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My wife has really bad schizophrenia. I tried to capture some moments on my UA-cam channel.😮 It's amazing how many of the symptoms are the same as demonic possession. Demons and spirits are real they can look at your password and become visible or almost visible. Also being on the receiving end of black magic is another problem we face daily; My wife being from Latin America has had evil witches pursuing her since she was a child. And you almost cannot tell the difference between the symptoms of schizophrenia and a curse from an evil witch or warlock or a covenant. Please pray for me am I God-bless
I have been living with schizophrenia since I was a small child, and was not medicated for 26 years of my life through out. I managed by white knuckling through my symptoms and relying on my dogs to see what was real and what wasn't. I'm now medicated, and while on medication, I thought I was faking it, because my symptoms were so much more quiet than they ever had been. But videos like this give me comfort in knowing that I am not alone and that I am not faking an illness. It is real and it's my life. Thank you so much for your videos.
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you've had to struggle with this. If you are open to sharing more, would you describe what your symptoms were like when they were more "quiet". I'm asking for personal reasons ❤ thank you so much
Never seen a more relatable comment on the topic of schizophrenia. I was in intensive mental health care for YEARS (hospitalized several times) throughout my puberty and early adulthood, and my schizophrenia slipped under the radar due to the fact that it had developed in adolescence and I was, by the time I entered treatment, quite used to gritting my teeth through managing my inner world. Currently unmedicated and living my best life. Cheers and the best of health to you on your journey 🙏
My uncle has schizophrenia. He lived a stable, comfortable life for around 20 years on medication. In his 40s, he suddenly backslid, decided he wasn't mentally ill and never had been, went off meds, and has never been stable since. He dropped contact with everyone, moved far away and was homeless for the next 10 years. The next time I saw him, when he moved back, he had changed so much from the person I knew before. My mom helped him for a while, but they had a falling out. He cut her off, and we've never heard from him again. There's not much chance he'll ever be stable again. Whenever I feel upset about how it all went, I come to your channel. It makes me feel better to see you living well. I hope you stay strong, keep taking care of yourself, and always remember how much your family loves you. I want everyone with this illness to have more and more good days.
Sadly I believe more people are like your uncle, than this wonderful lady who seems to manage so well. Every one I know or know of has ended up like your uncle. Alot on street drugs and in squats with other outcasts. Very sad.
The work you and your husband are doing is so important. I care for my sister who has schizophrenia and I can not tell you how helpful you've been. Thank you both so much for opening yourself up to us.
As an outsider (never had schizophrenia or knew anyone that has it) I had always assumed that all the symptoms went all away with medication and the only real problem was that the person taking medication thought they were all well and would go off their medication and the symptoms would then come back. That is why I find this channel so helpful. It is my best source for information I can trust.
Besides, IF people go off their meds its usually because the meds can make some people feel flat, depressed and without a personality. The meds may also help which they can forget but its mainly the other reason.
These medications are mostly thought blockers and mood stabilisers. They cut off fantasy thinking or thinking altogether at high doses. It's why they're so effective. The idea is that during this time, the patient finds normality again. They just breathe the air. The problem is that in the back of the mind, the thoughts that sent them stir crazy still linger. Some people have a backlog of useless thoughts and beliefs that do not have any relevance to reality. If they gave them up, they'd cure themselves.
I tend to stop taking meds because of maybe forgetting to take them for a few days (because I’m forgetful) and THEN getting paranoid that they’re poisoning my mind and deciding to stop them. It’s usually because of symptoms that I stop them.
I don't know where you live, but I actually have seen only 2-3 people in my life who don't have schizophrenia. Lol. Sheeple. Here's one lie that creates one layer of this mental disorder: psychiatry helps people. It's an industry that actually creates chronic schizophrenia. It's even obvious in this channel, she started out with depression and ended with sz, because of the drugs. Good morning.
I personally do not believe schizophrenia is all explained as a biochemical issue. It's spiritual, psychological...that's why ECT and alot of meds don't usually work...unless there's a placebo effect or the meds are so sedating that sleep ensues.
I struggle with chronic depression. A good day for me means that I'm able to to get out of bed, be productive, and eat 2 meals a day. I'm thinking positively and glad to be alive. A bad day would be struggling to get out of bed to do anything, eating no full meal, struggling with intrusive thoughts and SI, wanting to disappear, neither very numb emotionally or crying on and off
I hope you get therapy too ? Don’t forget things like sunlight, taking a safe walk somewhere, exercise in general boosts pleasant moods, and make sure you’re getting a good multi vitamin. Research what extra supplements can help moods and depression. The right types of magnesium can help. I also like an amino acid in tablet form called L-theanine
@@angelwings7930 I am in therapy and the thing with biologically not forming enough or the normal amounts of serotonin within my brain thus causing the depression is that I can do as much exercise, get as much vitamin D, take as many supplements...etc as I want and it still will not be enough. I appreciated your good natured suggestions but respectfully I have not asked and am not interested, thanks tho.
My mother was diagnosed with Paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 23. Her symptoms began with her imagining a baby crying in the empty house next door. As children her illness was never explained to us so it was incredibly confusing. At the age of ten my father walked out on us. So my sister and I were let to deal with the fallout as she drank, screamed at the neighbors and accused people of "persecution", she threw things at the walls,hammered on the walls. We had a LOT of pictures on the walls covering up the damage. Our mother wrote things on the walls and believed things we just found to be incredible. people were spying on us from the trash bins and from empty houses over the street. Our neighbors were plotting and our mom had numerous tape recorders she used to record the voices but she was never able to play thm back to us. It was a horrible experience for us but our mother did her best to be loving and caring and woulkd give anyone her last penny although she was perpetually on welfare. Unfortunetely she was one of those schizophrenics that has no concept of their illness and although still experiencing the symptoms at 83 never could understand her illness and its bizarre symptoms. It has to be one of the damaging illnesses for a family if treatment is not available. My sister and I have both had lifelong problems mentally. Our mother was one of the sweetesst, kindest people you could meet but when in crisis it was like she had a terrible dark cloud hanging over her.
I suffer from depression and anxiety. Started in 2004. A few years ago they added ‘treatment resistant’ to my diagnosis because I have been on many many meds and have seen various psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists with zero improvement. I definitely have good and bad days, weeks, months but obviously with different symptoms than yours but more overlap than I expected. I live alone, have no support system, and can often self isolate for very long periods of time. Even having groceries delivered because I can’t leave the house. Even though our circumstances and illnesses are different I enjoy and pull strength from your videos. Thank you.
Oh Emily, my heart hurts for you. I have bipolar and can relate to some of what you're going through. My symptoms were under control until a few months ago. Before starting med's I lived in dark depression for years. Will keep you in my prayers. Sending you hug 💞💞
I resonate with everything you said. I've had depression and anxiety for about 25 years, seen therapists and been medicated and really no improvement. I've come to her channel many times to help feel less alone. Thank you for making me feel even a little less alone as well. I wish the absolute best life for you 💚
I struggle with bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, and anxiety every day of my life. I cope with listening to music and read books. I also write as well. A bad day for me is having recurring symptoms interfering with my daily activities. A good day for me is being happy about the achievements that I have earned. I just got a new job as an Independent Contractor recently and I am really enjoying my life. Thank you for being you.
i am diagnosed with this illness, and everything that you described is what i deal with. i was prescribed meds and actually felt good, my mind wasn't going hard, i was eating...a bit too much, and sleeping a lot. it caused me to stop taking the meds and 3 days later i had an episode and drank a bottle of vodka and hurt those close to me. i am 2 days after the episode and i i've apologized, having so much thoughts in my head and being afraid to get back on the meds now. i have burst of motivation but only when someone real is around me. even if they just sit in the same space, i feel safe. idk what is causing these issues with me and im afraid to restart the meds because i need to work and making money and in my profession the meds wouldn't be compatible. i feel like if i just get back to work and have things to keep my mind busy things will smooth over. checked into a hospital for a week and it helped but once i got back home, everything went right back to normal. im trying my best to stay away from alcohol because i've used it for many years to mask my underlining conditions....how can someone tell me to get my life back, work a job and maintain a balance within my own life. my symptoms have never been this severe, i know when im having episodes and i just call it what it is in my head but they stay there.
My 75 year old mom has schizophrenia. She has been on many different medications. She recently had to go into a nursing home and is now on hospice. Her voices are not allowing her to eat and drink much at all. Also won’t allow her to take meds regularly. We just went to a shot every 2 weeks so we are hoping the voices go away enough to allow her to eat. I love watching your videos. They are helping me better understand this whole disease. Thank you.
