schizophrenia

Stefan writes: Nice post, although i'm pretty much convinved that the voices I hear come from "external intelligence". I just "imaginative" knocked a (supposed) friend, who always tells me he wants to have sex with that one blonde girl from the past. Anyway, thank you. gauchoaleman@yahoo.com

michaelzshadow@yahoo.com writes: I agree with you that you aren't under the influence of evil spirits or anything, although I am a christian now, and believe that Jesus protects me. that's all I have to mention about what spirituality is going on about ME. anyways...I said I would visit your site, I am visiting this site after reading your post on delusions on sz.com, and I would like to congratulate you for doing well enough to want to post a blog about your state of struggle. It is not easy, no, far more complex being sz in life. More so than the avg. "normal" people. Hope you make out all right in all this. Hang tough. Michael

A 'friend' wanted to have me exorcised as if i was a character from a horror movie. This stuff is so 18th century but it feeds peoples fears and predjudices.
xxxx

piece_of_myself writes: I get panic whenever i hear this. I just don't understand why bodily deformities, mutilations and illnesses are not meant to the D*vil but mental illnesses are. They wanted I stopped to take my medication because taking medication was lack of faith. what's the relation btw taking medication and faith? They also say psychology, that is undispensable in our cases, is from the d*vil, because they are too proud to try to treat the "spirit's illness" as well as they promote happyness and self-esteem, that is a sin. they also told my pdoc was evil. because the medications were doing harm to me. I just don't understand their toughts. there is so much discrimination I don't tell anyone I am ill unless it is necessary. everytime someone say that to you ask them to quit aspirins and cosmethics. it is a lack of faith too.

Francis writes: I think spirituality and schizophrenia is a very complex issue-some people fall into schizophrenia because of their over indulgence in spiritual ideas, others pull themselves together by faith that some power is helping them and actually cares about them no matter how bad their thoughts are.I have had experiences that I know now were delusions, but some of the other ones were so incredible they had to be spiritual.But definitely, people who tell schizophrenics they are possessed by evil are hypocrites who have little understanding of the truth. One of my friends who is a schizophrenic guy is happy most of the time and has a strong spiritual life, he doesn't need to turn to drugs or alcohol for fulfilment.But he knows when his fears are just his Illness and can ignore them.

Anonymous writes: Research shows that schizophrenia is a ilness and can be treated effectively with medication. Its even be known to be hereditary. I dont one bit beleive evil spirits cause this, its all supersition stemed from fears and things that can't be understood.

John writes: Most of us believe in a spiritual reality. Something that's "out there" somewhere. I suppose the obvious link between mental illness & spiritual influences is that they're both somewhat unseen... y'know? If there is a spiritual realm, with spiritual influences in it, how can a person tell when thoughts or feelings are coming from neuro-connections misfiring or from thoughts planted by external sources? We know external influences can dramatically shape & distort thoughts & feelings. Look at the long history behind torture, brainwashing, hypnosis, etc. So maybe the idea of an external spiritual influence isn't so far out? If Jesus Christ both healed people & cast out (or away) demons, then He must have seen the difference & had power over both. I wish I could see the difference as well as He could so I know how to balance my encouragements toward prayer & medication. Right now, I encourage both... hoping God will honor our best attempts at discerning the truth with both spiritual & thoughtful minds.

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Joe's Mom writes: It's sad that some Christians want to blame demons or lack of faith for a medical condition. However, many Christians do know and understand the truth. For example, Pastor Steven Waterhouse wrote a book called " Strength for his People" availabe at www.webtheology.com and then click the linke on the left, resources for families... His brother suffered from schizophrenia for many years.

