Lived Experience Forum

[BamBam]

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has seen any of the ABC shows on brain training for people with serious mental illness. Apparantly one of the things psychosis affects is the social part of our brain. I knew it was common for people with psychosis to be socially isolated, but assumed this was mainly from stigma/discrimination.

I am now thinking of doing a 3 month residential rehab program run by a mental health organisation close to where I live. One of the things I want to improve on is being able to trust people and make friends. My case manager is worried that it won't be an easy fix and I'll need to work hard at it once I have completed the program. But I can't see another way, it's impossible for me to make friends at short courses and meetups as I have had bad experiences in the past.

[Appleblossom]

Your attitude is great. @BamBam

I guess there is both a wound in the nueronal networks and in self concept that can make it difficult to make friends. ... and the stigma. 

When my marriage ended, the local priest gave me a hand out about Seneca on friendship.  I am looking deeper into it.  Stoicism may be a useful quality when once bit, twice shy.

Whn I have time I will look at more docos

[supmethods]

I think neutral reconditioning is one part of it. As long as the experience is positive, it should help. I think neutral reconditioning is one part of it. The stigma, isolation, persistance ridicule and humiliation has made it hard for me though, but you learn to filter the negatives and take in the  positives. Hope you do have family and friends that are supportive, it'll help just to go out with them. 

Another part of socialising is it does make you feel better. It clears my head and brings balance. Isolation and stress can cause irregularities in your body. My mental illness is due to prolonged exposure to stress as I have had to deal with harassment from work, at gym and then at home. When you experience my mental illness, you do realise the close relationship between the mind, the body and physiological components that allow normal functioning. I developed speech impediment and felt rigid when walking in addition to my mental illness.

Prolonged exposure to stress leads to macro nutrient deficiency and elevated level of acids. Stress causes the body to use a lot of nutrients, and macro nutrient deficiency is when your body uses up all the nutrients required for normal development and functioning. This also goes with high acidity-level which can impair the functioning of organs and even lead to permanent damage.

So overall everything should contribute to your overall mental illness. A healthy mind and body should play a part of your recovery. Aim to do activities and take on thought processes that reduces stress and promotes positivity. Your body needs to also be taken care of, exercise and eating right all contribute to your mental health. 

[Tyler77]

@BamBam

I would totally do it BamBam.  Sounds like a great opportunity.  I wonder what kind of brain training they'll have you doing?  I too suffer from having far to few friends for my age.  I know that alot of people as they graduate college, get a 9-5 job and wife/kids...often go through this transition and it can be kinda rouhg.   Most of my friends who are "normal" dont have alot of friends either.  Because their lives are just too busy.  But having a few people that your close to outside the family, is common.  i dont really even have that.  I got at least two maybe 3 people that im close to, outside of my family.  Growing up i was very popular, but i don't miss it too much.  Because there was always so much fakeness and drama.  The CEO of Ford motor company once said "if you can get through life with just a few true friends, your lucky."  lots of people have aquaintences, few have actual caring supportive friends.

I wish you the best of luck.

Go for it, and remember a good meal or a good laugh is always a good place to start when making friends.

@supmethods Sorry to hear you are so stressed out.  Maybe you can work with your doctor to practice stress reduction.  Such as yoga or calm meditation.  I really hope you get better soon.