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Schizophrenia

Hey! The first week and half has been super busy for me. BUT I’M BACK! And it’s May, Mental Health Awareness Month. I wanted to talk about Schizophrenia this week. I will be using some of the information from my paper.

The feature picture is a series of paintings of cats by Louis Wain showing varying levels of the painter episodes.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. Psychotic disorders are mental illnesses that cause atypical perceptions and thinking that make one lose touch with reality. The DSM-5 characterizes schizophrenia by symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause social and occupational dysfunction.

Signs and Symptoms

Hallucinations

An hallucination is an illusion that a person perceives that is not present to others. There are five types of hallucinations: auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and taste. The subtypes are based on your senses. People with schizophrenia are often associated with having auditory hallucinations.

Delusions

Delusion is an unrealistic belief that a person considers true. Delusions can be characterized as either bizarre and non-bizarre delusions.

1. 1. Bizarre delusions are things that can never happen in reality.
  2. Non-bizarre delusions are circumstances that could happen.

The subtypes of delusions involve a particular theme: persecutory, erotomanic, grandiose, somatic, and referential (Hickman, 2019).

1. 1. Persecutory delusion is when there is no evidence to support others are trying to harm them. It includes the belief that he or she is being spied on by their neighbors or might be drugged by their government.
  2. The next delusion is the erotomanic delusion. Erotomanic delusion is when the person believes that a celebrity or prominent figure is in love with them.
  3. Grandiose originates from the Italian word “grandioso,” meaning large or big. People with grandiose delusion exaggerate their abilities and qualities are better than others despite any proof and treat them as second-rate (Smith, 2019).
  4. Somatic delusions perceive that they have a physical injury or medical problem.
  5. A delusion of reference is a misguided belief, gestures, or behavioral cues that have a latent meaning directed to the person.

Disorganized Speech, Thoughts and Behavior

Disorganized speech (Tellian, 2015) characterized by a collection of speech abnormalities that it is difficult for another person to comprehend. Disorganized speech comes from disorganized thoughts. A person with schizophrenia can have several types of disorganized thoughts: derailment, circumstantial, tangential, clang, and incoherence (Preda, 2019).

1. 1. Derailment thoughts are also known as loose associations; the individual thoughts jump from topic to topic with almost no connection to each other.
  2. Circumstantial thinking is the individual takes a long time getting to the point by giving unnecessary and excessive details.
  3. Tangential thinking is responding to a question in an irrelevant way.
  4. Clang associations are words chosen based on how they sound than what the meaning is.
  5. Incoherence, known as word salad, makes it hard for anyone to understand the person with schizophrenia thought process. These thoughts could impair their ability to interact with others, work, and take care of themselves (Smith, 2019).

Disorganized behavior could be inappropriate responses like laughing during a funeral.

Negative Symptoms

Negative does not mean “bad,” but it refers to the absence or lack of normal functioning. Though the DSM-5 describes negative symptoms as “restricted emotional expression and avolition.” However, the National Institute of Mental Health Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia consensus panel has recently defined schizophrenia with five negative symptoms: flattened affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia, and asociality (Mitria et al., 2016).

1. 1. Alogia is the poverty of speech and the decrease in verbal output (trouble speaking) or verbal expression.
  2. The absence of emotional expression is called flattened affect.
    - Some signs of flat affects include dull voice, neutral facial expression, and many other symptoms.
  3. Avolition is losing the drive to execute goal-oriented tasks like feeling drained to not tend to their hygiene.
  4. The inability to experience pleasure in things they once enjoyed is called anhedonia.
  5. The last negative symptom is asociality, lacking involvement in any social relationship (Mitria et al., 2016).

Next post will be on measuring the Positive and Negative Symptoms.

References

Mitra, S., Mahintamani, T., Kavoor, A. R., & Mizamie, S. H. (2016). Negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 25(2), 135-144. doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_30_15

National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, May). Schizophrenia. Retrieved November 04, 2019, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml

Preda, A., & Gans, S. (2019, September 07). The difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Retrieved November 03, 2019, from https://www.verywellmind.com/schizophrenia-versus-schizoaffective-disorder-2953129

Preda, A., MD, & Gans, S., MD. (2019, July 23). What are the positive symptoms in schizophrenia? Retrieved November 02, 2019, from https://www.verywellmind.com/positive-symptoms-in-schizophrenia-2953124

Smith, K. (2019, July 17). Schizophrenia: Understanding hallucinations and delusions. Retrieved November 03, 2019, from https://www.psycom.net/schizophrenia-hallucinations-delusions/

Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2019, June 11). Schizophrenia symptoms and coping tips. Retrieved November 02, 2019, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-signs-and-symptoms.htm

Telloian, C., & Swaim, E. (Eds.). (2015, August 06). Disorganized speech. Retrieved October 31, 2019, from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/disorganized-speech

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Mental Health
May, 15, 2020

Visit New York

I would like to lighten up the mood since we are stuck in quarantine. I am going to discuss my trip to New York this past summer.

