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CBS News - Atlanta Mental Health Awareness Special: Woman Manages Schizophrenia with Treatment and Hope

Hi Overcoming Schizophrenia Blog Family, today my story was featured on the local news in Atlanta. Sharing my story reminds me of those dark moments that created chaos for me and my family. However, through hope, loved ones and treatment and therapy, I'm able to experience better days. 


First Recovery Speech; Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (2010)
 

When I was diagnosed back in 2007, there were not a lot of people openly sharing their testimonies of recovery. Even the pharmaceutical companies didn't promote treatment for peers living with schizophrenia!

I couldn't identify with any public figures who had schizophrenia. I remember a television special with Diana Ross; Out of the Darkness. Her character's story of recovery and schizophrenia reminds me of my own. That movie reiterated what recovery can look like.

Here we are in 2025, there are a lot of individuals living with schizophrenia who articulate their recovery publicly. And, a lot of treatment options are promoted nowadays. I'm so glad; we are speaking up and lowering the stigma, because too many of us suffer in silence due to the widespread myths and wrong information about us.

GMHNC Annual Conference; "The Year of the Peer" (2014)

I'm glad I'm a part of the recovery movement and dispelling the myths. I've come a long way, and have more to overcome. 

Janssen Pharmaceuticals' Documentary


www.amazon.com/author/smithashley



I'm excited to share my CBS (Atlanta) news interview with you. Huge thanks to my interviewer, Nakell Williams, at CBS... I thank you all for taking the time to watch this special.



I wish my mom was here to see this - she called it! Telling me I'd share with others about how I made it through living with schizophrenia... And, I'm grateful for the journey.

Living with Schizophrenia Documentary Debut with Mom (2011)



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