Pinkie Pie has Schizophrenia

by Lucefudu

Prologue

Doctor Mane Hard practically threw himself on his personal office's chair. The day had barely begun and he was completely spent already. He sighed, somewhat relieved to take his weight from his four legs, before folding his forehooves over his desk and allowing his head to fall onto them.

I can't believe it.

He opened a drawer and produced a small notebook, quill and ink well while also flipping the chart in front of him open. Maybe I've made a mistake. There's got to be something I overlooked, he thought to himself as he meticulously read and reread her file. The minutes dragged on like his eyes did on his neat calligraphy. There was no questioning it, however.

No matter how much he scrutinized his own anamnesis the signs were there. Although the data collected wasn't optimal, given that both Mr. and Mrs. Cake were as clueless as everypony else was, it all made just too much sense. The diagnostic was final and there was no wish-fulfilling magic in Equestria that could change that.

Pinkie Pie has schizophrenia.

The words stained the back of his mind, drawing his attention by just how wrong they sounded. At first he was hopeful, ordering a multitude of clinical, laboratorial and image exams, trying his best to discard the hypothesis. As each test came back negative, however, the much-dreaded truth began to sink. And once it had destroyed every ounce of hope in the seasoned clinician, he felt a bit of himself breaking apart as well.

The middle-aged unicorn looked through his office's window, shuddering at the sight of the thick gray blanket that covered the entire town. This wasn't right. Nothing felt right anymore. He sighed once more, feeling the direct impact of a hardened Laughter and how it managed to change this small town. No doubt it'll shake the entire kingdom as well, he morosely though.

Calm down now, boy! We can't lose all hope at times like these. The words rang hollow in his skull, like a shallow promise made on new year's eve. It was hard, trying to conserve a critical mental attitude, but Harmony was just too unbalanced for him. I've got to keep trying!

He turned back to the first page, trying hard to remember his classes during his university days, and tried approaching it once more with a hint of determination. The first, second and third steps—exclusion; confirmation; therapeutic (Hah! What a joke!)—had already been taken. This only left room for the final step; classification.

He doubled his attention at the neatly formatted words, trying to figure out a pattern. It wasn't hard, this much he managed to remember, but it was something so uncommon that it was doomed to the recesses of his mind since the day he first learned about it. He levitated his glasses from their resting place on his muzzle and massaged his temples, managing to contain the faint throbs. As he had just placed the lenses back on, a knock came from the door.

"Excuse me, Doctor Mane Hard?" A familiar voice asked. "May I come in?"

"Please do, Ms. RedHeart," he said, keeping his voice as professional as he managed. The white earth pony walked inside, sporting dark circles beneath her red eyes. "How can I help you?"

"It's... um..." she bit her lip and looked askance.

"They're here, aren't they?" She simply nodded in reply. The doctor sighed once more and forcefully closed his eyes. "Thank you, Ms. RedHeart. Please tell them that I'll be with them shortly." She nodded and quickly left the room, quietly closing the door behind her. He inhaled deeply and held it in, desperately trying to find a single iota of calmness. He was a doctor; he was supposed to be ready for situations like these.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six—

But not like this.

—five, four, three, two, one.

... not like this.

He breathed the air out, thankful that it at least it was successful in calming his heart rate a bit. He got up from his seat and was instantly reminded of just how heavy his entire body felt. The walk towards the reception seemed like it would last forever. Or, at least, he hoped so. He eventually reached the dreaded destination, and was nearly tackled to the floor by a light-blue blur.

"How is she, doc?! Tell us, how is Pinkie Pie!? How is she?!"

"Rainbow!" His eyes widened as the blue pegasus' body was wrapped in a purple aura. Although Rainbow Dash fought against her friend's telekinesis, it was all for naught. Twilight Sparkle set her down near her other three friends, though she maintained her magical grip on her friend.

"Let me go, Twilight! Let go of me right now!"

"Ms. Dash, please calm down," Nurse RedHeart, who up to that moment had tried to hide in plain sight behind the reception desk, pleaded.

"How can you tell me to calm down when my friend is in there?! Huh!? My friend is sick! She could be dying right this moment and we don't even know what's wrong with her! How can you tell me to calm down!?!"

"Ms. Dash!" Mane Hard exclaimed once he had awoken from the surprise. "Calm down! Pinkie Pie is not at risk!"

Rainbow's ears perked up and she immediately stopped thrashing, prompting Twilight to cease using her horn. She stood beside her four friends, all of which looked expectantly to the doctor. He couldn't help but notice how disheveled they all were. Even Rarity, a pony known to be exceptionally critical of her own figure, sported a wild, tangled mane. Their pleading eyes drilled into his, and he almost had to look away in order to suppress a shudder.

It never gets any easier...