Yes the shot is a good idea honey. The medication is one of the most important parts.. so sorry about your mom it's so hard to imagine them in there , struggling all alone, hearing voices, being brushed off my Staff etc. I know how that feels. Sending all the love to you and remember that your mama loves you SO much ❤
So sorry 😞 we rely on our inner voice to guide us and navigate life. If that inner voice actively hurts us, life would be so so tough. Hugs for you and mom
bad day - Loss of insight into my symptoms, command voices telling me to self-harm, catastrophic delusions, insomnia, cognitive impairment. good day - Symptoms are not debilitating, feel hopeful/empowered/capable. Loved hearing everyone's descriptions of their good/bad days. I relate to so many of them.
I’m glad I discovered your channel. I’ve been with my love for 7 years. She is very cheerful and very supportive and caring. When I seen her have her Schizophrenic episodes, I try to learn from it. The first time she had an episode was hurtful for me seeing her at her lowest. I love her and this channel is a great opportunity to learn and understand what this is and how to adapt with it. Thank you for this content.
I don't exactly have good or bad days. Most of my days are pretty much the same. The most I can hope for is slow and steady improvement, which I have. I used to seek out those exciting highs, and even often liked the crushing lows but after having that now I'm just looking to take a single step. We can do this!
I just want to say thank you for what you do with your videos. I live with schizoeffective disorder and it can be very intense and very overwhelming. One thing I've found that helps me is to watch these videos. Something about just sitting and listening to someone just talk about it and rationalize and explain really helps me bring me out of my "moments". Really thank you! And your voice is also very calming lol
I feel the same way. It’s so highly stigmatized and there’s so little accurate representation out there that seeing someone just reasonably talk about their normal life with schizoaffective disorder is like getting thrown a floatie in deep water- I can do this, I am not alone, I am not a monster
As a partner of someone with only anxiety and depression, this still resonated with me. Especially the feeling wrong part. Thanks so much for this video!
You are so clear and articulate about your challenges. You are a hero! You are a champion! You are fighting the good fight! Thank you for educating us all!
Hello! I don't have schizophrenia, but I have BPD and depression for 16 years by now. Recently I understand that my illness will not go away soon (I had that illusion for many years) and I need to just live with it. I need regularly treatment and I need to change my daily routine. Thank you for this video, thank you for showing me that people can live well with mental illnesses.
Thank you for talking about this. It helps see what my son had to deal with. Yes, it's extremely difficult and heartbreaking but it's something we need to learn about. Praying for continued strength for you and your family. 🙏🏽❤️
Yes Maddie we need to be educated with schizophrenia My son diagnosis is paranoid schizophrenia Very difficult to deal with keeps talking about aliens Taking meds but not taking daily which he says he is He's 46 yrs old and I have been dealing with this for years getting him help
to all who struggle with schizophrenia you are courageous and I know you may not think like that but I have bipolar and it is so encouraging to me and I think.. If someone who struggles with schizophrenia and can have good days then so can I and so I struggle through. Your courage has given me the courage to go on and realize that it is just a day and I will get through and be ok.
Thank you. This was so helpful. I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD for over a decade now, but two years ago I started experiencing hallucinations and intense paranoia. Schizophrenia runs in my family and I’ve always been so afraid of the stigma. This makes me not feel alone in these experiences. Thank you for what you’re doing!
I have a question as someone that has a boyfriend with bipolar 2. We've been together for 10 yrs, but it wasnt until 2018 he was diagnosed at 27 yrs old so a lot is still new figuring out triggers and he isnt the best at communicating so its hard for me to figure out. Is it a bipolar symptom for you to say something out loud (usually something hurtful or unnecessary), and the 2 seconds later you don't even remember what you said? I've been noticing this happen often recently that wasn't a thing before, so I'm trying to figure out whats going on.
@@eeb9177 Sounds like you are the one that is sick. Hearing voices. My family is also like that. They once say this one foreign word in a sentence. They had also denied that they had said those words.
@@villageofwords i didnt ask you when all youre doing is criticizing people you dont know. I asked someone with bipolar experience. For you to be on a video about mental health and make false accusations towards people you dont even know with genuine concern of a loved one and bash other people in a vulnerable topic, why would you even be on here? Go educate yourself BULLY!
Inspiring that you are able to manage it. I am also a social worker with schizoaffective disorder. Right now, I am experiencing stress with housing and I am feeling more paranoid. I hope it passes.
One of my friends in social work school many years ago was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She was an amazing person and an incredible inspiration to me. She was the first person I met and got to know who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and she helped me learn so much.
I subscribed to your channel because my mom had this. She raised me and when you had a baby I was scared for the baby because my mom abused me so much when I was little. I wanted to follow you to see how you were over time. I’m so happy to see you are doing well with your child’s safety. When I watch your videos I just find myself crying over the memories and knowing what my mom went through was pure hell and it’s the kind of hell that the rest of us should get on the ground and thank God we don’t have it. People that do not have mental illness will never understand the absolute terror of having one. Sending love to everyone who has to deal with this. I’m praying you all will have peace.
I too believe that you are headed in the right direction by focusing your energy on the science of what is happening plus your guy…is really there for you it seems.
You are a pioneer in a new age for mental health and communication. Z what you are bringing forth could possibly usher in a new paradigm for your illness. Admiral person and distinguished woman.
The best thing make it our self busy Keep in touch with family relatives friends and when alone then listening or watching something don’t make yourself alone. Do yourself busy. Sleeping time listening something good.
Great video. I am so grateful for people to have a platform to reaffirm their own situations in life and help others feel more confident in dealing with life difficulties and problems. Hope I’m saying this right. That goes from small difficulties to catastrophes. People feel less alone and more capable to push forward. Thank you for doing that for everyone.
Thank you all for sharing this. These letters help the rest of us better understand what you are going through, and hopefully give us some tools to help.
I feel like even the psychiatric portion of nursing school did not teach me as much as some of what I've learned from your channel and other similar channels have. I only ever really saw patients that were in mental crisis so it is nice to see what it is like when someone is getting treatment and they are able to live their life. Thank you for all the informative videos! I'm not a mental health nurse, but it is good to know.
I think you've hit the nail on the head about clinicians usually only seeing people with MI when they are having an episode; this is why we often aren't seen as human - it's because HCPs don't see us when we are in a good state of mind, so they don't see us as fellow human beings. .
Good day: I am very productive in everything I do. I even muster up the energy to exercise. I don't feel like everyone is out to get me. On good days I don't hear many voices. It has been this way for awhile now. I am very pleased with myself and how I feel. Bad day: I feel irritated and anxious about everything. The voices try to sabotage me in my efforts to help myself, or so I believe. I hear weird sounds that seem to come from nowhere.
I do not have a diagnosis for schizofrenia, but I recognize so much of the symptoms. The shadow things, objects changing from one thin to another and back again, voices and so on. Sometimes I am so scared I "freeze". On the plus side I can not act on the more harmful voice commands. Haha on them I guess. I have experiensed these symptoms since early childhood, my first memory is of "the shadow slugs" moving around. On top of this I have ADHD, it can get interesting. But has also helped me managing symptoms, thank you special-interest-fixation!. I can actualy have full time job now! I am so happy and my co-workers are so sweet and caring. And thank you. Thank you for sharing. It has helped me alot. I have almost built up the courage to reach out for professional help. Soon I will be there I hope. Until then I seek comfort on internet and with my machines at work ^___^
Thanks for sharing these. It helps to be able to put into words what a good and bad day look like -not something I've ever thought about before. At the moment I probably have more bad days than good. A bad day for me is feeling paranoid and anxious about the future while feeling depressed at the same time. These are most of my days right now...though I do still manage to work as a Physical Therapist. On a good day, like today, I still feel pretty fatigued, but somehow a bit lighter and more able to concentrate and talk to people.
You're so helpful to understand what my brother is going through. It's heart breaking at times. I wish you all the best. And everyone who is experiencing this in there life. I'll continue to follow your journey ❤️
I have had that recently, I had visual hallucinations over a period of 3 months, I called my therapist, and psychiatrist, and increased my medication, and getting that under control. I have more good days than bad, and I use my "toolbox" when symptoms come up, and I feel more in control. I do get it
I have schizoaffective disorder and this video helped me a lot with feeling alone. On a good day I pray a lot and don't see or hear things and I feel free and happy but exhausted. Bad days I feel like Satan and demons are after me. I get really exhausted. I see things like shadows and things that go up and I hear voices. Sometimes I feel a heaviness on the chest and I think people are putting witchcraft on me. I cry a lot and when it gets really bad I don't know how to explain it but my body goes stiff and my whole body jumps, almost like a seizure. I tend to isolate in general but on my bad days it gets really bad. I have really bad anxiety and I pray a lot. Sometimes I think God is mad at me. I have intrusive thoughts about Satan and demons. I pray and Jesus always comes to my rescue when I have bad days. Prayer works! Having faith in Jesus and leaning on him always works. Sending love and hugs to all who suffer!
