Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal

Subject: Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:23 pm

I was just wondering. If you have seen things (like ghosts for example) how can you tell if it's Schizophrenia or actually witnessing something paranormal. I have seen a lot of things but never diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and I've seen a psychiatrist for years. (I'm bi polar and I suffer an severe anxiety disorder and have had a very traumatic past) But I don't see things all the time but I have seen alot and it seems to run in the women on my mother's side of the family. My mother told me about her (our) family past and how all the women are/were clairvoyant. Ghosts have been a huge part of my life, I was raised with the paranormal.

Anyways, what types of Schizophrenia are there and could Schizophrenic people really be more vulnerable to the paranormal, thus making them seem weird and classified as "crazy"? What if what they are seeing could be real and they just can't handle it and become obsessed and paranoid and actually drive themselves or make themselves nuts or seem nuts? What part of the brain does Schizophrenia reside in? Anyone have links having to do with Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal? I know I don't know much about Schizophrenia, this is why I am asking questions.

And I am also asking because someone I knew had Schizophrenia and hes seen a lot of what would be classified as "paranormal experiences" but at the same time he is not the only witness to these events. Yet he is diagnosed with Schizophrenia but sometimes other people actually see or hear the same thing(s) he does when they are around him. So what's up with that?

Any insight? Links? Where should I begin my research on this? I'm not trying to sound stupid (even though I prob do for even posting this)I'm just trying to get some answers. Please take me seriously even if it's hard to, at least try. Again, I'm just looking for answers. I hope that all made sense. Thanks.

Subject: Re: Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal Sun Feb 19, 2012 11:56 am

DeathBlooms wrote:: I was just wondering. If you have seen things (like ghosts for example) how can you tell if it's Schizophrenia or actually witnessing something paranormal. I have seen a lot of things but never diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and I've seen a psychiatrist for years. (I'm bi polar and I suffer an severe anxiety disorder and have had a very traumatic past) But I don't see things all the time but I have seen alot and it seems to run in the women on my mother's side of the family. My mother told me about her (our) family past and how all the women are/were clairvoyant. Ghosts have been a huge part of my life, I was raised with the paranormal.

Anyways, what types of Schizophrenia are there and could Schizophrenic people really be more vulnerable to the paranormal, thus making them seem weird and classified as "crazy"? What if what they are seeing could be real and they just can't handle it and become obsessed and paranoid and actually drive themselves or make themselves nuts or seem nuts? What part of the brain does Schizophrenia reside in? Anyone have links having to do with Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal? I know I don't know much about Schizophrenia, this is why I am asking questions.

And I am also asking because an old friend of my husband's has Schizophrenia and hes seen a lot of what would be classified as "paranormal experiences" but at the same time he is not the only witness to these events. Yet he is diagnosed with Schizophrenia but sometimes other people actually see or hear the same thing(s) he does when they are around him. So what's up with that? He claims the paranormal stalks him. My husband has even seen things around him and my husband is a huge skeptic! He doesn't know what to think about it. Usually if something odd or "paranormal" happens to him he rarely talks about it and when he does he just doesn't want to believe it. But he still knows it happened. Idk he's just like that...anyways I am starting to ramble....

Any insight? Links? Where should I begin my research on this? I'm not trying to sound stupid (even though I prob do for even posting this)I'm just trying to get some answers. Please take me seriously even if it's hard to, at least try. Again, I'm just looking for answers. I hope that all made sense. Thanks.

Hi,
Being a Psych Nurse for 30 odd years (and your Mother LOL)...I've seen a lot of mental illness. Bi Polar illness and Schizophrenia are both chemical disorders of the brain, just like depression. They all deal with an imbalance of neurotransmitters of the brain. If that wasn't so, medications wouldn't help, and they do. Now that said...coming from a family of Psychic women, I also believe that one can have experiences, that have nothing to do with these illnesses. I've had my own hauntings, premonitions, and ghost experiences.I also grew up full of paranormal experiences, and talk. It was considered normal in our family. I think anyone can have these experiences...even people with mental illness. I have even seen cases working with the mentally ill, that I privately thought were possession, and not merely a mental illness. Believe me, I've really seen some spooky things. Actually, I think you are very psychic, and pick up on things, that many wouldn't. I know I do too. I don't think that you have to think that just because you have a mental illness, this precludes you to not having these types of experiences. You had these types of experiences even as a child, before you ever got the diagnosis of Bi Polar. I hate the idea of calling people crazy just because they have a mental illness. That's just a stereo-type that isn't helpful or true. I have Major Depressive Disorder, and don't consider myself crazy, and I don't think anyone with a mental illness should either. So, I guess I just feel that psychic experiences can happen to anyone open to them...the openness to these experiences can be inherited, but can also happen to those who have never had them in their family tree. I think a lot of people depend on their basic 5 senses, and block any of their other senses.

