Overcoming Schizophrenia

Overcoming Schizophrenia Guest Blogger: Author, Charles Porter — His work opens up conversations around: Living meaningfully with voices How identity exists beyond diagnosis What people often misunderstand about these experiences There’s a moment that comes early for a lot of people who hear voices. It’s not always dramatic. No thunderclap, no clear dividing line. It’s quieter than that. It’s the moment you realize you’re going to have to live a life with this. Not cure it. Not outrun it. Not wait for it to disappear one day like a bad season. Just live with it. And from there, everything changes. The way people talk about hearing voices tends to flatten the experience. It gets reduced to a label, then a prognosis, then a set of expectations about what a life will look like. Most of those expectations are narrow. Many are wrong. Because what often gets missed is that people who hear voices don’t stop being people. They build lives. They work. They fall in love. They develop routines, p...

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 pr...

Image via Freepik This article was written by guest blogger, Adam C. He's previously contributed articles on our blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia. Adam continues to deliver great written material with links to resources. Thank you, Adam, for sharing your insight and ongoing support. When the Mind Feeds the Mouth: How Mental Health Shapes Food Choices and What to Do about It You don't always reach for the bag of chips because you're hungry. Sometimes, it's stress. Other times it's habit masquerading as hunger. Mental health and food are linked in quiet, often invisible ways - patterns carved by emotion, reinforced by repetition, and easy to miss until your body starts asking questions you can't answer with another snack. But the fix isn't shame or stricter willpower. It's awareness. It's rhythm. And it starts by recognizing what your eating habits are responding to - and why they keep coming back. How Mental Health Shapes Food Choices When the nervous s...

Over the years, I’ve gained insight on living with schizoaffective disorder. Identifying my triggers, warning signs and needs. Living with a diagnosis is challenging. The greatest trigger - excessive stress.  How can we maintain balance when life is stressful? Can an individual ever classify themselves in a “safe zone?” Your Support Network is Crucial Since my diagnosis in 2007, and periodic medical setbacks, I’ve recognized how I'm susceptible to highly intense situations that can upset my balance. In the past, I didn’t consider myself fragile. I thought I could control my illness and for 11 years I did. Yet, I couldn’t outrun, deny, nor overlook the breath of chaos that eventually came back to consume my mind and create havoc for me and my family. I’ve had three hospitalizations and two arrests.  Based on my experience, the greatest antidote to controlling breakdowns is having a strong support system, but what does that mean? Mobilizing your support network and being prepare...

The following article was written by a guest blogger, Adam C. Adam contributes material for our blog which gives insightful perspectives on living with schizophrenia... Thank you, Adam for another great read. Starting over isn’t just possible—it can be transformative, especially after weathering a tough chapter in life. For those living with schizophrenia, the idea of moving to a new city might seem overwhelming, but it also presents a rare opportunity to reset, find healing, and rediscover purpose. If you've reached a point where change feels necessary, relocating might not only shift your geography but help reroute your path forward. Finding a Home That Feels Safe and Stable Housing isn’t just about four walls—it’s about creating a sanctuary. Whether you're applying for a rental or working through assisted housing programs, the most important thing is that your new place supports your daily routine and gives you peace of mind. Using Your Move as a Launchpad for Career...

  I appreciate the opportunity to share my story with Tony Mantor and the mental health community. This interview is one of many presented throughout the month of May on his show. Sharing my recovery story is my way of contributing to the anti-stigma campaign for mental health awareness. I had a great interview experience with Tony while reflecting on the events which led to my diagnosis of schizophrenia. My story is one of countless that shows the unfortunate link between mental health and the judicial system... For May Mental Health Awareness Month, veteran Nashville music producer and podcast host, Tony Mantor, continues to present daily mental health-related interviews for the Humanity Over Handcuffs: The Silent Special Series on Why Not Me The World Podcast, commemorating the start of Autism Acceptance Month in April.  "The series purpose is to refrain from assigning blame, and instead focus on developing solution driven strategies," Mantor said about the new podcast ser...