Anonymous writes: I believe that those suffering from schizoprenia are very misunderstood and people, christian or otherwise, not understanding the totality of the person's condition speak to fast and say the wrongs things bringing hurt, fear and harm. Unfortunately, things that may help are rejected. Yes, anyone suffering from schizoprenia, hearing things that do not seem logical or that may challenge emotions and thoughts may be rejected. The person's mind may twist what can be helpful because so much is happening in the mind. I would suggest that because the medical society has not come up with cures but only drugs to suppress certain moods or behaviors that the spiritual influences and its reality not be rejected. Of course, people naturally want to ignore those possibilities because they may make you feel even more out of control or vulnerable. Just because some people suffer at different levels with different intensity and can control their symptoms better than others does not mean that they do not suffer from the same problem. Being under the influence of evil spirits can also cause physical damage to the body and manifest physical pain, confusion, physical illnesses, hallunications and voices, etc.... It is real. Due to personal experience with a very close friend and with much prayer I can tell you that the spirit realm is real and healing does come through Jesus Christ. The afflictions suffered by the schizophrenic are masks of other underlying problems of a spiritual influence. It does not mean you do not know or do not love Jesus if you happen to be a Christian. However, His name does have power in the spirit realm. It is hard to deal with healing yourself if you chose to believe what I am saying because the evil spirits do not want you to take control of your life. They want to keep the person in confusion or as oppressed as possible. Demons look to bring suffering and to own people and will infiltrate a person's life anyway they can. The easiest way is to take advantage of young children. By the time the person is older they are totally unaware of why they suffer the way they do. Out of love I urge each person to seek Jesus Christ help. He does love you and wants you to be free. In the bible mental illness is not mentioned because it does not exists what exists are evil spirits that manipulate our minds and spirits in different ways and at different levels. If we believe in the truth of God and in His son Christ than there is true hope and deliverence. It is real. Physical illnesses are also a result of sin in the world that has just been passed down through history and blood lines. Illness of any form did not come into the world until we fell from grace and into sin. Do not be quick to reject this writing if you are an unbeliever or skeptic. You have everything to gain by doing further study. Have an informed opinion that explores the possibilities and read the New Testamet of the Bible. It is no joke. My friend who was about to commit suicide and dropped out of school, who could not read or write well yet extremely intelligent is now working, making money, living on his own and happy. He knows Jesus saved him from his "mental illness". He used to hear voices, especially at night and could never sleep. He could not even eat at times. Please consider what I say to be true. God, the Father of Jesus Christ can help you. Just believe that He is real and His power is the greatest!!! May anyone suffering be healed, Jesus came to set you free by His shed blood. The enemy is defeated you must believe it and believe in the name of Jesus and ask God to bring someone to you tha will guide you gently through the healing process. Sometimes it is just a few months, a day or it could take a couple of years, but you will know the difference in your life and the love of God and be a new person. God bless anyone who reads this.

victim writes: Schizophrenics are demonized

Steven H. writes: Living with Schizophrenia is a battle against the odds. Perhaps, even though we know we've been judged, the solution isn't in finding blame in the judgment, but living as best as possible even so. Having been mentally disabled my whole life (29 now), I have to say that my experiences in life have always been tinged with darkness, but I've seen a lot of light as well. I think that any sickness has a root in sin, perhaps it is enough to acknowledge that fact and live as though any sin can be dealt with in time. The one thing that has brought me through my whole life is believing that despite all the darkness, a little light simply dispels the darkness away. I believe living a loving life, despite the obstacles, is better than dying to hate. I believe that my disability is a darkness, and in good time the darkness will go away. The imperative is not to believe that the disability is the end of the story if you have faith in the goodness of God. Difficult as it is for any of us with this condition to believe, we have to choose to live our lives in the hope that there's hope, believe that there's a good God to believe in, strive to do our best, and come to terms with the judgement over our lives. I think one of the things a mentally disabled person has the hardest time doing is forgiving God. So forgive God, and accept forgiveness, that's the Christian faith: forgiveness.

