My Story | Living with Schizophrenia
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 11. 2021
- I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2016 at the age of 25. This is my story of how I came to be diagnosed, and what my experience of living with schizophrenia has been like.
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Join a welcoming community of your peers and find comfort in sharing your experiences. By joining our community, you can benefit from the support of others who understand what you’re going through. We offer live weekly facilitated video peer support groups and text channels to communicate about a wide range of topics. Join today and start feeling less alone with what you’re going through.
• Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
• General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
We depend on the support of our audience to create this valuable resource. If you have found our content helpful, please consider supporting us today. Your contribution can make a huge difference and enable us to continue providing valuable resources to those living with mental illness.
• One-time donation: donate.stripe.com/9AQ6oV5S0ef...
• Monthly donation: / livingwellwithschizoph...
MENTAL HEALTH APPAREL
Wear your support for mental health! Our t-shirts, sweaters, and mugs not only spread awareness but also help support this channel. Pick up some mental health apparel today and make a statement while making a difference.
livingwell.myspreadshop.com/
SPEAKING & CONSULTING
Looking for an expert speaker or consultant for your upcoming event or project? With years of experience and a passion for mental health advocacy, I can provide the insight and inspiration you need to make a positive impact. Visit my speaking website to learn more!
www.laurenkennedywest.com/
SOCIALS
Instagram: / livingwellwithschizoph...
TikTok: / livingwellschizophrenia
Twitter: / lwschizophrenia
Website: www.livingwellwithschizophren...
#schizophrenia #livingwellwithschizophrenia #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #myexperience
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
U r not a schizophrenia patient.u have demonic effects.u need to keep touch with ur holy book ND holy prophet.u need to study bible ND pay ur attentions to Jesus christ.u try it I hope vry well u will find ur true prblm ND solution.
@@munibarehman7005 what's up with you bro? Leave her alone.
@@kolomoseschaji9879 leave her alone??? What do u mean by this???? A person needs help ND u r saying that leave her alone.u have not senses or u have not heart????? She needs help .A spiritual help.lonliness is poison for her.u want to give poison those persons who r suffering from critical situations.r u human ???????
Thank u
lt seems you should not have died. You were supposed to be an advocate; & leadership by example. Blah blah blah got sidetracked/scenic route/stopped going forward. Alice in Wonderland reference: "...but dear, think of blah blah blah...". You have gained a range that is a tangent of real experience. lf you reply to my comment...l'm reply: "Build me a kitchen"
I got diagnosed with schizophrenia 18 years ago as a teenage. Spent my whole life fighting schizophrenia. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 9 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.
Congrats on your recovery. Most persons never realizes psilocybin can be used as a miracle medication to save lives. Years back i wrote an entire essay about psychedelics. they saved you from death bud, lets be honest here.
Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Australia. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them
YES very sure of Dr.benfungi. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
100% agree I used to have Psychosis and paranoid thoughts like "people thinking about me talking about me etc. Very odd behavior after getting off Adderall from 7-16. Antidepressants at 18-29. 31 now. I took way to much, but took about 20g of Gold caps (Psilocybin containing mushroom) I analyzed my entire life. The emotions that came out helped me understand behavior etc more. Wont ever need to do it again because I'm happy and contempt forever, but I wish more people did this to alter their perception of reality. Would help with healing much trauma
How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta
No frills. Vulnerable and authentic. Your testimony exemplifies hope. Thank you
Wow! I can't believe how much you went through... I give you a big hand girl !!! You are like iron or steel. It is amazing how you survived. Seriously. Thank you for sharing.
@@esthervolina3406 truethfully you are suffering from demonic attacks. Try to be a spiritual person by studying the bible with Christians.Hope Jehova and Jesus take care of you.
Do you know how strong you are? God bless you.
@@otshepengassegaai4736 that is so funny.
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
I suffered severe depression several years ago. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd.
Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
Microdosing helped me get out of the pit of my worst depressive episode, a three year long episodeenough to start working on my mental health
Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Germany. Really need
Yes, dr.porassss . I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
The shroom experience stands as my most remarkable journey, an awe-inspiring encounter that left an indelible mark of amazement.
Is he on instagram?
Thankyou for this. My mum was diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, was a teacher, guide troup leader and a core nember of the Women's Institute. We're from England. She had her struggles and I definately have been affected by emotional neglect due to the very heavy medications she was on. But she was a beautiful person and taught me a lot about keeping going despite whatever life gives you. She died at age 55 of pneumonia. RIP mum. Thankyou for doing your very best. Xxxxx
I’ve been diagnosed as schizoaffective. I’m 30, married with 2 children. I’ve debated starting a CZcams channel but struggle due to embarrassment & shame. You’re really inspiring & im thankful to have these videos to watch. I hope that one day I can gain the courage to share my story the way that you do.
Please don't be embarrassed. This is an illness not shame like diabetes. My son has same but won't get help and is agreeing and abusive I do not see him due to the same I still love him and miss him dearly. Big mamma hugs to you , love you much
You don't have to if you don't want but please don't feel ashamed for having a mental illness. You're doing the best you can with the hand life has dealt you.
Subscribed in case you decide to start making videos :) Don’t ever be embarrassed for something you can’t control, I believe it’s important to talk about our struggles to remove the stigma and make it normal for others to be open and understanding about things we don’t quite understand yet
Thank you everyone. This is something I struggle with..I may just make videos, ive wanted to for years.
@@shannonmcneill9464 What do you mean "Same like diabetes?"
As a mental health nurse, I appreciate your raw honesty. You telling your story will help so many people, including people like me that cares for patients. Thank you!
Good job dear! Maternity nurse here. Hugs
Hospice nurse here, I learn so much from Lauren.
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
Thanks. I believe many of your viewers, like myself, have made already, a bond with you. You're an eye opener to me, such much, that now I know my paranoid schizophrenic, now deseased, brother passed trough. Receive my best regards. Sandra 🇲🇽
Would it pass without medication..I wonder if it’s spiritual or truly mental..please help
She is a very good speaker. Praying that things continue to go well for her and her beautiful family.
We need God Jesus Christ our savior...
No doctor can heal that,even as it's a demonic attack inside our brain..you ask deliverance,or ask God to heal you.
I have been here with a voice ,but I ask God to save me.i told my self get out Satan I never give you authority to use me .who are you to speak to me killed my husband and son.
Get out in Jesus name I pray...
I repent all my sin ,I really humble heart to jesus save..God really exists.if demonic no one can heal no certificate can save us.
Me I never have no doctor only Jesus.
Evil spirit is real,I saw black 2 shadow in my room, and I ask God save me because black shadow in my neck is too heavy my body...and I saw white shadow to save me,and black shadow get out in my room ..
But I never think I killed myself,I already gave to Jesus my life..only God died to my sin,and only Jesus owns my life..
We need Jesus Christ to save us...
God loves us!
@@bambicastle2807 what a joke, people like you are one of the reasons people take their lives and don’t reach out for help. Do just a little bit of research before you spout such ignorance.
@@bambicastle2807 your fairytales arent real. there is no heaven, only true peace of complete nonexistence.
@@bambicastle2807oof check that grammar sweetheart
Thank you. As a psychologist, I love watching testimonies like yours as they help me better screen, identify and support clients like you. I owe you a debt of gratitude ❤
There is nothing wrong with having a mental illness. Videos like this help to remove the stigma. You've shown that it's possible to achieve many things that people with mental illness think are unachievable. If you have a health condition, mental or physical, good management can make a world of difference, as well as having a supportive partner.
So true!
Yes, this is so important, the help with stigma, and there is nothing wrong with having a mental illness. Ty
Ur videos are uplifting
Its electronic harassment,, look it up ,theres groups on fb about this
Exactly. She never asked for this. She’s a victim of life’s bull-sh**.
You are changing the world, girl. If I was your mom, I’d be so proud of you.
