Overcoming Schizophrenia

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....

The Let's Talk Project is funded by a grant from the Association for Psychological Science Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science. The goal of Let's Talk is to share the expertise and experiences of BIPOC mental health researchers and providers, as well as clients living and thriving with mental health challenges. In 2008, I followed through on my sister's suggestion and started an online journal. I titled this blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, because I didn't look at myself as a sufferer and victim- I'm a warrior.       Initially, I blogged anonymously sharing my story. I reflected on the events that led to my diagnosis and my dreadful experiences living with schizophrenia. I was frank, and still is, about my journey of recovery from day #1. Even though I didn't know what my life would look like I pressed forward by participating in group therapy and volunteering. I had some fears that were stigma internalized, and still have challen...

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...

Since 2007, I learned how to regroup, develop coping strategies, and to hold on to hope. Still, I am studying myself and ways to manage. Living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder takes work, and it is also rewarding.   In the past, I loss myself to catatonia, delusions, psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, fear, and hallucinations. I am grateful for access to treatment, support, and mentors in recovery. I've  seen the end of the world's spiritual war in my head. I've anxiously ran away from the people following me. I lost my sense of reality, rationality, and ability to problem-solve. My faith kept me grounded but also led me astray on the road to mental confusion. Prior to my diagnosis I rationalized my hallucinations and delusions through my faith. I heard the voices in my head talking about you and me. I saw the shadows and spirits from the corner of my eye. I read their minds as they read mine. I experienced the many symptoms of schizophrenia, and rediscovered myself, dev...

I am satisfied with my mental and emotional status. I believe this is because I am not as active with volunteer projects, which I have a habit of overloading myself. Also, I am not stressed about personal relationships. Generally, when I am under a lot of stress my well-being deteriorates. Opposed to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, I feel focused and excited about the near future. I am receptive to new ideas and projects. I am enjoying this moment! To learn more about schizophrenia visit Embracing My Mind , NAMI , Choices in Recovery , or Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (Canada).

Over last six months I've been battling depression, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. My doctor calls it postpartum depression, resulting from the birth of my child, but I call it "life." Prior to the birth of my son I never had a lot of experiences with depression. However, I am not sure if I agree with the postpartum depression diagnosis now, because of the several other factors which contributes to my depression and other symptoms around the time of receiving that diagnosis. I know that stress is a major trigger for me, and I am still learning what type of stress is unhealthy for me. Despite life's many stresses, I think I've narrowed it down, my stressors include: criticism from individuals within my support system, arguing, over-productivity, and major life changes such as relocation. Now that I know what stresses me out the most, how will I cope with the daily struggles? For one thing I need to continuously work on my communication with my support net...

Now that you have schizophrenia do you feel challenged? My step-father asked me this earlier today. The issue with having schizophrenia is that you are constantly concerned with the fear of having a relapse and being sent back to the hospital. Or having recurring symptoms that make it hard for you to function, despite medication compliance. Schizophrenia is a challenge, however, I turn it into motivation. Schizophrenia makes me take things more slowly compared to past activities and/or events, however, I still believe I can fulfill goals. I do not limit myself or stigmatize myself because of the illness. However, I do acknowledge I have an illness and find ways to cope with it. For example, people with schizophrenia frequently display flat emotion. Accordingly, I try to be more vocal about my feelings. I believe everyone has an issue or challenge whether it be an addiction, a medical ailment, a mental disorder, a personality disorder, or problems with relationships and family, and so ...

Last month I moved into a new house. At first I did not like the idea of leaving my old home because of the hectic process of moving and adjusting to something new. One of the reasons I don't like moving is because I moved around a lot growing up. I've transferred to many schools and met a lot of different people with whom I did not keep in contact with. I've read in books that moving is very stressful, and could trigger symptoms to return in people with schizophrenia. However, that did not happen to me, I guess because I am used to moving and know how to adopt fast. Now that I am settled into my new home I like it. My mother found the house (I live with my mother), and she made a good choice. Now I am trying to find a new bed for my room. I switched beds from a full-sized bed to a queen-sized bed. I have been looking around for a nice bed to match my dresser which is reddish -brown, but it is hard to find. After all those nice commericals I looked inside of Thomasville ...

Random House Webster's Dictionary defines stress as physical, mental, or emotional tension. There are positive stress factors as well as negative stressors that may worsen symptoms in people with schizophrenia. However, this information is for everyone, not just people with schizophrenia. The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia gives several examples of things that trigger stress which may include but are not limited to the following: a move, problem in a relationship, having a baby, getting married or divorced, starting a new job, experiencing a death in the family, or being ill. The book goes further to identify signs of stress that include: headaches, indigestion, increased heart rate, or muscular tension. Problems concentrating, mood disturbance, becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed. Other behaviors that suggest stress are nail biting, restlessness, explosive outburst , drinking or using drugs. Some coping mechanisms to overcome stress include: Journal Watching tele...