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World Schizophrenia Day 2022: Remember, Me. Poem by Ashley Smith

World Schizophrenia Day is important because it validates the importance of spreading awareness about people living with schizophrenia. Still, the truth is schizophrenia is NOT a personality disorder. Schizophrenia is a thought disorder that can make it difficult to speak, think clearly, and problem solve. It is made up of a wide range of symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis.

Unlike other illnesses, people living with schizophrenia have more challenges to treatment and recovery. The stigma alone, discourages countless people from getting diagnosed, and perpetuates the suffering in silence. World Schizophrenia Day is a powerful opportunity to promote the truth that recovery is possible. 

In the updated blog book, What’s on My Mind? Volume I, Revised Edition, I wrote a poem, “Remember, Me.” It captures the human perspective on living with schizophrenia. Simply put, we are human, too.


Remember, Me.

by Ashley Smith


Will you remember me when I am not myself?

Will you remember me when I do not look like me?

Remember me despite my distant stare and the changes you see.

The low energy, the struggle with being stuck, the challenges to be me.

Remember me because I am still the same old me.

Remember me as before.

Remember me.

Remember my smile,

Remember my warmth.

 Remember me, just plain me—like before.

Before my illness,

Before my hospitalization,

Before my setback and devastation.

Remember me.

Will you remember me?

Do remember, I am still me!

Remember me, please, remember, me.


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