"Ms. Pie is not at risk," he repeated, preferring to take a more passive stance, allowing them to ask the questions. The five Bearers fidgeted where they stood, expecting him to be the one that would lead the conversation. A few seconds dragged on before Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, drawing the attention of her friends.

"What is wrong with her, doctor?" She tried her best but failed to hide her demanding tone, sounding more threatening than emphatic. He sighed and looked down.

"Ms. Pie has a mental disease. Schizophrenia, to be more precise." He paused and swallowed dry. "Physically, she's perfectly fine. But—she's changed. She's not Pinkie Pie anymore."

"How? Tell me, what do you mean?" she asked.

"Her mind is fragmented. Her perception of reality is almost non-existent as she seems to live in her own separate world. I... I think it's best if I show you girls." She noticed the brief pause and opened her mouth to inquire further. Before she could utter a word, Mane Hard continued, "I really shouldn't... but the six of you did so much for Equestria already that I can't help but feel like I owe this to you girls." He tried his best to smile. "Please, follow me."

As he turned around, Rainbow Dash immediately took to the air, hovering just behind his head with brief, twitchy flaps. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy followed closely behind. The latter pair walked close together, one mare trying her best to draw strength from another. Even the farm pony's steps quivered slightly.

"Doc, c'mon, talk to me. Is she going to be okay?" Rainbow asked. Mane Hard paused for a split-second and resumed his walk with his head hanging even lower. She allowed herself to drift to the floor and stood still as tears pooled on her eyes. Twilight picked up her gait and hugged her friend tightly—taking care to avoid stepping on her hung wings—and whispered promises that everything would be alright in her ear.

The pegasus turned her head when she heard a sob coming from behind. She turned her head and managed to see both Rarity and Fluttershy crying; the latter a little louder. Rainbow immediately buried her face on Twilight's barrel as her body began to shake. The purple unicorn motioned for Applejack to continue following the doctor and turned around to better hug her friend.

As they took a right on a corner, the farm pony looked back and saw RedHeart hand Twilight a box of tissues. The unicorn slowly parted her hug with Rainbow and magically offered one.

"She's my best friend, Twi! My bes—m—my buh—m—" was all the earth pony allowed herself to hear.

They kept following Mane Hard for some arduous minutes until they reached a rather narrow hallway. "It's right this way," he simply stated. The three Bearers felt their spines tingling with dread as they slowly passed iron door after iron door after iron door. Eventually, they reached the last door on the hallway and the unicorn stallion turned around. "She's in here."

He levitated a key from his pocket and placed it on the keyhole, without unlocking the door. "I shouldn't be doing this... I—I shouldn't."

"It's okay, sugarcube."

He placed a forehoof on his face and tried to hide himself from the mares. "I'll—I'll just be out here." He moved aside and sat by the hallway's wall, looking straight ahead.

Applejack moved her hoof towards the key, but was halted by a sudden voice.

"Wait. Sh—shouldn't we w—wait for T—T—Twilight and Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked through hiccups and sobs. Rarity lowered her head on the back of the canary pegasus and sniffled.

"They'll come, once they're ready, 'Shy," she said with an encouraging smile that tugged a bit too hard on her cheeks. The corners of the pegasus' mouth curled up slightly, but she suddenly turned around to nuzzle Rarity. Applejack, now facing the door, allowed her smile to wane. She took a deep breath before unlocking the door and nudging the door open. It squeaked loudly, like a risty cell's metal bars, sending the trio further into shock.

Applejack, knowing that all of her friends were counting on her to be strong, took a step forward and entered Pinkie Pie's room.

Author's Note:

This chapter is merely an introduction (read: unnecessary exposition); the juicy chapters will contain much more interaction between all the ponies. Oh, I also lowered Equestria's general knowledge of mental pathologies purposefully.

Comments

[NarwhalUnicorn]

Creepy, but interesting... I'll definitely be on the look out for more :3
good work

[DubstepPinkiePie]

Fantastic start! More please!

[Manes]

Make more or I'll kill you.

[Dont Look At My Name Bro]

This is an excellent prologue, I look forward to seeing more...

*...Snicker...*

M-mane Hard...

*Giggle...* His n-name is M-mane Hard...

Bwahahahaha!!!

I bet that I could turn his name into a dirty reference...

[Hydraex2]

3725152 Violent.

Exceptionally so.

We should all be taking notes.

[Manes]

3725327
Yes, proceed doc.

[Dont Look At My Name Bro]

3725337 3725327
Log One: test subject seems to display small fits of homicidal rage when she (or he) likes a story...

Log Two: I slept with one eye open last night (if at all). I couldn't get the maniacal laughter out of my head... I fear that if I make a good story, I will be killed...

... And so, I will refrain from doing so until further notice....

*shudder...*

[Hydraex2]

3725337

Very well.