The following blog article was written by Scott Bernard... Thank you, Scott for sharing the information. This type of support will undoubtedly help countless individuals. As individuals with schizophrenia can relate, different people can express very different transitions between psychosis and their baseline state. Some individuals experience the transition as an on-off switch. Initially they may have near perfect insight into the cause of their hallucinations, and the flawed logic behind their delusional thoughts. Then suddenly, they may lose nearly all insight into their condition, and whole wholeheartedly believing in their delusional thoughts, or having trouble differentiating their hallucinations from reality. Then there is another group of individuals who possess a level of insight which tends to fluctuate up or down more gradually. Rather than going from a complete understanding of the cause of symptoms, to a complete lack of insight into the driver of their symptoms, this group...

It's not the medicine that reminds me I have a diagnosis; it's ongoing self-monitoring.  Every day I follow my self-care regimen. It helps me; rejuvenates me and enhances my functioning. I embrace it.  Frequently, I take steps back to redirect and regroup in order to move forward. Lately, I've been working diligently on projects and striving to uphold that beast mode to get positive results. However, I must force myself to slow down to control stress. Even if it's created by good stressors. Even if I'm determined to finish something and pull an all-nighter, I stop myself and go to bed at a decent hour. I don't want to activate mania and it to worsen into my schizophrenia symptoms. When I'm working hard on tasks, I must increase my self-care rituals. That means making time to practice more stress reduction techniques to boost my energy and uphold that drive. Sometimes, I take a brisk walk around my neighborhood. Other times I stop to listen to nature sounds t...

This book, A Good Life: The Perception of Perfection (Revised Edition) , is rich with insight on living with schizophrenia. It provides approaches to managing the condition... Thank you, Karl for sharing your recovery story and bringing your new book to us. Guest Blogger: Karl Lorenz Willett. Thank you, Ashley, for inviting me to be a guest blogger on your website. I am a big fan of your blog and always look forward to your new post. The depth of insightful information or a particular point raised provided a lot of practical, valuable information that has been incredibly helpful. Key Points in this post/blog: My mission is to provide clear explanations and valuable, insightful, and informative blogs that resonate with your readers and will benefit them. In my recently published book, A Good Life: The Perception of Perfection (Revised Edition), I hope to offer a new perspective on paranoid schizophrenia. I hope that readers will be enthusiastic about the content and purchase a copy of...

       Join the conversation in our Share it with Charlotte podcast interview: "Connecting With Ashley Smith's Journey - In Her Own Ink." Leave a comment. We discuss my journey of recovery, family life and new book, In Her Own Ink. Also, I encourage you to look at our past interview: Share it with Charlotte "Crushing the Spirit of Depression."      I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my story and to talk about mental health and my new book, In Her Own Ink. I enjoyed my experience on Charlotte's show because she always makes me feel at home.     Thank you, Charlotte for allowing me to share my passion that is diving into mental health talks and my books. I wish you well on your show and look forward to continuing our discussion on coping with schizophrenia and related conditions.

          I had a terrific interview with Sam an individual living with autism who is also a postdoctoral researcher. Frequently, he interviews people who are living with autism and other mental health conditions.       I enjoyed our interview because he allowed me the opportunity to discuss a lot of different aspects of living in recovery. Our interview focuses on a wide range of topics including schizophrenia symptoms, parenting with a diagnosis, advocacy, romantic relationships, caregivers - my recovery experience.       Do watch this video and learn more about my story and how an individual could cope with a diagnosis such as mine; schizoaffective disorder (bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia). I encourage you to review his other interviews as well and to subscribe to his YouTube channel, All Neurotypes Office; www.youtube.com/@allneurotypesoffice7037 and check out his website: www.allneurotypes.com ...

