Additional information
by Timothy R. Cameron (Author)
This book is about the author's personal experience living with paranoia schizophrenia his entire life and how his strong faith in God helped him endure. The story tries to relate his experiences to you the reader who may have a similar mental illness and may need encouragement in carrying out your life to the best of your ability.
Mental illness is a very real illness. The general population downplays it sometimes as a character defect in the individual. Research about the cause of mental illness points to a biological or genetic predisposition which could be inherited. For myself I believe it was inherited. I will get into my beliefs on that later on. The environment can also be a factor for some people who develop mental illness.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that originates from malfunctioning signals from the brain that effect ones thought processes & behavior. Just because you are diagnosed later in life doesn't mean you were not born with the illness. The illness has a broad effect on a person's everyday functioning such as going to school, working, hygiene or social relationships. Once diagnosed with schizophrenia a person is effected usually in a negative manner. Their lives change dramatically. Their ability to carry on a normal routine becomes limited motivation is many times effected because of the side effects of the medication which they are taking. A person may feel tired & listless much of the time. Medication helps with the delusions and hallucinations that exist in an acute episode but can also slow a person down. Outside supports from family & friends can be a huge asset to someone with schizophrenia, exercise (if you can do it), meditation (relaxation techniques), a strong relationship with God, & a stable & secure living environment all can help in coping with the illness as well. Mental health professionals also can be a huge asset & wanting to get help by the person is definitely necessary.
Author Biography
Timothy Cameron has been a Director, Founder and Advocate in the Mental Health field for over 25 years. He was Hopeline (warm line) Director and Founder for nearly 20 years. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Massena, New York and a strong believer in the importance of having God in your life to overcome obstacles you face. He is a past 10 year board member of St Lawrence County Community Services Board and Subcommittee of Mental Health and also past board member of PAIMI- Protection and Advocacy for People with Mental Illness. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University and currently works as a Peer Companion (Warmline worker) for People USA. He is also waiting his certification as Peer Specialist in New York State. He is the author of "Schizophrenia - It's Not What You Think"