Maybe dont believe in such things so deeply. Conjuring madness from religion. I mean, take someone who isn't religious at all? They dont hold any fear of what you speak of. Theyre free of it.
Hi at sunshine Rose. I am undiagnosed but I can fully relate to this. This, this right here is what I go on through on a daily basis. I think God/ satan hate me and personally have it in for me. I also have the intrusive thoughts about Satan, It has taken over my life. I know what it's like, to live your life in Fear.
Hi at bear claus, it isn't as easy as telling someone to just get over it or don't believe in such things so deeply. It's like telling someone to just get over a broken leg. Intrusive thoughts are exactly that, INTRUSIVE. schizophrenia can take over your entire life. But thanks for making me aware I'd be free of it , without the thoughts?!
@Casey Muller That’s nice, I have Been diagnosed with a cancer and I will definitely need her help and would also want to know how to get in touch with her. I hope she cures other sickness also?
My brother-in law has been living with schizophrenia for a very long time and despite being on medication he cannot communicate effectively. He stays to himself and we don’t know how to help him. He is under the care of a psychiatrist. I can tell when he is not having a good day and try to talk to him, but he cannot express his moods. His conversations make no sense. Most of the time he can follow directions very well and helps around the house, but we are always nervous he will self-harm so we try to keep an eye on him.
It's nice having you explain these things, altho I wish I could have gotten a better picture while my uncle who had schizophrenia was alive. Altho I still enjoyed visits with him, he was always happy to see us kids, I think kids brought him such happiness 🙏 but also, atleast one can understand it better now, how living with it, may have effected him 🥺
You are truly inspiring and extremely brave to share your story so openly and honestly! You're doing a great thing and I'm sure it will help people with not only Schizophrenia but those suffering with all types of Mental Health issues or illnesses from Depression, Anxiety and other mental health issues, and help to end the stigma so WRONGLY associated with Mental Health/Illness! We ALL have MENTAL Health as we ALL have PHYSICAL Health and EVERYONE will likely Suffer with Mental and Physical illness at some time in their lives whether mild or severe, short term, long term or periodically! The Medical Establishment GLOBALLY is "NOT Fit For Purpose" And often just makes things WORSE instead of better! Or at least doesn't help! For those suffering to be able to trust and have confidence to get help this has to be addressed by our Governments! But in the meantime brave people like you sharing your story can HELP many people Not to feel ALONE or isolated (even if they are).. Wish you ALL the luck in the world with healing and maintaining your health for you and your family! Cheers from London 🏴🇬🇧
I am sorry to hear that other people with the same illness as me, have reccurent symptoms, although not a full blown episode. I do have the same illness, but I noticed some key points. First of all, I had the minor symptoms, when I stayed home alone, for weeks, suffice to say, and the more you socialize(to the extent that is not energy draining), the more connected to reality you can stay. Apart from that, the life-changing occurence for me was the use of nicotine gums. I know a lot of fellow co-patients do smoke, but I wanted to avoid the health drawbacks. And thing is, nicotine acted as neuro-modulating, and helped me change perspective. Then the visit to the psychiatrist became more impactful, since I had learned a lot of lessons, just by being able to listen more carefully(attention span, clarity etc), and it also eleveted my mood. For other illnesses like depression, there is an ongoing study of psychedelics. That pinpoints the importance of the 5HT2A receptor. For schizophrenia, the same importance lies in the NMDA receptor, that is regulated heavily both by the 5HT2A, and the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor, both targeted by nicotine. Also, since nicotine increases dopamine release, there are less side effects. It is certain that one will get addicted to nicotine, hence the importance of not choosing cigarretes, as means of treatment. Nowdays, I use both vaping and nicotine gums, due to the financial cost, but the good news is that after 2 years of administration of nicotine, I have no symptoms of psychosis, not even the minor ones, and I have reduced my meds to half, in a matter of several months of course, according to the instructions of my psychiatrist.
Thank you for this. I think this is why you sometimes seem people chain smoking who have schizophrenia. It would be great if there was a medication that could help activate this nicotine receptors safely without having to actually ingest nicotine. I personally would steer clear of any psychedelics. I think these can be really dangerous for people with schizophrenia?
I have schizophrenia.....n my good days are with no guilt....I m very grateful to my Dr. These are 90 %.....bad days r rare n I stopped thinking about schizophrenia....I advice not to stop meds ....love n well wish to u....
Holy cow... Hmm.. Maybe I do have schizophrenia after all.... I went to seek help for an eating disorder in 2018, and was told that they would diagnose me with paranoid schizophrenia rather than anoraxia, and hope that the "eating disorder" would go away with the progression of theraphy and medication... I have always felt like I was faking it (I got on medication right after reciving my diagnosis, in such a small amount I had to have it in fluid form because of the starving myself issue) and thought that just all the doctors would gaslight me into thinking I was schizophrenic, you know, like a placebo... So they had a "sane" parson to compare all their patients to.... (yeah, even I can hear how incorrect that sounds) but Lauren these videos are gold and diamonds to me! They make me realize that maybe the doctors are right after all and im just experiencing anasignosia (is that right?) Please keep it up, dont ever stop telling the truth, we need less stigma and more helpfull info! I really appreciate you both for running this channel! :)
Thank you for this explanation, I feel such validation with my illness. Understanding some symptoms can still happen even while on meds. I felt like I’m just not getting it right. You put everything I feel into words. Thank you for this video.
You're so blessed to have a good family and Supportive husband, it makes a world of difference. I have absolutely no one in my life. Since several years ago when family/friends learned about my illness, they Harshly Judged me and I've been permanently Cut off. It's rough
I appreciate hearing about schizophrenia because rarely are there open discussions about treatment, symptoms or coping. The stigma surrounding the disorder would easily separate people and increase paranoia in those who have the disorder. Your presentation removed a lot of misconceptions for me.
You're a great presenter (and editor Rob), and even though I don't have schizophrenia much of what you say is very relatable with my mood disorder. (UofA psych emerg! 😅) I'm really glad you're making a mental illness series too. A link on your LWwS pages would be great.
I feel a lot of the emotions they’re portraying, I feel the same about the good days, the bad days I also feel how a lot of the others are feeling. I don’t have schizo Effective disorder. I do have other issues-it’s just insane how similar and how different each diagnoses is. It’s really makes you wonder
Hey Lauren, love your channel. And thank you so much for doing this. I like learning things about mental health issues so I can understand them & help as much as possible. Hugs for you & everyone who suffers from schizophrenia.
Thanks to all of you who shared this so vulnerable. It helped me so much to understand a bit better what it's like to live with schizophrenia or a related illness❤
Omg your channel puts knot in my throat and I am able to understand my brother a little better. I no longer challenge his view of the world, instead just let him be
Hi Lauren, When I listen to you share about Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder I literally can't think of anything that is so agonizing to deal with. I think about how brave and resilient you are and anyone is that is living with such a demanding Disorder. I suffer with C-PTSD, severe Depression, Anxiety and physical disabilities. Thank You for the new podcast and the Peer Support group. You are so articulate Lauren. I always love to listen to your soothing voice.🌺
@@Catlily5 thank you for letting me know what I miss wrote. I just edited the comment I made to correct my mistake. you are absolutely right complex PTSD is due to horrendous abuse and trauma on a child normally for long periods of time. Thanks again
That is exactly how i describe it. I try so so hard on looking at it as a bad day, and tomorrow i can wake up and it could be totally different day. So good days i get caught up on things. Bad days...getting tbrough the day using the tools i can
Great video. Two thoughts: First, maybe you could read one or two of the responses at the end of future videos that seem relevant? Second (and please know I’m not trying to trivialise anyone’s experience), I was surprised at how many aspects of a bad day for you sound very much like my worst days with persistent depressive disorder, which used to be called dysthymia. I don’t hallucinate, but I certainly can struggle to stop thinking of the catastrophes that could happen any day, or even any minute. And those thoughts can be intensely and surprisingly vivid and overwhelming. I’m sending you lots of warm, protective thoughts so that the hallucinations and other difficult thoughts can’t come in, get established, and start perseverating. If your community here can do a small shred of what you do for all of us, I think we’d all be very grateful indeed.
