S.A. eLetter (6-16-11)
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John P.
Jun 16, 2011, 11:06:41 AM6/16/11
to Schizophrenics Anonymous
Greetings S.A. family on the Internet,
At the beginning of the S.A. Blue Booklet, two questions are addressed
immediately: What is Schizophrenia? and What is Schizophrenics
Anonymous? The Blue Booklet answers to these two questions are below.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a brain-based biological, genetic, structural
disorder that impairs normal psychological and emotional functioning.
Today, approximately one percent of the world population suffers from
schizophrenia; thus, close to three million Americans currently have
the illness. Some will recover from the illness after their first
episode, while many will experience some symptoms of schizophrenia
throughout their lives.
The most common symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and
delusions. People with schizophrenia may hear voices or see things
that others don’t experience. We have fears and confusion based on
these voices and visions. Some of us draw the conclusion that we are
being spied on by the FBI or CIA, or that we are exalted above others.
These are called delusions of paranoia and grandeur.
Other symptoms of the illness include confusion and extreme
disturbance in the thinking and speech patterns of the person with
schizophrenia. In its severe form, schizophrenia may result in apathy,
and prevent us from experiencing pleasure and appropriate emotional
expression.
What causes such a devastating illness? There are a number of theories
now focusing on genetically influenced biochemical and physical
abnormalities in the brain. Genetics does seem to play a part, as does
the impact of environmental factors on brain development before birth.
Researchers are studying the apparent imbalance of brain chemicals,
called “neurotransmitters,” that allow the net-working between brain
cells. Other studies show abnormalities in the size and structure of
parts of the brain, compared to normal brains. There are also
differences in the brain’s blood flow, electrical activity and
performance during psychological and neurological tests.
Stressful events have been regarded as a trigger for the onset of
schizophrenia and future psychotic episodes. However, the stage of
life when schizophrenia almost always appears (mid-teens to early
30’s) is a stress-filled time for all young adults. The brain is
stressed by the onset of puberty and the challenges of new social
expectations and responsibilities. Every illness makes normal
functioning difficult. The brain is simply dealing with an illness the
best it can.
As of this writing, the recovery rate from schizophrenia is improving
dramatically, thanks to better diagnostic tools, and advanced
medications. SA members can keep up with current research through the
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)
website at , SARDAA newsletters and at SA Group meetings. We can work
with our clinician in weighing possible changes in our treatment. The
progress in treatment choices is making the old statistics on recovery
obsolete. SA empowers its members with leadership, companionship, the
use of the Six Steps in daily coping and encouragement to cooperate
and collaborate with their treatment team to improve opportunities for
recovery.
What Is Schizophrenics Anonymous?
Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA) is a peer support/self-help group for
persons who have schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. SA
was founded in the Detroit area in July of 1985 and since that time
thousands of people have participated in meetings. There are more than
150 groups meeting throughout 31 states, as well as Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Mexico, France, India and Venezuela.
SOURCE: S.A. Blue Booklet (program text, first published in 1989)
----------------------------------------------------
--Stress Management, part #50
Stressed and Stuck on Anxiety?
Newsweek recently ran a story about anxious people who unconsciously
cultivate anxiety. This seems hard to believe, and the research
evidence stated in the article did not identify just how widespread
this is. But apparently this does happen.
For instance, the article mentions that there are some folks who get
bored when things are calm and quiet, and they cook up things that
will create anxiety. Create some excitement, it sounds like. Like
they have a need for tension or something like that.
A university study in Israel produced results that suggested that
"feeling nervous" is useful to some as a way to get them up and solve
problems.
At the University of Denver a study suggested that folks can almost
choose to be anxious because that is what they are used to, and don't
know any other way.
One of the ideas in the article is that some end up with an addiction
to anxiety. They have chronic anxiety, and then latch to anything
around them that can help them explain their anxiety.
The study at the University of Denver had a cool categorization that
they put their 139 test subjects into. Based on answers, the subjects
were put into one of three "trait emotions." These were "trait fear,"
"trait anger," or "trait happy." Further explained:
Trait Fear--chronically angry, irritated, or annoyed folks
Trait Fear--anxious, worried, or nervous folks
Trait Happy--cheerful and joyful folks
In wondered if there might be a fourth trait emotion--"trait sad."
This might include folks who are inclined to be depressed or doleful.
Anyway, it is still unclear how widespread any trait of wanting to be
anxious is. Further research would need to make this more clear.
SOURCE: Newsweek (Feb. 14, 2011)
Stress Management Series Prior Editions
Below are links to the first 40 parts of the Stress Management Series
to
date. The more recent parts are at the S.A. eLetter site at Google.
