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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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No One Cares About Crazy People summary
Ron Powers
The Chaos and Heartbreak of Mental Health in America
13 mins
Brief summary
No One Cares About Crazy People by Ron Powers explores the history and treatment of mental illness in America through the lens of his own family's experience. It offers a powerful critique of the current system and a call to action for change.
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No One Cares About Crazy People
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Schizophrenia is a mental disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors, and it can be devastating.
Schizophrenia can be an incredibly debilitating mental illness. It radically alters the brain, and may diminish a person’s ability to function within society. Certain genes that may contribute to the onset of the disorder exist in the brains of people with schizophrenia from birth, but symptoms usually don’t present until adolescence, when the brain begins pruning cells.
This pruning process, which tends to occur during a person’s late teens and early twenties, destroys particular cortical synapses, the brain structures that facilitate communication between neighboring cells. Destroying these synapses is the brain’s way of cleaning house and making space for new synapses crucial to adult life.
But there’s a problem. When the old synapses are pruned, the genes involved in schizophrenia come to life, filling in the gaps. If these genes are then activated – by stressful environmental conditions, for instance, or marijuana abuse – the affected person enters what’s known as the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. During this phase, no major behavioral differences are necessarily discernible. However, this phase often leads to a psychotic breakdown, which may manifest in a number of ways, including paranoid delusions or delusions of grandeur. This often grabs the attention of friends and family, making them, and the person affected, painfully aware of the disorder’s existence.
That all being said, the onset of schizophrenia is always the result of external triggers. Stress is one of the most common, so it’s no coincidence that schizophrenia often dawns as a young mind begins facing serious stress for the first time, whether it be related to school, socializing or a first heartbreak. Any and all of these can jumpstart the prodromal phase of the disorder.
Another major external trigger is cannabis use, which can predispose a person to all manner of psychotic disorders – including schizophrenia – if the genes for those disorders are present. A recent article published in the Wall Street Journal cited research by many prestigious medical journals, like the Lancet, which confirmed the link between cannabis use and psychosis.
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What is No One Cares About Crazy People about?
No One Cares About Crazy People (2017) takes a detailed look at the history of mental-health care in America. These blinks explore the current state of psychiatric care, how it came to be the way it is and how the changing trajectory of treatment has affected both patients and society.
No One Cares About Crazy People Review
No One Cares About Crazy People (2017) by Ron Powers sheds light on the struggles and injustices faced by individuals with mental illnesses and their families. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a compelling exploration of the history of mental illness, providing valuable insights into societal attitudes and the need for reform.
- The book combines intimate personal stories with rigorous research, painting a comprehensive picture of the complexities surrounding mental health.
- With its thought-provoking perspectives on policy, compassion, and human rights, it challenges readers to question their own beliefs and advocate for change.
Best quote from No One Cares About Crazy People
Reports of mental health problems among state prison inmates have reached a rate of 52%.
—Ron Powers
Who should read No One Cares About Crazy People?
- People struggling with mental illness
- Students of psychology, psychiatry and social work
- Anyone who believes in giving a voice to the voiceless
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No One Cares About Crazy People FAQs
What is the main message of No One Cares About Crazy People?
The main message of No One Cares About Crazy People is an exploration of mental illness, its impact on families, and the need for compassion and understanding.
How long does it take to read No One Cares About Crazy People?
The reading time for No One Cares About Crazy People varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is No One Cares About Crazy People a good book? Is it worth reading?
No One Cares About Crazy People is a powerful book that offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of mental illness. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of No One Cares About Crazy People?
The author of No One Cares About Crazy People is Ron Powers.
What to read after No One Cares About Crazy People?
If you're wondering what to read next after No One Cares About Crazy People, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker
- An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal
- Shrinks by Jeffrey A. Lieberman and Ogi Ogas
- Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety by Drew Ramsey
- Our Malady by Timothy Snyder
- The Science and Technology of Growing Young by Sergey Young
- Deep Medicine by Eric Topol
- The Sleep Prescription by Aric Prather
- The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown