I hope I haven't offended anyone and I would like to apologise for my clumsy use of the word "real". I think it was very ignorant of me to put it that way.
Don't worry. I don't think you have offended. many of us are treated in a way that we are not listened to; our experiences invalidated & such experiences assumed to be nonsense. Certain responses can be a 'knee jerk' reaction - I know that certain phrases; attitudes, & ideas, can trigger a reaction in me - rightly or wrongly.
I am trying to help my cousin and I take heart in the things written above and thank you for all and any replies/links. I have been reading as much as I can for the last 2 years about MI,SZ,CASL,HVN etc all of which I have some understanding of and I hope I can stay on the learning curve and find a way to help.
It sounds like you have good intentions; which makes a huge difference. CASL (Campaign to Abolish the Schizophrenia Label), & HVN (Hearing Voices Network) - are subjects which interest me too. Rufus May's web site is good.
We are all on a learning curve.
When I had visions and heard voices myself, it took me a few months but I eventually came round to an idea that whilst they were real experiences, they may not have been as external as I first thought and that they may have been quite internal some how. Can you help me out with this? I would like to learn a good way to term it. Is external/internal a good way to say it? or would it be better to call it inexplicable or paranormal or something else?
This is something I have a bit of struggle with too - what language do we use to describe these 'type' of experience, when so many words used to describe such things, are so loaded with certain varied meanings & connotation?
The term - the 'Numinous' is a good term, & descriptive word to describe certain elements to these experiences. But it is not a word in common understanding & usage.
Internal/External - relates to the subjective & objective Worlds, & I personally prefer to use the latter descriptions.
From certain understandings & philosophical reasoning - it can be argued that 'Reality' is wholly subjective.
Psychiatry seems to call it Psychosis but I think that is as equally offensive as saying its not real or SZ. It certainly puts a mental health spin on something that might not even be related to mental health. The HVN I thought was helpful and my understanding from them was that experiences could also be down to external things such as ghosts, telepathy, clairvoyancey or mod experiments for example.
Yes I agree. Psychosis is probably a better term than schizophrenia - but psychosis is still offensive, like you say, & is associated too much with 'psycho' by most people. These 'Orthodox' terms are very much umbrella terms - & imo, are inaccurate & ambiguous. Some people think it best to just drop out the entire framework of pathological language in relation to these experiences.
I suppose that whatever language or terms we use; the importance is about the deeper level of direct experience & empathic understanding; & in that sense words do not matter as much.
The framework of understanding, or paradigm in which these experiences are addressed, does however appear to effect prognosis. From pathologising such things with the Bio-Medical model - to approaching things in more holistic & 'natural' ways; at the other end of the scale.
It is difficult to know exact causes - I do think that there are elements of truth in many potential causes - form the 'supernatural' to Ministry of Defence 'Experiments' - but I don't think that knowing exact cause is always critical - rather the importance is what can best help & alleviate suffering. People are so different & individual - that there may be many different causes in each individual case. I personally tend to learn primarily to environmental (circumstances/trauma ect) & psychogenic (predominantly psychological) factors to be main cause.
That said, I think there are some occasions when experiences can be said to be symptomatic of psychological problems such as PTSD or? In my cousins case though, I can go into detail if it helps but he sometimes becomes consumed to total distraction by unpleasant and intrusive thoughts and it would seem to be clear that they are mostly some how internal. He seems to be in complete denial of the possibility the experience could be more internal than external though and this I think is holding back his recovery.
How do some people gain 'Insight' & others don't? I'm unsure exactly. During times of very acute 'psychosis' I have had no insight whatsoever - but that hasn't lasted long; & I start to question what may or may not be happening - I can start to gain some perspective & question fixed beliefs & ideas. I start to think - this may be real & happening; but maybe 'this' different thing is happening, or something else entirely could be going on here. I have spoken to many people - that even after 'episodes' & when stable - there is a lack of insight into the experiences & certain 'fixed beliefs' remain.
People feeling safe & being able to trust others & their environment; to be able to open up & discus openly their experiences; I do think is of great help, & those opportunities have certainly helped me. It took many years to talk about certain things however. For 4 years after I was initially 'ill' I was very quiet & hardly spoke to anyone about anything. Starting to talk about things was a gradual thing, & is an ongoing process. It also helps if people listening have some insight into these experiences themselves; or an angle into things. Like anything - a non-judgemental, open minded approach seems best. I have recently had the opportunity to see an NHS psychologist - they haven't been in the
severely altered states that I have; they disagree with certain of my ideas; but they have listened openly & remained impartial to my experiences. They have given perspectives onto things which I hadn't considered; perspectives that have helped cushion things, & allowed a 'healing space' in my mind. Is a part of an ongoing recovery.
For a number of reasons; it has been incredibly difficult to talk with close family about such things in the same way. I do think it is often better to chat about such things with -
well meaning strangers.
Perhaps like Apotheosis said, it would be good to find a practitioner who has experience of pioneering psychological methods of treatment. Does anyone know of any in the UK or perhaps a good book on that kind of practice?
Different things help different people. Alternative healing I have found very helpful - especially Reiki. Personally I have found 12 step recovery groups to have been of some help, & following certain 'spiritual' practices - in a practical way - like basic meditation, the simpler the better. I have been trying to focus as well more recently on the 'physical' - routine, exercise, healthy living & eating - things which are enjoyable, certering, grounding & calming.
Some things are unanswerable; & some things are best left alone.
I don't know what to specifically suggest as to what may best help your cousin. Have you chatted to them about what they think may help? For some people the orthodox viewpoints, & treatments appear effective & satisfactory. Some people find the idea that genetics & awry chemicals in the brain; have caused the condition, & it is simply a case of finding the right meds; that supplies the best solution. Maybe that is the best solution for the majority of people? I don't know.
