Ashley Smith

Stress is a major trigger for schizophrenia among other health conditions. It can create flare-ups and lead to the resurfacing of symptoms. As you know, schizophrenia can incorporate a magnitude...

I was introduced to peer support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). My mother and I attended an education meeting for families, caregivers, and peers. I learned that...

First, in a crisis, call the 988 hotline or the police. However, for non-emergency mental health concerns, I contact my doctor. This is based on my years' of experience in...

For the last 18 years, I've worked with my treatment team to control symptoms. For me, maintaining wellness looks like a steady routine of consistently keeping doctor appointments, participating in...

"What's going on, Ashley?" my supervisor asked. "It's time for me to go. I'm putting in my 2 weeks notice," I replied. "Did someone upset you?" she asked. "Nobody did...

For over 3 years, my doctor and I tweaked my medications. I thought my primary concern was the depression. However, my diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder that is schizophrenia coupled with...

Nowadays, employers with small staff are not required to provide health insurance, and independent contractors are just that – independent of the employer. State agencies are great at finding ways...

After taking a break from work to regroup and improve health I decided to go back to work. I've taken a step back from work to enhance my recovery efforts...

Going through the mind wars of a wide range of symptoms are intense, uncomfortable, and chaotic. I've endured a lot. My last hospital stay was in 2023. Hospital stays are...

There are a lot of ugly misconceptions about my diagnosis of schizophrenia. Myth #1: There's no hope for recovery. Myth #2: It's caused by poor parenting. Myth #3: People with...

How can you get back on track at work in spite of concerns with depleted energy and motivation? What are some ways to cope with the stress of work and...

"Are you okay? Are you sure you're okay? Cause you don't look okay. I can see it in your eyes, get some rest," a peer and client said. Embarrassment. That's...

I had been in recovery for over 16 years when I had this situation. Just when I thought I could juggle everything, life pulls the rug from underneath me. A...