dealing with Schizophrenia

I have always enjoyed music played by a good trumpet player. When I think of a trumpet player, the name Tom Harrell comes to mind. I drafted an article about Tom during my college years and was amazed at what I learned about him. I found Tom to be a magnificent human being. Tom started…

Mental Illness and Obesity

Several years ago, while I was in college, I drafted an article about schizophrenia and obesity. Throughout the years, I learned several interesting facts that I would like to share. Studies have shown that weight gain is by far the most common side effect of most antipsychotic medications. The type of medications used to treat…

Is bulimia nervosa a form of Mental Illness?

Individuals with bulimia nervosa experience periods of binge eating and then purging. This is often just referred to as just {bulimia}. What does that mean? They eat too much {overeat} or eat until they feel like it is time to stop. Often, they eat like this in secret and then start to feel guilty plus…

Schizoaffective Disorder

Many individuals that I have worked with who were diagnosed with schizophrenia see and hear fictional voices, but to these individuals, this is very real. So, in a way, these disorders do have some separate symptoms, yet tend to appear to be very much alike. Yet, they are very much different as well, and each…

Mental Turmoil

Ask me about when an individual states their mind is in “Turmoil.” I believe half of the individuals who struggle with diverse types of mental illness frequently feel that their lives are burdened with a lot of emotions, such as interruptions in their daily lifestyle, rivalry, and turmoil. Turmoil is just another word for confusion…

Lynn

Several years ago, I had lunch with my old friend, Lynn. She had always been the type of person who never tried to hide anything. She was incredibly open about her life. Lynn was a drug addict for over 18 years. She started using drugs as a teenager when she was 14 years old.

Knowing the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Mental Illness!

Mental illness is a touchy subject for many individuals. Multiple questions are asked by an individual diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as their family and friends. When do symptoms and warning signs of mental illness show up?

Life as a child

I first related to mental illness as a child. I can remember as a small child standing and looking out of a living room window at my grandmother’s house. What I saw frightened and scared me enough to make me cry.

In-depth Look at Panic Attack /Disorder

Panic Attacks / Disorder: It is a sudden, intense episode of horrible fear. It is often triggered because of many distinct reasons. Most individuals experience severe physical reactions to panic disorders. A panic disorder can cripple an individual to the point that they cannot function and even perform simple, everyday life skills.

Bipolar-II Disorder

It is a sudden, intense episode of horrible fear. It is often triggered because of many distinct reasons. Most individuals experience severe physical reactions to panic disorders. A panic disorder can cripple an individual to the point that they cannot function and even perform simple, everyday life skills.

Bipolar-I Disorder

What is Bipolar I Disorder? Bipolar Disorder is better known as a manic-depressive disorder or manic depression. It is classified as a form of mental illness. Most individuals who experience bipolar I disorder have severe symptoms that can last a week or longer. Individuals experiencing the “mania” state often display similar behaviors; yet they can…

Anxiety/Panic Disorder

What is anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling that many individuals often experience when they are stressed out. They may experience diverse types of symptoms. Studies have shown that not everyone has the same symptoms or all the symptoms that are associated with the feeling of anxiety.

Anorexia

 Anorexia and Mental Illness A mental illness is a health condition that causes changes in an individual’s emotional state, thought process, and demeanor. Individuals with mental health disorders display increased problems in the following areas of their lives, such as work, social settings, and relationship problems.

What is Mental Illness?

How can one describe mental illness? Mental illness is often defined as a difference in an individual’s demeanor, emotional reaction, or rational thoughts that could steer them in the direction of discomfort or difficult challenges while attempting to function within any social setting, employment area, or even within their family lifestyle. There are millions of…