Skip to main content

15-Year Blog Anniversary

The Let's Talk Project is funded by a grant from the Association for Psychological Science Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science. The goal of Let's Talk is to share the expertise and experiences of BIPOC mental health researchers and providers, as well as clients living and thriving with mental health challenges.


In 2008, I followed through on my sister's suggestion and started an online journal. I titled this blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, because I didn't look at myself as a sufferer and victim- I'm a warrior. 

    Initially, I blogged anonymously sharing my story. I reflected on the events that led to my diagnosis and my dreadful experiences living with schizophrenia. I was frank, and still is, about my journey of recovery from day #1. Even though I didn't know what my life would look like I pressed forward by participating in group therapy and volunteering. I had some fears that were stigma internalized, and still have challenges with stigma. However, I choose to focus on hope for better days.

    Over the years, I've learned a lot about schizophrenia and strategies to manage. For example, my coping skills include: therapy, medication and supplements, praise and worship, exercising, taking care of my dogs, and keeping a routine. First, and foremost, recovery is possible in spite of the universal miseducation that lasts through time and distance. My doctor gave me two pieces of wisdom in controlling the condition: 1) control your stress and 2) take your medication; which I work hard on everyday.

    Still, that advice is helpful. Yet, if I were to share three pieces of wisdom for caregivers I would emphasize the importance of 1) offering choices, 2) learning our triggers and warning signs, and 3) and taking notes for coping tips and information to share with the treatment team. Advice for my peers is 1) identify your triggers, 2) keep a support system, and 3) learn and recycle your coping tools. 

    I've endured three hospitalizations and two arrests with my family. While my wellness tools help me everyday, I know they are not a cure and that another setback may occur. Today, I am not afraid of a potential mental health crisis- I have experience! And, my family. I'm confident I'll overcome another breakdown. I have my faith and I'm a fighter. I'll survive this condition no matter what.

    Finally, continue to learn yourself, embrace your self-care rituals, and believe you can overcome schizophrenia, too, because it's possible- I'm proof!


To Learn More about Schizophrenia and Related Conditions and Resources- review the following links:
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

by A Guest Blogger: For Addicts, Recovery Means Creating a New Life

If you’re struggling to maintain your sobriety, you aren’t alone. There are millions of fighters just like you working toward reclaiming their lives from drugs and alcohol. There are a few common traits that many successful recovering addicts share. Keep reading to find out what they are and how you can follow in their footsteps. They establish new patterns You can’t continue to live your life the same was you did when you were using. You must change and adapt to your newfound sobriety. Consider a career change; many recovering addicts find they have more success by starting their own business. One career that is easy to enter is dog walking. As a dog walker , you’ll reap many rewards including getting to spend time with dogs, which can actually boost your recovery efforts and stave off depression. Dogs have been used as part of a treatment plan for users as young as 11 and come with the added benefit of helping you stay physically active. Plus, being with
2 comments
Read more

No, Please, That's Not Me

Prior to my diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia I did some things that I am not proud of. Now that I look back on things I blame my illness for my poor judgment. I am by no means condoning the behavior I carried out, and will share with you here. I will provide a few instances where my behavior was unlike me and caused an uproar. This post shows how schizophrenia affects other people. This post is for the family members and friends of people with schizophrenia, or showing bizarre behaviors. First, I asked my mother permission to give my friend a statue that was in my mother's house. My mother agreed to give my friend the statue, however, I took her permission a step further to get rid of what she had at my discretion. At the time I did not live with my mother who was away on a business trip. My mother buys and sells things so she had a lot of collectibles, antiques, and other interesting stuff. While my friend and me were in my mother's house my friend saw a lot of stuff that s
5 comments
Read more

What Is Remission?

Remission is the absence of symptoms for at least six months with the support of medication. In other words, a doctor who has never seen you before may not diagnose you as a person with schizophrenia anymore. Remission is also high functioning in several aspects of life, living independently, goinig to school or to work, and socializing with other people. However, this does not mean the patient is cured or the illness has went away, the illness is still present, however, under control. Remission is achieved with the assistance of medication. "Published studies suggest that 10% to 20% of people with schizophrenia have remission of their illness as they get older, 20% get worse, but in a large majority (60% to 70%), the course of illness remains relatively unchanged." To reach remission it is recommended that you aim for a stress-free environment. Therefore, do things to relieve stress such as journaling, exercising, talking to friends, listening to or creating music, making a
9 comments
Read more