EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT HAUNTINGS BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK:

Ghost come in all shapes and sizes, and in several different mental states. Their are crazy ghost mentally ill ghost and angry ghost. In most cases you don't know what your dealing with unless you really investigate the haunting or the history of the persons life who haunts the location. I often theorize that many ghost suffer from astral dementia. Are just "all ghost" plain nuts!

Story by Gina Lanier Artwork By Ricardo Pustanio.

I get questions in emails all the time asking me about classifications of ghost. some questions ask if all ghost are alike and haunt in the same fashion as others. I usually take the time to explain that all ghost and haunting's are not alike even though Television shows and books often just say they are, o r just cover the basics and types of haunting's.

Ghost just as people in life also in my opinion suffer from the same mental illness, dementia or delirium that they had in life, and carry out their continued existence as before they died. Well simply put if your crazy in life your crazy still in death.

Mental disorder or mental illness are terms used to refer to a psychological or physiological pattern that occurs in an individual and is usually associated with distress or disability that is not expected as part of normal development or culture. The recognition and understanding of mental disorders has changed over time it can happen in humans and animals and in my belief to ghost also. I think just because someone dies the mental illness does not go away. And predominates the who what's and where's why a ghost haunts a location.

Crazy, angry, delusional and psychotic and criminally insane or lost spooks and specters... Mentally tortured ghost ... yes! I as other leading paranormal investigators and scholars think or feel this is why they roam this earth... And they do haunt the living for the same reasons in death as in life.

"If Ghost are crazy what does it make the people who haunt them? Crazier?"

I think ghost can be lonely, happy and sad, I feel they are motivated by emotions and that's what many feel keep them here haunting us. A number of mental disturbances, such as melancholy, hysteria and phobia, were described long ago in Ancient Greece and Rome, while others such as schizophrenia may not have been recognized. Hippocrates considered the idea that mental illness may be related to biology.

Many mental health professionals, particularly psychiatrists, seek to diagnose individuals by ascertaining their particular mental disorder. Some professionals, for example some clinical psychologists, may avoid diagnosis in favor of other assessment methods such as formulation of a client's difficulties and circumstances. And is this not what we do as ghost hunters and Paranormal investigators.

Medieval Europe had focused on demonic possession as the explanation of aberrant behavior. Paracelsus used the word lunatic to describe behavior thought to be caused by the lunar effect Many other terms for mental disorder that found their way into everyday use have been traced to initial use in the 16th and 17th centuries. Shakespeare and his contemporaries frequently depicted mental disorders in their plays. Conditions of "shell shock" came to be recognized in war veterans and in my thoughts. And could this be what motivated a battlefield ghost? From the early study of mental illness through individuals such as Philippe Pinel, Sigmund Freud, and Alois Alzheimer, much has changed in the development and understanding of mental illness and continues to change today. But I think this should be applied to ghost haunting's.

Are we as Ghost hunters and Paranormal Investigators becoming the psycho analyst to the dead?

There are many different categories of mental disorder, and many different facets of human behavior and personality that can become disordered. And who to say we as humans do not carry this over with us when we die.

The state of anxiety or fear can become disordered, so that it is unusually intense or generalized over a prolonged period of time. And even more so at the end of a persons life in a tragic way. Commonly recognized categories of anxiety disorders include specific phobia, Generalized anxiety disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder. I believe many real ghost and haunting's are more associated with this then just ghost haunting a place to keep it as their own or in not having a place to go.

Relatively long lasting affective states can also become disordered. Mood disorder involving unusually intense and sustained sadness, melancholia or despair is know as Clinical depression (or Major depression), and may more generally be described as Emotional dysregulation. I believe these mental problmmatig ghost are those that haunt battlefields and and many homes across America and through out the world.

Milder but prolonged depression can be diagnosed as dysthymia. Bipolar disorder involves abnormally "high" or pressured mood states, known as mania or hypomania, alternating with normal or depressed mood. Whether unipolar and bipolar mood phenomena represent distinct categories of disorder, or whether they usually mix and merge together along a dimension or spectrum of mood, is under debate in the scientific literature. I think I can personally explain away a few of the residual haunting's I have come across as being connected to a bipolar ghost or two.

Patterns of belief, language use and perception can become disordered. Psychotic disorders centrally involving this domain include Schizophrenia and Delusional disorder. And who are we to say that those who remain to haunt the living are not suffering from such maladies Schizoaffective disorder is a category used for individuals showing aspects of both schizophrenia and affective disorders.

