Schizophrenia

The videos that were provided in the lessons folder about schizophrenia had explicit examples of what a textbook schizophrenic may feel everyday and ramble of what is happening in a different world. The video that shook me even more was the one of the childhood schizophrenia. Already the stresses of a family and young children can have parents up at night and on top of that having a child dealing with schizophrenia is that much more overwhelming for the family. 

The video really explained that the child was showing symptoms of something a little more than just an active baby but a distressed baby sometimes or a baby that could see "something" in another concept.

I have previously stated how against I am with doctors giving children medications so quickly or misdiagnosing a child but in this case I see the absolute need for the medication. Not so much for the family but for the young child. Although the video did not mention the medications that were being administered, I do assume that the medications were somewhat helpful by keeping her going daily and working to the best of her ability everyday.

The second story on the video showed a lot of insight on what the child felt, by her explaining that no one understood her and that she hated everyone. 

The feelings the child felt made me cry because the child feels alone and that everyone is out to get her and that she has to take matters into her own hands to make herself feel safe. 

I feel for the parents of children with any disability or any illness that is so overpowering them. I do pray that cures can be found and I truly admire parents that have the energy everyday to make things normal once in awhile. 

Baby blues or is it more?

Postpartum Depression is a serious illness and needs to be taken care of quickly and the video gives information on what Postpartum Depression is and what mothers can do to get the help that is needed not just for themselves but for their baby and family.

Imagine giving birth to a beautiful baby and getting compliments on how gorgeous the baby looks and how blessed the mother is to have a new life. All the while the mother is feeling overwhelmed and sadden by not being able to take care of the baby correctly or not happy that the baby was even born. Many researchers believe that hormonal changes contribute to the depression.  Research does show that the risk of postpartum depression increases with previous depression episodes and the lack of support after the pregnancy. 

I learned in my Child Development Class with Dr.Weimer that the responsibility of the baby should not just be in the hands of the mother but also the father. The father must show support to the new baby and the mother, because it gives the child a bond with the father and gives the mother someone to rely on when feeling overwhelmed or stressed by all the new changes. 

Postpartum depression should not be taken lightly and the fathers must take quick action to help their spouses, it could lead to postpartum psychosis.

As a mother, I know it is difficult to adjust to a new life style and the stresses are huge but when in doubt of yourself or a spouse with a baby please seek help before the problems become worse, no one wants to see a baby get hurt or see a mother struggling to keep it together, we want to see happy families. 

looking for a smile

The human face is the first contact to the outside world and the first thing people will remember of someone. The likelihood of showing emotions to continue a long lasting conversation is the most crucial part of a conversation and the door into the human heart. There are people in the world that cannot share their inner most feelings by expression, but only through words.

Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that is present at birth. It primarily affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, leaving those with the condition unable to move their faces (they can’t smile, frown, suck, grimace or blink their eyes) and unable to move their eyes laterally.

The choice of the video is to explain paralysis to the face and the causes of it. Being named after Paul Moebius in 1888 who discovered this disorder.

The blank expressions, missing fingers, missing toes, dental problems, are some of the signs or symptoms.

An article that was interesting coming from the Moebius Syndrome Foundation explains stories of different people whom their smiles come from the Heart. 

The stories are influential and the need to raise more awareness of the disorder to help patients with Moebius Syndrome and to find smiles in the public's heart.