The Amazing Power of "Acting As If"I recently ran into someone who, frankly, is not my favorite person. Everything they say and do gets under my skin, and in the past I've responded with passive aggression...reactions
Compassion Fatigue as a Peer SupporterSome of us may actually work in the field of mental health as either peer supporters or in another another capacity using our lived experience of a diagnosis of schizophrenia...reactions
Transitioning Back Into the WorkforceAfter 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...reactions
My Schizo-versary: How I Reclaimed a Day That Changed My LifeFive years ago this week, I was smoking a cigarette outside a Panera Bread when I finally summoned the courage to Google 4 words that would change my life forever...reactions
Why Privacy Laws MatterAs a caregiver, I've been frustrated by HIPAA and other privacy policies that kept me in the dark when my loved ones were in crisis. It seemed ridiculous for physicians...reactions
I'm Solid In My Recovery... Why Am I Feeling Guilty?What is "survivor's guilt"? This can apply to anyone who comes in contact with someone who may be struggling, especially when we are in a better place – whether it's...reactions
The Emotional Toll of Being on Disability BenefitsThe first time I ever thought of my worth in terms of a dollar amount was the first time I set foot in my county's early psychosis center. As my...reactions
Communicating With Your Loved One During PsychosisI've always thought of myself as a good listener. It's my nature to be curious about others and to practice techniques that make them feel heard, like asking clarifying questions...reactions
After the Hospital StayGoing 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...reactions
Where Did My Motivation Go? Avolition and SchizophreniaI think I consider myself to be a motivated person. I've always been a go-getter – a generator of ideas and action. I have pulled myself into a place of...reactions
Schizophrenia Stigma from Medical Providers is REALIn the world of healthcare, medical doctors – doctors who specialize in fields other than psychiatry or mental health – are often seen as reliable figures who provide aid and...reactions
A Parent's Journey to AcceptanceAs the daughter of someone who experienced untreated psychosis and addiction during my childhood, my first experiences of serious mental illness were chaotic and often frightening. I found it difficult...reactions
Coping Tools for Schizophrenia: Take Our PollsSchizophrenia is hard. And it can feel like an uphill battle trying to find ways to cope. Tools, techniques, therapies... There's a lot out there. So where do you even...reactions
Overcoming Self-Stigma With SchizophreniaThere 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...reactions
How to Cope With Schizophrenia Relapse or Breakthrough SymptomsRelapse is a scary thought. Just when we have some recovery time under our belt, relapse or breakthrough symptoms threaten to make our carefully constructed card castle come crashing down...reactions
How Fact-Checking Delusions Helps Me Manage SchizophreniaFor me, the biggest challenge of having schizophrenia is delusions, which manifest in my brain like fake memories of things that never happened. They're typically triggered by meaningful conversations I...reactions
10 Phrases You Should Never Say to a Person With SchizophreniaNavigating life with schizophrenia can be difficult and is often made worse by well-meaning but frustrating advice from others. From oversimplifications to unsolicited suggestions, it's not uncommon for these interactions...reactions
Understanding Symptoms: The Five A'sIf you're new to the role of caring for someone with a schizophrenia disorder, you might feel overwhelmed by all the new words you’re hearing. Don't worry – they'll start...reactions
Combating the Vicious Cycle of Low Energy and Motivation at WorkHow 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...reactions
My Experience With Delusions — Reality Is My FriendFor those of us with schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related disorder, delusions can be a part of what we experience when we are in the midst of some form of psychosis...reactions
