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Phase II The Bright Side of Schizophrenia: Changing Attitutdes

I look at having a mental disability as a challenge to overcome. A positive outlook on life with schizophrenia helps me cope with the illness. Also, learning more about schizophrenia through Internet sources and other people's experiences helps me believe I can and will overcome schizophrenia. Refusing to let schizophrenia control me, I have a hold on it through medication and support. I take my medication regularly, discuss schizophrenia information with my family, and I share my experience with other people online.

In my opinion, changing your attitude about schizophrenia or any mental illness is essential to overcome it. To me, overcoming schizophrenia means being responsible by confronting issues. Issues related to schizophrenia include: medication compliance, asking for support and giving support, and educating one self about their mental illness.

For example, discussing a medication regimen with family or a support team. Let everybody know when you plan to take your medication, how much medication you are taking, and if you need assistance remembering or distributing it.

Also, knowing who has your best interest and getting their support. Support could come from anyone, i.e. a partner, family member, friend, caregiver, health professional, mentor, or a counselor. If you can, support other people with mental illness through support groups online or offline, that way people can overcome mental illness together.

Be proactive and learn more your illness or a loved ones illness. There are many sources available on the Internet. To learn more about schizophrenia visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Schizophrenia Society of Novia Scotia (Canada).

Have the attitude that if someone else can recover I can recovery, or my friend or loved one can recover. Changing a person's attitude has to come from within, it cannot be forced. Always love yourself and try to make wise decisions to overcome mental illness or help others with mental illness. Look on the bright side of schizophrenia, take your medication or help someone else take their medication if you are a caregiver, and get support.

You are invited to share your story of how you or a loved one overcomes mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder) by submitting a 500-word or less essay/article to the email address located on the website Embracing My Mind. I encourage you to sign my guestbook and to join my new forum at Embracing My Mind.

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