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
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
Links Between Trauma and PsychosisPsychosis is the medical term for losing touch with reality. There are several health conditions linked to psychosis and many possible causes of psychosis. One risk factor for developing psychosis...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
Blood Testing for Schizophrenia Detection and TreatmentResearchers at Indiana University have created a new blood test for schizophrenia. This test detects blood biomarkers that can increase the risk or severity of schizophrenia. Biomarkers are biological signs...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
Schizophrenia and OCDSchizophrenia disrupts daily life due to episodes of psychosis, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted thoughts and fears that lead to repetitive behaviors and compulsive acts...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
When Is Hospitalization Needed for Schizophrenia?Schizophrenia can cause delusions and behaviors that disrupt daily life. But once these symptoms are stabilized with treatment, most people with schizophrenia do well managing the condition. Those who are...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
Nutritional Considerations for SchizophreniaSchizophrenia is a mental health condition typically treated with drugs that prevent psychosis (antipsychotic drugs) and psychotherapy. But lifestyle changes also may have a positive impact schizophrenia. One change that...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions
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...Reactions0reactions