Just wanted to say in my past comments , perhaps I was overly judgemental of your style/ content. I realize you are going through enough already, and I don't want to add to that. I do think you provide a much needed forum for people and families struggling with this illness. Thank u for doing that..
I know that the support of loved ones is massive in helping someone with schizophrenia because I don't have a lot of it and it impact me greatly. I just want to say something about what i live. I started working at 15 as a dishwasher on the weekeend, on the summer i would do hichiking to go to the cucumber harvest, 12 hours of excruating work. And it pays a pitance, they said they pay me less because I was a minor lol, as if I don't work as much, if anything I was the one who did the most work. It is actually unheard of a youth in my area doing what I did even in my family both my grandfathers didn't even do that. So basically my un lazyness was one of a kind. I don't say it was a good decision I should have done as my parents said and focus on my study, but it was the only way for me to have any money to pay for snowboarding and my parent wouldn't pay for it so I had to work. But what get me is at 18 or so I got diagnosed with schizophrenia and I still kept up with my study and everything but eventually I failed and stopped studying and working for a while. And I was made to feel like a lazy bum,as if even a schizophrenia diagnostic is no reason to slack at all. I heard my father on multiple occasions say that I was lazy, I'm pretty sure he said it because he knew I could hear it. I mean they don't even know how I am and how willing to bust my ass off I actually am, they magically forgot how I was in my teen. Even with the diagnostic I only took short break when i was really at the end of my rope. They say schizophrenia make you lack motivation, well in this kind of family even schizophrenic have motivation. They always acted like it was my fault for this sickness, that I choose it in order to give myself a reason to do nothing. I find it highly unfair to be seen as a bum and good for nothing for a sickness I don,t want. Really do they think it is easy to be a schizophrenic, damn
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression. For example, money can’t even cure schizophrenia, so it is might be less useful than finding a way to cope with it.
a bad day: feeling low and not wanting to do anything, if i try and do something i get frustrated and dont want to keep going. a bad day: feeling maybe moody and good for a very short time then feeling low and down the rest of the day yay
I can absolutely relate to the things you shared. Most days are good days for me, but they still feel like an exception. I can't enjoy them fully, because I know that there will be a time again when things go sideways. The moment I'm in a stressful situation is the moment when everything breaks apart. Then the voices in my head start talking to me and insulting me like a broken record non-stop. Sometimes I can become very cynical and verbally sadistic. This is a huge contrast compared to my nature on good days.
honestly thank you so much for this i’m not even diagnosed with schizophrenia but this makes me feel so seen and i am on my way to getting diagnosed as we speak but i was always so confused to why it seemed like i could rationalise my delusions but still be paranoid about them and have a physical reaction towards them and just live in constant fear so i was confused and thinking i was faking it at one point but no, it’s something so obvious that living with something like a chronic illness you can have good days and bad days i’m not sure why everyone seems to think that schizophrenics are irrational 100% of the time but thank you for these videos if anything i just feel like i’m understanding myself better with everything because it’s just so applicable to me. Lol.
i sent my sister a link to your channel. She is schizophrenic. I hope she really gets into your channel! I've been watching for about the last year or so.
Good day: I walk around town or go to work. I can do so much and get so much accomplished, and feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I can eat easily, I enjoy hobbies like painting, and I even enjoy some of the hallucinations, like seeing music play. Bad day: I'm locked in my room, only leaving to use the bathroom. I call out of work, I can't talk to anyone, and I'm terrified that if I go outside someone will attack me or try to kill me. I can't eat, food looks and smells rotten and I think I'll die eating it even if I make it myself. I keep everything well lit until nightfall, where sometimes then I turn off all the lights and cover my window so there wont be any shadows. I can't answer my phone because the sounds on the line tell me somebody is listening in, and I can't ask for help because everybody is in on it.
I have been definitely feeling like someone’s out to get me at different times/paranoia. I hate it also my medication gives me depression at times. But on a good day I feel really productive happy and connected with myself and definitely happy to be alive.
Those where some very intense, Symptoms I can definitely admit I have been there. Not lately, in the back of my mind I know I could have a bad day, not looking forward to a bad day, Thanks for being there for me..
With my anxiety, a good day for me is getting things done and being productive and content. A bad day is hyperventilating , panic attacks, and crying Luckily, I usually have more good days than bad, and I also manage my anxiety with medication.
This is a wonderful channel and I am grateful for it. I have been searching for information on how to help a loved one who is symptomatic get help when they don't believe they have an issue as s result of the illness.
Recently I've had days when I don't move for long stretches. Apparently it's not catatonia because I could move if I decided to. But nothing seems like the first thing I should do. I stay still with a dull feeling while waiting for something to feel urgent.
Not moving won't harm you at all. I have ME, FND and a tic disorder with autism. Sometimes my brain won't produce any useful signals for my body to move. I'm 50, I've had it this severe since I was 20. I'm sorry to contradict the other commenter but you'll be fine if you don't move. Listen to your body. I had a period where I tried to push through that feeling and ended up with severe episodes that looked like seizures. Animals don't push through. It's human paranoia and the sense that if you're not productive then you're not worthy. I don't know what your particular body is telling you on those days, it could be depression, PTSD or some other thing. I hope you find it.
@@wheelchairgeek I'd never heard of FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) until I read your comment. Now I'm reading about it and wondering if I've got it. Humans are so complex; it's no wonder clinicians have so much trouble arriving at a correct diagnosis. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and insights.
Unfortunately right now everyday is a bad day for my godson interacting with spirits/voices songs have special messages to him again all around religion. Very much hyper-religiosity Very bad is ith suicidal thoughts and being spiritually tortured. He just came home from a month long hospitalization and I certainly know it’s gonna take him a long time. I work n mental health so I’m somewhat educated and understand
Thank you so much for the effort and time, your channel has been so helpful. When ever I watch your videos It makes me feel more relax and it help me control situations.
Now I can concentrate. My doctor told me that Labalvi would help. It’s also an appetite suppressor. It has olanzapine in it. I think that the medication helps. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Lauren. Everyone is special. You too. Take care Lauren.
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My wife has really bad schizophrenia. I tried to capture some moments on my UA-cam channel.😮 It's amazing how many of the symptoms are the same as demonic possession. Demons and spirits are real they can look at your password and become visible or almost visible. Also being on the receiving end of black magic is another problem we face daily; My wife being from Latin America has had evil witches pursuing her since she was a child. And you almost cannot tell the difference between the symptoms of schizophrenia and a curse from an evil witch or warlock or a covenant. Please pray for me am I God-bless
I have been living with schizophrenia since I was a small child, and was not medicated for 26 years of my life through out. I managed by white knuckling through my symptoms and relying on my dogs to see what was real and what wasn't. I'm now medicated, and while on medication, I thought I was faking it, because my symptoms were so much more quiet than they ever had been. But videos like this give me comfort in knowing that I am not alone and that I am not faking an illness. It is real and it's my life. Thank you so much for your videos.
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you've had to struggle with this. If you are open to sharing more, would you describe what your symptoms were like when they were more "quiet". I'm asking for personal reasons ❤ thank you so much
Never seen a more relatable comment on the topic of schizophrenia. I was in intensive mental health care for YEARS (hospitalized several times) throughout my puberty and early adulthood, and my schizophrenia slipped under the radar due to the fact that it had developed in adolescence and I was, by the time I entered treatment, quite used to gritting my teeth through managing my inner world. Currently unmedicated and living my best life. Cheers and the best of health to you on your journey 🙏
Just a reminder that you're not alone 🧡
You’re a strong person.
@@osmonautinmatkassa Hi! May I ask how you manage it so well without medication? Thank you!
My uncle has schizophrenia. He lived a stable, comfortable life for around 20 years on medication. In his 40s, he suddenly backslid, decided he wasn't mentally ill and never had been, went off meds, and has never been stable since. He dropped contact with everyone, moved far away and was homeless for the next 10 years. The next time I saw him, when he moved back, he had changed so much from the person I knew before. My mom helped him for a while, but they had a falling out. He cut her off, and we've never heard from him again. There's not much chance he'll ever be stable again. Whenever I feel upset about how it all went, I come to your channel. It makes me feel better to see you living well. I hope you stay strong, keep taking care of yourself, and always remember how much your family loves you. I want everyone with this illness to have more and more good days.
