Overcoming Schizophrenia

I got up this morning to care for my dogs and returned to my dungeon; the bed. Oversleeping wasn't anything new. I woke up feeling restless as if I didn't get restful sleep but again this wasn't anything new. Yet, I told myself this moment will pass.  I decided I wasn't going to waste the day in bed. I put one foot in front of the other and forced myself into my health routine.  I told myself to take the medicine. Yes! I did something towards my wellness ritual. Reminding myself I'm a warrior and was not alone. Reflecting on everyone who wants to see me excel - my son, my peers in recovery, and late mother and spiritual family, and those who support me. "I'm a warrior and I'm not alone," I recited over and over again.  I'll take a shower to feel better. Check! - I did it. I thought about what generally helps so I got moving. I took a brisk walk around the block. It helped a little. Tackling the dishes and other household chores. I praised The C...

Lights out for at least five hours yesterday- that was my second nap. Thank God I'm getting through these dreadful issues a little better today. Stay away from the bed- I tell myself, even if I lie on the couch, it's beats being in the bed all day.      I'm grateful I had enough energy to get out of bed. I had pressing errands to run. And, my outing led me to enjoy the weather, I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin. For a moment I felt at ease.     When I reached out for support my phone rang almost immediately, and I felt happy. I caught a glimpse of joy by talking to a friend. Their listening ear, and their triumphs over a poor situation, which they shared gave me hope- tomorrow might be a better day.    I was having a bad day, but it changed. I caught moments of happiness and peace overrode it. I always tell myself- I aim for peace over happiness because happiness is fleeting. Today was evidence of that. I had so many happy moments that brightened...

The following article was written by author, Stan Popovich. He wrote the book, “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear." And, shares this great article with us that provides effective strategies to cope with loneliness.  I think this article would stimulate discussion and help many people. The holidays can be challenging, and these tips can support wellbeing. Also, check out Stan's website for more information: http://www.managingfear.com . Thank you, Stan for sharing the methods to overcoming fear of loneliness. Sometime or another we will experience a time when we are alone. Some people fear of being alone for various reasons. The first step is to become comfortable with yourself and having the self-confidence that you will be able to manage being by yourself. With this in mind, here are 7 suggestions that a person can use so that the fear of loneliness doesn’t become a major issue in their life. 1. Find an activity that you enjoy doing: Joining a group activity can be a great wa...

I define recovery as staying in a good space. But what does that mean? How can an individual cope with the internal conflicts of self-doubt and symptoms let alone the external battles with discrimination—in the workplace, housing, and barriers to treatment? Moreover, the universal unspoken code of widespread fears and social ostracizing. My ability to endure, cope, and to keep pressing forward demands that I relentlessly challenge the mind wars through my recovery tools.       Most people do not understand what it's like to live with a mental health condition, but they can testify that resiliency is a part of the human experience. Naturally we rediscover ways to bounce back from heartbreak, unemployment, and feelings of hopelessness. Yet, the choice to practice healthy strategies to persevere or destructive methods to get by is on us. Quick fixes are fleeting moments of relief which eventually leads to more problems. However, going through the process to develop crea...

When my eight-year old son said I looked tired and stressed I knew I had to work harder on my health plan. His little voice was on replay in my ear. Generally, he does not talk to me in this manner, but he was concerned and also suggested I take a nap. I understood the subtle attack on my health which my stress created. I had to act quick to prevent crisis and redirect my focus on strengthening my wellness routine.  Therefore, I went on overtime to manage my stress and reverted back to those coping strategies that helped in the past. This meant disciplining my mind to engage in more reading, concentrate on completing word search puzzles, walking around my neighborhood more than once a day, and repeating affirmations, and listening to motivational speakers for more positive messages in order to uphold healthy and productive thoughts. Whenever I cannot sleep I force myself to get out of bed and to carryout activities that will help relax my mind. I read self-development bo...

Nobody enjoys the feeling of being on edge, and anxious... Anxious for the reply about the business deal. Anxious for the update on your loved one’s health. Anxious for confirmation of the loan approval, etc. We have all been there. Recently, I felt anxious. However, my anxiousness could easily manifest into mania, a condition that perpetuates excessive energy. It was subtle at first. I brainstormed a few plans, and focused on different approaches to execute the agenda. I began to minimize my sleep to work on the plan. This load of ideas transitioned into over-thinking and indecisiveness. My anxiety built momentum to the extent that I had to check myself. I started to redirect my focus to develop patience. I did not want to experience mania at its worst, and produce negative outcomes. I began to be mindful of my sleeping pattern and diet. I was making a conscious effort to maintain better self-care. I reached out to a couple of people without reply. In response to the over-ex...

Doctors have the gift of healing. They can perform miracles and restore wellness when they believe in their work. If an individual needed surgery and had access to a surgeon this would be a great act of God. The surgery would treat the individual and restore good health. However, when the surgeon does not believe in the fruit of their works this poses a threat to recovery. Therefore, why would a surgeon perform the task, skill, and responsibility of medicine if they do not believe in their work? I heard families and peers recall poor experiences with doctors and other healthcare professionals. These poor experiences are common. They may state that my peer can never work again, can never live independently, and cannot do what they used to do. A lot of healthcare professionals do not offer hope for recovery. Instead some healthcare professionals reinforce stigma, and doubt with lack of expectations for life after diagnosis. Some do not say anything at all, and leave us without awa...

I understand how many readers may feel like I left everyone hanging, because I did… my commitment to my employer, my family and parenting, and straight up- my not-up-to-par self-care habits. It goes back to seasonal coping skills and lifetime coping demands; which I will forever seek balance. Writing in its diverse forms such as journaling and blogging is important to me. My writing is a must for me, to express myself by reflection, connect with others in order to expand my understanding of self and to relate; as well as to better function at a better than average degree on the scale and spectrum of my wellness… I am still here. I am still well. And I am still striving for a good life in my recovery, which forever shifts and changes…still I am me, overcoming my mental health conditions, and life’s uneasiness, and yet, and still; life’s pleasantness, at the same time!  I love myself because I am learning how to embrace my flaws that I usually aim to remove in thought, fantasy, ...