Major Themes
Another major theme in Sardy's book, which highlights the amount of time, supplies, money, and shelter which was allocated by Tom's friends and family while in the height of his schizophrenia and homelessness.
What is family and social support
Occurs when someone with schizophrenia sees objects or beings which are not there. Tom experienced this symptom when he saw cubes in the air and formed matrices.
What are visual hallucinations
Sardy and her family grew up here. It is where Tom sought treatment for his schizophrenia and it is regarded as the coldest and largest U.S state.
What is Alaska
This is the year Tom first began experiencing symptoms of psychosis.
What is 2002
Another one of Sardy's major themes, which focused on harmful beliefs and false accusations toward people with schizophrenia. Looks at the hardships that come about by living with schizophrenia around others.
What is stigma and misunderstanding
Occurs when someone with schizophrenia perceives sounds where there are none. Sardy's mother often commented about this symptom as she asked Marin if she heard the voices too.
What are auditory hallucinations
A sport Sardy participated in from 12-16. She commonly described this as an escape from her complicated homelife with her mother.
(Hint: A famous summer Olympic sport for woman featuring four different events)
What is gymnastics
During this year, Tom is arrested and experiences time in jail for the first time. He is eventually transferred to the API.
What is 2004
Another one of Sardy's major themes, which highlights the trouble she experienced coming to terms with the diagnoses of her mother and brother. She describes mourning her brother and mother while they were still alive due to their conditions.
What is acceptance and loss
Another common symptom of schizophrenia. This is marked by beliefs about the world which are objectively false. Tom experienced this in the belief that young women were being kidnapped and that it was his job to protect them.
What are delusions
His fashion sense is marked by bright colors, strange silhouettes and androgynous styles. Sardy identified with this famous figure and his fashion sense due to it's relation with schizophrenia.
(Hint: He was a famous artist all throughout the mid to late 1900s, commonly remembered with a lighting bolt drawn over his face)
Who is David Bowie
This is the year the news column 'Mr. Rain Jacket' is written about Tom during his time living without a home.
What is 2006
One of Sardy's major themes, which looked at places such as psychiatric hospitals or even jails. In her book, she examined the ways these places affect people.
What are treatment experiences
A common symptom of schizophrenia and the medication used to treat it. Tom experienced this affect in his movement, speech, and memory.
What are negative symptoms
Sardy began participating in this religion during her final year in Santa Fe, when attempting to make sense of the circumstances schizophrenia caused in her family.
(Hint: A Pagan religion characterized by creating altars, casting spells, and following the moon cycles.)
What is Wicca or pagan-witchcraft
This is the year Tom willingly seeks help for his schizophrenia. He goes to the API for the third and final time, while expressing his concerns about leaving.
What is 2014