When I Know It's Time to Call My DoctorFirst, 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...Reactions0reactions
The Importance of Rest with SchizophreniaFor a long time, I figured that I could just go about my life like a "normal" person and that I'd have the same energy levels as my fellow humans...Reactions0reactions
Managing the Wellness JourneyFor 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...Reactions0reactions
Is Schizophrenia a Mental Illness or Brain Disease?As someone living with schizophrenia who has enthusiastically advocated for my community for years, I often find myself caught in the crossfire of scientific debate: Is schizophrenia a mental illness...Reactions0reactions
Schizophrenia Mythbusting for Caregivers and Loved OnesWhen a loved one is given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, it's understandable that we may have frightening notions about what lies ahead. Most of us have absorbed bias and misinformation...Reactions0reactions
What are Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia and How Can They Impact You?I really dislike when people call me "high functioning." What does that even mean? Where, or in what capacity, do I function better than others? Because I work full-time in...Reactions0reactions
Making a Big Decision During a Meltdown"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...Reactions0reactions
The Impact of Schizophrenia on My FamilyI am lucky enough to say that my family was and is a huge part of my support system. Without them, I don't think that I could have successfully navigated...Reactions0reactions
5 Easy Ways Anyone Can Be an AdvocateLiving with schizophrenia can be challenging, but advocating for yourself and others can be healing and make a significant difference. As someone navigating the complexities of this mental health condition...Reactions0reactions
6 Resources For Beating The Caregiver BluesIn my advocacy work as a person whose loved one has schizophrenia, I try to focus on the positive – but that doesn't mean I don't have bad days. Caring...Reactions0reactions
Schizophrenia and Social MediaMost of us know that social media can harm our mental health if we spend too much time scrolling. One of the things it is natural to do but which...Reactions0reactions
Medication Management: Don't Lose HopeFor 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...Reactions0reactions
My Arsenal of Facts for Fighting StigmaLiving with schizophrenia can often feel like navigating through a world filled with misconceptions and stigma. If your experience is anything like mine, you frequently find yourself at odds with...Reactions0reactions
Health Insurance Pitfalls: Treatment Access and Affording MedicationNowadays, 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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
Signs of Relapse in SchizophreniaMore than half of people with schizophrenia will have a relapse within 4 years of their first episode. During a relapse, symptoms that were in remission come back or get...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective DisorderSchizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are both mental health conditions. They can cause similar symptoms and may have similar treatments. They also can both be challenging to diagnose. However, schizophrenia and...Reactions0reactions
