Introduction

Hi, there. Thanks for visiting. I'm starting this blog as an advocate for mental and physical health. I'm a freelance writer and also own a home based medical transcription business. I was diagnosed in 1978 with paranoid schizophrenia and started to become acutely ill three years prior to that, unmedicated, frightened, confused, and in trouble with the law. I graduated from university with distinction the year I became ill. I've never regretted learning how to think at university. I struggled with my illness for 35 years and have reached the top of the mountain now, I think, or the other side, where the grass is greener and the path easier. There's hope for all of us, the whole human race, and never think there isn't hope or joy no matter your circumstances. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with mental illness in all its forms: depression, brain injury, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar, anxiety disorders, etc. and your positive experiences as well as those lies and half truths society and even therapists would have us believe about ourselves.

We are different folks, and we are beautiful. The whole human race is beautiful. Let's celebrate life.

Friday, July 30, 2010

The Paradox of Loneliness

"Although some individuals have healthy relationships, the majority with schizophrenia (60% to 70%) do not marry, and most have limited social contacts."*http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizoph.cfm

We are lonely in our illness. Yet we drive others away. The paradox of serious mental illness and relationships.

I've been married twice. Once before my diagnosis. My first husband was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971. I started to show signs of serious illness in 1975. I was diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia in 1978. My subsequent social contacts tended to be dysfunctional. I married again in 1982 and divorced in 1987.

I now enjoy a variety of generally healthy friendships but am frightened of intimacy, I would say. Does a diagnosis of schizophrenia condemn one to a lifetime of social isolation?

I once thought a loving relationship was impossible for me.

A psych told me years ago that medications were overrated. A half truth? Medications are much better now. Medications enable us to live almost "normal" lives. But we must also learn the machinations of coping. Of recognition when things are going wrong. I must learn to want to be close to another human being, to not be afraid, to trust. I must learn to share myself.

I don't know how.
"We'll drink a drink a drink to Lily the Pink the Pink the Pink,
Savior of the human race.
She invented medicinal compounds
Most efficacious in every case."
♪
♪♪ ♪
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♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ (The Irish Rovers)
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6 comments:

  1. Bob's JournalFriday, July 30, 2010

    Hi Kenna,

    I like this. I like blogs. I have a couple but not real active lately. I am going to change that. It's tough. I need a Time Management System, either a really good computer based or a really good Paper one, or perhaps a bit of both.

    Anyway, I think people with psychotic conditions can definitely get married. Many of our famous writers, other artists, and I'm sure politicians that have held important offices could be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.

    I have learned and continue to learn from the psychology websites that I design websites from, a benefit.

    Relationships don't have to go to marriage to be valid, and many people are happy with this type. Some of Hollywood's smarter folks have done this such as Whoopi Goldberg.

    My two main blogs are in Blogspot, though I also have one in Wordpress. I may play with the Wordpress if I can locate my Wordpress blog. But both are great free blogging platforms.

    Good post Kenna!

    ReplyDelete
  2. KennaFriday, July 30, 2010

    http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-write-a-great-blog-post-in-just-15-minutes/

    The above is the link you sent me about writing blog posts, Bob. Thanks very much again. I found it very helpful. Please do send me a link to your blog(s) and I'll include it in "My Blog List" if it's okay with you.

    I've never written a blog before. Judi said she likes my first posts, too, but I was trying to set the stage so to speak, and was writing as though my posts were articles.

    If I can learn something new, particularly in regards to writing, I'm delighted.

    I do use this blog as a springboard to articles as well. Just a hint.

    If you know of a good psych website(s) that would allow me to link to it that would be a bonus, too.

    Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousThursday, October 11, 2012

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    ReplyDelete
  4. KennaThursday, October 11, 2012

    Thanks, I have a peculiar but very creative and intelligent mind. I appreciate your comments. Reach for the stars.

    ReplyDelete
  5. JudiThursday, October 11, 2012

    Interesting blog, Kenna. You said, "I once thought a loving relationship was impossible for me." Have you changed your mind? If so, what changed it? Or was it YOU who changed?

    I believe that you once took what was said to you by medical people as truth. I now think that you have learned so much about your condition (and medical people) that you take things with a grain of salt and then puzzle them out on your own. Am I right?

    In any case, I admire you and think you deserve a medal for teaching yourself how to live your best life in spite of any challenges you face! YOU GO, GIRL!

    Judi

    ReplyDelete
  6. KennaThursday, October 11, 2012

    Judi, I no longer think a loving relationship is impossible for me. I'd be afraid to commit, though, and enjoy living alone. I think it is me who changed and also my understanding of what motivates people who have been negative in my past. I try to encourage others to puzzle things out on their own and not take as gospel what is told to them by medical or religious people or those who lack understanding and perhaps compassion.

    It's left me a bit intolerant of others in some ways, I think, who don't do as I did. IMHO.

    ReplyDelete

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