PREPARE TO BE ASSIMILATED WATCHED SLEEPING OBSERVED SUB-NORMALLY FROM A STANDARD INTERNET DISTANCE.

[Manes]

3725479
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Hydraex2]

3725485

Log: Subject appears to be upset over intense observation.

When this evidence is combined with past signs of violent capacity, only one course of action can be recommended.

2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewxe84BNpq0/UBfe_HnnGLI/AAAAAAAABf0/1b3StFpfRAg/s1600/abort.gif

Not really. Mwahahahahaha.

[Manes]

3725502
You're an evil doctor!

[Surprise The Pegasus]

HALT!! I'm an earlier version of Pinkie...so does that mean I have Schizophrenia too? If so, my mind is blown.

[Hydraex2]

3725510

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH. YOU'LL ATTRACT THE SCIENCE POLICE nice researchers... heh heh.

They'll beat you with their futuristic batons! Be careful, they're coming!

mlpg.co/qt/src/1365449591437.png

[SCP Pinkamena]

God Damn it. Cliffhangers. Oh well, I AWAIT THE NEXT ONE!

[Levite]

If you ask me it's more of a combination between BPD and hypomania/full-blown mania.

[Clocklike]

I hope you know what schizophrenia really is.

You seem to,

"Her mind is fragmented. Her perception of reality is almost non-existent as she seems to live in her own separate world."

But still, I hope this isn't going to be one of the many bad portrayal of mental illnesses, that I've read.

...wow that sounded rude!

[BaneHardy]

I always thought that if Pinkie had any mental illness, it would be bipolar disorder. This is because she experiences many manic symptoms such as rapid speech, lots of energy, impulsive behavior, and flight of ideas. The deppressive side could be seen in "party of one" where she exhibits symptoms like feeling sad, being easily angered, and loss of interest of stuff she enjoyed. I'm just rambling though. Favorited.

[Lucefudu]

3725585
3725510
3725420
Please stop.

3726174 I apologize immensely for the cliffhanger. I was supposed to have it all completed yesterday. I couldn't sleep, so I "woke up" and came here to write this story completely. In the middle of the chapter, however, sleep hit me like a brick.

3726547 Well, yes and no. Hypomania doesn't course with delusions. And there's barely anything stated from the doctor that would actually characterize schizophrenia or BPD (types 1 or 2). More will come in the next chapters that will help those who followed my blog posts.

3726764 I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm a med student who will specialize in psychiatry. Don't worry; my intention for writing this fanfic is to give a real example (as real as talking horses are, that is) of a mental illness on a story. Even though it won't stop the influx of "I do whatever I want and I'll call it schizophrenia" fanfics, I'll know that I managed to do my best.

[Rainbow Dash 55]

[G-AB Acid]

3726886 True, since bipolar disorder doesn't necessarily mean that there will be a depressive phase. The manic (or hypomanic, in Pinkie's case) episode is a must in order for the disorder to be diagnosed, but that's about it. However, if Pinkie Pie does have bipolar disorder, then it would, obligatorily, need to be a type 2 without depressive episodes.

Party of One wasn't a depressive episode, since it didn't last long enough and it had a cause. Regardless, your comment is correct and the person who downvoted you is an idiot.

[DarkSonicTrail]

3726764
Isn't that autism?

[DarkSonicTrail]

3726764
Don't wanna be a grammar nazi, but that last , was probably in a wrong place. xD

[blank check]

3726896

So you aren't going to call DID schizophrenia. Good, I was worried when the Dr. said her mind was fragmented.

[Lucefudu]

3730285 Well, as my [shallow] defense, words were never my strong suit. It's a hobby for me to vent ideas out (I swear, things are magical inside my head... when time comes to take them from my mental aether, though...).

But I'll try to explain myself;
* That first one was my mistake, due to my unfamiliarity with the English language and its most specific nuances. Still, I'll refrain from editing it because... I'm plum tired of editing old stuff. If I do write again (outside this story, I mean), I'll be sure to remember this.

* Everyone has a favorite friend. Even though you're closely bonded to a group of friends, there's still that one who's your best friend. They'll never address this in canon, I'm pretty sure, but in my head it made sense for RD to be BFFs with Pinks.

* Well, so far they had everything going for their lives. Pretty much everything was perfect until this. This makes me feel as if the ponies aren't really well suited to deal with some real frustrations. Not to mention that I'm writing this story as if they [everypony in Equestria] had little-to-none clue as to what is going on with Pinkie (or her specific pathology, for that matter).

* Physical contact can be a stronger statement than words sometimes. It's a shitty excuse, I know, but I rolled (and will roll) with it.

Do try to view this story as something more informative than an actual story, as this is what I'm aiming for.