Hope your doing okay 🧡
❤❤❤❤
This is utterly tragic though completely understandable from his point of view.
Sadly I believe more people are like your uncle, than this wonderful lady who seems to manage so well. Every one I know or know of has ended up like your uncle. Alot on street drugs and in squats with other outcasts. Very sad.
this is acctualy the same exact situation I have,it’s so scary
The work you and your husband are doing is so important. I care for my sister who has schizophrenia and I can not tell you how helpful you've been. Thank you both so much for opening yourself up to us.
As an outsider (never had schizophrenia or knew anyone that has it) I had always assumed that all the symptoms went all away with medication and the only real problem was that the person taking medication thought they were all well and would go off their medication and the symptoms would then come back. That is why I find this channel so helpful. It is my best source for information I can trust.
Besides, IF people go off their meds its usually because the meds can make some people feel flat, depressed and without a personality. The meds may also help which they can forget but its mainly the other reason.
These medications are mostly thought blockers and mood stabilisers. They cut off fantasy thinking or thinking altogether at high doses. It's why they're so effective. The idea is that during this time, the patient finds normality again. They just breathe the air. The problem is that in the back of the mind, the thoughts that sent them stir crazy still linger. Some people have a backlog of useless thoughts and beliefs that do not have any relevance to reality. If they gave them up, they'd cure themselves.
I tend to stop taking meds because of maybe forgetting to take them for a few days (because I’m forgetful) and THEN getting paranoid that they’re poisoning my mind and deciding to stop them. It’s usually because of symptoms that I stop them.
I don't know where you live, but I actually have seen only 2-3 people in my life who don't have schizophrenia. Lol. Sheeple. Here's one lie that creates one layer of this mental disorder: psychiatry helps people.
It's an industry that actually creates chronic schizophrenia. It's even obvious in this channel, she started out with depression and ended with sz, because of the drugs. Good morning.
I personally do not believe schizophrenia is all explained as a biochemical issue. It's spiritual, psychological...that's why ECT and alot of meds don't usually work...unless there's a placebo effect or the meds are so sedating that sleep ensues.
I struggle with chronic depression. A good day for me means that I'm able to to get out of bed, be productive, and eat 2 meals a day. I'm thinking positively and glad to be alive. A bad day would be struggling to get out of bed to do anything, eating no full meal, struggling with intrusive thoughts and SI, wanting to disappear, neither very numb emotionally or crying on and off
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.
I hope you get therapy too ? Don’t forget things like sunlight, taking a safe walk somewhere, exercise in general boosts pleasant moods, and make sure you’re getting a good multi vitamin. Research what extra supplements can help moods and depression. The right types of magnesium can help. I also like an amino acid in tablet form called L-theanine
@@angelwings7930 I am in therapy and the thing with biologically not forming enough or the normal amounts of serotonin within my brain thus causing the depression is that I can do as much exercise, get as much vitamin D, take as many supplements...etc as I want and it still will not be enough. I appreciated your good natured suggestions but respectfully I have not asked and am not interested, thanks tho.
@@villageofwords i think I'll trust my psychologist over a rando stranger on the interwebs but thanks for your opinion.
@@Julia.connolly54 No problem it’s just a comment obviously you can ignore any suggestion anyone makes. 😂
My mother was diagnosed with Paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 23. Her symptoms began with her imagining a baby crying in the empty house next door. As children her illness was never explained to us so it was incredibly confusing. At the age of ten my father walked out on us. So my sister and I were let to deal with the fallout as she drank, screamed at the neighbors and accused people of "persecution", she threw things at the walls,hammered on the walls. We had a LOT of pictures on the walls covering up the damage. Our mother wrote things on the walls and believed things we just found to be incredible. people were spying on us from the trash bins and from empty houses over the street. Our neighbors were plotting and our mom had numerous tape recorders she used to record the voices but she was never able to play thm back to us. It was a horrible experience for us but our mother did her best to be loving and caring and woulkd give anyone her last penny although she was perpetually on welfare. Unfortunetely she was one of those schizophrenics that has no concept of their illness and although still experiencing the symptoms at 83 never could understand her illness and its bizarre symptoms. It has to be one of the damaging illnesses for a family if treatment is not available. My sister and I have both had lifelong problems mentally. Our mother was one of the sweetesst, kindest people you could meet but when in crisis it was like she had a terrible dark cloud hanging over her.
You still managed to be a family
I suffer from depression and anxiety. Started in 2004. A few years ago they added ‘treatment resistant’ to my diagnosis because I have been on many many meds and have seen various psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists with zero improvement. I definitely have good and bad days, weeks, months but obviously with different symptoms than yours but more overlap than I expected. I live alone, have no support system, and can often self isolate for very long periods of time. Even having groceries delivered because I can’t leave the house. Even though our circumstances and illnesses are different I enjoy and pull strength from your videos. Thank you.
Oh Emily, my heart hurts for you. I have bipolar and can relate to some of what you're going through. My symptoms were under control until a few months ago. Before starting med's I lived in dark depression for years. Will keep you in my prayers. Sending you hug 💞💞
Wow ,you are truly resiliente,thanks for telling your story
I resonate with everything you said. I've had depression and anxiety for about 25 years, seen therapists and been medicated and really no improvement.
I've come to her channel many times to help feel less alone.
Thank you for making me feel even a little less alone as well.
I wish the absolute best life for you 💚
I struggle with bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, and anxiety every day of my life. I cope with listening to music and read books. I also write as well. A bad day for me is having recurring symptoms interfering with my daily activities. A good day for me is being happy about the achievements that I have earned. I just got a new job as an Independent Contractor recently and I am really enjoying my life. Thank you for being you.
Wow! So happy for you! Continue to do great!
I'm surprised they were wiling to diagnose both bipolar and schizophrenia, usually that would warrant a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis.
If you love books, then you should know that you need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression and paranoia.
Do u take any meds?
@@m3kbeatz no
You’re a true saint for publishing educational materials on chronic mental health illness. This helps break the stigma
i am diagnosed with this illness, and everything that you described is what i deal with. i was prescribed meds and actually felt good, my mind wasn't going hard, i was eating...a bit too much, and sleeping a lot. it caused me to stop taking the meds and 3 days later i had an episode and drank a bottle of vodka and hurt those close to me. i am 2 days after the episode and i i've apologized, having so much thoughts in my head and being afraid to get back on the meds now. i have burst of motivation but only when someone real is around me. even if they just sit in the same space, i feel safe.
idk what is causing these issues with me and im afraid to restart the meds because i need to work and making money and in my profession the meds wouldn't be compatible. i feel like if i just get back to work and have things to keep my mind busy things will smooth over. checked into a hospital for a week and it helped but once i got back home, everything went right back to normal. im trying my best to stay away from alcohol because i've used it for many years to mask my underlining conditions....how can someone tell me to get my life back, work a job and maintain a balance within my own life. my symptoms have never been this severe, i know when im having episodes and i just call it what it is in my head but they stay there.
My 75 year old mom has schizophrenia. She has been on many different medications. She recently had to go into a nursing home and is now on hospice. Her voices are not allowing her to eat and drink much at all. Also won’t allow her to take meds regularly. We just went to a shot every 2 weeks so we are hoping the voices go away enough to allow her to eat. I love watching your videos. They are helping me better understand this whole disease. Thank you.
Yes the shot is a good idea honey. The medication is one of the most important parts.. so sorry about your mom it's so hard to imagine them in there , struggling all alone, hearing voices, being brushed off my Staff etc. I know how that feels. Sending all the love to you and remember that your mama loves you SO much ❤
So sorry 😞 we rely on our inner voice to guide us and navigate life. If that inner voice actively hurts us, life would be so so tough. Hugs for you and mom
bad day - Loss of insight into my symptoms, command voices telling me to self-harm, catastrophic delusions, insomnia, cognitive impairment.
good day - Symptoms are not debilitating, feel hopeful/empowered/capable.
Loved hearing everyone's descriptions of their good/bad days. I relate to so many of them.
I’m glad I discovered your channel. I’ve been with my love for 7 years. She is very cheerful and very supportive and caring. When I seen her have her Schizophrenic episodes, I try to learn from it. The first time she had an episode was hurtful for me seeing her at her lowest. I love her and this channel is a great opportunity to learn and understand what this is and how to adapt with it. Thank you for this content.
I don't exactly have good or bad days. Most of my days are pretty much the same. The most I can hope for is slow and steady improvement, which I have. I used to seek out those exciting highs, and even often liked the crushing lows but after having that now I'm just looking to take a single step. We can do this!