Stress Management Series I (Parts #1 to #16):
http://groups.google.com/group/choose-life-project/browse_thread/thread/584aa4af7b45c502
Stress Management Series II (Parts #17 to #29):
http://groups.google.com/group/choose-life-project/browse_thread/thread/f240f7bad9902a81#
Stress Management Series III (Parts #30 to #40):
http://groups.google.com/group/choose-life-project/browse_thread/thread/e0f98e3ce6dafc7f
-----------------------------------------------
--Website of the Week
World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders.
The WFSAD is a global grassroots organization dedicated to lightening
the burden of schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses for
sufferers and their families.
Their website:
http://www.world-schizophrenia.org/
-----------------------------------------------
--Our Suffering in Perspective
The suffering of schizophrenia patients is real. And other people
suffer too. We wish to also recognize the struggles of other
suffering people. For instance:
Forest Fires
A number of states around the country are experiencing really bad
forest fires and wildfires.
For instance, Arizona is having one of the worst wildfires in that
state’s history. People’s homes and possessions are being wiped away
by these fires, leaving them homeless or struggling for temporary
shelter.
We do not suffer alone.
SOURCE: Associated Press reports
--------------------------------
--Quote of the Week
"Never harbor grudges; they sour your stomach and do no harm to anyone
else."
-Robertson Davies (1913-1995), Canadian writer
------------------------------------------------------
Bye for now, and everyone have a great couple of weeks.
--John P., member of S.A.
=============================================
For more information about
Schizophrenics Anonymous.:
The new S.A. website is at:
http://www.sardaa.org
----------
For the Google information group for S.A.:
http://groups.google.com/group/schizophrenics-anonymous
------------
For the Yahoo discussion group for S.A.:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schizophrenics-anonymous
NOTE: Earlier editions of the S.A. eLettter and the Schizophrenia News
Links are posted at the Google information group for S.A. (link given
above). Also, the S.A. eLetter will come
to your e-mail inbox when published by signing up at the S.A.
Information Group at Google.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Fact Sheet Information about Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective
Disorder--
* National Institute of Mental Health--description of schizophrenia:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
----------------------
* Mental Health America ( formerly the National Mental Health
Association):
--description of schizophrenia:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/schizophrenia
--------------------
* National Alliance for the Mentally Il
--description of schizophrenia:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedP...
--description of schizoaffective disorder:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedP...
(Organization now called National Alliance on Mental Illness)
At the beginning of the S.A. Blue Booklet, two questions are addressed
immediately: What is Schizophrenia? and What is Schizophrenics
Anonymous? The Blue Booklet answers to these two questions are below.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a brain-based biological, genetic, structural
disorder that impairs normal psychological and emotional functioning.
Today, approximately one percent of the world population suffers from
schizophrenia; thus, close to three million Americans currently have
the illness. Some will recover from the illness after their first
episode, while many will experience some symptoms of schizophrenia
throughout their lives.
The most common symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and
delusions. People with schizophrenia may hear voices or see things
that others don’t experience. We have fears and confusion based on
these voices and visions. Some of us draw the conclusion that we are
being spied on by the FBI or CIA, or that we are exalted above others.
These are called delusions of paranoia and grandeur.
Other symptoms of the illness include confusion and extreme
disturbance in the thinking and speech patterns of the person with
schizophrenia. In its severe form, schizophrenia may result in apathy,
and prevent us from experiencing pleasure and appropriate emotional
expression.
What causes such a devastating illness? There are a number of theories
now focusing on genetically influenced biochemical and physical
abnormalities in the brain. Genetics does seem to play a part, as does
the impact of environmental factors on brain development before birth.
Researchers are studying the apparent imbalance of brain chemicals,
called “neurotransmitters,” that allow the net-working between brain
cells. Other studies show abnormalities in the size and structure of
parts of the brain, compared to normal brains. There are also
differences in the brain’s blood flow, electrical activity and
performance during psychological and neurological tests.
Stressful events have been regarded as a trigger for the onset of
schizophrenia and future psychotic episodes. However, the stage of
life when schizophrenia almost always appears (mid-teens to early
30’s) is a stress-filled time for all young adults. The brain is
stressed by the onset of puberty and the challenges of new social
expectations and responsibilities. Every illness makes normal
functioning difficult. The brain is simply dealing with an illness the
best it can.
As of this writing, the recovery rate from schizophrenia is improving
dramatically, thanks to better diagnostic tools, and advanced
medications. SA members can keep up with current research through the
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)
website at , SARDAA newsletters and at SA Group meetings. We can work
with our clinician in weighing possible changes in our treatment. The
progress in treatment choices is making the old statistics on recovery
obsolete. SA empowers its members with leadership, companionship, the
use of the Six Steps in daily coping and encouragement to cooperate
and collaborate with their treatment team to improve opportunities for
recovery.
