Overcoming Schizophrenia

Rough times. All relationships with deal them. What does that look like? Ongoing disagreements and arguing. Shifts in attitude and definition of personal space. That awkward silence and growing division. Ultimately, the invisible wall that creates distance. There are infinite reasons partners disagree. For those of us with health challenges such as schizophrenia this health problem creates another challenge in relationships that demands attention. Being Attentive and Understanding When I wasn't well and stuck in my depression these moments challenged my relationship as did other health-related situations. Bad days looked like being chained to the bed with less words to share. I recall my partner helping me overcome that period by continuously checking on me. While understanding I might not be in the mood to talk and giving me more space whenever I made that known. Some days I didn't feel like talking. I'd text and tell him that then follow up later on. Skipped Doses and Poo...

Dating demands our partners to take on a package that is our health issues. Similarily, when an individual dates a person with young children they are accepting them as a package. Likewise, these packages come in all sorts. However, when should we disclose our diagnosis? This is an ongoing question that has many unique answers. Disclosure is about Gaining Empathy It's important we disclose. It's kind of like having a child and dating. We should share that information. Disclosing has many advantages. It answers a lot of the why's and provides a clearer picture. For example, a single parent might need to afford a babysitter. Minimize late night dates. Either include their child on the date or exclude them which requires tough decision-making and need for discussion. Adding clarity to the relationship by disclosing the facts about living with this condition creates understanding. Disclosure is about gaining empathy. This health issue was inherited and is nobody's fault. Th...

As we know society views schizophrenia in a disturbing manner. The general public does not know what schizophrenia is. If you're newly diagnosed, you may be susceptible to the negative beliefs that are prevalent. Accepting society's poor perceptions is the self-stigma.  Combating the Self-Stigma Believe it or not I've held self-stigmatizing thoughts too. I've thought because I have this condition nobody will want to be in a relationship with me. Over the years, I've gained insight into what this diagnosis is and isn't.  Educating oneself, like what you're doing now, on the facts that recovery is possible is vital. This fact is a powerful weapon to combat the stigma. Therefore, in turn refuting the self-stigma. It's essential we don't internalize the false information nor identify ourselves by our diagnoses. Yes, we have limitations, as everybody does, but our health problems do not have to steal the life out of us. Learning more about our health conc...

          I had a terrific interview with Sam an individual living with autism who is also a postdoctoral researcher. Frequently, he interviews people who are living with autism and other mental health conditions.       I enjoyed our interview because he allowed me the opportunity to discuss a lot of different aspects of living in recovery. Our interview focuses on a wide range of topics including schizophrenia symptoms, parenting with a diagnosis, advocacy, romantic relationships, caregivers - my recovery experience.       Do watch this video and learn more about my story and how an individual could cope with a diagnosis such as mine; schizoaffective disorder (bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia). I encourage you to review his other interviews as well and to subscribe to his YouTube channel, All Neurotypes Office; www.youtube.com/@allneurotypesoffice7037 and check out his website: www.allneurotypes.com ...

It is important to know who is for you. Moreover, it is vital that you recognize your assets and what you bring to any relationship. The stigma of having a diagnosis is bad. The labels, false beliefs, discrimination, and myths are harmful, but self-stigma is worse. While we all have limits, self-discouragement and internal doubt affects everybody in at least one area of life. The relationships advertised on television don’t show the process of the highs and lows in dating. In the real world, single-parenting, poor credit, weight gain, job choice, ex-lovers, sexual orientation, and health issues, hold weight. These issues do not go away on their own.   Romantic relationships are complicated, and having a diagnosis makes it more challenging. Still, the focus is not strictly about the issue, but rather how you talk about it. Open communication is essential to overcome concerns. The good news is a lot of relationships overcome their baggage and unique challenges. Yes, having a dia...

This week I started volunteering for a non-profit organization that focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness. I am interested in HIV/AIDS awareness because I believe it is a serious issue in America that needs more attention. I will be working with this organization for the summer. The other day I attended a town hall meeting that discussed safety and community involvement to decrease the selling of drugs in the business area. After the meeting the executive director and I handed out business cards and networked with participants. The executive director, who I will be closely working with this summer is going to educate me on how a non-profit organization operates, like an internship, and I will contribute to marketing needs and speaking engagements. I am very excited about this opportunity, and I got to thinking that I could start a non-profit organization or clubhouse that focuses on schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. ----------------------------------------------------------------------...

Why is it that starting a new relationship makes some people nervous? I started a new relationship with a guy I met a month ago. Things are moving along smoothly, we go on nice dates, have good conversation, and we seem to hit it off very well. At first I was nervous dating him because I have not dated in a while, but now I feel more comfortable around him. I think I am ready for a relationship in this phase of my recovery, I am taking my medication regularly and I starting to do more activities. Meeting new people was one of my goals for recovery. I do not have many friends now but I hope to get a few in the near future. Another one of my goals for recovery is decribed in my post, "Closer to Recovery," I discuss plans to start school in the spring, so far the application process is going well.