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whispers: OK...done my own detective work and as far as I can tell on this persons MYSPACE is that this person is going by the name Christine/Calvin (one in the same) from Tampa? She is looking for "Schizophrenics" to join her site. she is also looking for someone to go swimming and have drinks with.

Continuing in the "just guessing" line, I suspect the connection may be via your myspaces account -- do you have some contact information there?

SE correct me if I am wrong. She may have better results by not calling persons who suffer from what science has labeled schizophrenia, QUOTE "LOOKING FOR SCHIZOPHRENICS". she also may have a better chance by going to her local bar. I am here for help and education. yes is good to socialize because it can become a lonely existence for sure I belong to that group.

I don't know what the individual's motives were or might be. To be sure, there are some shady characters out there -- I routinely receive spam in my offsite mailbox for everything from replica designer watches to 1001 ways to enhance my "manhood". If I wanted a "replica designer watch" or to date "lonely Christians" or "to increase my manhood" those mail notices might actually be useful to me, but I'm not interested in any of those things. Fortunately, most of those end up in my spam folder and I only see them when I empty it.

In your case, the background is a little more personal because the individual who contacted you has identified you as a "schizophrenic". That can feel like an intrusion because it means they know something about you and you know nothing of them. The label itself could also be construed as offensive to some but labels are also useful in terms of finding common ground. I suspect that this individual had no ill intentions but may be a little enthusiastic about sharing and promoting their community. They likely were not aware that their approach might be considered intrusive to the recipient. Personally, I don't mind wishing them much success although I hope they find a better means of promotion. I, too, try to share information and I may be more enthusiastic about it than others feel comfortable with. I also recognize the value of connecting socially with other people who have undergone similar experiences.

I would still like to know how this person got a hold of my email address if not for reading here at Psych Central??????????????????????????????????????

When I click on your personal profile, no information related to your personal email address is shown nor can I send you a private message to your onsite mailbox here at psychcentral. However, it is possible that this individual did find your information through this site if they read the thread where you shared your personal story and there is contact information at your blog. I suggest you check your profile settings on your blog and either remove the option of having users contact you personally or switch to a web-based mail server that you use solely for that purpose.

But I think it is time for me to go back into hibernation. Maybe I am missing something in this attempt to heal thy self??

I'm certain that many of the participants here can identify with that need to have time to themselves. I find it beneficial myself although I prefer to call it solitude, quietude or Silence. You should feel free to take the time you need but also feel free to participate when and if you feel comfortable doing so.

Continued best wishes to you in your recovery efforts, whispers.