My son has your illness. I continue with my learning, but I am sending you my compassion and love.
I just want to say thank you for what you do with your videos. I live with schizoeffective disorder and it can be very intense and very overwhelming. One thing I've found that helps me is to watch these videos. Something about just sitting and listening to someone just talk about it and rationalize and explain really helps me bring me out of my "moments". Really thank you! And your voice is also very calming lol
I feel the same way. It’s so highly stigmatized and there’s so little accurate representation out there that seeing someone just reasonably talk about their normal life with schizoaffective disorder is like getting thrown a floatie in deep water- I can do this, I am not alone, I am not a monster
And who really knows what they’re talking about
This makes me feel less alone! Thank you for sharing your experience as well as ours!
As a partner of someone with only anxiety and depression, this still resonated with me. Especially the feeling wrong part. Thanks so much for this video!
Good for you for supporting your partner!
You are so clear and articulate about your challenges. You are a hero! You are a champion! You are fighting the good fight! Thank you for educating us all!
Hello! I don't have schizophrenia, but I have BPD and depression for 16 years by now. Recently I understand that my illness will not go away soon (I had that illusion for many years) and I need to just live with it. I need regularly treatment and I need to change my daily routine. Thank you for this video, thank you for showing me that people can live well with mental illnesses.
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.
Thank you for talking about this. It helps see what my son had to deal with. Yes, it's extremely difficult and heartbreaking but it's something we need to learn about. Praying for continued strength for you and your family. 🙏🏽❤️
Yes Maddie we need to be educated with schizophrenia My son diagnosis is paranoid schizophrenia Very difficult to deal with keeps talking about aliens Taking meds but not taking daily which he says he is He's 46 yrs old and I have been dealing with this for years getting him help
to all who struggle with schizophrenia you are courageous and I know you may not think like that but I have bipolar and it is so encouraging to me and I think.. If someone who struggles with schizophrenia and can have good days then so can I and so I struggle through. Your courage has given me the courage to go on and realize that it is just a day and I will get through and be ok.
That's what helps me knowing there WILL be a good day. I will have energy, enjoy being with others.
I feel such respect listening to you and reading the comments.
Thank you. This was so helpful. I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD for over a decade now, but two years ago I started experiencing hallucinations and intense paranoia. Schizophrenia runs in my family and I’ve always been so afraid of the stigma. This makes me not feel alone in these experiences. Thank you for what you’re doing!
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.
I have a question as someone that has a boyfriend with bipolar 2. We've been together for 10 yrs, but it wasnt until 2018 he was diagnosed at 27 yrs old so a lot is still new figuring out triggers and he isnt the best at communicating so its hard for me to figure out. Is it a bipolar symptom for you to say something out loud (usually something hurtful or unnecessary), and the 2 seconds later you don't even remember what you said? I've been noticing this happen often recently that wasn't a thing before, so I'm trying to figure out whats going on.
@@eeb9177 Sounds like you are the one that is sick. Hearing voices.
My family is also like that. They once say this one foreign word in a sentence. They had also denied that they had said those words.
@@villageofwords i didnt ask you when all youre doing is criticizing people you dont know. I asked someone with bipolar experience. For you to be on a video about mental health and make false accusations towards people you dont even know with genuine concern of a loved one and bash other people in a vulnerable topic, why would you even be on here? Go educate yourself BULLY!
Inspiring that you are able to manage it. I am also a social worker with schizoaffective disorder. Right now, I am experiencing stress with housing and I am feeling more paranoid. I hope it passes.
Maybe you need knowledge and different perspectives to counter paranoia.
@villageofwords That's a very unhelpful thing to say.
One of my friends in social work school many years ago was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She was an amazing person and an incredible inspiration to me. She was the first person I met and got to know who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and she helped me learn so much.
I subscribed to your channel because my mom had this. She raised me and when you had a baby I was scared for the baby because my mom abused me so much when I was little. I wanted to follow you to see how you were over time. I’m so happy to see you are doing well with your child’s safety. When I watch your videos I just find myself crying over the memories and knowing what my mom went through was pure hell and it’s the kind of hell that the rest of us should get on the ground and thank God we don’t have it. People that do not have mental illness will never understand the absolute terror of having one. Sending love to everyone who has to deal with this. I’m praying you all will have peace.
I too believe that you are headed in the right direction by focusing your energy on the science of what is happening plus your guy…is really there for you it seems.
You are a pioneer in a new age for mental health and communication. Z what you are bringing forth could possibly usher in a new paradigm for your illness.
Admiral person and distinguished woman.
The best thing make it our self busy
Keep in touch with family relatives friends and when alone then listening or watching something don’t make yourself alone. Do yourself busy.
Sleeping time listening something good.
Great video. I am so grateful for people to have a platform to reaffirm their own situations in life and help others feel more confident in dealing with life difficulties and problems. Hope I’m saying this right. That goes from small difficulties to catastrophes. People feel less alone and more capable to push forward. Thank you for doing that for everyone.
Thank you all for sharing this. These letters help the rest of us better understand what you are going through, and hopefully give us some tools to help.
I feel like even the psychiatric portion of nursing school did not teach me as much as some of what I've learned from your channel and other similar channels have. I only ever really saw patients that were in mental crisis so it is nice to see what it is like when someone is getting treatment and they are able to live their life. Thank you for all the informative videos! I'm not a mental health nurse, but it is good to know.
I think you've hit the nail on the head about clinicians usually only seeing people with MI when they are having an episode; this is why we often aren't seen as human - it's because HCPs don't see us when we are in a good state of mind, so they don't see us as fellow human beings. .
Good day: I am very productive in everything I do. I even muster up the energy to exercise. I don't feel like everyone is out to get me. On good days I don't hear many voices. It has been this way for awhile now. I am very pleased with myself and how I feel.
Bad day: I feel irritated and anxious about everything. The voices try to sabotage me in my efforts to help myself, or so I believe. I hear weird sounds that seem to come from nowhere.
I do not have a diagnosis for schizofrenia, but I recognize so much of the symptoms. The shadow things, objects changing from one thin to another and back again, voices and so on. Sometimes I am so scared I "freeze". On the plus side I can not act on the more harmful voice commands. Haha on them I guess.
I have experiensed these symptoms since early childhood, my first memory is of "the shadow slugs" moving around. On top of this I have ADHD, it can get interesting. But has also helped me managing symptoms, thank you special-interest-fixation!. I can actualy have full time job now! I am so happy and my co-workers are so sweet and caring.
And thank you. Thank you for sharing. It has helped me alot. I have almost built up the courage to reach out for professional help. Soon I will be there I hope. Until then I seek comfort on internet and with my machines at work ^___^
I really appreciate your sheer honesty and candour.
You are making a huge difference to many many people.
Thank You !
Thanks for sharing these. It helps to be able to put into words what a good and bad day look like -not something I've ever thought about before. At the moment I probably have more bad days than good.
A bad day for me is feeling paranoid and anxious about the future while feeling depressed at the same time. These are most of my days right now...though I do still manage to work as a Physical Therapist.
On a good day, like today, I still feel pretty fatigued, but somehow a bit lighter and more able to concentrate and talk to people.
You're so helpful to understand what my brother is going through. It's heart breaking at times. I wish you all the best. And everyone who is experiencing this in there life. I'll continue to follow your journey ❤️
I have had that recently, I had visual hallucinations over a period of 3 months, I called my therapist, and psychiatrist, and increased my medication, and getting that under control. I have more good days than bad, and I use my "toolbox" when symptoms come up, and I feel more in control. I do get it
I have schizoaffective disorder and this video helped me a lot with feeling alone. On a good day I pray a lot and don't see or hear things and I feel free and happy but exhausted. Bad days I feel like Satan and demons are after me. I get really exhausted. I see things like shadows and things that go up and I hear voices. Sometimes I feel a heaviness on the chest and I think people are putting witchcraft on me. I cry a lot and when it gets really bad I don't know how to explain it but my body goes stiff and my whole body jumps, almost like a seizure. I tend to isolate in general but on my bad days it gets really bad. I have really bad anxiety and I pray a lot. Sometimes I think God is mad at me. I have intrusive thoughts about Satan and demons. I pray and Jesus always comes to my rescue when I have bad days. Prayer works! Having faith in Jesus and leaning on him always works. Sending love and hugs to all who suffer!
Satan isn't the evil one it's Kane
Maybe dont believe in such things so deeply. Conjuring madness from religion. I mean, take someone who isn't religious at all? They dont hold any fear of what you speak of. Theyre free of it.
