When I was 16, I was diagnosed with prodromal schizophrenia. In some ways, it was a very frightening time. I knew I could no longer trust reality as I perceive it. I began to question everything that I was perceiving. What is real? What isn’t real? How do I tell the difference? As a natural progression from that questioning, I was forced to become analytical.
The better you become at analyzing and explaining what is real, the easier it is for you to identify what isn’t real. Picture this: a virus spreading all over the globe, a United States president inciting an insurrection, and images of a man wearing mittens being spammed all over the internet. The real world can be a pretty fucking bizarre place. But, when you dig deep enough, everything has a logical, fact-based explanation. Let’s say you start thinking aliens are invading Australia, for example. Then, you can’t find any verifiable, reputable sources to back up such an idea. It may be a good idea to check in on whether you may be having a delusion.
As you may already know from this post, I have some undeniably bonkers ideas pop in my head. Those bonkers thoughts, however, are a drop in the bucket compared to the real things that have happened in this world that have been equally horrifying. As an example, I read a very official-looking news article that was reporting on a zombie virus spreading on the East Coast of the United States. After about an hour-long process of having a panic attack and then finally calming down, further research led me to find that I was on a parody news site like The Onion.
Even more difficult to grapple with are pieces of news that can’t be explained away with parody. Things like President Obama giving the green light on the assassination of a U.S. citizen, or President Trump assassinating an Iranian general that could have led to another war in the Middle East. Both frightening cases of abuse of executive power, and very real things that are hard to ignore.
With instances like the examples above, it can be hard not to go into full-on panic mode. The best you can do is say to yourself, “It’s not my problem.” The more you do it, the more it will help ease the fright. Realistically, the statement will almost always be true. It’s not your problem. Are you a US General? No? Then it’s not your problem. Are you involved in military activity in the Middle East? No? Not your problem. Are you politician managing affairs in the Middle East? No? Say it with me! Not. My. Problem.
Life is an ongoing series of lessons. Because I live with schizophrenia, my hope is that the lessons I learn and the solutions that come from those lessons will help you and anyone else dealing with schizophrenia or mental illness/mental health issues.
I will only send updates that I am completely convinced will be valuable to you. I respect your time by respecting my time. I don’t send frivolous bullshit.
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Sorry, sorry! I just thought since you've been on this site for longer than average, you might hear me out?
Why do you do this to me, Ian...
Okay, okay, I'll be quick! I have a newsletter to keep you up-to-date on my content and projects. If my stuff tickles your pickle, help us both out by subscribing!
Also, I don't do anything shady or aggressive with your email address. I'll only send you the good stuff and won't share your email with any person/provider that isn't working for me to serve you better.
'Serve me better.' What deliciously vague jargon. Is this where you pretend to be me and you make me respond with a contrived form of consent because you're bold enough to assume this cute little chat interface gimmick is enough to actually get me to sign up?
Ummm... uhhh... ahh... Sign up and get exclusive discounts and early access!!!! Come ooooon! Induced scarcity is fun!
...alright, well, I'll leave it up to you.
Like this nav? It does what every marketing-oriented web designer will tell you not to do: shove as many things in your face as I can!