Still, thank you for the valuable input. It is much appreciated! Feel free to leave more comments like this on future chapters.
(I mean it)

[Khandnalie]

This was hmmmm.... interesting? The doctors behavior was off - doctors who handle mental disorders generally dont behave as this one did, and there wouldnt be all the hullabaloo about the rest of the Mane Six seeing Pinkie. In fact, contact with familiar faces is heavily encouraged in cases of schizophrenia.

In any case, I shall watch this, but with skepticism. Your move, OP

[Lucefudu]

3731124 Um... where did you get that info? It simply doesn't make sense.
During an episode, a patient will be delusional. He/she most likely won't recognize their faces and, since delusions are irreducible to logic, no "familiar face" will have an effect on their condition. Even if they do recognize the familiar face, it will be immersed inside a context that will not make any sense. Plus, their affect is blunted, so they literally don't give a single fuck.

After an episode, maybe so. But this isn't the case here.

Did you watch Read It and Weep? Mane Hard is a general clinician or an orthopedic doctor. Neither of those deal with mental disorders (especially the latter). Not to mention that I wrote him trying to remember as much as he could from his classes, to which we could infer that he doesn't know how to act.

Everyone is disregarding the A/Ns. They're there for a reason. I will stop replying to comments that point out how his behavior is wrong, since the explanation lies there and, now, on this comment.

Also: Why use OP when my name is literally right there?! This isn't *chans and I'm not anonymous.

[BoogaBingBangBow]

This is really interesting. I love reading stories involving mental illnesses. For some reason.

[Luxina]

I need more before I go totally insane(to late)

[Rainbow Mask]

hmmm I like this since it makes me connect to my life so now I have three words, please make more

[Lucefudu]

3734561 You have exactly 10 minutes to change that comment before I delete it.

[Luxina]

3734592
somebody's being a menie face

[Lucefudu]

3734649 Yeah, because Ctrl+A the entire page and posting it in a comment is so useful.

[Luxina]

3734655
I know right

[Lucefudu]

3734679 Yeah, okay. I've been too lenient thus far. See ya.

[Ponylover123456789]

Moar

MOar

MOAR

[Proper Noun]

A fascinating start. I shall be watching as this fic grows.

[Peacekeeper]

oh interesting imma have to read it!

[Scourge012]

This looks like it's gonna be great!
I'll be awaiting further chapters from you.

[Eskerata]

So you are a med student specializing in psychiatry? Hmm. I wonder how many fimfic writers can claim the same? It'll be interesting to see how accurate you can make Pinkie's diagnosis and treatment, so I'll upvote this and keep an eye on it.

[Nyperold]

3734293 I couldn't say whether the other five would truly react to the news this way, but with regard to the thing in Hurricane Fluttershy, I figured that RD simply saw through Fluttershy's deception, at least partly because she knew that Fluttershy really, really (add as many "really"s as necessary) really didn't want to try. Also potentially her behavioral "tells", and possibly maybe even that the disease doesn't exist or doesn't look like how it looked on her.

[EpicSPAR]

Pretty good exposition I can't wait to follow this story.

[Lucefudu]

3741116 Well, I'll try to not disappoint you. The treatment part will be touched upon on the epilogue.

3742299 Not a problem, but let me start first by apologizing for not replying to your previous comment. I've got loads of stuff going on (writing the chapter included) and I haven't had the time to ponder on it in order to give an adequate reply. Once I'm done with the next chapter, I'll get to it.

Basically, he Ctrl+A (copy all) the entire chapter page and posted it in a comment, making it excessively long and without adding anything. I gave him 10 minutes to delete that comment and, instead, he comes at me with that attitude. I'm pretty lenient regarding blocking people on websites, but I won't stand for that mediocrity nor will I risk a repeat of the incident, no matter how easily it can be undone, in later chapters.

[Szept]

Lets see how it turns out hm? Aren't we all sick, terrible people for enjoying reading about mentally sick Pinkie

[DILLYbOd]

so far I give this a 4 Derpys out of 5 Derpys

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand Duck Face

[Ponylover123456789]

Cancelled

[ABronyFromItaly]

What?! Cancelled? Why? This has a lot of potential and the first chapter is actually really good, it deserves to continue! Could you at least tell why you abandoned this good story?

[Lucefudu]

3725147
3725121
Because I lost interest. It's how these things work, sometimes. As my friend Owlor says: "If you aren't having fun doing it [regarding fanfics], then you're doing it wrong" and he's right.

If it is any consolation, here's what the Catatonic chapter would look like, in a nutshell:

The Hebephrenic (worst kind) would be too "heavy" for YouTube, that will smearing feces on yourself/on the wall and being naked, so you'll have to either use your minds to imagine how it'd play out OR you could you could read this informative post (crudely written by yours truly) and imagine it better.

---

3725152 No. Go fuck yourself.

[G-AB Acid]

3844159
3783067
Stuff happens, I guess.