Overcoming Schizophrenia

Thank you, Jennifer for having me as a guest author on your blog. I appreciate you for letting me share my story on how I started Embracing My Mind. Click here to read my story. Click on the title to learn more about Jennifer's blog, Never Give Up: Buddhism, Family & Schizophrenia.  Thank you. Ashley Smith

Here is a link to the one hour long  radio interview from June 1st I had with Jackie Charles on Women are Worthy. Also, check out Women are Worthy facebook page . Please listen to this interview- a range of situations are mentioned here- myths, dating, diagnosis, and suicide, etc. To learn more about schizophrenia visit NAMI , Choices in Recovery , Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (Canada).

Embracing My Mind has a new website. Visit EMM's website today: www.emminc-recovery.org

I've been feeling depressed- lack motivation to do anything and a desire for more and more sleep- but I am no longer settling to live in it. The last couple of days I forced myself to set up some form of routine that included a walk in the sun, and I think it temporarily helps my depression. Also, I've created some affirmations on my facebook page that lifts me up a little. I think much of my depression is the consequence of my many stresses. Now, I am trying to reclaim control of my mood and to maintain some form of motivation- no matter how minor it seems. Today is a good day for me because I feel like working on my projects. Now I need to maintain a routine that will help me stay motivated to help change my current state of mind- any suggestions? I will not give up on my mental health... Please share some coping skills I could use to help me get out and stay out of my depression. To learn more about schizophrenia visit NAMI , Choices in Recovery , Schizophrenia Socie

Have you suffered with the side effects of your medication in silence? Despite the progress I've made in my recovery I still have setbacks. Recently, my doctor changed the dose of my medication and as a result I've been experiencing some side effects. Initially, I did not know I was experiencing side effects, and I assumed my concerns were happening because I was not taking my medication at the same time daily or that it may have only occurred as a result of me missing a dose. Moreover, I noticed the side effects were starting to bother me more and more to the extent that I had poor concentration which prohibited me from maintaining eye contact with others, and my ability to read, write, or do any type of work that required attention. Although these side effects were not as bad as some that I've had in the past such as feeling jittery or having restless legs, they were still bothersome to me. My lack of concentration bothered me very much because in the past people co