Long Drive

My dad picked me up on Saturday, July 20th, 2019 around 7:30 AM. I was excited because I thought it would be a father-daughter trip up to New York. Once we settled in the car, we got breakfast at Chick-Fil-A , and he decided to tell me that we were going to pick up his friend, Kim. Great mood killed. It would have been nice if my dad told me this information the day before or ,even better, let me meet the lady he wanted to bring along for the ride. My dad should know that it takes a while for me to warm up to strangers, especially since I am an introvert and have social anxiety. Well Kim was from Long Island and my dad wanted to give her a dad. Of course, Kim started a conversation and she asked me so many questions. I knew what she was trying to do. She was to be my friend. I quickly answered her questions so I could enjoy the slient car ride to New York.

Arrival to New York

About nine years later, we finally arrived to Manhattan , NY. I could not believe it. Seeing all the tall buildings, looking at all the extravagant broadway and theatre signs, passing Times Square and many other iconic sites. I was a dream come true.

My dad told me that we were going to stay in Long Island since it was an around 30 minutes to get to Manhattan. We arrived at Kim’s aunt and uncle house. I was singing “hallelujah”! I thought we would drop her and we would not have to see her, well… ever. My dad and I would send time in a nice hotel away from her. I found it odd that she kept explaining how houses in the area did not have a central Ac/heating unit. Was she trying to do trivia with me of or something? It didn’t click until later on why she said what she said. Anway, we went to eat dinner at Ruby Tuesday. My dad decided to drop another bomb on me. We were going to stay with Kim and her family.

WHAT!

I panicked. I felt really uncomfortable with the idea of staying with a stranger and her family. I rushed to the bathroom and I sat on the bathroom for a few seconds. I called my mother and told her about the situation. It was so bad that I started to cry. My breathing was beginning to get faster and unsteady. All this happened, while I was on the phone with my mom. She help keeps me calm when I get like this. She told me that I had no choice but to talk to my dad. She was in NC. She had no way of reaching. I had to put on my “big girl” pants and tell him that it would me nice to stay in a hotel.

When I returned from the bathroom, and I tried to tell him that we should stay at a hotel. But that didn’t happen. I started to cry again, my breathing was shaky, the whole nine yards. So, my dad took me outside so I could practice my breathing exercises to calm my nerves and relieve my panic state. I try to tell my dad that I was uncomfortable I was but he said that they were nice. You can’t pull that card with someone who has social anxiety.

Kim suggested I go inside the rom and get a feel for it. I told her that my asthma might act up if I get too hot. So, I said i would “try it, even though I made up my mind that I was going to stay at a hotel. After we finished dinner, Kim asked the waiter for our bill. She got upset that the meals were on one bill instead of two. Like she was going to pay the bill. My dad was paying for the three of us. Kim recommend we get up and leave. This was my reaction:

Why would you want to do a dine and dash. This whole scenario reminded me of a certain family member.

What a “fantastic” night.

And Long story short, we ended up staying at a hotel.

First Broadway Show!

I convinced my dad that we should see the Lion King on Broadway. I already saw the show once with my mother when they came to DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center). It was the best time to see it since I saw the live-action version on Friday, July 19th with my mom and aunt. As it was getting close to show call, I reminded my dad that if I cry that I was going to okay. Before the show, we brought some merch to commemorate the moment. When the person who played, Rafiki, first came out and hit the high note, the one that gives you chills. It brought tears not only to my eyes but my dad eyes as well. Of course the show was phenomenal. Latered, I asked my dad why he cried. He told me that the way Rafiki moved and singed jogged his memory of his grandmother. “It was as if he was looking at a spirit” minus the stage makeup. This is something I will always remember. I can officially say I saw the Lion King with both my parents. After the show, we walk around the some more and I found LINE store! I took a picture with the character, Brown. We ate Panda express and went to the hotel to wrap up a beautiful day!

That's a Big Oreo

The was the “last” day I would be in New York before we leave to go to New Jersey. My dad took me the biggest Macy’s store. We went to several different stores to buy clothes. We made a Target run because it started to run and I left my rain gear in the car. Once, the rain stop we went to look for something to eat. One of my old classmates recommended Black Tap Restaurant. I’m happy my classmate to me about this place. Their burgers were fantastic. Their desserts were even better. My dad and I had to split the oreo milkshake and it even came with a great oreo. Super delicious! Great way to end dinner. As we were walking back to the car, it started to rain cats and dogs again. Finally, we made it to the parking garage. We ended the night by driving in rain, while passing Chinatown and listening to the slow jams. The next morning, we would be heading to another destination– New Jersey!

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle, Travel
Apr, 19, 2020

Working With People You Disagree With

During the spring semester, junior year, I had found out that there is someone who I do not like that is currently working at my second job (it was an internship prior). Around the end of April, I was dropping off some papers when I went to talk to my supervisor about a client I am working with and how the client is doing. As we were discussing and playing catch up, I looked up and noticed a familiar face from college. “I think I know that person.” I said. “Yeah, that’s Oscar. He is really nice.” My supervisor said. I told her that we went to school together and we are officers for the same club. The BCBA (Board certified behavior analyst) told me that he was hired earlier in the semester. I did not know how I felt about him working there. I wanted to tell her that he was not that nice of a person. The pressure inside me was rising because I could not believe he was working here and who knew what kind of stuff he said to get hired there.