Hey that's exactly how I feel
You speak and you help so many you are a power and your knowledge will comfort a support others
My empathy is with you. I was diagnosed as schizophrenic during my graduate study at 25. Ten years later I picked up my education and got my PhD at 38. I have worked as a professional since and I am close to retire. To reduce the side effects of the medication, I have successfully slashed the amount to a minimal level that could just help me fall asleep. If I sleep well, everything I do is fine. I have never had a relapse. Keep going and loving. You story is encouraging and you are amazing.
Congratulations 🎉. Your story is uplifting. I hope that I can do the same.
Thank you❤.
Im losing my sister to this right now. She absolutely refuses to get help other than the 3 day baker act stays. 5x so far this year. We payed 28,000 for a 30 day stay only for her to get out and be non compliant with after treatment. I no longer recognize the person that was once closest to me. Im heartbroken and exhausted. I feel like I'm grieving someone who is still alive...I dont wish this on anyone, and it's definitely not talked about enough. I'm so lost. 🥺
Please take care of your own health, and recognize that there is a limit to how much you can help others.
Praying for you
I felt the same way. My sister was diagnosed later in life and because she refused to get help I had to cut ties for the safety of my children. She went into the system and my mom was told they would only order inpatient treatment if she committed a felony, they put her on Haldal and released her shortly thereafter. We lost her not even two months after they released her. I'm so sorry for your pain because it's so difficult for everyone involved.
I have done the same with my son. Grieved so much at losing him. He is alive but not himself.
You should try to show her success stories of people with schitophrania. That might help... Just stay supportive of her and her might just get through it and become somewhat normal again.
As a therapist,I am so sorry you had to go through such a traumatizing experience in the hospital.I am in the U.S. and that experience unfortunately is pretty common. There is still a huge stigma still in the medical field concerning mental health issues. We need people to speak out loud and clear to continue to break down fears and stigma.
i was not suprised about 1 year ago when my psychiatrist told me she knew several mentally ill americans who were severely harmed and in each case the judge did nothing to the people who harmed them the judge did not put them in jail he let them get away with their crimes against the mentally ill people each judge in all the casess
🙏🏼❤️
As a mental health nurse here in the uk I appreciate your honesty. Something needs to change.
I' live in the US too I am 24 been in and out of the hospital since age 12 the recent was June 20th a month before my birthday. The system is crappy makes me rather act out on my thoughts then go get help. Having to go to the emergency room isnt even helpful they lock you in a tiny room and make everything worse like other personalities. I was in a mental hospital November 2022 and they put me in the same room as this girl that wasnt allowed a roommate and they put me in the same room as her and she touched me and I didnt wanna tell the staff cause they knew her and I knew they wouldnt believe me. I didnt wsant to fight her cause I was going home the next day and didnt 3ant it to stop me. The system dont care. I'm in a bad mentally state of mind and the hospital isn't even worth it. I ain't having any luck in finding a therapist and I dont know what else to do at this rate there ate hardly no therapist around anymore and I need one now
Jordan peterson is a descent one..I learned alot from him
i have aspergers syndrome. i know this is not the same as any schizophrenia but i deal with depression, anxiety, delusions, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, and hyperactive fixations. the fact that you've found love and had your own child gives me hope. thank you so much.
I have asperger's and bipolar. Wishing you all the best
My 16 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger after he completed the Neuro Psych Evaluation, however he also has psychosis and delusions. He has exact similar symptoms like you described. How do we know its not psychophrenia or psychosis disorder? Do you take any antipsychotic meds? He does take Zyprexa but no one really knows how to fully diagnose him.
I think you are very courageous the way you manage your illness & talk so openly about it. It can only bring more understanding and empathy for these illnesses which can be very frightening for the sufferer & their family & friends. You have achieved a huge amount in spite of your illness. Im really impressed by you.
Autism spectrum and schizophrenia spectrum go together more often than commonly known.