The fundamental characteristics of a person that influence his or her cognition's, motivations, and behaviors across situations and time - can be seen as disordered due to being abnormally rigid and maladaptive. Categorical schemes list a number of different personality disorders, such as those classed as eccentric (e.g. Paranoid personality disorder, Schizoid personality disorder, Schizotypal personality disorder), those described as dramatic or emotional (Antisocial personality disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Histrionic personality disorder, Narcissistic personality disorder) or those seen as fear-related (Avoidant personality disorder, Dependent personality disorder, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder). In my years of hunting ghost usually these attributes are associated with the actions or motives of the ghost that is haunting a house or hospital.

There may be an emerging consensus that personality disorders, like personality traits in the normal range, incorporate a mixture of more acute dysfunctional behaviors that resolve in relatively short periods, and maladaptive temperamental traits that are relatively more stable. Non-categorical schemes may rate individuals via a profile across different dimensions of personality that are not seen as cut off from normal personality variation, commonly through schemes based on the Big Five personality traits.

Other disorders may involve other attributes of human functioning. Eating practices can be disordered, at least in relatively rich industrialized areas, with either compulsive over-eating or under-eating or binging. I once investigated a haunting associated with a refrigerator.

Categories of disorder in this area include Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa or Binge eating disorder. Sleep disorders such as Insomnia also exist and can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Could many of the ghost in bedrooms be that of a deceased person who suffered insomnia and wondering who is that sleeping in my bed?

Sexual and gender identity disorders, such as Dyspareunia or Gender identity disorder or ego-dystonic homosexuality. People who are abnormally unable to resist urges, or impulses, to perform acts that could be harmful to themselves or others, may be classed as having an impulse control disorder, including various kinds of Tic disorders such as Tourette's Syndrome, and disorders such as Kleptomania (stealing) or Pyromania (fire-setting). Substance-use disorders include Substance abuse disorder. Addictive gambling may be classed as a disorder. Inability to sufficiently adjust to life circumstances may be classed as an Adjustment disorder. The category of adjustment disorder is usually reserved for problems beginning within three months of the event or situation and ending within six months after the stressor stops or is eliminated. It seems to me that many ghost and haunting's of residual types often run in this pattern.

People who suffer severe disturbances of their self-identity, memory and general awareness of themselves and their surroundings may be classed as having a Dissociative identity disorder, such as Depersonalization disorder or Dissociative Identify Disorder itself (which has also been called multiple personality disorder, or "split personality".). Factitious disorders, such as Munchausen syndrome, also exist where symptoms are experienced and/or reported for personal gain.

Disorders appearing to originate in the body, but thought to be mental, are known as somatoform disorders, including Somatization disorder. There are also disorders of the perception of the body, including Body dysmorphic disorder. Neurasthenia is a category involving somatic complaints as well as fatigue and low spirits/depression, which is officially recognized by the ICD-10 but not by the DSM-IV. Memory or cognitive disorders, such as amnesia or Alzheimer's disease exist.

Some disorders are thought to usually first occur in the context of early childhood development, although they may continue into adulthood. The category of Specific developmental disorder may be used to refer to circumscribed patterns of disorder in particular learning skills, motor skills, or communication skills. Disorder which appears more generalized may be classed as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) also known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD); these include autism, Asperger's, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and other types of PDD whose exact diagnosis may not be specified. Other disorders mainly or first occurring in childhood include Reactive attachment disorder; Separation Anxiety Disorder; Oppositional Defiant Disorder; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Do ghost Fear us?

A phobia (from Greek: phobos, "fear"), is an irrational, intense, persistent fear of certain situations, objects, activities, or persons. The main symptom of this disorder is the excessive, unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. When the fear is beyond one's control, or if the fear is interfering with daily life, then a diagnosis under one of the anxiety disorders can be made.

I am not a psychic and am not in the habit of making predictions. However, I do anticipate much more interest in these areas of the paranormal, the unexplained and Ghosts in general. I think that with technological advances further proof of the paranormal will be available to us very soon. I use conventional and sometimes just out of the ordinary equipment. I once encountered a a real Ghost once at the Babylon Mardi Gras Float Den that would unplug a radio if he did not like the music that was playing.

I also have come across many ghost that seem to be shy are do things in a home or business location when no one is present. Their or many tales of people coming home to find things rearranged or broken. And many times the same type of occurrences when the household is asleep.