Inductions

My reason for disliking him started at the day of inductions for Psi Chi, the International honor society for psychology. I was on my way to campus with Leah, current social chair at the time. She told me that Oscar was lying about his involvement with some of the clubs and/or fraternities. Leah told me that he told her that he was involved with the executive board for one club. The liaison officer of the club friend said that he was a part of the executive board since she was on it. He also misinformed other clubs about him being on the executive board of Psi Chi. I could not believe what I was hearing. How could he dishonest. He was trying to get on my good side by putting up a facade.

During the inductions, I got cheated out of the position of being vice president of the club because the past president, Erica, exaggerated that I wasn’t a good secretary and I was so bad at my position that I had to switch my position to Historian. Which was not the case. I had to recently got an internship in the fall (2018), working as a behavior technician at a local clinic that works with children and teens with autism called Behavior Consultation and Psychological Services (BCPS). I told Erica that if she needed me to attend our executive meeting that she would need to let me know ahead of time so I could time off work. However, when she scheduled a meeting, she texts us during our chat to meet late minute and I couldn’t attend because I was at work. It got so bad that I had to attend a case meeting because the group thought I banned my role as secretary. I told them that it was hard for me to attend meetings if I am only told one day to a few hours in advance. I could not just leave my job or text them back. I did not want to seem rude nor get in trouble. Everyone in the group seemed to understand. And that is why I went from Historian to Secretary. I did not expect that Erica would try to pull a move like that, especially since she was the only person that wanted Oscar to be President. No one voted from him expect Erica and Abby won the vote to be the club President.

Fall Semester

Coming back from summer break, I was a little on edge because I did not know how the school year would go because I was a little bit on edge from what happened a few months back. We met back up on the Sunday before class and we introduced to the whole team. Oscar led the meeting because he thought Abby implied that he should lead because she forgot her notes. He went over the role of each position. I believed that He also told us that we had to raise our hands if we wanted to talk or if we had a question. The group only had eight people. I am wondering why he was trying to be so formal with a group of college kids. When all we wanted to do was have fun while providing cool club ideas to our peers.

I was the only one who felt that Oscar would be overbearing. At our second meeting, he reemphasized my duties as Secretary and that I was “beneath” him and Abby since they were respectively, Vice President and President. IT MADE ME UPSET! All roles should be viewed equally regardless of what you have to do. It only got worse from here. He would cut people off when they were talking mid-sentence. He would make it seem that other people’s ideas were not appalling enough for his liking. He had the nerve to take his peers ideas and reword it to his liking and try to spin it off like it was he original idea. Another problem I had was the he did not put in a lot of effort in the club like myself and the other exec board but he had a lot of say input to those who contributed the most. The icing on the cake was how the group atmosphere felt when he was around. It did not feel welcoming and it so bad to the point where a lot of us wanted to quit being in the club. Some of us tried talking to the President about how the VP, she tried talking to him but it didn’t help. Nevertheless we persisted. A lot of people enjoyed our ideas and segments for the fall. Most of the them anyway.

Spring Semester: 2020

We regrouped after a month later, and much needed, winter break. Oscar was not there at the first group meeting. The atmosphere felt so light and welcoming. Everyone was able to voice without people not trying to talk over you or rejecting your ideas as not good. We had planned out the remaining semester: fundraising events, coffee conversations, and many other fun items. This semester was better than last semester because Oscar was not able to stay as long due to his work overlaying with the meeting of the club. Abby was able to lead without Oscar trying to intervene or lead. Though he calmed down some, he still suggested random ideas for us to try. During one of the exec meeting, Oscar told us how he lied to people to get out of them to support a club he helps. What in his right mind, would think that we would lie to people to get money. I can only imagine what he would do get a job or position. Not only that, some drama came up with a couple people within the group. I was only told the things that wanted me to know and I will not put other people’s business out without their permission. It is called respect.

I wish I could describe how other meetings and club events went; sadly, I do not know great those meeting would have been due to the virus. Regardless, I am happy that I was able to attend the meetings and meet my peers when I had the chance.

Tips on How to Interact with People that Clash with your Personality and Beliefs

These tips do not go in any particular order.

1. Accept that there are going to be people who are different than you and accept that you do not agree with everything that that person do.
2. Be aware of what emotions you are feeling.
3. Find healthy ways to communicate.
4. Do not take it personally and be defensive
5. If feel your anger rising faster than your thermostat, practice mindfulness.
6. Keep conversations short, if possible
7. Remember to always be kind! You do not want to be mean to the person because you reap what you sow and you do not want people being mean to you!

