Overcoming Schizophrenia

When feeling stuck, down, and just blah- what can you do to turn your bad day into a good day? I've had many days where my energy was low and felt down and was set on having another bad day. After dwelling on poor self-talk I might try to uplift myself. I contemplate activities to do in order to boost my energy, self-esteem and perspective on my day.       I'll discuss my personal strategies and tricks for getting back on track and turning bleak days into better ones. Here are 5 approaches to turning your day around: 1. Make up your bed 2. Shower 3. Exercise 4. Talk to someone 5. Play a game 1. Initially, my depression might show itself when my bedroom is messy among other rooms in the house. The thought of cleaning up becomes overwhelming because there is so much to do. I've learned that small efforts to cleaning can go a long way.  For example, making up my bed is a great way to having a clear area to rest and sleep. Also, reflect on my plan of action for the ...

I've been in recovery for over 15 years and worked as a peer mentor or certified peer specialist for over 10 years. I've learned a lot on my journey of recovery and continue to take on more ways to manage my health from other people. The handful of activities I'll discuss are few practical ways to improve wellbeing.      Due to my diagnosis I must be mindful of my stress levels to help me cope. Whenever I'm stressed I easily fall into anxiety and irritability, which could lead to the worsening of other symptoms. Stress reduction helps me manage everyday pressures. I practice a variety of stress management techniques to reduce feelings of anxiousness. Here I'll discuss 5 approaches to controlling stress and anxiety that will undoubtedly get you feeling lighter and better. Meditating Talking Moving Resting Routine Meditating. Meditation can transfer into numerous rituals that will help you redirect thoughts, enhance focus, and relax your muscles....

Surviving life is hard enough in itself, and living with a diagnosis is tough. However, recovery is about working on self and building coping tools to manage the brain condition. The effort into getting well after hospitalization is resiliency at its best.      I define recuperating as the process of creating comfort, building stability, and focusing on developing wellbeing. Recovering after a hospitalization is a journey. I believe each of us should recognize our diligence at recuperating and be proud of ourselves.      After every hospitalization I've developed more insight. I was hospitalized earlier this year and my recuperation stage focused on routine to get me into a good place. Here I'll share 7 methods to recuperating after a hospitalization. 1. Medication. I've learned that it's important to discuss any questions about administering medication with a doctor or pharmacist to minimize complications. In the past, I assumed taking medication at any...

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 challen...

This article was written by guest blogger, Adam C. He's contributed a few blog articles on the Overcoming Schizophrenia blog. His articles offer great insight on managing wellbeing and also provides supporting links and information.  The following articles were also written by Adam:  8 Mental Health Tips for Living With Schizophrenia (January 18, 2023) Get through These Major Life Changes While Living With  Schizophrenia  (October 26, 2022) For Addicts Recovery Means Creating A New Life  (November 21, 2019) Image via Pexels Although mental health disorders and low self-esteem are not exclusive to one another, there is a profound connection . As a person living with schizophrenia, you owe it to yourself to make a conscious effort to improve your self-esteem so that you can be in a better mental state to best manage your condition. Today, the Overcoming Schizophrenia blog shares tips. Understanding Self-Esteem According to UK-based mental health charity...

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...

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 

  I've been on edge for the last week, waiting. Waiting to smile. Waiting for my new book, CRUSHING THE SPIRIT OF DEPRESSION. And, today I can finally breathe- and smile.      This book screams HOPE, JOY, & REJUVENATION. It will make you feel better. Crushing the Spirit of Depression focuses on The Creator, and motivation to explore your potential and persevere and achieve your hopes and dreams.      I created a book I wish I had on my shelf for difficult times, which we all have had at some point in our lives. The book aims to encourage you and your loved ones whenever going through something and reflecting on those widespread depressing ordeals that happens in life. Which are stressful and bring us down; financial hardship, grief and loss, health problems, low mood, and self-esteem. Or, simply to maintain wellbeing, clarity, and self-encouragement.      Crushing the Spirit of Depression has 30 prayers that praises, and holds conv...

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....

This article was written by guest blogger, Adam C. He has previously contributed blog articles on Overcoming Schizophrenia. Adam offers great insight on how to manage recovery and provides supporting links for resources and additional information.  The following articles were also written by Adam: Get through These Major Life Changes While Living With  Schizophrenia  (October 26, 2022) For Addicts Recovery Means Creating A New Life  (November 21, 2019) If you’ve recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may not know how to move forward. You can turn to Overcoming Schizophrenia for advice from other people who have walked in your shoes. Here are some mental health tips to get you started, from cleaning your home to engaging in nonprofit work. Maintain a Clean Home Living in a clean environment can help you manage your symptoms and feel grounded. You can break down the decluttering process one room at a time to make it easier. A tidy, organized space will ...

What do you do when you know you're on the right medication but don't get the desired results? Every day I am applying my coping tools to tackle symptoms. I am aware of my signs and triggers. Although the medication controls signature symptoms that characterizes schizophrenia, I still have other symptoms to deal with.  My recurring issues are depression, anxiety, and irritability.  Depression is a huge problem. Because just when I think I've found a way to combat the feelings and physical challenges with depression I realize I've been fooled, again, and that moment of relief was just that- a moment.  Depression looks different for everybody. For me it could be lack of hygiene, severe fatigue, back pain, procrastination, no motivation nor energy to perform even simple tasks, and negative thinking. Those concerns seem manageable with an aspirin, hot shower, vitamin, daily agenda, and a good pep talk with yourself- but in the midst of depression its not that simple.  Ha...