I feel that Groups need to stress the & steps of ghost hunting and understand that many of the phantoms that cross our paths may be mentally unstable or just down right crazy and capeable of many strange acts and actions.

 

These Seven Simple Steps To Becoming A Ghost hunter/Paranormal Investigator have helped many that I let tag along with me, I hope it is a help to you and getting your ghost hunting, chasing, or paranormal Investigation under way:

The starting point of many great haunted adventures has been these seven simple steps. This is how many have begun. Remember most in the field of ghost hunting It is a profession that is mostly self taught.

1. Set a goal to capture a ghost on film, or EVP's or witness a haunting.

Back it up with a burning desire to research and get out and do it... Just sitting their reading this is the start, but go seek out a haunting. Investigate the known facts of what others say is happening. Question it! And of course do you believe it?

Did the ghost of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau of New Orleans just visit a downtown Hotel in Florida? It is said she appeared to 300 people and her head flew off and then the furniture shook then she disappeared not before saying " I'll be back"?

Sounds really Crazy? Go find out for your self. Investigate the haunting see if it's the truth! No matter what you hear it is yours to discern if it is true.

2. Begin accumulating friends and family's Ghost stories, ghost photos, or talk about a haunted location, other then already documented cases.

This also a great thing to start for a novice. Talk with friends family or people you work with or meet. You might be surprised at what people close to you know or what they have had happened to them or their family, don't be surprised at what they may tell you. With a regular get together you might start your own haunted group. Or you might go join one with an established group.

Nothing else is possible without this. You can't move forward until you start a learning program. Either your personal learning or as a group it will only spark you to go out and seek a haunting.

3. Use your current Ideas as a springboard to later ghost hunting success. Learn while you earn valuable new insights.

Take the long view. Decide what you can handle and what you won't. Many people will not investigate the spot where a recent murder has occurred. Others will not investigate Suicides, or where the terminally ill have been or mentally disturbed have died. Specialties in haunting and type of ghost, or the choice of what type of haunting you investigate is yours. Historical or recent.

4. Experiment in ways to set up finding a new or different really haunted location and documenting what people have to say.

You might need a little courage to walk up to a stranger and say ...
"Do you think this place is haunted?" I have a friend who met his wife from that statement. It's a great opening line. you might be shocked at the answer you get. Or ask do you believe in ghost.

5. Search for ghost hunting equipment that you already might have.,

Camera's, video or digital recorders voice recorders, flashlights, and etc. Look through the newspapers and on the web for ghost hunting products or equipment you can afford at a good quality and at a reasonable prices.

6. Read everything you can find on your chosen haunted ghost investigating field. Take a haunted walk or city ghost tour. analyze the haunted location and the story you hear. Remember this is a form of research. Check out a haunted cemetery, or haunted American battle Field or haunted house or haunted hotel. Ghost may be right in your back yard and you don't know it.

Remain flexible. Be willing to change your mind if you get different information. It is always good to remain skeptical of anyone's claims as well as what you might uncover. Just because this is one persons account of a haunting it does not mean that yours will be the same. and if it is then your investigation gives validation to theirs. don't be afraid to investigate a well known overly investigated haunting.

You'd be a fool not to, you will see how much new information and details surface to your investigation that will answer your questions and give you more to ponder.

7. Implement your plans with courage and persistence.

Do you know how you will react if you see a ghost? Will your heart race, will you run away? Have complete faith in your ability to succeed and never, ever give up. No two experiences are the same. And here are two steps you can take immediately to start moving toward your personal ghost hunting success:

The most important thing is just to begin. To move forward one step at a time, learning and growing as you go. There's enough haunted ghost stories and their information available in virtually every location of the United States of paranormal happenings for you to become knowledgeable enough to achieve success. But taking the haunted ghost filled first step is a necessity.

Every novice haunted investigations requires an act of faith and courage, a bold leap into the real unknown. Only one in ten people who want to start their own ghost hunts or haunted investigations ever develop enough courage to begin, and enough persistence to continue. They really don't know their fear level until they get out there and do it. And the only thing to be afraid of is that first step. Here follows my 7 steps to starting you on the road to becoming a Ghost Hunter.

Ghost Hunting & Investigating Paranormal Activity may be Adventurous and Fun but Permission should ALWAYS be sought so that Private Residences are Respected, Public buildings Not Trespassed! Abandoned areas should STILL be respected and permission sought to be on them, while Condemned areas should not be trespassed, period - This includes cemeteries also.

