Overcoming Schizophrenia

The following article was written by a long-time contributor, Adam C. He offers unique perspectives along with references for better insight... Thank you, Adam for your ongoing encouragement and articles to enlighten and further my mission that is to offer hope and reinforce the fact that recovery is possible! Anxiety isn’t always a sudden panic attack. It can feel like fog — a vague unease you can’t shake, the tension that makes your jaw ache, the racing mind that won’t shut up. No matter how it shows up, anxiety demands tools, not just tolerance. And mental resilience isn’t some abstract trait — it’s built through small, specific practices. The goal isn’t perfect calm but steadiness that holds under pressure. These seven grounded strategies are designed for that: helping you reset your system, manage internal noise, and build real strength for when life goes sideways. Start with breath you can control You can’t always reason your way out of anxiety, but you can breathe differently. ...

I'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 help me cope. Whenever I'm stressed I easily fall into anxiety and irritability, which could lead to the worsening of other symptoms. Stress reduction helps me manage everyday pressures. I practice a variety of stress management techniques to reduce feelings of anxiousness. Here I'll discuss 5 approaches to controlling stress and anxiety that will undoubtedly get you feeling lighter and better. Meditating Talking Moving Resting Routine Meditating. Meditation can transfer into numerous rituals that will help you redirect thoughts, enhance focus, and relax your muscles....

I made an error. My mind jumps on the merry-go-round. I think of everything, but potential solutions to fix it. I froze and a wave of negative thoughts about my mistake penetrated my entire body and energy. Shoulders stay high, my chest is tight, I maintain an unsteady breathing rate which broadcasts my internal chaos from the tone of my voice, alone. I sound like the blaring uneasiness of severe stress, worry, anxiety, discomfort, and dread.  I regain a moment of control and focus on fixing the issue. However, my stress level continues to rise as I meditate on the problem, and the perception I might have portrayed. Frantically, I make a call, send messages, and continue the vicious cycle in my mind.  Anxiety. I feel upside down whenever I go deeper in the dark forest of stress and worry. How can I manage to end the storm within? I put on the sounds of waves, but no relief comes of this because I cannot concentrate. I can’t meditate when my mind jumps like this. I research way...

Nobody enjoys the feeling of being on edge, and anxious... Anxious for the reply about the business deal. Anxious for the update on your loved one’s health. Anxious for confirmation of the loan approval, etc. We have all been there. Recently, I felt anxious. However, my anxiousness could easily manifest into mania, a condition that perpetuates excessive energy. It was subtle at first. I brainstormed a few plans, and focused on different approaches to execute the agenda. I began to minimize my sleep to work on the plan. This load of ideas transitioned into over-thinking and indecisiveness. My anxiety built momentum to the extent that I had to check myself. I started to redirect my focus to develop patience. I did not want to experience mania at its worst, and produce negative outcomes. I began to be mindful of my sleeping pattern and diet. I was making a conscious effort to maintain better self-care. I reached out to a couple of people without reply. In response to the over-ex...

Coping with stress is easier said than done. I think stress puts pressure on my illness, which increases chances of my symptoms to flare up. Because I think stress is a trigger for me I try to catch myself whenever I feel it beginning to get out of hand. My early warning signs include: feeling depressed, drained, and whenever I neglect responding to emails in a speedy manner, isolate from those closest to me, do not uphold a clean house, and feel a lot of anxiety. A little while ago I felt like I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I feel uncomfortably stressed to the extent where I feel I need to have my dose of medication increased to help me cope. Before I attempted to alter my medication with my doctor I experimented with different coping skills that helped me before. I tried to relax and enjoy my moment whenever I could by taking a bath, sitting in silence, and reflecting on the good things that happened to me. I received a spa pedicure and went shopping too. Furthermo...

My fingers were itching to share more about my experience on managing mental illness, to write and to share my thoughts, my therapy. I let my mind wonder and started writing a poem. I don't have a lot of experience writing poems but I ventured off into another form of expression. Below is the poem I wrote: My Version of Hope by Ashley Smith I feel a better me is yet to come,   No more naive decisions that make me feel dumb.  Limitless opportunities are on the way, I believe I know what I want and how not to stray.  I see myself as the individual I long to be- free, confident, and classy,  My experiences cannot stop me, Not schizophrenia and depression nor anxiety. Because ingrained in me is an overcomer of adversity. Now I understand how to strive in my recovery, But I cannot take all the credit when it took a caring party. I give thanks to my treatment team, family and peers, Including those online that opened up...

About 5 percent of the population will experience a panic attack in their lifetime. While 1 out of 75 people worldwide will experience a panic attack at one time in their lives. I am about to share some information with you that I learned from Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett's book Soothe Your Nerves. A panic attack includes four or more of the following symptoms: Increased heart rate, heart pounding Sweating Trembling or shaking Chills or hot flashes Chest pain Shortness of breath or smothering Feeling dizzy or light-headed Upset stomach or nausea or abdominal distress Feeling of losing control or going crazy Fear of dying Numbing or tingling sensations Feeling that this isn't really happening to you or that you are watching it happen To treat a panic attack at home follow the tips below: Relax your shoulders Progressively tense and relax all large muscle groups such as your legs Slow down your breathing Tell yourself that you are not "going crazy" There are six classificati...