Chapter Text
Newflesh Syndrome is a psychiatric disorder commonly found among psychic species capable of estabilishing mental connections with members of other species, consciously or unconsciously. In such a connection, the boundaries between the minds of those linked are slowly eroded as time passes, which allows various subconcious aspects of the mind to flow freely between both individuals. The impact of this transference is often minimal for temporary connections, having roughly the same effect on one's psyche as experiencing a conversation or fictional story. However, repeated psychic exposure to other species can result in far more substantial symptoms, as the psychic's mind takes on the subconscious mentality of another species.
Those suffering from Newflesh Syndrome typically experience strange base instincts or phantom senses incompatible with their own species. This leads to a number of negative symptoms, including mood swings, dysphoria, fatigue, physical discomfort and pain, loss of appetite, partial loss of motor control, and sensitivity or partial loss in one or more senses. A sudden change in food preference, or dreams rooted in non-existent biology (such as an individual dreaming of their teeth falling out, despite lacking such a body part) are early signs that Newflesh Syndrome may be setting in, and should not be ignored. Though certain medications can ease these symptoms, complete recovery is only possible through abstaining from any mental links for a period of at least a few weeks. Physical exertion during this time helps ground the mind in its body and hasten the recovery process, and those employed in the psychic industry usually must stop working every so often for this reason, and shed the psychic detritus they have accumulated.
Most individuals will cease forming psychic connections of their own accord once the sydrome has progressed far enough, recognising its impact and seeking help. If they should continue, their symptoms will intensify, leading to distorted speech, difficulty remembering past events, and complete loss of coordination in movement. At this stage, the individual will be unable to recognise themselves in a mirror, and self-portaits will depict a grotesque amalgamation of their native body and whatever species they have become psychically immersed in. Other mental conditions will often develop at this point, which can persist for potentially the rest of the individual's life, even if a recovery from Newflesh Syndrome is made.