Stop by the local police station and ask if it would be permitted for you to be on any area or place, and to also let them know you will be there if it's ok for you to do so, (including permission of owners should be sought). Vandalism is unacceptable, and could land you in jail or any other amount of trouble.

Having an experience with ghosts is usually proof enough for most people. All Proof lies with the person who experiences it. I get so mad when someone claims something has happened to them and no one believes them. Life and happenings are subjective to your reality and if you say it happened why should you not be believed. But again people do make false claims.

The proof of ghosts by looking at ghost pictures, stories and other proof of the existence of ghosts is fine and dandy. But what makes a believer out of me and not you is purely subjective to what I feel and sense as truth to me, and not necessarily truth to you.

We are all in this field searching and documenting proof of what we believe are real ghosts and the paranormal. I also personally think many from all walks of life have their own ghost stories to tell, but often fear telling what really happened happened to them in any detail because the fear ridicule or bring the terrifying encounter they had back in to reality for them.

We know from Dan Rather's own testimony that he has communed with the ghost of his hero, Edward R. Murrow, who haunts the third floor at CBS headquarters. Rather says he chats with the ghost of the legendary CBS newsman but neglected to report what the two talk about.

Also I just read on the internet that" Scientist Claims Proof Of Afterlife Research Finds Accuracy Of Mediums Channeling Dead People" http://www.newsnet5.com/news/2893543/detail.html

Scientists at The University of Arizona have done extensive research, and say that they have the proof that when we die we continue to live beyond our physical bodies.

"Almost anyone who sees the data says there's something real here," said one of the researchers.

Allison Dubois is a spiritual medium, or someone thought to be able to communicate with the dead.

Christine Vettore was brought in for a reading with Dubois, who attempted to contact Vettore's dead relatives.

"I'm hopeful that there's an afterlife so I can see everybody I've lost already," said Vettore.

It doesn't take long -- within seconds, Dubois says Vettore's daughter is coming through.

It is a gift Dubois says she's had her whole life, but it comes with a lot of criticism.

"I think there are some people that are Charlatans, and with any profession there's going to be some bad apples, so I mean that just goes with the territory, so the ones that are accurate and are legitimate just have to prove themselves," said Dubois.

This reading is part of a science experiment -- Dr. Gary Schwartz, of the University of Arizona, is observing.

The Harvard-trained doctor looked for what he calls hits and misses, or the accuracy of the reading.

He's building on his hypothesis that there is life after death, and that mediums can talk to those who have died. After Vettore's daughter is contacted, Dubois contacted Vettore's brother and mother. She is able nail facts, giving details about the relations that she could not have known beforehand.

For instance, Dubois tells Vettore that her mother knows there's a carrot cake and a bowl of peanuts in her house.

"None of those things do I ever have in my house. I have those things in my house this month, carrot cake and peanuts, so that was weird," said Vettore.

The accuracy is amazing to Vettore, because she had never met or talked to Dubois before. She said Dubois was accurate in 80 to 90 percent of everything she said.

excerpted http://www.newsnet5.com/news/2893543/detail.html

The Spirits that are all around us often think they are trapped and some often guide us to them because they realize they need help to get on their way.

GINA LANIER is a New Orleans native who has studied paranormal activities, the occult and haunting's for nearly thirty years. She has participated in and conducted large-scale location haunting's and recently has shifted her focus to include the investigation and study of haunted toys such as dolls, toy furniture, games and other hallmarks of childhood.

Gina’s paranormal studies stem from several childhood experiences with the unknown including witnessing full body apparitions and clairaudient encounters with deceased relatives. These experiences continued beyond childhood and this is when Gina resolved to learn as much as possible about psychic and paranormal phenomenon to determine what, exactly, was making contact with her and with others who claimed to have been contacted from the Other Side.

Gina owns and operates a construction and refurbishment company in the Greater New Orleans area and this has afforded her exposure to many allegedly haunted locations and people over the years; several of these clients welcomed Gina’s expertise and insight when it came to documenting and investigating their haunted homes and businesses.

Gina Lanier has been selected by Haunted America Tours as one of the lead investigators for its soon-to-be-launched Haunted Investigations Team (HIT). If you would like to contact Gina, please submit your request and as much information as possible about your situation to her care of her web sitewww.ginalanier.com.