References

Chernyak, P., LPC. (2019, March 30). How to deal with people you don’t like. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-People-You-Don%27t-Like

Dodgson, L. (2017, June 27). 8 ways to deal with people that you don’t like. Retrieved April 13, 2020, from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/8-ways-to-deal-with-people-that-you-dont-like-a7810126.html

Patel, D. (2017, October 05). 12 ways successful people deal with people they dislike. Retrieved April 17, 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/deeppatel/2017/10/02/12-ways-successful-people-deal-with-people-they-dislike/#3f0737f7f2ba

Patel, D. (2019, March 11). 11 ways successful people deal with people they don’t like. Retrieved April 17, 2020, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/299719

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle
Apr, 12, 2020

Good Grief

First Week of March 2020

The first week of March was pretty stress. On Sunday my great Aunt Jean went into the hospital again. My grandmother, her only living sibling, went to visit her at the hospital. She was on life support when my grandmother visited that Sunday. I visited on Monday and she was breathing on her own. I had some hope that she would make. However, she was not waking up though. Tuesday, we found my aunt had a stroke at the back of the brain stem and she was put back on life support. The brain stem controls messages between the body and the brain; it controls your basic functions like breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and being sleep or wake. So when the brain stem got hurt, there was nothing the doctors, my family or I could do. Only Jesus could do the miraculous. If it was in His will for her to live, when the doctor took her off the life support she would have kept her breathing. However I had a feeling that it was only a matter on time before she would be with the Lord.

On Thursday, March 5th, her husband decided to take her on life support and she peacefully went to heaven. I was scared and I wept a lot that day. It was also reminded that there is one thing that no one can escape or avoid- and it’s death.

My aunt was not the only person in my family who passed away. About four months ago from March, my grandmother lost her niece to cancer. It was terminal. She left to be with Lord on Tuesday, November 12th.

Second Week of March (8th-14th)

Currently on spring break of my senior year in college; I was going through some shock and feeling a little down. I could not enjoy my break the way I wanted to because I had to attend a funeral on that Saturday. My mood lighten up a little bit, on Wednesday, March 11th is when I received an email from the IRB (Institutional Review Board) finally approved my senior thesis project. It took a little over two months of revision and editing on my IRB study. “Finally, I can start collecting data for my project” I told myself.

The next day, my family from Connecticut came down to celebrate the life of my aunt Jean. We hung out at the house they rented. Reminder, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) was a growing concern in the United States. We laughed and shared stories about our aunt; some of us were upset with her husband and the way her treated her up until her passing. He was not nicest person and was very arrogant. Nevertheless, we enjoyed each other company and it made me feel better.

On Friday, March 13th...

East Carolina University sent an email about extending our spring break to the following Friday, March 20th. I wanted to be happy but I couldn't. I put on a façade around my family because I was miserable. Colleges were transitioning to online classes due to COVID-19. Though I had two classes online already, it would not be a huge adjustment in my school schedule . However, reality did not hit me until a few days later. Regardless, I hung out with my family and we enjoyed each other company.
Saturday was the day of the funeral. My cousin and his family came down from Maryland. All the family wore some form of red (since red was her favorite color). The funeral was a little over an hour and it was beautiful. I do not want to go into details but I am going to miss her. She was so close to seeing me graduate college. She has been to all my graduation ceremonies starting from elementary school and all the way through high school. Overall, great to spend time with family.

I Haven't Felt This Sad in Awhile

On Sunday morning, my grandmother cooked breakfast for the family. That evening, my cousin from Maryland wife, Kerranne, made Jamaican food. I tried jerk chicken for the first time and it was amazing. Monday and Tuesday, I was slowly adjusting to my new temporal new normal. I still had work and family still in town. We switched from teaching dance in person to online. It was not bad but something to adjust too. By Wednesday, most of my family left to go back home and I had a chance to be by myself, I realized that I would not be able to collect data for my thesis. I have been working on thesis since the end of junior year (May 2019). I felt that all my hard work had gone to waste. I was so close to the finish line.

I cried a river. I felt defeated, I did all this hard work on preparing the powerpoint, data collection sheets, and any work on my thesis was swept away the virus. I felt that the end of senior year was ruined. My mother let me cry on her shoulder and talk out my frustration. She told me that it was not my fault that the virus was not contained when it first arrived in the States. She knew that I was not the only student who felt this way. She was right, I wasn’t the only one who felt this one. Crossing off travel plans, graduation data/grad pictures, prom, and so many other think. I feel sympathetic to the people who are in the same boat as me. All the 5th, 9th and 12th graders who are graduating this year like myself. I know that this pandemic is new to everyone but will get through this together.

Grief

Regardless if you had a loved one who recently passed, feeling extra sad about how the end of the school is turning out to be or whatever; you are probably experiencing a lot of emotions. Anger, guilt, sadness. Just like my mom told me, I could not blame myself for the virus coming to the United States. The same goes for the doctors who helped diagnose my aunt Jean when she was in the hospital. I know there are some people who will blame doctors for not doing enough; others will feel guilty for noticing the symptoms or checking up on them daily. While I felt sad about a lot of things happens over the course of a couple week. My therapist said that I was experiencing grief.

The American Psychological Association defines grief as the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of beloved one.

Stages of Grief

There are five stages of grief.

1. 1. Denial is the first stage of grief process. When you are in denial, you are trying to figure out what happened and understand why it happened, while trying not to acknowledge what has happened. You are in disbelief.
  2. Anger is the second stage of grief. Many people will feel angry when that special person or pet passes away. Sometimes it is the emotion people release first. It is expressed by getting upset or showing rage when you experience emotional discomfort.
  3. Bargaining is the third stage of grief. You feel desperate to the point that you are willing to do anything to relieve the emotional pain. Basically, you are offering request to God, someone of higher status, to try to change the current outcome of the situation. During this stage, you focus on personal faults or regrets.
  4. Depression is the fourth stage of grief. You are slowly starting to come to the reality of what happened. Sadness begins to grow, tend to isolate yourself and become less social.
  5. Acceptance is the final stage of grief. You are at the point where you do not feel any pain.

