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"Living with Schizophrenia" Documentary Premiere







The premiere of the documentary, Living with Schizophrenia: A Call for Hope and Recovery was an amazing experience! My personal journey in mental health recovery was one of three stories featured in the documentary.

As a participant in the documentary I had an opportunity to serve on a panel discussion to share more information about the journey in my ongoing recovery. The panel discussion was moderated by JC Hayward, and the panelists included: Dave, Caregiver, Emily, director of the documentary, Ashley Smith, Mentor, Joshua Bell, Peer Counselor, and Rebecca Phillips, Writer.

The half hour film depicts the lives of three individuals living with Schizophrenia. I was united with some the other individuals who are featured in the film, in addition to the director of the documentary who also has a personal connection to the illness.

For me, the documentary portrays a message that Schizophrenia can be a very manageable illness and people living with the mental condition can lead normal lives. I believe this film will help reduce stigma and offer a lot of encouragement to people living with a mental health challenge, and also to family members, caregivers, and others. The film is very educational because it addresses some the misconceptions and myths associated with Schizophrenia, discusses some treatments, and symptoms.

The premiere of the documentary took place in Washington D.C. on May 6, 2011. The film which is funded and produced by Janssen pharmaceutical company aims to increase awareness and to reduce fear and stigma.

To see the half hour documentary, Living with Schizophrenia: A Call for Hope and Recovery visit www.hopeandrecoveryfilm.com.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
Did you have fun ? You look like you did...You look great...Keep progressing girlfriend...
May 7, 2011 at 9:12 PM
Wanderer said…
Once again, congratulations Ashley. You really are a bright and beautiful person. It is comforting and informative to see individuals with schizophrenia in recovery.

Kate : )
May 7, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Ashley Smith said…
Hi Anonymous,

The premiere of the documentary was amazing, especially because I got to share the experience with my mother. Thank you!

Best regards,
Ashley Smith

Thank you, Kate (Wanderer62), I appreciate all of the support!

Take care,
Ashley
May 8, 2011 at 9:52 AM
womanrise said…
Ashley, I continue to be proud of you and was honored to be your guest for this event. I had a fight with my tears throughout this event, and lost. I love you so much, you are the sweetest daughter a parent could ever have. I am so blessed that God game me you. Continue helping others, baby! Mom
May 13, 2011 at 8:13 PM
David Holloway said…
Your blog is so reassuring, and the film about schizophrenia is very well done. I think you're so brave to go out and be so active. I'm recovering, and I hope to reach out to people through my poetry. I am attending a conference soon with my Dr and I will write about it soon.
David H <3
June 9, 2011 at 8:39 PM
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