Overcoming Schizophrenia

September 2013 is National Recovery Month... Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.                                With proper care and treatment, between 70 and 90 percent of persons with mental illnesses experience a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life. (the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI) September 2013 also represents my five year anniversary for maintaining this bl...

There is a stigma against me and my peers, but there is also one against mental health care providers. Common stigmas of me and my peers vary from lazy, possessing a split personality, to mass murderer- ugh! The stigma of health care providers are they abuse patients, treat us all the same, or do not listen to patients' concerns. However, I view my peers and health care providers totally different. I see my peers living independently or contributing to the household. They seem like peaceful individuals- practicing mindfulness and keeping to themselves- not inflicting pain on anyone or starting a riot. They engage in creative hobbies such as art or poetry, and other activities. My peers not only help themselves but also other peers by offering advice and a listening ear. And they're far from lazy!- a lot of the people I associate with who have a mental illness volunteer. They also work jobs that they take pride in and enjoy, part-time and full-time. Despite what really goes ...

Recently, I participated in a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) continuing education workshop to keep my certification and to learn more information. During the training we identified recovery, our roles and responsibilities, and new Medicaid-billing policies. The training experience reminded me of interactions with mental health professionals and peers who have given me hope. In short, recovery is a unique learning process that ultimately develops into self-direction. The CPS position is a growing dynamic that has spread across the country and is becoming internationally recognized. The position of a CPS is versatile and flexible; in that we are to act as a liaison between mental health staff and peers living with a diagnosis, and to demonstrate life coach abilities by acknowledging strengths within peers, and as a result to support their goals and plans. Ultimately, the CPS position is to also overcome the mental health system or to help establish a new cult...

In group on Thursday, we wrote down three things we are proud of for the year 2010, and also wrote the things we would like to be proud of for 2011. My accomplishments for 2010 included: Going back to college, Getting my own apartment, and Maintaining a personal relationship. I am proud of these things accomplishments because I've showed myself that I can lead an independent life in recovery from schizophrenia. Recovery to me is doing the things I used to do and also doing the things I need to do to move forward. Moreover, I accomplished these things despite my illness and even though certain people were skeptical about my goals, I did it and I am very proud of myself! I have many goals I would like fulfill this year. I would like to become a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) among other things. A CPS is a trained mental health associate who is also in mental health recovery, and who helps peers on their path to recovery. They facilitate groups, provide resources,...

I am hopeful that I will find part-time work in the mental health field. I would like to have a position that mirrors that of a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). A CPS works directly with people who have a mental health diagnosis. They assist peers with recovery goals, facilitate groups, and act as a mentor. However, the position requires special training followed by intense testing, and certification. I plan on applying for the CPS training this summer. Most of the jobs I am interested in requires CPS training and certification. Even though I am limited in that regard I am enthusiastic about finding work and will continue with the job search. If you would like to learn more about schizophrenia visit Embracing My Mind, Inc. , NAMI , Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (Canada).

I just applied for the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist training. The training takes place in the beginning of February and will last two weeks. Last time I applied and was denied because there were so many applicants, I hope this time I will get into the training program. This training is very important to me because it is recognized by the state and will officially allow me to guide others on their path to recovery. This will give me more experience on how to help others. Plus this certification will prove to others that I am serious about my goal to help other people living with a mental illness. Please wish me luck, and I keep you posted on my status!

Today I had a little setback, actually it is a HUGE setback, it's about my school. I visited a financial aid counselor to discover that my school has not received my information from FASFA yet. It is a four week process and tuition is due next Friday, I know I cannot get that kind of money in time. Therefore, my financial aid is on hold so I will not be able to start school this semester. This upsets me, but not totally. I'll focus my attention on facilitating more groups and carrying out needed trainings, such as Georgia's Certified Peer Specialist Project . The training is for people living with a diagnosis of mental illness or dual diagnosis. It prepares people to provide peer support to other individuals living with a diagnosis. There are organizations that seek Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), this certification would definitely benefit my organization Embracing My Mind, Inc. It costs $85 excluding hotel expenses. I've applied to the training before but was denied...