Theres a really interesting guy called Jerry marzinski that you should listen to, he talks about the demonic forces with schizophrenia
Hi at sunshine Rose. I am undiagnosed but I can fully relate to this. This, this right here is what I go on through on a daily basis.
I think God/ satan hate me and personally have it in for me. I also have the intrusive thoughts about Satan, It has taken over my life. I know what it's like, to live your life in Fear.
Hi at bear claus, it isn't as easy as telling someone to just get over it or don't believe in such things so deeply. It's like telling someone to just get over a broken leg. Intrusive thoughts are exactly that, INTRUSIVE. schizophrenia can take over your entire life. But thanks for making me aware I'd be free of it , without the thoughts?!
Having to Live with one of the worse sickness can be exhausting but I still have to believe I can be healed.
@Casey Muller That’s nice, I have Been diagnosed with a cancer and I will definitely need her help and would also want to know how to get in touch with her. I hope she cures other sickness also?
@Casey Muller Thank you a lot you are a life saver. I have found her website on the internet.
@@marikoferrell3275 that's a scammer please don't fall for it
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression and paranoia.
This is so informative! Thank you for creating a positive space ❤
I have schizoaffective disorder and I can relate to having paranoia and avoiding eye contact to keep people from reading my mind
I have the exact same problem. I have to force myself to look at people at work, if I don't they start acting weird and it makes it worse.
My brother-in law has been living with schizophrenia for a very long time and despite being on medication he cannot communicate effectively. He stays to himself and we don’t know how to help him. He is under the care of a psychiatrist. I can tell when he is not having a good day and try to talk to him, but he cannot express his moods. His conversations make no sense. Most of the time he can follow directions very well and helps around the house, but we are always nervous he will self-harm so we try to keep an eye on him.
It's very hard, but you are doing everything you can. I'm sure some days even if he can't say it, he's very happy to have you supporting him.
You should teach him that words could have relations to each other. So that it will be more short and precise.
Lauren, Thank you for your posts
I sometimes think of you as the best family that I have ever had
It's nice having you explain these things, altho I wish I could have gotten a better picture while my uncle who had schizophrenia was alive. Altho I still enjoyed visits with him, he was always happy to see us kids, I think kids brought him such happiness 🙏 but also, atleast one can understand it better now, how living with it, may have effected him 🥺
You are truly inspiring and extremely brave to share your story so openly and honestly!
You're doing a great thing and I'm sure it will help people with not only Schizophrenia but those suffering with all types of Mental Health issues or illnesses from Depression, Anxiety and other mental health issues, and help to end the stigma so WRONGLY associated with Mental Health/Illness! We ALL have MENTAL Health as we ALL have PHYSICAL Health and EVERYONE will likely Suffer with Mental and Physical illness at some time in their lives whether mild or severe, short term, long term or periodically!
The Medical Establishment GLOBALLY is "NOT Fit For Purpose" And often just makes things WORSE instead of better! Or at least doesn't help! For those suffering to be able to trust and have confidence to get help this has to be addressed by our Governments!
But in the meantime brave people like you sharing your story can HELP many people Not to feel ALONE or isolated (even if they are)..
Wish you ALL the luck in the world with healing and maintaining your health for you and your family!
Cheers from London 🏴🇬🇧
I am sorry to hear that other people with the same illness as me, have reccurent symptoms, although not a full blown episode. I do have the same illness, but I noticed some key points. First of all, I had the minor symptoms, when I stayed home alone, for weeks, suffice to say, and the more you socialize(to the extent that is not energy draining), the more connected to reality you can stay. Apart from that, the life-changing occurence for me was the use of nicotine gums. I know a lot of fellow co-patients do smoke, but I wanted to avoid the health drawbacks. And thing is, nicotine acted as neuro-modulating, and helped me change perspective. Then the visit to the psychiatrist became more impactful, since I had learned a lot of lessons, just by being able to listen more carefully(attention span, clarity etc), and it also eleveted my mood. For other illnesses like depression, there is an ongoing study of psychedelics. That pinpoints the importance of the 5HT2A receptor. For schizophrenia, the same importance lies in the NMDA receptor, that is regulated heavily both by the 5HT2A, and the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor, both targeted by nicotine. Also, since nicotine increases dopamine release, there are less side effects. It is certain that one will get addicted to nicotine, hence the importance of not choosing cigarretes, as means of treatment. Nowdays, I use both vaping and nicotine gums, due to the financial cost, but the good news is that after 2 years of administration of nicotine, I have no symptoms of psychosis, not even the minor ones, and I have reduced my meds to half, in a matter of several months of course, according to the instructions of my psychiatrist.
Thank you for this. I think this is why you sometimes seem people chain smoking who have schizophrenia. It would be great if there was a medication that could help activate this nicotine receptors safely without having to actually ingest nicotine. I personally would steer clear of any psychedelics. I think these can be really dangerous for people with schizophrenia?
Interesting..Thanks for sharing. Take good care.
I have schizophrenia.....n my good days are with no guilt....I m very grateful to my Dr. These are 90 %.....bad days r rare n I stopped thinking about schizophrenia....I advice not to stop meds ....love n well wish to u....
Holy cow... Hmm.. Maybe I do have schizophrenia after all.... I went to seek help for an eating disorder in 2018, and was told that they would diagnose me with paranoid schizophrenia rather than anoraxia, and hope that the "eating disorder" would go away with the progression of theraphy and medication... I have always felt like I was faking it (I got on medication right after reciving my diagnosis, in such a small amount I had to have it in fluid form because of the starving myself issue) and thought that just all the doctors would gaslight me into thinking I was schizophrenic, you know, like a placebo... So they had a "sane" parson to compare all their patients to.... (yeah, even I can hear how incorrect that sounds) but Lauren these videos are gold and diamonds to me! They make me realize that maybe the doctors are right after all and im just experiencing anasignosia (is that right?) Please keep it up, dont ever stop telling the truth, we need less stigma and more helpfull info! I really appreciate you both for running this channel! :)
Thank you for this explanation, I feel such validation with my illness. Understanding some symptoms can still happen even while on meds. I felt like I’m just not getting it right. You put everything I feel into words. Thank you for this video.
completely unrelated but omg this hair and the lipstick is giving taylor swift vibes!!!
You're so blessed to have a good family and Supportive husband, it makes a world of difference. I have absolutely no one in my life. Since several years ago when family/friends learned about my illness, they Harshly Judged me and I've been permanently Cut off. It's rough
I appreciate hearing about schizophrenia because rarely are there open discussions about treatment, symptoms or coping. The stigma surrounding the disorder would easily separate people and increase paranoia in those who have the disorder. Your presentation removed a lot of misconceptions for me.
This is a great video to explain what having schizoaffective disorder and/or schizophrenia is like for various people.
I love the phrase "thrive on being alive". I am gonna use this to describe my good days too now :)
You're a great presenter (and editor Rob), and even though I don't have schizophrenia much of what you say is very relatable with my mood disorder. (UofA psych emerg! 😅) I'm really glad you're making a mental illness series too. A link on your LWwS pages would be great.
I feel a lot of the emotions they’re portraying, I feel the same about the good days, the bad days I also feel how a lot of the others are feeling. I don’t have schizo Effective disorder. I do have other issues-it’s just insane how similar and how different each diagnoses is. It’s really makes you wonder
Sounds like you’re an empath ❤
Hey Lauren, love your channel. And thank you so much for doing this. I like learning things about mental health issues so I can understand them & help as much as possible. Hugs for you & everyone who suffers from schizophrenia.
Thank you for your channel. You're doing fabulous work/help for others.
Thanks to all of you who shared this so vulnerable. It helped me so much to understand a bit better what it's like to live with schizophrenia or a related illness❤
Omg your channel puts knot in my throat and I am able to understand my brother a little better. I no longer challenge his view of the world, instead just let him be
Hi Lauren,
When I listen to you share about Schizophrenia or
Schizoaffective disorder I literally can't think of anything that is so agonizing to deal with. I think about how brave and resilient you are and anyone is that is living with such a demanding
Disorder. I suffer with C-PTSD, severe Depression, Anxiety and physical disabilities. Thank You for the new podcast and the Peer Support group. You are so articulate Lauren. I always love to listen to your soothing voice.🌺
CPTSD is due to abuse as well.
