tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81269056101669258072024-03-14T13:11:30.249-04:00Overcoming SchizophreniaThis blog is about educating and empowering peers, caregivers, and loved ones with hope for recovery. I describe my experience living with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. I've been in recovery since 2007. I've experienced setbacks, but also triumphed through challenges. I encourage you to share your thoughts and to believe that better days are attainable. Thank you for visiting. Welcome to my life in recovery... Ashley SmithAshley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.comBlogger413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-72198814939582694312024-02-14T14:47:00.001-05:002024-02-14T14:47:45.384-05:00NEW Blog Book: Controlling the Weight of DepressionI 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/smithashleyHere'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 bloggerAshley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-44107817287437947072024-02-07T15:27:00.001-05:002024-02-07T15:27:48.545-05:00Reader Question#1 - February 2024 Was there ever a time that you refused to take the meds and how did you finally decide to? Thank you asking me this question, because it's common and a great discussion. Initially, I refused medication simply because I didn't understand why? One day they started giving me pills. Without a warning, lesson, explanation, handout, or anything! Kinda like, here take this with this tiny Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-1490400684170636602024-02-07T15:27:00.000-05:002024-02-07T15:27:37.918-05:00Reader Question#2 - February 2024 How difficult was it to find the right doctor and would you say the mental health system is better in Georgia? Thank you for this question. In short, I've experienced two states for treatment- California and Georgia. Both offer quality care based on the diverse programs they offer (clubhouses, peer support led centers, respite centers, and more). However, finding that doctor- there Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-39895414034070573412024-01-10T04:00:00.012-05:002024-01-10T04:00:00.138-05:00 Just for TodayFor many years I've struggled with symptoms of depression and fight hard to control it. Low mood can manifest in several ways. For me, depression is war on energy, motivation, hygiene, concentration, productivity, anxiety, memory, and the pain of it all. Not being able to function at the level I'm capable of. The inability to finish tasks which used to be second-hand nature, easy and simple. Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-83517566703749850502024-01-03T20:13:00.002-05:002024-01-03T20:13:51.864-05:00Daily ChallengesThis morning I slept in, but that was
nothing new. These days my depression wins the battles, however, I
believe I can still win the war. My dogs got me up and out of bed to
go outside. It was about 40 degrees- good thing they were fast at
using it. I ran an errand for household supplies. Then decided to
cook myself something filling- grits. The bare minimum- no eggs,
sausage, nor toast, just Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-36538628511842396562023-09-27T04:00:00.001-04:002023-09-27T04:00:00.152-04:00How to Turn Your Day AroundWhen 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-60307363262996338982023-09-20T08:25:00.001-04:002023-09-20T08:25:31.785-04:005 Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Control Stress & AnxietyI'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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-49718686023254490112023-09-13T16:42:00.002-04:002023-09-13T16:42:42.579-04:007 Keys to Recuperating After a HospitalizationSurviving 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. Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-18276723248422868002023-09-08T15:01:00.000-04:002023-09-08T15:01:29.777-04:0015-Year Blog AnniversaryThe 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-48855600460101297272023-08-09T12:18:00.000-04:002023-08-09T12:18:23.232-04:00Guest Blogger: Improving Your Self-Esteem for a More Well-Rounded LifeThis 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-84749982694050542212023-07-26T04:15:00.011-04:002023-07-26T04:15:00.149-04:00Hold On- There's HopeLights 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-75540026426910560672023-07-12T14:59:00.002-04:002023-07-12T14:59:38.900-04:00Interview with Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action AllianceHuge 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 CopelandSupport Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-53399045483671488582023-04-05T22:56:00.000-04:002023-04-05T22:56:34.427-04:00New Book: CRUSHING THE SPIRIT OF DEPRESSION 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-77689533225332515452023-02-08T03:14:00.015-05:002023-02-08T03:14:00.193-05:00 Now I Can See: Strategies to Manage RecoveryAlthough 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-52922420511981551482023-01-18T09:32:00.000-05:002023-01-18T09:32:30.380-05:00Guest Blogger: 8 Mental Health Tips for Living With SchizophreniaThis 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, Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-76554381475961877572023-01-11T06:10:00.000-05:002023-01-11T06:10:07.771-05:00An Effective Approach to Medication Management and WellbeingWhat 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. Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-64403871192632461262022-12-11T21:50:00.000-05:002022-12-11T21:50:04.641-05:00 Guest Blogger: How To Manage The Fear Of Loneliness In Your LifeThe 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-4695791237264011902022-11-11T15:29:00.004-05:002022-11-11T15:29:36.673-05:00"Low-Grade Depression"Michelle Obama said she had "low-grade depression." Is there a low-grade cancer? Low-grade eating disorder? My mother was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, and died with stage 4 cancer. I do not take any medical/mental health issue lightly. Untreated diabetes, for example, can lead to significant risk factors including, heart disease and stroke, among several other Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-18422460541745629842022-10-26T06:14:00.001-04:002022-10-27T19:48:49.405-04:00Guest Blogger: Get Through These Major Life Changes While Living With SchizophreniaThis article was written by a guest blogger who previously contributed a post on this blog. He continues to deliver empowering information that will not only help an individual with schizophrenia, but benefit others as well. The following reading was written by Adam C.Thank you, Adam for your support of this blog and sharing helpful information. Do follow the links in this article for more Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-72635600720456066102022-09-25T19:58:00.000-04:002022-09-25T19:58:24.111-04:00 Schizophrenia: CatatoniaA friend who is a caregiver has a daughter who was in jail. She shared with me how her daughter made requests and wanted to get out of jail. However, my friend was relived because her daughter was getting help. Immediately, I thought she's in a good place, not due to the environment and circumstances, but because she knew she was in jail. Catatonia. It is a symptom of Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-30826905037407029312022-09-21T04:00:00.001-04:002022-09-21T04:00:00.197-04:00Medication Pitfalls with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder In the previous blog
article: "Depression: Lost Mail," I identified strategies
to combat depression despite medication management where symptoms
still dominate. Now I'll discuss ways that I manage lingering
symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Medication is highly
effective to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for me. There
are many pharmaceutical drugs that helps Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-74990611229765114702022-09-19T07:07:00.000-04:002022-09-19T07:07:04.187-04:00 Depression: Lost MailRecently, 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 Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-3994231365134772752022-09-07T18:29:00.003-04:002022-09-07T18:30:15.413-04:00 Depression: Fighting to Stay Awake and Have EnergySleep can be a coping skill, too. Many times, resting clears my thoughts and helps my mind reset. Sometimes I take a nap to regain my energy to finish the day stronger. Other times sleeping helps me take my thoughts away from an emotional rollercoaster after a disagreement. However, too much sleep can be a sign of depression. Whether the trigger was a separation from your Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-72551068130497625672022-08-23T23:21:00.003-04:002022-08-23T23:21:49.073-04:00Guest Blogger - Victoria's Recovery and Self-care RoutineThis is a guest post from a fellow blogger who is also in recovery with schizoaffective disorder. I believe Victoria's story will provide reassurance and hope that recovery is possible. The following is Victoria's self-care routine, how she manages, and a link to her blog... Thank you, Victoria for sharing your recovery with us on the Overcoming Schizophrenia blog.There are many ways to recover Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126905610166925807.post-34826586138506478442022-08-03T00:52:00.003-04:002022-08-03T00:52:43.060-04:00Push Pause“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself.” Hermann HesseIn the past, I’ve struggled with maintaining employment because I became overwhelmed and stressed that led my symptoms to flare up. I’ve had to quit jobs that I enjoyed because I could not cope and manage well. Every day I reflect on strategies to maintain wellness; walking, Ashley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.com0