Blog Post #12

Not all psychological problems are psychological disorders. A psychological disorder is an ongoing pattern of thoughts, feelings, and actions that are deviant, distressful, and/or dysfunctional (p 594). Sometimes people don't act normal for periods of time. This doesn't necessarily mean that they have a psychological disorder. They may be under stress or just worn out from work, school, etc. A person has a psychological disorder when their mental attitudes cause others or themselves harm or distress. Many people with psychological disorders are unaware of their actions. Their brains don't register the actions as bad actions.
Since I can't really think of anyone close to me having a psychological disorder, then I guess I'll describe depression and its symptoms. Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders in the world. Many people suffer from it when they experience either lots of stress or a traumatic event. They feel like they just can't handle the situation or control it. They are always sad and gloomy. Their lives just put their emotions down. Even though depression makes people feel sad and gloomy, there is some good to it. Depression causes people to take a good look at their lives. They reassess their lives and focus their energy on getting better. I think life with this disorder would suck. I hate feeling sad and bummed. I can't imagine feeling that way for say a month or longer. I think if I was suffereing from depression I would go to my friends and family for help. I believe that they could help me and try to get me back on my feet. If they can't help me then I guess the doctor is my option. There are many treatment options that can get you back on your feet and help you out.
One of the most interesting things I learned in this chapter was about schizophrenia. I had heard people call someone else "schizo" before, kinda just joking around, but I never actually knew what it was. Schizophrenic people have like another person living in their minds. They hear voices and may be delusional. Many also have hallucinations and hear voices in their minds. These voices are like another person that may take control of them. They often can't control all their actions. I guess I think it is very interesting because I have heard about it but never actually knew what it was. I think it would be interesting to study people with this disorder and try to understand what it is like for them. I never realized how common it actually is.