Monday, July 31, 2006

3 Principles to Overcoming Schizophrenia

FOR BrambleCat (writing.com)

Comment: Principle 1 is stated well. It is acknowledging the presence of everyone in space with equal rights on equal footing. This principle is properly one that should apply to everyone.

Principle 2 - You will still exist at the end of the day.

Comment: How can you be so sure? We do not own our tomorrows – let alone today. We are but a vapor that in a moment can just be gone. At best, this is only trying to baby-pat the patient, trying to assure her of something that is not sure to be there.

What would be more assuring is to find out how one is “encapsulated by one’s body.” This means finding out that one is more than flesh and bones and what this all means in the whole scheme of things. Then one can truly know one’s place in the sun instead of just self-assurance that indeed one exists.

Principle 2 -You will still exist at the end of the day - you are encapsulated by your body. Focus on this to retain your sense of self. No matter what happens, it won't kill you (by destroying your sense of 'self') - you'll always be you.

Comment: One’s sense of true self can only come from truth – not what one thinks she is. This then needs referring to judgement from one of higher existence who is fit to judge the person and has to do with her existence. And who could this be but her engineer – her maker who knows her through and through?

One of the best things afforded human beings is the capacity to change for good. So, to seek shelter from this freedom is comforting enough that a person cannot always be herself. A person is not naturally good and not infinitely bad that she needs to change now and then.

Psychologist Ronald Bassman, once diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia, said, “When you become a mental patient, you are no longer regarded as a whole person.” Your suggestions may have come from this common perception and you deserve empathy for your pointers. The best doctor we have, however, and the one that can assure us acceptance and love without conditions is no one but our maker. Let us seek His solace because what man offers is lacking. Having done that, we can be strong enough to face the world.

No matter what happens it won't kill you.

Comment: What is the “it?” Schizophrenia? Let me re-direct this: No matter what happens, we have this much acceptance and love from our maker, the one who judges everyone and whose judgement is righteous and just – no matter who we are. This much we can expect.

Principle 3: YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT OTHER PEOPLE WILL SAY IN ADVANCE. When you pose an idea or ask a question, do not allow yourself to visualize what they will say – do….

Comment: Yes, don’t anticipate. Do not denigrate yourself. Not everyone in this world is cruel. Some people understand. Some people have loving minds and thinking hearts. It is possible, and not everything is lost.

General comment: This is a piece that tries to reach out to schizophrenics. I commend your efforts in making your writing useful. Not every writer would do that. It could readily be seen that you are privy to the lives of those suffering from schizophrenia, and know their needs.

I suggest that you dig deeper into your memories to arrange and reinforce your principles. I can also see that you can develop this into an essay rather than enumerating principles. Start by defining what Schizophrenia is, medically. Then you can progress by describing what Schizophrenia is to people in general and what Schizophrenia means to the patient. Point out the differences without directly comparing. Then recap with a definition and description of a recommended outlook on Schizophrenics (Who but the maker has the proper outlook?). Finally, you can add your modified principles.

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