What Is Schizophrenics Anonymous?
Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA) is a peer support/self-help group for
persons who have schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. SA
was founded in the Detroit area in July of 1985 and since that time
thousands of people have participated in meetings. There are more than
150 groups meeting throughout 31 states, as well as Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Mexico, France, India and Venezuela.
SOURCE: S.A. Blue Booklet (program text, first published in 1989)
----------------------------------------------------
--Stress Management, part #50
Stressed and Stuck on Anxiety?
Newsweek recently ran a story about anxious people who unconsciously
cultivate anxiety. This seems hard to believe, and the research
evidence stated in the article did not identify just how widespread
this is. But apparently this does happen.
For instance, the article mentions that there are some folks who get
bored when things are calm and quiet, and they cook up things that
will create anxiety. Create some excitement, it sounds like. Like
they have a need for tension or something like that.
A university study in Israel produced results that suggested that
"feeling nervous" is useful to some as a way to get them up and solve
problems.
At the University of Denver a study suggested that folks can almost
choose to be anxious because that is what they are used to, and don't
know any other way.
One of the ideas in the article is that some end up with an addiction
to anxiety. They have chronic anxiety, and then latch to anything
around them that can help them explain their anxiety.
The study at the University of Denver had a cool categorization that
they put their 139 test subjects into. Based on answers, the subjects
were put into one of three "trait emotions." These were "trait fear,"
"trait anger," or "trait happy." Further explained:
Trait Fear--chronically angry, irritated, or annoyed folks
Trait Fear--anxious, worried, or nervous folks
Trait Happy--cheerful and joyful folks
In wondered if there might be a fourth trait emotion--"trait sad."
This might include folks who are inclined to be depressed or doleful.
Anyway, it is still unclear how widespread any trait of wanting to be
anxious is. Further research would need to make this more clear.
SOURCE: Newsweek (Feb. 14, 2011)
Stress Management Series Prior Editions
Below are links to the first 40 parts of the Stress Management Series
to
date. The more recent parts are at the S.A. eLetter site at Google.
Stress Management Series I (Parts #1 to #16):
http://groups.google.com/group/choose-life-project/browse_thread/thread/584aa4af7b45c502
Stress Management Series II (Parts #17 to #29):
http://groups.google.com/group/choose-life-project/browse_thread/thread/f240f7bad9902a81#
Stress Management Series III (Parts #30 to #40):
http://groups.google.com/group/choose-life-project/browse_thread/thread/e0f98e3ce6dafc7f
-----------------------------------------------
--Website of the Week
World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders.
The WFSAD is a global grassroots organization dedicated to lightening
the burden of schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses for
sufferers and their families.
Their website:
http://www.world-schizophrenia.org/
-----------------------------------------------
--Our Suffering in Perspective
The suffering of schizophrenia patients is real. And other people
suffer too. We wish to also recognize the struggles of other
suffering people. For instance:
Forest Fires
A number of states around the country are experiencing really bad
forest fires and wildfires.
For instance, Arizona is having one of the worst wildfires in that
state’s history. People’s homes and possessions are being wiped away
by these fires, leaving them homeless or struggling for temporary
shelter.
We do not suffer alone.
SOURCE: Associated Press reports
--------------------------------
--Quote of the Week
"Never harbor grudges; they sour your stomach and do no harm to anyone
else."
-Robertson Davies (1913-1995), Canadian writer
------------------------------------------------------
Bye for now, and everyone have a great couple of weeks.
--John P., member of S.A.
=============================================
For more information about
Schizophrenics Anonymous.:
The new S.A. website is at:
http://www.sardaa.org
----------
For the Google information group for S.A.:
http://groups.google.com/group/schizophrenics-anonymous
------------
For the Yahoo discussion group for S.A.:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schizophrenics-anonymous
NOTE: Earlier editions of the S.A. eLettter and the Schizophrenia News
Links are posted at the Google information group for S.A. (link given
above). Also, the S.A. eLetter will come
to your e-mail inbox when published by signing up at the S.A.
Information Group at Google.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Fact Sheet Information about Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective
Disorder--
* National Institute of Mental Health--description of schizophrenia:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
----------------------
* Mental Health America ( formerly the National Mental Health
Association):
--description of schizophrenia:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/schizophrenia
--------------------
* National Alliance for the Mentally Il
--description of schizophrenia:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedP...
--description of schizoaffective disorder:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedP...
(Organization now called National Alliance on Mental Illness)
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