Overcoming Schizophrenia

The following article was written by a long-time contributor, Adam C. He offers unique perspectives along with references for better insight... Thank you, Adam for your ongoing encouragement and articles to enlighten and further my mission that is to offer hope and reinforce the fact that recovery is possible! Anxiety isn’t always a sudden panic attack. It can feel like fog — a vague unease you can’t shake, the tension that makes your jaw ache, the racing mind that won’t shut up. No matter how it shows up, anxiety demands tools, not just tolerance. And mental resilience isn’t some abstract trait — it’s built through small, specific practices. The goal isn’t perfect calm but steadiness that holds under pressure. These seven grounded strategies are designed for that: helping you reset your system, manage internal noise, and build real strength for when life goes sideways. Start with breath you can control You can’t always reason your way out of anxiety, but you can breathe differently. ...

The following article was written by a guest blogger, Adam C. Adam contributes material for our blog which gives insightful perspectives on living with schizophrenia... Thank you, Adam for another great read. Starting over isn’t just possible—it can be transformative, especially after weathering a tough chapter in life. For those living with schizophrenia, the idea of moving to a new city might seem overwhelming, but it also presents a rare opportunity to reset, find healing, and rediscover purpose. If you've reached a point where change feels necessary, relocating might not only shift your geography but help reroute your path forward. Finding a Home That Feels Safe and Stable Housing isn’t just about four walls—it’s about creating a sanctuary. Whether you're applying for a rental or working through assisted housing programs, the most important thing is that your new place supports your daily routine and gives you peace of mind. Using Your Move as a Launchpad for Career...

In this stage of my depression, I recognize it was triggered by loss of work. Like many Americans, I'm seeking employment, and I am not the only one struggling to manage my mental health.       Most days, I'm waking up later and later than before. I'm grateful my son doesn't see me struggling. My sister has my son for the school year which is helping me overcome times like this. While acknowledging my depression I strive to improve my outlook and have a productive day. Start with Focus      Combating the low moods starts with preparation. I'd prepare myself for the day by either by creating a "things to do" list the night before or beginning of the day. Striving to stay focused, I listen to motivational speakers talk about entrepreneurship and self-improvement tips. I start my day reflecting on their words and this cuts procrastination and allows me to control self-defeating thoughts. Self-Care and Self-Confidence      Focusing on my sel...

This book, A Good Life: The Perception of Perfection (Revised Edition) , is rich with insight on living with schizophrenia. It provides approaches to managing the condition... Thank you, Karl for sharing your recovery story and bringing your new book to us. Guest Blogger: Karl Lorenz Willett. Thank you, Ashley, for inviting me to be a guest blogger on your website. I am a big fan of your blog and always look forward to your new post. The depth of insightful information or a particular point raised provided a lot of practical, valuable information that has been incredibly helpful. Key Points in this post/blog: My mission is to provide clear explanations and valuable, insightful, and informative blogs that resonate with your readers and will benefit them. In my recently published book, A Good Life: The Perception of Perfection (Revised Edition), I hope to offer a new perspective on paranoid schizophrenia. I hope that readers will be enthusiastic about the content and purchase a copy of...

I'm in a good space in my recovery and I want you to unlock your power to get the recovery results you desire, too. In this blog article, I'll identify strategies I've personally exercised to maximize my health plan. We will reexamine the definition of recovery which is forever evolving for us. We'll discuss specific tactics to master resiliency and execute your power to take control of symptoms and your well-being.   Living with a mental health diagnosis can be extremely stressful if left unaddressed. Symptoms of schizophrenia range from signature signs and issues with seeing and hearing people that others do not. Severe paranoia such as being suspicious of loved ones and strangers without evidence or realistic demand. Other symptoms of schizophrenia are isolation, catatonia (being still, literally for extended periods of time), lack of awareness, confusion, lack of motivation and depression...  Recovery is striving for a fulfilling life through self-awareness and supp...

What does your depression look like? How do you fix your face? What can you do to overcome? I woke up to another dreary day. My sight was off as if my glasses were smudged. The fog was thick. My dogs got  me out of bed. They impatiently sat next to me. They took turns pouncing on the edges of my bed to lick me and get me up which is our norm nowadays. Eventually, I gave in to their requests and took them outside.       Afterwards, I distanced myself from them to crawl back into my dark cave. Swiftly, I fell into a deep sleep that was a three-hour nap as usual. This was my first nap of the day. Later, I would retreat into another long nap.      What does your struggle look like? For me, it's struggling to get out of bed. Struggling to manage my hygiene everyday. Struggling to fix my face with the proper mask. Struggling to keep the common areas tidy. Struggling to improve my mood. Struggling... And, struggling some more. Yet, I recognize that I can...

