Just needed to be heard for a little while

whitewing

I was wondering about HRT for schizophrenics and I found this article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120112212.htm

whitewing

Talking of bad memories, I can't remember if this was the article I linked in a few days ago

Quote

They also give weight to a theory that genes active in immune-system functioning may also be involved with schizophrenia, suggesting that it could be an autoimmune disease, at least in part.

Scientists had already known that families with autoimmune disorders tend to have higher rates of schizophrenia, and there's been a link between certain viral infections in the second trimester of pregnancy and higher rates of schizophrenia in offspring.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/genetic-mapping-study-triggers-new-hope-on-schizophrenia-1.2714622

lostinrates

How fascinating. Notably a lot of the endocrine disorders list as a symptom depression or behavioural changes too.

whitewing

If there is a link to viral infections, I wonder if it would eventually be possible to vaccinate against schizophrenia in the future (but we still love you exactly as you are, WaS).

I was thinking about WaS saying her parents had been advised not to have children after all their medical problems. And while I wouldn't want anybody to suffer like our lovely WaS has suffered, I also do believe that all people should have a right to a family of their own (provided they don't disrespect that right by abuse etc). So I think that WaS starting this thread will help that cause.

whitewing

WaS, if you feel up to it, you could join this research bank for schizophrenia http://www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au/bank/

whitewing

Lots of interesting stuff about vitamin D here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/10686624/Vitamin-D-could-it-stop-modern-diseases.html

Please all let me know if I am overwhelming you.

Waves_and_Smiles

Indeed, there are many links between early onset autoimmune disorders and schizophrenia. It was one of the reasons specifically why my parents were told not to have children, they both had them and my mother schizophrenia, too and they were told it was almost certain that she would give birth to a child born with or prone to chronic conditions if the pregnancy ever managed to get that far. Oh, and lack of vitamin D in a potential mother is also linked to schizophrenia in a child. Like me, my mother hardly left the house for many years. Really, when I have compared all the research that I have read it seems I had a very high chance of developing it.

As you know I made a choice not to have children. I would never dictate whether someone else should do that or not but with the conditions that I had, the life had I growing up with my mother with the conditions and the frequency of my psychotic episodes it wasn't something I felt I could risk with my child. It was particularly hard for partner as he adores children and is great with them, for me it was a clearer decision. It still made me very sad though and although I know I won't ever have children I am dreading the menopause because it means the door is finally shut. Which is daft, I know as it changes nothing.

whitewing

I think it is a very brave decision and I really hope that by you raising the awareness of the various conditions with your own stories makes future generations suffer less both from medical conditions and from subsequent lifestyle choices.

Not now, because you have too much on your plate, but maybe your DP could get involved in mentoring young people with mh problems.

WaS, I was wondering if some kind of joint therapy sessions would help you and your DP as you journey on from your original post? Maybe where you could cover some of the harder situations. I don't mean dwelling on the past. I mean a sort of mental health orientated alpha course. (I don't mean religious and I've never been on an alpha course; I just don't totally know what I am suggesting. I guess something that involves you both becoming the best you can be in your circumstances at any one time).You both seem honest, open and funny that I think the world could benefit from the insight.

Waves_and_Smiles

That's an interesting thought, whitewing. If we found a course to do together it would have to be pretty un-therapy-like because my partner doesn't cope well with my psychiatric team contacting him at all. In fact when they have he is almost screwed himself into the floor with awkwardness. But something involving sharing experiences with a goal of greater understanding could work quite well.

whitewing

Greater understanding, but also I am thinking of subjects that you both (for different reasons) may be inhibited from approaching with each other. For example, discussions about where the two of you will live in the longer term (eg ground floor flat with garden), by the seaside. I am thinking about things that would potentially make your lives easier for you to look forward to the future, but also flexible enough to deal with fluctuations in your circumstances.

When I was at my worse, my husband would not tell me things that he thought would upset me. Then he would have bad dreams and that would make me realise that something was up.

I think you and DP are doing phenomenally well together, but a little bit of outside talking help may improve the quality of your lives. It sounds like you are both resourceful enough to think up your own solutions to things, so it would only really be someone acting as a catalyst to ensure you both feel safe. I guess it's less about the illnesses and more about extending your little book of short, medium and long term plans to make it a book that you are both discussing regularly.

Let me know when you want a new daily challenge. I wanted to ease off a bit so that I'm not piling on the pressure, but am looking forward to hearing about your achievements.