Hi friends!
I thought it would be a nice idea to get together with another art therapist and talk a little bit about what we do.
Enjoy!
Artwork: Schizophrenic Social
‘Schizophrenic Social’ 2023 pencil and pen. 29.7x42cm
As a therapist, I work with adults living with complex mental health challenges. I felt inspired recently to reflect on a particular disorder that is commonly experienced by the people I work with- and that is schizophrenia. I figured this artwork would be a great opportunity to shed some light on this disorder; or at least; what I have observed about its symptoms in the therapy space.
The DSM5 (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) states that the five key symptoms of schizophrenia are:
delusions
hallucinations
disorganized speech
disorganized or catatonic behavior
negative symptoms (not expressing any feelings or emotions)
As well as these broad categories, symptoms may also look like:
unusual or eccentric behavior, speech, or both
odd thoughts and ideas
inability to distinguish between television or dreams and reality
confused thinking
unexpected academic difficulties
extreme moodiness
changes in personality
signs of paranoia, such as the idea that people are out to get them
severe anxiety and fearfulness
difficulty connecting with peers or keeping friends
increasingly withdrawn or isolated
neglecting personal grooming
Aspects and symptoms that I have observed and highlighted in this drawing:
Social isolation
Distraction/ preoccupation (imagine a room full of people talking to you and then trying to only focus on ONE voice. This is something of what it seems to be like. Like being underwater surrounded by other voices. No wonder it can be challenging to focus on the people in front of you.
Voices. Voices can be experienced as familiar, or strangers, sometimes pleasant, sometimes degrading, sometimes telling you to do something (also known as a command hallucinations- doesn't mean this is acted on), sometimes voices can be louder when a person has an increase of stress. Also to note: one may hear voices for many reasons, not just as a symptom of schizophrenia- More on hearing voices
Paranoia
Lack of solidified identity; that is; some confusion over who you are and who others are- the presence of mental confusion and lack of clarity
MYTHS BUSTED
People with schizophrenia are dangerous - This population are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators of crime. This disorder alone does not make a person dangerous. This is an unhelpful stereotype perpetuated in popular culture
Schizophrenia is multiple personalities - Not true. Schizophrenia alters a persons perceptions of reality but the disorder in which someone experiences fractures and creation of multiple distinct personalities is called Dissociative Identity Disorder and is a completely unrelated mental health disorder
It is a lifelong and permanent disorder- Schizophrenia is generally managed with a combination of medication and professional therapy- and recovery to live a meaningful life is possible. I have worked with many people who are creative, very intelligent, and are searching for belonging and meaning just like everyone else.
"With the right medicine and therapy, about 25% of people with this disease will recover completely. Another 50% will see some improvement in their symptoms. Many people with the condition can live full, productive lives.” -WebMD myths and facts 2022.
Be kind, be patient, and be gentle with those around you- no matter how they may experience reality.
Upcoming workshop! Lanisarty & Allora Wellbeing presents ‘outside the box’
Hi friends.
In collaboration with Allora Wellbeing a repeat of one of our workshops is coming back!
Click here to register 🎉
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Death is a stranger
Death is something far off, far away
It happens to great uncles; other people’s grandparents, and occasionally to pets who have lived long happy lives
Death is a stranger, to me
I hear whispers of him
I have heard of his impact, devastation, mark left behind on those living
Death has not visited anyone I have loved, really loved; he has threatened to take away, come close enough to see his shadow pass- but prayer prevailed at that time
I have known of people who aided death in his job- they did his job for them- and death was merely there to catch them in his arms- a greater sadness than letting him decide when to take them
Death does not pass the halls of my home, my families homes, he is not a visitor of any familiarity
Death is a misunderstood character- carrying out orders, meaning no ill will, an employee of nature.
I’m sure he feels sadness and indignance when people hurry his processes by violence, homicides, taking away life before he was expecting to scoop them up.
Death probably has different sized baskets to carry different sized people-
and keeps blankets, towels, pillows on hand for a comfortable journey
Death says “don’t wish me to visit anyone. I come when I have to.” And I’m sure he would prefer to stay home, listening to Metallica, writing poetry.
Death is a stranger to me, but I’m sure he will visit one day, and I won’t be afraid when he does.
MINI CUSHIONS TUTORIAL
Hello. I have been recently delving into the world of miniatures and dollhouses- I bought a little wooden dollhouse at 1:24 scale for $50 and I started making furniture for it instead of buying. It has been SO much fun (that might be for a whole other post)
Today I’m sharing a little tutorial for miniature cushions. Enjoy!
YOU WILL NEED:
Various fabrics that you like
good scissors
sponge (to be chopped into inserts for cushions)
good craft glue (I got a cheapie but a goodie from Daiso)
Step one: Chop the sponge into small squares
Step two: Cut up fabric into slightly larger squares- allow enough extra so the glue can ahdere properly
Step three: Think of ravioli. Make a little wall of glue around your sponge and squish two pieces of fabric together with the sponge in the middle
Step four: LEAVE TO DRY FOR A LONG TIME (a couple of hours)
Step five: When totally dry, trim around the shape of your cushion and cut away excess fabric.
And viola! There you have it. You’re own little ravioli style handmade cushions.