EVE writes: I am a Christian minister. I have schizo affective disorder myself and can assure you, the voices are not from demon possession. There is much evidence that these illnesses have a physical cause. The symptoms can be made better or worse by medication that alters the working of dopamine in our brains. It would surprise me very much that physical mechanisms like this could cause demons to talk to us. The results of giving such medications is predictable. DO my fellow believers really think demons are somehow summoned to everyone who takes a particular tablet - instantly? Put that way, it sounds stupid and it is. Our church accepts people whatever their mental state. We accept all as people God has created. We support and love one another. That's how the Bible says it should be. Sadly, many Christians today are looking for something spectacular. There is nothing wrong in believing that demons exist. They do. But people with mental illness are no more likely to be demon possessed than anyone else. Occasionally, demons are involved but I stress that is rare. Many Christians who suffer from mental health problems have suffered great distress at the hands of their brothers and sisters who have been trying to cast out non-existent demons.This leaves people confused and more desperate than ever.They are blamed for having too little faith, and they leave feeling hopeless and helpless. The truth is, that people readily claim miracles when there is nothing to be seen. It is easy to convince yourself that something has happened if you cannot see with your own eyes it has not. Many believe they have cast out demons because that is easier to say than they have prayed that someone to grow a new leg, or for a blind man to see. Maybe I am being cynical, but I have seen this kind of thing all too often and have many occasions had to pick up the pieces and help people reconstruct their lives because people have meddled with things they do not understand. I will soon be starting a Web site or blog related to Christians and mental health problems.I hope to be covering topics such as this.

Anonymous writes: But shouldn’t be it a reliving and liberating thought? In Jesus we have full authority over powers of the darkness. We are set free. And in such case there is no reason we should straggle with it a day longer. Only what we have to do is ask God for help, and ask people to pray for that. I completely do not understand why people become so protective. We are called for the peace and wholeness, no matter if it is the case of demonic direct influence or a “normal” disease.

DOCTOR writes: THE DISEASE IS DEFINATELY SOMETHING MORE THAN ANY NORMAL ILLNESS JUST LIKE ICEBERB PHENOMENA BUT ITS PASSIVITY PHENOMENON HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SUPERNATURAL PHENOMENON THIS IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A MEDICO

Anonymous SAG77 writes: O.k. you Christians, Lets look at the Bible that is the "True" word of God. It's so interesting that you all provide opinions, mans fallen sinful opinions.. seek it out in the Bible to get the answer.

Anonymous writes: you humans are morons.

Anonymous writes: the devil wants to steal kill and destroy using sin. IE premarital sex. Very rampant. Diseases, unwanted pregnancies and poverty.

Anonymous writes: I am brought out of my unusual experiences with medication. Please look into Aldous Huxleys's definition of the cosmic valve of consiousness, and Stanislov Grov's website. I still do not understand why there are "personalities" who dominate my thoughts and mannerisms as they do on occassion. Yes, the medication makes them go away, but doesn't the medication just close off the valve so that the influences are no longer able to influence?...we are all trasmitter and receiver towers, those with schizophrenia just receive and transmit more input. I also believe that there are other intelligent life forms very concerned for human well being. They too are creations of God. There is a great battle going on all the time between dark and light, George Lucas wasn't wrong. There is the force of good and force of evil always in opposition. I wish anyone who experiences altered states of consciousness the best, it is a birden and also a gift. Gods' speed.

Anonymous writes: Almost 5 years ago my son who was saved since he was 7 years old committed suicide after a 6-year battle with schizophrenia. He would have been 34 this month. Even after I became a Clinical Pastoral Counselor there was only so much I, his father and a loving church could do for him other than reassure him with our love and the scriptures that overruled his delusions - his illness convinced him he was evil, becoming the Antichrist, even though he was one of the sweetest, gentlest, most generous people you would want to meet. But we could only get through to him once he started taking his medication again. I am, myself, only a few years delivered from a lifetime of depression. It was a miracle to be delivered after years of counseling and medication that at least one time actually made my symptoms worse. It was actually my son's death that pushed me to the point where I gave up trying to heal myself and let God relieve me. My experience has been that medication does suppress but not heal mental illness. Some people are genetically predisposed to illnesses of various sorts, but there is a spiritual component that cannot be denied. As it has been said, ALL illness has its root in the death penalty that came upon humanity because of sin. That doesn't mean that every sufferer is "possessed," any more than the person with cancer is. But just as cancer can sometimes be cured with prayer and faith, so can mental illness. I don't know why God allowed my most spiritual son to suffer this way, and I know other mothers think the same thing of their cancer-ridden children. For that matter, I don't know why He allowed me to suffer so long, and yet survive it. I do know what peace I have had even in the midst of suffering came from Him, whether directly or through that little pill in a bottle. And for those of you who think anything that can be silenced by a pill can't be spiritual, think of this: what are the side effects of psychotropic medications? The main one that people most object to is a muting of thought and feeling. But these are the areas the enemy attacks most. If you can barricade the entryways against attack, the enemy is unlikely to get in. It doesn't mean the enemy will go away though. Unbar the door and see if he doesn't try to get in again. Being delivered spiritually has meant that I can have my depth of feeling and clarity of reasoning back without fear, because God is now my barricade. By the way, I didn't go to any of these so-called spiritual healers, nobody slapped me in the head with olive oil or said any incantations over me. God dealt with me in prayer, study, spiritual fellowship and self-evaluation, but ultimately it was about what He did and who He is rather than anything about me. It was only when I took the focus off myself and started looking for what He wanted me to see about Him that I realized I was no longer being oppressed and my hope and joy were restored.