Dont be hard on yourself. Church helps me. Invite the holey spirit into your life. You are so strong. Thankyou for your story. ❤
You are amazing. My beloved Momma was diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia. Throughout her life she was subjected to electro shock therapy and way too many pills to mention. Now that I am 59, I can look back at her, my childhood, and my own lifelong battle with depression with a sense compassion for it all. I am confused by my own (at times) relentless sadness. God bless you. ❤
I’m 62 and it was my father and I also have days where I’m just profoundly sad. But overall I love my life now, but mental illness is a lot for children to process, I’m not surprised that I have those occasional sad days.
Lauren, the impact you and Rob are making on the stigma involved in a mental health dignosis is amazing. Your ability to share your experience so transparently shows just how hard you have worked to be mentally healthy. Most people could not do what you are doing on this channel. You make it easier for all of us, regardless of our mental challenges, to feel less alone. Thank you so much for the huge contribution you make in general and to me in particular. xo
What an amazing story!!! So brave so strong to be able to share her story so authentic
Its electronic harassment,, look it up ,theres groups on fb about this
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
My 37yo son was just diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Your videos have really helped me understand what he is going through and how I can help him. Thank you, Lauren!
Can you see you in your son?
@@freshliving4199 what does that even mean?
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
MY SON passed i had no choice there no one out there to help so i called the police and thats where he dies he had schziohenia
@@helenmedina3474 so sorry Helen.
I wonder how he died.
My prayers are with you!
My son who is a 30 yr old father...is not taking Meds...he does not want to seek help.He self medicates with illegal drugs. HE no longer has friends,and has threatened family members. He not lives in a hotel by himself. I see him and do things with him on my days off.I am trying to get us a 2 bedroom so I can assure him he is loved.Maybe seeing this video will help him seek help so he can lead a fulfilling life..thank you for your honesty.
You are a very sweet soul. God bless you dear.
As a mental health clinician and a daughter to a parent diagnosed with Schizophrenia I am moved by your words. Thank you. X
Was there anything that has helped your daughter get better ?
@@Miriamblake my Mum? She takes a variety of tablets including Olanzepine . It wad the menopause that triggered it. Unfortunately she was never the same. She is 91 now!!
@@howareyou857 so sad I’m sorry about that ! My brother just developed it the past two years and is very violent as well and it’s just sooo hard to see him like this and wish there was more I can do !!
@@Miriamblake is he being medicated?
@@howareyou857 yes but he doesn’t always take them and when he’s on them he’s like a zombie he’s 27 and just sleeps all day
I want Special Books by Special Kids to interview you!
That would be great. But he gets an email from whoever wants to be interviewed by him so probably that will only happen if she reach out to him asking to be interviewed.
I can see the other way around ... her interviewing him.
@@lvega5606 XW
@@lvega5606 rocket
You've done better in life than most people WITHOUT a mental disorder do. Count yourself blessed...
Cause they probably do have a disorder. Just not diagnosed and treated.
My god! How could the hospital staff do that to you??? Dragging you, stripping you naked, lock you in a room? Absolutely unbelievable in the 21th century for me! I can’t imagine how on earth you could handle that! You are very very strong. There are no words..
That’s what they do…
That's called help. When the patient reacts to it they can administer more brain damaging neurotoxines. 🤡
They have for years that's why my daughter is unable to get real help. She is terrified of going through that again. Be tackled and treated like an animal.
@@lisahall1989 I'm not saying, by far, that the word is a fair place, but.. if you act like an animal..
I, on the other hand have no words for someone who tried to off herself two (who knows really how many) times and then gives birth to a child??!!! That is utterly disgustingly selfish.
What a well spoken, intelligent, & strong woman you are. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are going to help a lot of people out there and that's to be admired and respected. I sincerely wish you well in life.
Love this comment 💛
I have heard so many stories of people being diagnosed with this after taking SSRIs. So sad. What you endured was ABUSE at that hospital. Hope that you find healing and love.