Remember, that grief is nonlinear.

Encouragement

Remember that grief is NOT the same for everyone.

1. Offer support the best way you can while trying not to fix them.
2. Seek support from family, friends, or people you can trust.
3. Acknowledge what you are feeling. Remember that grief is the natural process of loss.
4. Give yourself time to go through the process.
5. Find a support group.
6. Go to a therapist to help guide your thoughts and emotions.

I am no expert on how one should who grieve but I do that if you read the articles, find the right to confide in, and give yourself the proper time, will be okay in the end. Remember, “tough times never last forever but tough people do”-Robert S. Schuller.

References

Clarke, J., MA. (2020, March 21). What to know about the five stages of grief. Retrieved April 7, 2020, from https://www.verywellmind.com/five-stages-of-grief-4175361

Cohut, M., Ph.D. (2017, November 10). How to cope with grief. Retrieved April 7, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320032#Acknowledge-and-accept-your-feelings

Holland, K. (2018, September 25). What You Should Know About the Stages of Grief. Retrieved April 7, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief#background

Smith, M., MA, Robinson, L., & Segal, J., Ph.D. (2019, November). Coping with grief and loss. Retrieved April 7, 2020, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Psychology
Apr, 05, 2020

Going Downtown for The First Time

Date: Around Beginning of May 2019

A friend met up with me after I helped out with the department of Psychology graduation on Friday, May 8th. I was a junior marshal. My friend, Aicha, said that she was going to celebrate her 21st birthday party tomorrow (Saturday night). I told her that I would come to celebrate with her and her friends. Side note, I really that she was older because of the way she partied when we were in France a few months back. Anyway, she “snapchatted” me what apartment complex she was living in and the plans for that night. From 10-12 pm, the guests would play/chat/drink at the apartment. Once midnight struck, we would go downtown using Uber and bar hop.

You have to understand that I have NEVER been downtown before. Me being the introvert that I am, being in crowded places and going to social events that deal with a lot of people drains my “social battery” quickly. Lucky I was with another person named Megan, who understood the feeling I was going through. Just thinking about being in a cramped place (mostly) gave me anxiety and something I was not looking forward too. Megan and I met once before at a French minor/major soiree a couple of weeks prior.

Anyway, I chatted with a couple of people at Aicha’s apartment as more guest was coming to her place to celebrate her becoming legal. As midnight was approaching, Aicha asked me if I wanted to go out with them. Oh boy, here comes my indecisive brain making choices. I told her that was not entirely sure if I wanted to go out. Downtown wasn’t my type of scenery. Regardless of what my decision was, she thanked me for coming out.

After a few minutes of arguing back and forth in my head, I finally decided to go downtown with my friend and her crew. When we arrived downtown, I did not realize that I would need to cash with me. Reminder: Partying and going downtown are not my typical scenery on a Saturday evening. We get to the first club called Still Life. They told us that it would be five dollars to get in the club or any club downtown for that matter.

Rant: I know some people who go downtown or party every weekend, especially being in college. I know I cannot afford to go clubbing like some partygoers. Spending five dollars will add up, plus whatever you spend on food and drinks. I repeat, I couldn’t do it or afford it.

They told us to get in the VIP line but it was to do so since you needed a card. So Megan and I went to a bar down the road. I did not like this bar, it was too crowded and you had to bump people in order to move around. We each got one drink and waited for the rest of the party to get out of the Still Life. At least 10 minutes went by when they texted us that they were leaving.

Megan and I waited on the curb and I tipsy and drunk college students. Some wobbling and some have people assisting them to walk. At this point, I was already to go home because my battery was beeping and telling me that I did to recharge and go to bed. I wanted something to eat as well but I left my car at Aisha’s apartment complex.

Long story short, we went to one more bar before Aicha went home early because she felt nauseated. Megan and I took a Lyft back and I dropped her to her place. And I was finally able to get some to snack on before going to bed.

Word of Advice

Be willing to try something that makes you comfortable because it is the only way to see what you will be able to handle. Uncomfortable situations helps us develop as a person and you will learn new things about ourselves that we may not have known if we didn’t step out of our comfort zone.

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle, School
Mar, 29, 2020

Debating One Dropping That Class

Date: 1/8/2019

I am currently debating whether I should take a class that has bad reviews on the teacher. Honestly, I am excited to take a class on my heritage, the History of African-Americans. I know that I am capable of taking this class, but I know last semester I was going through last with my mental health that it resulted in being burnout and lack the motivation to do anything. I am scared that it could possibly happen again this semester. I know I can be doubtful at times but I have to take care of my health, so one day I can give tips to others who might go through something similar.

Students in the past have said that this teacher, in particular, does not give good lectures and expects you to know what the teacher is talking about. I haven’t had too many professors that were like this, luckily for me but not for others. Despite the reviews online, I wanted to check out the professor myself. If the reviews were right then I would drop the class and hope I could add another class at the same time. If the reviews were wrong, then I would keep the class.