Anonymous writes: u dont have evil spirits in you , if you have jesus christ , they are on the ouside trying to convince you they are on the inside. I know cause Christ Jesus helps me every day. Ask him to lead you into all truth . he will , my life is much happier. Dawn McBroom

St Aries aka Simon R Humphries writes: The Christians have been given accsess to a new(for them) weapons array variously known as electro-magnetic weapons; EMF weapons,and other. . . and they can make you think you have these symptoms, this is what I will term "the evolution of evangelism". Look on the internet under the search phrases "Electronic Harrassment" "E-Harrassment", and "Gangstalking" in particular, and you will get all the info. The Psychiatrists are all in on it and the movie 1000 Corpses by Rob Zombie is a parable of this detestable religio psychiatric collusion. Have any of you seen the Joseph Atwill book Ceasars Messiah? I highly recommend it, and the Origins of Christianity by Archibald Robertson (online free) Revilo P Oliver's book by the same name is worth perusal also. In addition to these titles if you must still insist on cleaving to thet Nazarene, would be The Union Jack, by Helen Peters (pen name) actually written by Revilo P Oliver a grat american if there ever was one. Look @ these and make up your mind or just keep taking your medicine, and if you want to know how good that is for ya have a look at "psychiatry kills" by Samuel Anton Moser. This last mentioned guy is a jehovah witness jerk but whoever ghost wrote this article for him knows what the fuck there talkin bout. . .St Aries signing out.

Anonymous writes: I love you artsyflower, but dont worry I live in australia.

Anonymous writes: I have paranoid schizophrenia. I believe it's a Biological problem which enables a person to hear, see & feel Spiritual activity- usually negative or such a deluge of information, it can only be heard as whispers & white noise or sometimes it is clear as a bell. (We don't just hear voices In Our Head...they are so distracting one could get into a car accident because it also causes your eyes to react to what we hear too.) Schizophrenia causes that person to disconnect with most people's reality- distancing that person from most other people. Their soul is a a much greater risk for destruction. Many people don't live long lives from this disorder. Medications help but once the deluge happens, it is impossible to completely damn up the seemingly Highly Intelligent or decivingly 'understanding/loving' voices & false memories that we experience.

Anonymous writes: Artsy flower, you do not have this fabricated "IlIness" you are a beutiful red haired girl, as fine a specimen as I heve ever seen,(if that is your real photo). Watch the sequel to wizard of oz "Return to OZ". Lots of men get diagnosed with this BS coz they are of same heredity, this is how they get us to try and worship the pig god jehovah, thats why so many jews have red hair and freckles. . .the only way the jews can survive is to convert people who have low self esteem, same with jehovah witness. Red hair is beautiful especially yours. . .be good to your brothers. . .sista. P.S. I love you artsy flower.

Anonymous writes: "I dont one bit beleive evil spirits cause this, its all supersition stemed from fears and things that can't be understood." One follower wrote. Could this statement be said visa versa for Christianity. Because you do not have all the 'facts' that Jesus Christ is real and the fear of the unknown in choosing to follow Him or even the fear of acknowledging you are demon possessed. Satan is the father of lies and once he has his hold on you; he tells you lies, that it is just a 'mental illness' The truth is we all are living in a spiritual world; the battle of truth and evil. Schizophrenia is not of God and when you fight the voices and claim the truth of Jesus Christ into your soul you will be saved. Aren't you tired of fighting this battle of hallucinations and delusions of what is reality and not? You waste time choosing to dwell in your 'illness' and argue this is not a spiritual problem. There may be medications to soften some of the effects but they cannot cure this 'disease' it is getting late and you've got to be tired of this battle...just try seeing a Christian counselor, what do you have to lose?

mikel writes: Even if it us evil spirits nothing can be done so you must accept it and learn to take your meds.

