Overcoming Schizophrenia

 Defining Self-Stigma I define stigma as the universal unspoken code of discriminatory beliefs, misinformation, blame, and distain for us- people living with a mental health diagnosis. Examples of the stigma is undeniably found in routine discriminatory practices of disqualifying us in housing and objection to receiving different services and getting opportunities.  Also, ostracizing us in our communities and holding negative assumptions such as being prone to violence. Self-stigma are those negative beliefs turned inward but it goes deeper. It translates into the mindset of "I can'ts," and "I'll never be able to..." Being stuck in that mode of thinking. Gaining Acceptance My recovery foundation started at a psychiatric hospital in California. I was fortunate to have an enthusiastic doctor who believed recovery is possible. This made belief in myself attainable. Accepting my diagnosis became a lot easier when my doctor told me I can go back to school. I had ...

I'm a mental health support person and take pride in my work assisting others on their recovery journey. My position enables me to work on treatment teams alongside mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and substance abuse counselors.       My job is important because I can better relate to peers with mental health conditions. Encouraging them to press forward in spite of living with a brain disorder that can be debilitating. This position is highly effective, needed, and growing nationwide. The Certified Peer Specialist Peer support is a growing element in treatment services. It's a Medicaid-billable service here in Georgia. Mental health support persons work with clinicians an peers in recovery to promote healthy coping tools and lifestyle habits.      The position is titled, certified peer specialist or CPS. Our job is to model recovery and share our stories when relevant. Moreover, educate peers on their m...

 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 will be good ones and not so good ones everywhere.      I've been with my doctor for over 14 years and my therapist over 7 years. Partnering with your provider is essential. I encourage you to participate in your sessions by asking questions. "You get out of it whatever you put in it." I provide my therapist with an agenda every session to cover my pressing concerns and stresses.      Because these sessions are short it is imperative you come prepared to make them work for you. This is extremely important if you have limited options based on distance and transportatio...

Eleven years ago I started blogging anonymously about my experience with schizophrenia. I was 21 years old and still learning about my diagnosis, which I continue to study today. I am grateful for the feedback of my peers in recovery, caregivers, and our loved ones who engaged in this blog. Over the years my recovery story gained a lot of opportunities and exposure. I became a mental health advocate, speaker, and trainer. I sought different platforms to share my lived experience. There were several.  In 2010, I shared my recovery story as a speaker for In Our Own Voice. This program was new to NAMI Georgia, I was among the first class. I thank my instructor, Cathy M. for teaching me how to share my story. This program gave me a glimpse of what was to come.  My first speaking engagement was on my birthday. I spoke for NAMI Georgia and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement. My presentation focused on my history with mental health, and l...

Ashley Smith, NAMI Georgia Member, Panelist at Emory University, "Living With A Mental Health Condition Panel" - April 8, 2019 Living with mental illness is not an option, however, recovery is. What is recovery?! In the beginning, I did not understand my diagnosis, nor how recovery looks. In fact, I borrowed a vision of recovery from others. My enthusiastic state hospital doctor in California told me I could return to school, which I did. My mother told me she could see me sharing with others how I made it through with schizophrenia, and I started blogging anonymously, in 2008.  Moreover, another pivotal influence, which shapes my optimism and outlook on living with schizophrenia was seeing another individual with my diagnosis facilitate a WRAP course. Mary Ellen Copeland’s Wellness Recovery Action Plan, or WRAP, guides peers in recovery on how to manage, plan, and overcome crisis, and relapse. Participating in this person’s class inspired me to become a certified pe...

When I started engaging in counseling 11 years ago I assumed the scope of the sessions would focus on medicine, and my mental illness. However, nobody should assume. Counseling applies practical problem-solving demands to the stresses of life that impacts peers living in recovery. Counseling may help an individual manage diverse concerns such as codependency, low self-esteem, and motivation to be your best self, etc.! Therefore, if you're newly diagnosed, or do not have diverse experience with counselors my experience, which I will share can help. I will focus on the benefits of counseling from personal experience. There are several benefits to counseling, however, I will focus on only three, here. #1- Counseling focuses on the whole person. #2- Counseling encourages growth. #3- Counseling can be ongoing. First, a significant benefit of counseling is its focus on the  whole  person. The doctor or psychiatrist concentrate on treating symptoms, and prescribing appr...

Me- On A "Good Day" When's the last time you managed your self-care,  well ?- Today? Yesterday?- Or has it been that long ? As a mother, employee, and volunteer, my ideal self-care activities have decreased from one extreme to another. In the past, I had pampering days that included leisure activities and visits to the nail salon, now this "me-time" has turned into tiny acts of self-reflection like maintaining my journal. My days are filled with rigorous activities I enjoy like working with peers, sharing my recovery story to diverse groups, and caring for my son. Ironically, my job as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is to model great self-care for the sake of my mental health. However, that is an ongoing roller coaster that I strive to shut down and to restore balance, but I am moving too fast to take back my control!  Me- T.I.R.E.D. At the End of the Day For example, besides my erratic sleep habits,  I frequently skip breakfast and s...

A couple of weeks ago I visited St. Simon's Island, Georgia to attend the annual Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc. (GMHCN) conference. The theme of this year's conference was "The Year of the Peer." I enjoyed the three-day conference because of the fellowship with my peers and the honor to be one of the keynote speakers among Georgia's Commissioner Frank Berry and Jana Spalding. I titled my talk, "I Choose To Live!," which was inspired by Jen's award title. I spoke about my experiences, how I am living a quality life in recovery, and what peer support looks like. My talk encouraged everyone to talk to their neighbor and to create a title for their inspirational book. The experience was amazing because I was able to get each individual to help others with their talents and gifts. Moreover, every attendee received a copy of my book, which was so exciting! I signed my book for others throughout the remaining days of the conference an...

Today my co-workers and I offered support to our peer who was struggling with discouraging voices. She looked extremely overwhelmed and stressed. This was not the first time she sought relief with our help, however, each time we try to offer a caring hand during tough moments like this.  All three of us offered support to her in diverse ways that included: Repeat positive affirmations aloud,  Sing a song, Listen to soothing music, Give a hug, and Encourage prayer One of the few affirmations we repeated was: "I am strong..." In addition to that we reinforced encouraging words by making positive statements about her triumph over the voices. As a group we recited the song: "Lean On Me." And we listened to a loving song on the internet through a cell phone- Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." Also, one of us was led to give her a hug, another recited a short prayer with her. Afterwards, she looked much better, and was able to go about her ...