My First SchizoFRIENDia Changed EverythingIt took me 2 years after coming to terms with my schizophrenia to find Shannon, my first friend who shared the condition...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...reactions
What Is Medical PTSD?Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is anxiety in the aftermath of a traumatic event. You may think of it happening to a...reactions
Bad Days, Good Days, and Practicing ResilienceI have symptoms of schizophrenia every day, but that doesn't mean I don't have what I would consider good days. I have...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...reactions
Changing the Narrative on SchizophreniaLet's toss out the old stereotypes and take a real look at schizophrenia. It's time to kick those misconceptions to the curb...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...reactions
The Transformative Power of Art for SchizophreniaLiving with schizophrenia, my mind often races with loud thoughts. In these moments, I turn to my sketchbook. I open to a...reactions
What Is the Relationship Between Substance Use Disorder and Schizophrenia?Substance use disorder (SUD) is an illness that impacts your brain and how you behave. It is also called addiction or substance...reactions
"Are You Okay?": Recognizing When My Tank Is On Empty"Are you okay? Are you sure you're okay? Cause you don't look okay. I can see it in your eyes, get some...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...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...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...reactions
Peer Support: Empowered by ExperienceI was introduced to peer support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). My mother and I attended an education meeting...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...reactions
Smoking and SchizophreniaSome of my favorite memories of my mother are of her smoking. She seemed to take great pleasure from her cigarettes, something...reactions
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...reactions
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...reactions
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...reactions
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...reactions