Subject: Re: Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal Sun Feb 19, 2012 11:49 pm

AngelofMercy wrote:

DeathBlooms wrote:: I was just wondering. If you have seen things (like ghosts for example) how can you tell if it's Schizophrenia or actually witnessing something paranormal. I have seen a lot of things but never diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and I've seen a psychiatrist for years. (I'm bi polar and I suffer an severe anxiety disorder and have had a very traumatic past) But I don't see things all the time but I have seen alot and it seems to run in the women on my mother's side of the family. My mother told me about her (our) family past and how all the women are/were clairvoyant. Ghosts have been a huge part of my life, I was raised with the paranormal.

Anyways, what types of Schizophrenia are there and could Schizophrenic people really be more vulnerable to the paranormal, thus making them seem weird and classified as "crazy"? What if what they are seeing could be real and they just can't handle it and become obsessed and paranoid and actually drive themselves or make themselves nuts or seem nuts? What part of the brain does Schizophrenia reside in? Anyone have links having to do with Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal? I know I don't know much about Schizophrenia, this is why I am asking questions.

And I am also asking because an old friend of my husband's has Schizophrenia and hes seen a lot of what would be classified as "paranormal experiences" but at the same time he is not the only witness to these events. Yet he is diagnosed with Schizophrenia but sometimes other people actually see or hear the same thing(s) he does when they are around him. So what's up with that? He claims the paranormal stalks him. My husband has even seen things around him and my husband is a huge skeptic! He doesn't know what to think about it. Usually if something odd or "paranormal" happens to him he rarely talks about it and when he does he just doesn't want to believe it. But he still knows it happened. Idk he's just like that...anyways I am starting to ramble....

Any insight? Links? Where should I begin my research on this? I'm not trying to sound stupid (even though I prob do for even posting this)I'm just trying to get some answers. Please take me seriously even if it's hard to, at least try. Again, I'm just looking for answers. I hope that all made sense. Thanks.

Hi,
Being a Psych Nurse for 30 odd years (and your Mother LOL)...I've seen a lot of mental illness. Bi Polar illness and Schizophrenia are both chemical disorders of the brain, just like depression. They all deal with an imbalance of neurotransmitters of the brain. If that wasn't so, medications wouldn't help, and they do. Now that said...coming from a family of Psychic women, I also believe that one can have experiences, that have nothing to do with these illnesses. I've had my own hauntings, premonitions, and ghost experiences.I also grew up full of paranormal experiences, and talk. It was considered normal in our family. I think anyone can have these experiences...even people with mental illness. I have even seen cases working with the mentally ill, that I privately thought were possession, and not merely a mental illness. Believe me, I've really seen some spooky things. Actually, I think you are very psychic, and pick up on things, that many wouldn't. I know I do too. I don't think that you have to think that just because you have a mental illness, this precludes you to not having these types of experiences. You had these types of experiences even as a child, before you ever got the diagnosis of Bi Polar. I hate the idea of calling people crazy just because they have a mental illness. That's just a stereo-type that isn't helpful or true. I have Major Depressive Disorder, and don't consider myself crazy, and I don't think anyone with a mental illness should either. So, I guess I just feel that psychic experiences can happen to anyone open to them...the openness to these experiences can be inherited, but can also happen to those who have never had them in their family tree. I think a lot of people depend on their basic 5 senses, and block any of their other senses.

Wow I really like your reply!! Very Happy

Thanks mom Smile

Newbie Posts : 14 Points : 14 Join date : 2012-04-28

I too have seen both in full swing, or at least I am pretty sure that the person was possessed. That being said the idea of a spirit, or demon, possessing someone seems to hang around people that tend to seem off in some way or another. I think that this is partly because to a demon this is fun. They get to hurt the person more, and all the people that are associated with that person ignore it for a very long time. Then when it becomes too much they just send the person off to "get help".

Typically the people that I have spoken with that have Schizophrenia seem much calmer than the few people that I have spoken with that I have felt were possessed. Of course one was very obvious as there were a multitude speaking at once through one person's voice. Very creepy. Possession typically looks more like Multiple Personality Disorder. IMHO...