It is two in the afternoon, I am sitting in the class and the professor goes over the syllabus. One thing “ALL” students love. The professor said that there would only FOUR grades for the entire semester. Four! Two exams, a paper, and the final exam. I was screaming internally. My body was trying not to panic in front of my classmates. Does this professor not understand how bad having four grades can be? The exams and paper were worth 25% each. If I need bad on one thing, then I really have to make sure that I do well on the other things. I told my mother about the class and my current situation. She said that I should do what is in my best interest. So, I ended up dropping the class and getting another class that would complete my minor but I know others are not as lucky as I am.

What did I learn?

I learned that some professors are willing to work with students. I was surprised by how nice the Political science office lady was. She said that she was able to put me in the class since it was already full. I was thinking about a stereotypical scenario where I would sit at the desk and the professor would say that they could not do anything about it and I should have signed up for the class before it got full. However, the lady and I talked about what we did over the break. You know the one thing some introverts like me, don’t like small talk. I thanked her for helping me out and said “Happy birthday!” since she saw the 21st badge. I also helped that I had the professor before. He taught an intro to leadership course during my freshman year.

Encouragement

Make sure that you read the syllabus on how to email your professor. Some professors will let you know what to put in the subject heading. Most professors are willing to help you if you ask properly. A few professors might not answer their emails, the next thing to do is to visit them during office hours. When you look at your college department website, there is a section for you to look for faculty. Click on your professor’s name and it will give you the location of their office. The majority of professors will post their office hours. Visit the professor during their set hours to discuss why you would like to be in their class.

For those, you are able to switch the class, make a point to show up to the course you switched into. Especially if the professor helped you get into the class. When they see students who do not show up to class, the professor might not want to help other students switch into their class and it could mess up future opportunities for students who really need that class. Be a good student by being attentive in class. I know it can be hard since most students like to take their computer to surf the internet. Take a notebook instead. You will remember things better when you write your notes instead of taking notes. In case, you are a slow writer like me, take notes on the computer, then transcribe the notes on paper. Be creative and use different colored pens or highlighters to highlight important dates, vocabulary, etc.

For those, you are not as lucky to switch classes like I was, still try your best to succeed in the class. As you progress through the class and the class is harder than expected, go to the professor office hours to see if they are able to explain in detail what you did not understand from the homework, exams, quizzes, etc. If the professor is the kind that is too intelligent to explain it in layman’s terms, go to the tutoring center. The tutoring center would have tutors for the classes that are difficult. If there is no tutor for that class available, see if a classmate will explain what you do not understand. Assuming that your classmate says yes, look at how they take notes and make their study guides. If the classmate says no, then go online to read different articles and videos on concepts that are harder for you to grasp. You have the ability to use your phone and computer access information that some people in parts of the world do not know. Use it to your advantage.

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle, School
Mar, 22, 2020

Self-Reflection on Life

This is Another Poem Written Around the time my Grandmother's only living sibling--my great-aunt-- passed away and before the pandemic got extremely worse in the United States.

Title: If I Die

If I die tomorrow, would I be happy?

Yes, I would!

I lived my life helping others, learning new things and being goal-oriented!

But also, no, I had many emotions that caused me to not act like myself.

If I could, I would go back to change some things I have done. But you can’t, you can only reflect on your past.

Would you be happy?

With the life you left behind?

Did you live a life filled with purpose and joy or was it filled with pain, misery, and sorrow?

Can you say that you treated people with respect, love and kindness?

IF not, what would you change about the way you treated people? The mistakes you made? The life you created for yourself?

Think about these questions as each day goes by.

Remember that you can only get one life here on earth.

And you NEVER know when our creator, Jesus, will call you to be home with Him.

IF I die tomorrow,

Would you be happy with the life you would leave behind?

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle
Mar, 18, 2020

Don’t Apologize

I wrote this poem during an interaction I had with an hispanic woman who was speaking Spanish to her mother we were leaving the doctor’s office. She apologized to me for speaking to her mother.

Don’t Apologize for your size.

Nobody’s shape is the same.

Don’t apologize for the way you look.

You can make your own beauty expectations.

Don’t apologize for speaking or learning a different language.

Do you know how many people you can help and connect with?

Don’t apologize for your voice.

Your tone can inspire, change, and move a community to be the best they can be and to be positive.

Don’t apologize for your religion.

We are all trying to live by our practices and standards to be a respectable, kind, and lovable. person.

Don’t apologize for your race.

One skin tone is not superior over another skin tone.

Being an unkind person will not help be successful in life;

Because we are not made to do life alone. So do not let negative words pierce your positive vibes.

Remember we have several ways to interact and connect with the people of the world.

Regardless of loss of one or more sense, abnormal brain development, missing a limb, etc.

We can train our brains to adapt and motivate, respond and react positively towards people who do not like ourselves.

So, DO NOT apologize for who you are.

The world is beautiful with you in it!

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle
Mar, 15, 2020

Attachment Styles in Child

What is an Attachment?

In psychology, attachment is the emotional relation that links us to other people like our parents. Also, it describes the emotional and physical bond that is created between the infant/child and their caregiver (typically a parent). This theory is called attachment theory. Attachment theory was originated by John Bowlby.