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I was interviewed on the SHARE IT WITH CHARLOTTE PODCAST. This is my favorite interview of all time. I enjoyed our conversation. Thank you, Charlotte Lewis for this opportunity to share my recovery story and books. Watch, subscribe, share, comment, and enjoy!

I am very excited to share another blog book with you! I hope you will read it, share it and let me know how you're doing.  amazon.com/author/smithashley Here's an overview of my book:      The book, What's on My Mind? Volume III, Controlling the Weight of Depression is a collection of blog articles from Overcoming Schizophrenia. The articles detail the recovery journey of blogger, advocate, and author, Ashley Smith.      The blog posts cover Ashley's experience with mental health that is examined over the course of 2019 to 2024. Her story shows resiliency at work offering hope, awareness, and strategies to control your depression and keep pressing forward.      The blog entries are uplifting and promote healthy lifestyle habits such as meditation, therapy, exercise, journaling, and a wide range of coping techniques that will undoubtedly help you get a handle on your depression and feel better.      Ashley's message is cl...

Huge shot out to Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance. Special thanks to interviewer,  Sandy Dimiterchik. Sandy, thank you for allowing me to be on the show and to share my experience in recovery. In this interview Sandy Dimiterchik and I talk about a wide range of recovery-oriented topics: Defining recovery  Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) by Mary Ellen Copeland Support network Hospitalization National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) CURESZ Foundation Stigma and more... Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance is a global impact organization moving individuals, families, and policies forward to improve and save lives. Click here to learn more about the organization, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance 

Although my mind was fading, my spirit was still fighting. I began to question myself. Why was everybody looking at me, bizarrely? I felt off-balance but was still pressing forward. Was I some bizarre storm that caused others to see me differently? Was I hallucinating? I examined my face and body in the mirror of the jail cell. I peeled off the tips of my fingernails. Is this real? I wanted to escape out of my skin. I contemplated moving to another place. I wanted to leave my family, country, and the world I knew, in order, to start over. I began to think of creating a new identity. I would change my name, relocate to another country, and start a new life, but why? Why?! Then a thought struck me, clarity overcame me, and finally, I gained insight. My body started trembling, and I started crying profusely. I was frightened, but suddenly reconnected. Reality hit me. My mind was warring with itself, and I was the victim- but also the instigator! As I became unstuck, I had an epiphany....

Recently, I lost an important piece of mail, it didn't make it to its destination. Still, all hope isn't lost. And, whether I get positive outcomes or not a piece of mail will be delivered even if I must replace it.  Losing mail is like having a low mood, but belief you will eventually overcome. Despite moments of contentment my depression steadily returns. Like many peers I am wondering why I am still depressed in spite of my commitment to medication management. Generally, my response is to tweak the medication with your doctor. However, "there is no magic pill" or "happy pill" to kill depression. There will be many battles to fight, but we will still win the war. Like so many instances, despite medication compliance some symptoms will linger like my schizophrenia and bipolar symptoms, which I'll tackle in another blog article. Likewise, depression is one of those situations where the mental illness overrides the effectiveness of medication.  However, w...

I made an error. My mind jumps on the merry-go-round. I think of everything, but potential solutions to fix it. I froze and a wave of negative thoughts about my mistake penetrated my entire body and energy. Shoulders stay high, my chest is tight, I maintain an unsteady breathing rate which broadcasts my internal chaos from the tone of my voice, alone. I sound like the blaring uneasiness of severe stress, worry, anxiety, discomfort, and dread.  I regain a moment of control and focus on fixing the issue. However, my stress level continues to rise as I meditate on the problem, and the perception I might have portrayed. Frantically, I make a call, send messages, and continue the vicious cycle in my mind.  Anxiety. I feel upside down whenever I go deeper in the dark forest of stress and worry. How can I manage to end the storm within? I put on the sounds of waves, but no relief comes of this because I cannot concentrate. I can’t meditate when my mind jumps like this. I research way...