All of the above can be equally scary for all people involved. I think it is wise not to discredit one before another without ample proof and faith that the diagnosis is fair and correct.

Subject: Re: Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal Sun Apr 29, 2012 12:32 pm

I remember a few times in my career as a psych nurse thinking that my client was possessed, and not just mentally ill. There was a lady who was in for post par tum psychosis. She was so wild we had to restrain her. She was making the most creepy sounds...guttural growling sounds, that it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. She would use different voices when she spoke....the suddenly she lapsed into an unconscious state....When she woke it was like she was normal again, and couldn't remember any of what had transpired....very weird.

Newbie Posts : 14 Points : 14 Join date : 2012-04-28

Holly I am very thankful there are people like you who can handle such situations. Me personally I would be the next one admitted if I had to see so much sadness...

Subject: Re: Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal Mon Apr 30, 2012 1:17 am

Thank you RemyD It has always been a fascinating area for me. The mind is so interesting, and though it's veyr sad sometimes, it also has it's rewards.....BTW are you my nephew Jeremy?

Subject: Re: Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal Mon Apr 30, 2012 2:14 am

AngelofMercy wrote:

DeathBlooms wrote:: I was just wondering. If you have seen things (like ghosts for example) how can you tell if it's Schizophrenia or actually witnessing something paranormal. I have seen a lot of things but never diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and I've seen a psychiatrist for years. (I'm bi polar and I suffer an severe anxiety disorder and have had a very traumatic past) But I don't see things all the time but I have seen alot and it seems to run in the women on my mother's side of the family. My mother told me about her (our) family past and how all the women are/were clairvoyant. Ghosts have been a huge part of my life, I was raised with the paranormal.

Anyways, what types of Schizophrenia are there and could Schizophrenic people really be more vulnerable to the paranormal, thus making them seem weird and classified as "crazy"? What if what they are seeing could be real and they just can't handle it and become obsessed and paranoid and actually drive themselves or make themselves nuts or seem nuts? What part of the brain does Schizophrenia reside in? Anyone have links having to do with Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal? I know I don't know much about Schizophrenia, this is why I am asking questions.

And I am also asking because an old friend of my husband's has Schizophrenia and hes seen a lot of what would be classified as "paranormal experiences" but at the same time he is not the only witness to these events. Yet he is diagnosed with Schizophrenia but sometimes other people actually see or hear the same thing(s) he does when they are around him. So what's up with that? He claims the paranormal stalks him. My husband has even seen things around him and my husband is a huge skeptic! He doesn't know what to think about it. Usually if something odd or "paranormal" happens to him he rarely talks about it and when he does he just doesn't want to believe it. But he still knows it happened. Idk he's just like that...anyways I am starting to ramble....

Any insight? Links? Where should I begin my research on this? I'm not trying to sound stupid (even though I prob do for even posting this)I'm just trying to get some answers. Please take me seriously even if it's hard to, at least try. Again, I'm just looking for answers. I hope that all made sense. Thanks.

Hi,
Being a Psych Nurse for 30 odd years (and your Mother LOL)...I've seen a lot of mental illness. Bi Polar illness and Schizophrenia are both chemical disorders of the brain, just like depression. They all deal with an imbalance of neurotransmitters of the brain. If that wasn't so, medications wouldn't help, and they do. Now that said...coming from a family of Psychic women, I also believe that one can have experiences, that have nothing to do with these illnesses. I've had my own hauntings, premonitions, and ghost experiences.I also grew up full of paranormal experiences, and talk. It was considered normal in our family. I think anyone can have these experiences...even people with mental illness. I have even seen cases working with the mentally ill, that I privately thought were possession, and not merely a mental illness. Believe me, I've really seen some spooky things. Actually, I think you are very psychic, and pick up on things, that many wouldn't. I know I do too. I don't think that you have to think that just because you have a mental illness, this precludes you to not having these types of experiences. You had these types of experiences even as a child, before you ever got the diagnosis of Bi Polar. I hate the idea of calling people crazy just because they have a mental illness. That's just a stereo-type that isn't helpful or true. I have Major Depressive Disorder, and don't consider myself crazy, and I don't think anyone with a mental illness should either. So, I guess I just feel that psychic experiences can happen to anyone open to them...the openness to these experiences can be inherited, but can also happen to those who have never had them in their family tree. I think a lot of people depend on their basic 5 senses, and block any of their other senses.

You hit the nail on the head.

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