Stranger Situation Study

The Stranger situation was created by psychologist Mary Ainsworth. It is an experimental procedure in which an infant’s reaction is monitored when their mother leaves the child in the room.

The study consisted of a sequence of events involving the participants (child, mother, and stranger). The procedure was comprised of eight episodes:

1. Mother carries the baby into the room while accompanied by an observer.
2. Mother placed the baby at a specific point in the room for the next three minutes. Mother sat quietly in a chair and would not engage with her baby unless the baby wanted attention.
3. A stranger entered the room and causally plays with baby while the mother is in the room. Eventually the other leaves the room
4. If the baby wanted to play then the stranger wouldn’t engage in pay with the child. If the baby was inactive, the stranger would try to engage with baby. However if the infant was distressed, the stranger tires to comfort or distract the baby.
5. Mother enters to see how the baby would respond when they saw her. Stranger leaves the room. After the baby settled in by playing with toys. Then the mother leaves after saying “bye-bye.”
6. The baby is alone for three minutes
7. Stranger enters the room and behaves like step four.
8. Mother comes back to the room. Stranger leaves. The experiment is done.

Dr. Ainsworth scored the behaviors on a 7-point scale between five classes: proximity and contact-seeking behaviors, contact-maintaining, proximity- and interaction-avoiding , contact-and interaction-resisting and search.

The Main Attachment Styles

There are four styles of attachment styles that have been discovered from the Stranger Situation study: secure, avoidant, ambivalent and disorganized/disoriented.

Secure Attachment

Secure attachment is when the parent(s) provide a reliable and secure base that makes their children feel confident. The children also feels confident in their parent’s availability. The parent is sensitive to respond when needed while the child explores the environment freely. When the child is able to explore the environment freely, there is a haven of safety created by the parents whenever the child feels distressed. The child can rely on the parent for comfort.

Ambivalent Attachment

Ambivalent attachment, known as anxious-resistent or preoccupied attachment, is when the child is not able to predict their parent availability. The parent are not responsive to the emotional needs. The child feels like the parent is unreliable because the parent does not respond to their needs at the given time. The child will develop an anxious pattern of attachment in which they are uncertain if they stranger will respond to their need or the parent will. Mothers do not let their child adventure off, explore and engage in autonomous activities (thinking for oneself and feeling independent).

Avoidant Attachment

Avoidant Attachment, known as anxious-avoidant attachment, is when the child ignores or avoid their parent. The parent is unavailable to the emotional needs or is not responsive to their child most of the time. The child learns prematurely how to be independent. It suppresses their desire to seek out their parent for comfort. Child build defensive mechanisms from the rejection by the parent to feel safe and relieve emotions of distress. The chid relies on self-soothing (conscious breathing, engaging positive self talk, …) and opportunities that seek attachment or support from others.

Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment

Disorganized/Disoriented attachment was the fourth classification brought up by research Mary Main and Judith Solomon. Their research found that the parents can’t create a secure base for their child. The child will show inconsistent and often contradictory behavior because their parents are unpredictable and send mix signals by being avoidant or resistant. Children are naturally hardwire to seek comfort from their parents but are afraid to do so. Child are described to have erratic or dazed behavior. Children with disorganized/disoriented attachment can develop into one of the other attachment styles.

There will be two other posts that will discuss the parenting style on each attachment and how these attachment styles influence the relationship in adulthood.

References

Ainsworth, M. (1978). The Bowlby-Ainsworth attachment theory. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 1(3), 436-438. doi:10.1017/S0140525X00075828

Ainsworth, M. D. S., & Bell, S. M. (1970). Attachment, exploration, and separation: Illustrated by the behavior of one-year-olds in a strange situation. Child development, 49-67. doi:10.2307/1127388

Cassidy, J., & Berlin, L. J. (1994). The insecure/ambivalent pattern of attachment: Theory and research. Child development, 65(4), 971-991. doi:10.2307/1131298

Cassidy, J., Jones, J., & Shaver, P. (2013). Contributions of attachment theory and research: A framework for future research, translation, and policy. Development and Psychopathology, 25(4pt2), 1415-1434. doi:10.1017/S0954579413000692

Catlett, J., M.A. (2018, December 28). Avoidant attachment: Understanding insecure avoidant attachment. Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://www.psychalive.org/anxious-avoidant-attachment/ Davis, S. (2018, October 22). Anxious/ambivalent attachment style: An examination of its causes and how it affects adult relationships. Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://cptsdfoundation.org/2018/10/22/anxious-ambivalent-attachment-style-an-examination-of-its-causes-and-how-it-affects-adult-relationships/

Duschinsky R. (2015). The emergence of the disorganized/disoriented (D) attachment classification, 1979-1982. History of psychology, 18(1), 32–46.

Firestone, L., Ph.D. (2019, March 14). Disorganized attachment: How attachment forms & how it can be healed. Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://www.psychalive.org/disorganized-attachment/

Howe T.R. (2011) Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment. In: Goldstein S., Naglieri J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA

McLeod, S. (2018, August 5). Mary Ainsworth. Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/mary-ainsworth.html#sec

Mikko J. Peltola, Marinus H. van IJzendoorn, Santeri Yrttiaho. (2020) Attachment security and cortical responses to fearful faces in infants. Attachment & Human Development 22:2, pages 174-188.

