Chapter 1: Introduction to Sensitivity Theory

In my role as a systems engineer within one of Canada's leading banks, I focus on crafting innovative solutions and resolving intricate issues without straightforward answers. This journey has inspired me to launch a YouTube channel dedicated to expanding awareness about schizophrenia.

You might wonder about my qualifications to discuss this topic. I have a personal connection, as both my aunt and sister have battled this condition; my sister's struggles began during her second or third year at university. Observing her journey has led me to perceive her case as quite severe.

I'm married with three children: two sons, Ethan (18) and Logan (12), and a daughter, Meva (8). All three are exceptionally talented, much like my sister and me. However, I feel that schizophrenia has robbed my sister of her potential, which fuels my determination to shield my children from this illness.

Schizophrenia often emerges as individuals begin their adult lives, leading to a significant loss of potential for those affected. Witnessing my sister's experience, especially given that she is only two years my senior, highlights the stark differences in our paths.

Recently, I encountered a shift in my own thinking, a change I can only describe as a step closer to understanding schizophrenia, though I have no symptoms. This transformation stems from workplace stress that made me acutely aware of shifts in my cognitive processes.

My epiphany struck while reading an article noting the absence of schizophrenia in individuals born blind or with congenital blindness. This observation resonated with me, even though the scientists behind the findings remain uncertain about the protective factors at play.

While I can't confirm the accuracy of my theory, it aligns with existing research and the experiences of many living with the illness. I aspire to explore this theory further with you and gather insights from your experiences.

My hope is that regardless of the theory's validity, it promotes a deeper understanding of mental health issues, particularly schizophrenia. I aim to frame my observations around my sister’s experiences and the rationale behind my conclusions.

Despite the years of research, schizophrenia remains poorly understood. A significant factor is that individuals with the illness often struggle to comprehend their experiences, while healthcare professionals observe from an external perspective, often missing key insights.

I find myself positioned uniquely between these two perspectives, striving for a more comprehensive understanding. My work in IT requires me to challenge flawed assumptions and reassess my thinking constantly. Unlike diabetes, for which concrete tests exist, schizophrenia lacks definitive diagnostic measures.

Context and perspective are crucial in understanding complex issues. My varied experiences as a BIPOC individual have heightened my sensitivity to the nuances of personality and circumstance, informing my observations.

I liken the human brain to a computer, operating with a CPU and memory, or a neural processor akin to ChatGPT. My daily troubleshooting in IT parallels the need for clarity in understanding mental health.

Through my sister’s experiences, I've recognized that true understanding arises from recognizing and experiencing phenomena firsthand. Initial exposure to illness can be disorienting, but once you've seen it, you gain a valuable frame of reference that empowers you to seek improvement.

Similar to traditional medicine, where healthy living can manage conditions, I believe a comparable strategy applies to schizophrenia. However, with limited understanding of the illness, we rely on broad guidelines for prevention and treatment. I aim to change that.

Given this background, I will now present my perspective on what I believe to be the root cause of schizophrenia—hyper-sensitivity. This condition emerges from our physical senses and their acuity, which in turn influences our emotional sensitivity.

These sensitivities are shaped by both physical and emotional traumas experienced throughout our lives, from conception onward. Studies indicate that risk factors may manifest during pregnancy, heightening the likelihood of developing mental illnesses like schizophrenia later in life.

From my observations, various biological and psychological factors, along with established risk factors, can be understood through the lens of sensitivity. This perspective sheds light on how stress exacerbates sensitivity, potentially leading to psychosis.

Numerous articles and personal accounts reinforce the notion that many who develop mental health issues often describe themselves as sensitive children or as having faced trauma early in life.

This insight carries significant implications: it suggests that we all exist on a spectrum of mental health, and anyone could potentially develop schizophrenia. Initially, I viewed myself as healthy, and my sister as unwell, but this perspective has shifted.

A Florida doctor, upon reviewing my family history, helped me realize that my sister and I share a similar sensitivity, with her having crossed into illness due to her heightened sensitivity. However, there is hope—appropriate treatment can facilitate recovery.

I would like to acknowledge Lauren from the channel "Living Well with Schizophrenia," whose insights have greatly influenced my understanding of the illness and contributed to my theory development.

I invite you to share your experiences with schizophrenia, comparing them to mine and my sister's. Interestingly, I find parallels between my internal dialogues and those described by others in psychosis. Exploring this further in subsequent videos is a priority for me.

In my next post, I will discuss how my theory correlates with risk factors and why I believe that schizophrenia typically manifests during puberty.

The first video presents a unified theory of schizophrenia, examining how sensitivity can lead to mental overload.

The second video features Karl Friston discussing the connections between schizophrenia, autism, and the Free Energy Principle.