@@Catlily5 thank you for letting me know what I miss wrote. I just edited the comment I made to correct my mistake. you are absolutely right complex PTSD is due to horrendous abuse and trauma on a child normally for long periods of time. Thanks again
@@kavitadeva I was just adding on to what you said.👍
@@Catlily5 yeah, but I am aware that Complex PTSD is due to continued abuse and trauma as a child and I wrote it WRONG. Thanks again I edited it!
Thankyou for sharing your experience , so sincerely appreciated.
I need this knowledge.
Thank you so much for your sharing.
That is exactly how i describe it. I try so so hard on looking at it as a bad day, and tomorrow i can wake up and it could be totally different day. So good days i get caught up on things. Bad days...getting tbrough the day using the tools i can
As always, I feel supported just watching your videos. It helps me to know that I’m not alone. Thank you for all you do!
Great video. Two thoughts:
First, maybe you could read one or two of the responses at the end of future videos that seem relevant?
Second (and please know I’m not trying to trivialise anyone’s experience), I was surprised at how many aspects of a bad day for you sound very much like my worst days with persistent depressive disorder, which used to be called dysthymia. I don’t hallucinate, but I certainly can struggle to stop thinking of the catastrophes that could happen any day, or even any minute. And those thoughts can be intensely and surprisingly vivid and overwhelming.
I’m sending you lots of warm, protective thoughts so that the hallucinations and other difficult thoughts can’t come in, get established, and start perseverating. If your community here can do a small shred of what you do for all of us, I think we’d all be very grateful indeed.
i REALLY related to the person who said they felt like a rabbit, i've used that same metaphor before myself. Gosh. This illness is so hard.
Just wanted to say in my past comments , perhaps I was overly judgemental of your style/ content. I realize you are going through enough already, and I don't want to add to that. I do think you provide a much needed forum for people and families struggling with this illness. Thank u for doing that..
This channel, your work and everything you do is monumental for people living with mental health.
hope every one has a good day.
You are so brave to share your illness with us and it really humanizes schizophrenia for us.
I know that the support of loved ones is massive in helping someone with schizophrenia because I don't have a lot of it and it impact me greatly.
I just want to say something about what i live.
I started working at 15 as a dishwasher on the weekeend, on the summer i would do hichiking to go to the cucumber harvest, 12 hours of excruating work. And it pays a pitance, they said they pay me less because I was a minor lol, as if I don't work as much, if anything I was the one who did the most work. It is actually unheard of a youth in my area doing what I did even in my family both my grandfathers didn't even do that. So basically my un lazyness was one of a kind. I don't say it was a good decision I should have done as my parents said and focus on my study, but it was the only way for me to have any money to pay for snowboarding and my parent wouldn't pay for it so I had to work.
But what get me is at 18 or so I got diagnosed with schizophrenia and I still kept up with my study and everything but eventually I failed and stopped studying and working for a while. And I was made to feel like a lazy bum,as if even a schizophrenia diagnostic is no reason to slack at all. I heard my father on multiple occasions say that I was lazy, I'm pretty sure he said it because he knew I could hear it.
I mean they don't even know how I am and how willing to bust my ass off I actually am, they magically forgot how I was in my teen.
Even with the diagnostic I only took short break when i was really at the end of my rope. They say schizophrenia make you lack motivation, well in this kind of family even schizophrenic have motivation.
They always acted like it was my fault for this sickness, that I choose it in order to give myself a reason to do nothing.
I find it highly unfair to be seen as a bum and good for nothing for a sickness I don,t want.
Really do they think it is easy to be a schizophrenic, damn
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression. For example, money can’t even cure schizophrenia, so it is might be less useful than finding a way to cope with it.
Lauren thank you.
Thank you Lauren ❤
a bad day: feeling low and not wanting to do anything, if i try and do something i get frustrated and dont want to keep going.
a bad day: feeling maybe moody and good for a very short time then feeling low and down the rest of the day
yay
I can absolutely relate to the things you shared. Most days are good days for me, but they still feel like an exception. I can't enjoy them fully, because I know that there will be a time again when things go sideways. The moment I'm in a stressful situation is the moment when everything breaks apart. Then the voices in my head start talking to me and insulting me like a broken record non-stop. Sometimes I can become very cynical and verbally sadistic. This is a huge contrast compared to my nature on good days.
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honestly thank you so much for this i’m not even diagnosed with schizophrenia but this makes me feel so seen and i am on my way to getting diagnosed as we speak but i was always so confused to why it seemed like i could rationalise my delusions but still be paranoid about them and have a physical reaction towards them and just live in constant fear so i was confused and thinking i was faking it at one point but no, it’s something so obvious that living with something like a chronic illness you can have good days and bad days i’m not sure why everyone seems to think that schizophrenics are irrational 100% of the time but thank you for these videos if anything i just feel like i’m understanding myself better with everything because it’s just so applicable to me. Lol.
i sent my sister a link to your channel. She is schizophrenic. I hope she really gets into your channel! I've been watching for about the last year or so.
She needed knowledge and different perspectives to counter paranoia.
Thank You for Everything you do ❤
I felt every word
Good day: I walk around town or go to work. I can do so much and get so much accomplished, and feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I can eat easily, I enjoy hobbies like painting, and I even enjoy some of the hallucinations, like seeing music play.
Bad day: I'm locked in my room, only leaving to use the bathroom. I call out of work, I can't talk to anyone, and I'm terrified that if I go outside someone will attack me or try to kill me. I can't eat, food looks and smells rotten and I think I'll die eating it even if I make it myself. I keep everything well lit until nightfall, where sometimes then I turn off all the lights and cover my window so there wont be any shadows. I can't answer my phone because the sounds on the line tell me somebody is listening in, and I can't ask for help because everybody is in on it.
Thank you for your videos. I have schizoaffective disorder. Hear voices and see things.
I have been taking meds for schizophrenia for 2 years. While tapering, I relapsed. I guess i have to take meds for life long.
I have been definitely feeling like someone’s out to get me at different times/paranoia. I hate it also my medication gives me depression at times. But on a good day I feel really productive happy and connected with myself and definitely happy to be alive.
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression and paranoia.
@@villageofwords thank you I will try that
Those where some very intense, Symptoms I can definitely admit I have been there. Not lately, in the back of my mind I know I could have a bad day, not looking forward to a bad day, Thanks for being there for me..
very cool to hear others shared experience
i go for a walk for an hour in the morning.then spend all day in my room.thats a typical day .i have fear of being harmed by people if im outside.
Good on you for getting out for an hour!
I have bipolar with psychotic features and I can relate to this
You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.
With my anxiety, a good day for me is getting things done and being productive and content.
A bad day is hyperventilating , panic attacks, and crying
Luckily, I usually have more good days than bad, and I also manage my anxiety with medication.
I loved the interactive-ness of the group question
This is a wonderful channel and I am grateful for it. I have been searching for information on how to help a loved one who is symptomatic get help when they don't believe they have an issue as s result of the illness.
Recently I've had days when I don't move for long stretches. Apparently it's not catatonia because I could move if I decided to. But nothing seems like the first thing I should do. I stay still with a dull feeling while waiting for something to feel urgent.
Please find something or someone that makes you move. Not moving is bad physically and mentally. 🌹
Not moving won't harm you at all. I have ME, FND and a tic disorder with autism. Sometimes my brain won't produce any useful signals for my body to move. I'm 50, I've had it this severe since I was 20. I'm sorry to contradict the other commenter but you'll be fine if you don't move. Listen to your body. I had a period where I tried to push through that feeling and ended up with severe episodes that looked like seizures. Animals don't push through. It's human paranoia and the sense that if you're not productive then you're not worthy. I don't know what your particular body is telling you on those days, it could be depression, PTSD or some other thing. I hope you find it.
@@wheelchairgeek I'd never heard of FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) until I read your comment. Now I'm reading about it and wondering if I've got it. Humans are so complex; it's no wonder clinicians have so much trouble arriving at a correct diagnosis. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and insights.
I appreciate this video so much! Thank you Lauren! ❤🌹
Unfortunately right now everyday is a bad day for my godson interacting with spirits/voices songs have special messages to him again all around religion. Very much hyper-religiosity Very bad is ith suicidal thoughts and being spiritually tortured. He just came home from a month long hospitalization and I certainly know it’s gonna take him a long time. I work n mental health so I’m somewhat educated and understand
Thank you so much for the effort and time, your channel has been so helpful. When ever I watch your videos It makes me feel more relax and it help me control situations.
Thanks!
Now I can concentrate. My doctor told me that Labalvi would help. It’s also an appetite suppressor. It has olanzapine in it. I think that the medication helps. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Lauren. Everyone is special. You too. Take care Lauren.