Well, it is the Monday before Christmas, and it is also Yule....

Greetings everyone. Today is Monday, that hectic day, and even more hectic as the holidays approach us.  It is Yule, that wonderous holiday that I celebrate, the Winter Solstice.  The celebration of the rebirth of the Sun, the longest night of the year, Introspection, and Planning for the future.... I am Wiccan so this is a big day for me.  I read in my horoscope that my optimism will return today, so I am happy to note that it is correct.  I am having a great morning, low anxiety, and high hopes for the new year.  All of this aside, I want to touch on something.  As a Paranoid schizophrenic, the holidays can be a time of great stress, especially in my case, as I have had a=some horrible times in mental hospitals, around the holiday season.  I also was in psychosis one year, and that was a devistating experience for my family, who tried to get me involved in their festivities, however, I was too far gone.  I have come to respect my schizophrenia, yes, respect it.  It is something that is quite difficult to live with, and memories can also trigger symptoms and bring on that oh so wonderful depression.  I am happy to announce this season I so far have had little trouble with memories of past issues, though they do creep up on me from time to time.  Thank goodness for Geodon, the medication I take for my schizophrenia.  Also, thank goodness for other meds, but most of all, thank goodness for learning positive coping skills.  Without that, I would be in constant fear and agony.  I would like to take this time to recommend some book I have found of great value to me, some are schizophrenia specific, some are just about the brain, how to use cognitive therapy, and the like.  So, Blessed Be all, Happy Yule to all of my fellow Yule friends around the world, and Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates. I did not include, but did not forget Kwaanza, the Athiests, and all others.  I wish EVERYONE around the world a happy Winter Season.  Here are the books:
**Cognitive Therapy and The Emotional Disorders, by Aaron T. Beck
**The Anxiety Book, Developing strength in the Face of Fear, by Jonathan Davidson, M.D. (very good)
**Brain Rules, by John Medina
**Schizophrenia For Dummies (I know I know, I don't usually read these books, but there is some quite useful information within its pages)
**Surviving Schizophrenia, A Manual for Families, Patients, and Providers, by E. Fuller Torrey, M.D.
**New Developments in the Biology of Mental Disorders, by The Research & Education Association
**The Center Cannot Hold, by Elyn R Saks ( a personal account)
**Trauma and Recovery, by Judith Herman, M.D. ( this one is about general trauma from domestic violence to polkitical terror)
       This is a very, very small compilation of books to begin with, there are many more.  I have also realized that there is a great deal of insight in the DSM IV, the Diagnostic Manual that doctors use to diagnose patients, however, it is quite pricey ( between $95.00-over one hunderd dollars) , but is worth having on the shelf.
Until tomorrow, Erica