I'm in a good space in my recovery and I want you to unlock your power to get the recovery results you desire, too. In this blog article, I'll identify strategies I've personally exercised to maximize my health plan. We will reexamine the definition of recovery which is forever evolving for us. We'll discuss specific tactics to master resiliency and execute your power to take control of symptoms and your well-being.   Living with a mental health diagnosis can be extremely stressful if left unaddressed. Symptoms of schizophrenia range from signature signs and issues with seeing and hearing people that others do not. Severe paranoia such as being suspicious of loved ones and strangers without evidence or realistic demand. Other symptoms of schizophrenia are isolation, catatonia (being still, literally for extended periods of time), lack of awareness, confusion, lack of motivation and depression...  Recovery is striving for a fulfilling life through self-awareness and supp...

What happens when we take our medication at the wrong time of day? If we skip a dose, should we double-up? Are there any medications that a woman can take which will not harm the unborn child? Can medication prevent relapse? Talk to Your Doctor      These are just some of the questions we should ask our doctors to gain clarity. I've learned first-hand the trials and errors of not comprehending the facts and making poor decisions. Often, we wonder what the fine print says but don't investigate. Therefore, we ask our doctors questions without understanding what language they're speaking and leave their office with the same questions.     My medication cocktail changed over the years. In the past, I've been fortunate to be on a single medication to effectively treat my schizophrenia symptoms. While other times I've had to work diligently with my doctor to adjust my medication cocktail. For example, dealing with two anti-depressants or anti-psychotics at once in add...

     Growing up I skipped doses to control allergies, colds and headaches. Found alternative home remedies to defeat taking medicines. I didn't know that one day  all those times I wasn't taking medication I'd make up for it later.  Trial and Error      For years my doctor and I tweaked my medication cocktail. We'd try a combination which worked for a little while but then those good effects wore off and my depression and the negative symptoms returned- aggressively.  I've suffered in silence alone. In bed struggling for relief.     I've had to jump through hoops everyday for months at a time to have a good day. Followed a strict routine of exercising, meditation and prayer, listening to pep talks, journaling and checking in with family and friends while attending therapy and taking medications to manage my schizophrenia, bipolar and depression.  Appreciation for Medication      Now I take meds for headaches and ...

Stress, genetics, and life disruptions effects our mental health. Stress is a common trigger for health conditions. Depression is an uncomfortable stage of existence. It's like being out of shape and trying to run a mile. Knowingly starting the mile at a disadvantage. Being out of breath and eventually walking it out portrays a snit bit of the internal battles I live with every day. Depression the Quicksand My depression tries to rob me of my peace to manage daily events. Poor hygiene and high anxiety threatens my livelihood and routine. Depression reinforces how low energy, mood, and lack of motivation to keep moving lessens my quality of life. For me it's like walking in quicksand and reaching for help in any way possible yet unable to get out.     Signals that low moods are dominating my life is the severely heightened need to sleep longer hours and take three-hour naps. Getting inadequate rest after 12 hours of sleeping. When my depression worsens it effects my pay, ...

Enjoy reading this blog? Continue diving into my world of recovery by looking at my blog books. I've reduced the price of all three for the holidays: What's on My Mind? Volume I, Revised Edition, A Collection of Blog Entries from Overcoming Schizophrenia What's on My Mind? Volume II, Coping Takes Work What's on My Mind? Volume III, Controlling the Weight of Depression Click here to visit Ashley's Author Page. What's on My Mind? Volume I, Revised Edition, A Collection of Blog Entries from Overcoming Schizophrenia This is a must read because it's provides a closer look inside my mind during the traumas of being engulfed in my symptoms of schizophrenia but also the triumphs of recovery. It is a record of the beginnings of my recovery and advocacy work. What's on My Mind? Volume II, Coping Takes Work This is a great read that encourages you to consider therapy. Coping Takes Work discusses the benefits of therapy and offers a wide range of coping skills that ...