Books

Ashley's Books

What's On My Mind? Volume I

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Ashley Smith self-published What's On My Mind? A Collection of Blog Entries from Overcoming Schizophrenia, Volume I (2014), foreword written by Christina Bruni. Available on Amazon.

After stealing a military pickup truck to escape the “demons,” and going on a high speed chase with police, Ashley Smith was institutionalized, and diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, life after that took a huge turn for the better. Instead of continuing to be a victim to her illness, Ashley chooses recovery, and shares her experience on her personal blog.

In her blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, she dares to reminisce about the distressing experiences of having had a false perception of reality, and then her process of embracing the condition by exploring inner thoughts about her recovery to help others, and to reduce stigma.

If you enjoy reading Ashley’s blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, you are in for a treat with What’s On My Mind? Volume I. Ashley shares an optimistic view of living with her illness in her blog, which will undoubtedly encourage others to be hopeful, and to endure the fight to live a wonderful life in recovery!

What’s On My Mind? Volume I, is a must read:

• Short, informative, and easy to follow.

• Provides the human experience aspect of living with mental illness.

• Encourages people to seek professional help.

• Shares a hopeful outlook on recovery.

• Gives another perspective on mental illness, which benefits others.

• Supports those on the recovery journey for themselves or a loved one.

What's On My Mind? Coping Takes Work, Volume II 

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Frequently, doctors recommend medication compliance to support recovery for persons living with mental health concerns, but they do not focus on how to live. Mental illness is a highly misunderstood medical challenge that is massively stigmatized in cultures all over the world. 

Since 2007, Ashley experiences discrimination, and crisis due to her diagnosis. However, she rises above the stigma of her condition. Ashley maintains hope, and a quality life in recovery. In 2008, she established the Overcoming Schizophrenia blog, which offers a candid view of her recovery journey. In 2014, the blogger self-published her book, What’s On My Mind? A Collection of Blog Entries from Overcoming Schizophrenia, Volume I. 

In 2019, popular reviews identified Ashley’s blog among the “Top 20 Schizophrenia Blogs and Websites to Follow in 2019.” Her blog topics focus on the benefits of therapy and practical coping techniques. Ashley Smith is a lived experience expert on schizophrenia. 

Now, What’s On My Mind? Coping Takes Work, Volume II, is a continuation of Ashley’s collection of blog articles from Overcoming Schizophrenia. Ashley remastered select articles from her blog to argue two objectives. First, therapy is an important coping tool to master recovery. Second, Ashley redefines the term recovery, which to her is to keep trying to stay in a good place. 

There are many benefits to reading Coping Takes Work. Here are a few key points:

• Inspiring recovery stories
• Interactive self-help guide,
• Supports therapy as a major component of recovery,
• Encourages the application of practical coping skills,
• Inspires peers in recovery to keep trying, 
• Provides insight on how to combat self-stigma, and 
• Links and resources for schizophrenia information.

“My book is a collection of inspiring articles from my blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia. My story focuses on how I master resiliency through different coping strategies,” said Ashley Smith.