Anonymous writes: Hello....I too have suffered from schizophrenia since I was 17. I am now 54. It has destroyed me and my family but my kids are going on. Let,s be frank.........the basis is a spirit, The condition you had before the Attack was probably partially biological but the enemy used that weakness to enter in. For me it was a traumatic experience with my father who was severely mentally Ill. I was probably sick before the illness Took place and that was my weakness. Some my fault and some not my fault as I was not Spiritually Strong enough to fight it. The question is.....Why us? I do not come from a rich or poor family.....lower middle class......I did not do drugs, was a virgin...at least in my body...I was a generally decent kid with some rejection and self esteem issues. Why me? I ask this , not out of self pity but as an honest question. What are your ideas on this

Anonymous writes: horseshit

Anonymous writes: Around 2001 I was walking in the K-Mart parking lot near 9th St. North and Gandy Blvd in St. Pete, Fla when I found a white stone about 3 1/2 inches long and about 1 1/2 inches wide. It had very neat writing in glossy black paint in a language I thought was aramaic. As I picked it up, a see-through image of who I percieved as Jesus said to me "Keith, that's for the ones who have conquered". I had to admit I hadn't conquered, so I set the stone back down. Another time someone had poured what looked and tasted like flour on the wooded path to my campsite, which was across the street and just down the road from the K-Mart. It was poured to form strange geometric shapes like crop circles, only I remember one of them looked like the Nabisco logo :- ) I was afraid to read the Bible at the time because I was told everything I believe would come true, and you know the Book of Revelation...but a couple of months ago I stumbled upon Revelation 2:17 The medication really works, but the side effects (tardive diskenesia, weight gain, diabetes, heart murmur, high cholesterol) really happened to me. John Nash has managed his illness without atypical meds But then there was a man in South St. Pete who the St. Pete Times said went off his meds whose girlfriend left him and he cut off her new boyfriend's head with a machete, set it on the hood of a car, then broke off the car's mirror and placed it in front of the head. Doesn't hurt to pray.

Anonymous writes: http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/article826935.ece - St. Pete Times man cut off rival's head http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/nash/sfeature/sf_forum_0425h.html - John Nash stopped taking his meds in 1970 http://www.slate.com/id/2060110/ - John Nash wins Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994 Melons never run away and get married because they can't elope.

Anonymous writes: I apologize for the melon quip, but do hard of hearing vegetables turnip the volume?

Anonymous writes: Openings to emotions (and their subsequent interpretations) in God's children also have an opening to the enemy, the liar, the thief.......a leach!! Everyone is sensitive and can feel. Don't complicate what God has promised, a full life, or try to do his job. Believe, discern and fight smarter, love your life and don't settle for a linear, boring mentality and call this schizophrenia. Always be simple and let God move for you, he is waiting right now and can change pathology and motives think in the air, not on a line or in some fashioned box. Create new patterns and when you do it (after prayer) come out all by yourself in love and on fire. Don't rely on systems to support your new awareness like family or circumstances as these have helped to sway you into circular thought from their hypnotizing manner. Too many people think in systems and devote themselves to doubt. kill the enemy, HE won't say sorry for hurting you...it's not you, it's a sly force with NO rights, confess any sin and fly home!!!!! fear no negative force because it is terrified of YOU. Love ya.

simpletruth writes: as a man thinks in his heart, so does he become. You have all the power through Christ. Intention is the second most powerful action in all of the universe, doubt nullifies your existence but always points you to back to the answer(God). You can stop this boring feedback loop forever once you have had enough proof of God's existence. Live in heaven; there is one reality, Truth. Not to sound crazy but one statement that I aspire to live by is: IN LOVE, ON FIRE, AND MAD AS HELL!