Orloff, J., M.D. (2018, October 18). Self-soothing strategies: 8 ways to calm anxiety and stress. Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empaths-survival-guide/201810/self-soothing-strategies-8-ways-calm-anxiety-and-stress

Pelly, J., M.A. (2019, September 27). What Is Avoidant Attachment? Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/avoidant-attachment#what-does-it-look-like

Pelly, J., M.A. (2019, September 27). What is disorganized attachment? Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/disorganized-attachment#prevention

Plotka R. (2011) Ambivalent Attachment. In: Goldstein S., Naglieri J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA

Weinhold, J. (2018, July 24). Are you attachment-informed? Retrieved March 08, 2020, from https://coprofdevcenter.org/are-you-attachment-informed/

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Psychology
Mar, 08, 2020

My Mentors

January is National Mentoring Month

In 2002, Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR (National Mentoring Partnership) launched a national movement to promote and recognize mentors for their positive impact on the youth.

Mentors are people who can provide guidance and support. Mentors have experience on things the youth could be currently going through. I asked Mr. Taimak and Portia Willis of Greenville if I could interview their journey as mentors. They answered a few questions. They are mentors and leaders of the Bridge at Koinonia Christian Center (KCC).

The Bridge is a young adult ministry for people between 18 to 35; that helps enhance, encourage and empower people.

How did their Story Began?

In 2015, KCC was looking for people who were willing and available to lead the Bridge Ministry. Mr. Taimak and Portia were the couple willing to lead the Bridge into greatness. I wanted to know why did they want to become a mentor? Mrs. Portia believed it was her duty to give back and be able to share information to those who need it. Mr. Taimak responded to the question by saying “I had to always been a mentor for kids since he was in high school.” he continued to state that mentors are what is being missed in the community. That’s true. About 1 in 3 young individuals will grow up without a mentor. It is important to have mentors that guide and influence growth in children to do more beyond what they think is impossible.

Most Difficult and Best Leadership

As they were developing to become mentors, I asked them what leadership skills were the most difficult to develop? Mr. Taimak said communicating what your need while being real and supportive. The most challenging skill for Mrs. Portia was her logical side (things that make sense) tapping into the spiritual side (taking time to develop with God). Another challenging skill was “speaking the truth in love.” What she meant by her quote was speaking so people will not feel offended by what you say.

Now, let’s shift gears and speak about your best leadership skills you have developed as mentors. Mr. Taimak chimed in by saying that caring about people. Letting people know that care about them as a person. Mrs. Portia commented being intuitive. Being able to hear what others are saying without being forward.

Approaching The Work-Family Life

“Effective communication is key to balancing work-family and being appropriately serious about the right things such as God and family” said by Mr. Taimak. Carrying on the conversation by explaining the need to having a social life as well. I added that if you are constantly going to helping your family, working at your job, and providing for the community, you can get burned out. It is important to take time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Mr. Taimak pointed out that it takes focus, having fun and being able to finish tasks. You need a strategic plan. You will need to be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations because you are not going to know how to do everything. You can’t sprout your seed and grow if you are living comfortable. Mrs. Portia noted that having conversations with young woman about what it means to be successful and discuss the behind the scenes (the daily effort and foundation) as well.

How Do You Want People to View You?

They wanted to be viewed as a couple who love each other, people who serve God, the people around them and their children.

Conclusion

I appreciate my mentors taking the time out of their busy lives to answer my questions. I am grateful to have a couple to look up too. I enjoyed getting to know who they are. This is one story of many mentors who inspire people like me.

How has your mentor impacted your life?

Have you told your mentor “Thank you?”

Would you become a mentor? I know I have!

For more information on the Bridge and National Mentoring Month, please click the embedded links below!

The Bridge at KCC

National Mentor Month

Teleaha Dozier-Grady
Lifestyle
Mar, 01, 2020

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What is Schizophrenia?

Signs and Symptoms

Positive Symptoms

Hallucinations

Delusions

Disorganized Speech, Thoughts and Behavior

Negative Symptoms

References

Long Drive

Arrival to New York

First Broadway Show!

That's a Big Oreo

Inductions

Fall Semester

Spring Semester: 2020

Tips on How to Interact with People that Clash with your Personality and Beliefs

References

First Week of March 2020

Second Week of March (8th-14th)

On Friday, March 13th...

I Haven't Felt This Sad in Awhile

Grief

Stages of Grief

Encouragement

References

Date: Around Beginning of May 2019

Word of Advice

Date: 1/8/2019

What did I learn?

Encouragement

This is Another Poem Written Around the time my Grandmother's only living sibling--my great-aunt-- passed away and before the pandemic got extremely worse in the United States.

What is an Attachment?

Stranger Situation Study

The Main Attachment Styles

Secure Attachment

Ambivalent Attachment

Avoidant Attachment

Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment

References

January is National Mentoring Month

How did their Story Began?

Who influenced you to become a mentors?

Most Difficult and Best Leadership

Approaching The Work-Family Life

How Do You Want People to View You?

Conclusion

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