I remember starting to suspect that I might’ve been schizophrenic, but it didn’t seem to be the same super negative depiction I had seen just about everywhere so I just reasoned that the voices I heard in my head were normal. They were not. Got diagnosed earlier this year. It’s been a struggle adjusting to my new normal, but I’m gettin there.
What this woman has been through 💔 but keep shining woman ✨it’s so helpful to hear your story
After spending my whole active life as a neuroscientist, I still don't know what would be the best medical direction for the treatment of schizophrenia. But Lauren's absolutely high-quality examination of her own case helped me to recognize the power of loving family life and understanding social environment in reducing the unwanted symptoms of schizophrenia. At the same time, I believe medical sciences can't give up on finding the right way to eliminate these symptoms from the life of the affected. This testimony of Lauren will surely be part of the medical curriculum one day and will surely inspire scientific minded psychiatrists to reveal the characteristics of the association cortex of men and women with schizophrenia -- and, based on this knowledge, design methods to eliminate the disturbing symptoms of this condition.
Well said and hopefully one day there will be a cure for all who are suffering with this disease!
@@lillianafrick1388 I don't know whether you are affected by schizophrenia or involved in its treatment and research as a psychiatrist or neuroscientist. Either way, you yourself can do a lot towards the ultimate objective of finding a cure for this disease. If you are a patient, you can do a lot to tell psychiatrists that they must consider schizophrenia also as a "spectrum-disorder". The mildest forms need more social awareness, empathy and community help than drugs with all of their side-effects. Believe me, this simple change in the approach to the mildest forms of schizophrenia would be a great step into the right direction of schizophrenia treatment. On the other hand, patients suffering from the most severe, intractable forms of schizophrenia must find an effective support group -- to be formed by mild schizophrenia patients and agreeing doctors -- to campaign at the National Institute of Health and other funding agencies to not to give up on finding a cure for the disease and do everything they can to revolutionize the national/international effort to make new experimental and clinical approaches. I myself published papers on the possible connection between schizophrenia and some dysfunctions in the hypothesized prefrontal cortical neural supercircuitry of "Self-Ken". But there are many other new ideas in the field that would move forward schizophrenia research meaningfully if funded properly. Anyway, I am sure cure will be found -- but it may take even a century to get there, at least in my opinion.
@@nandorludvig8531 I have a son dx'd with SA w/ Depressive features. I wonder all the time if it is funded properly, it seems so little is done besides take this pill and see if it helps. Why do some meds work and others don't? Why is it ok to treat patients with this so poorly when they need to be inpatient. Often they are abused by staff. I not only have a son with SA I also worked at a mental health facility as a biller and the practices are often abusive. They make patients feel like inmates. It makes my son terrified to tell his symptoms because he fears them so much.
Also I wonder why the psychiatrists don't want to hear the backstory of the patient, like weird behaviors or episodes as a child, hindsight from family is discouraged. That has been my experience. My son is 37, I love him, care for him and I'm disgusted at the lack of help and the nonchalant attitude of the docs in the CMHS...we've been through at least 7, it's a revolving door.
I also wonder if autism, Asperger's sometimes turns into SA due to the trauma of teasing, bullying and often ptsd it creates. I could swear my son always had a quirkiness about him that now , as we are more informed about Aspie, I wonder if he had. Thanks for being here.
@@lizzyloucollectables2584 Dear LizzyLouCollectables, you spoke from your heart -- and I absolutely understand your conflict. In my medical school years -- back in Hungary -- I was interested in psychiatry, but abandoned the field because of the same reasons you articulate: (1) the arrogant, condescending behavior of psychiatrists towards the patients while they exactly knew they were unable to help them, and (2) the field's absolute lack of deep commitment to change this hopeless situation and work on new, indeed useful treatments for major psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia and depression.
But the complex truth is that both schizophrenia and depression are extremely difficult medical problems, because they are -- unlike epilepsy and many other brain disorders -- human-specific diseases and as such, we cannot learn from relevant animal models. And obviously, related computer models and in vitro research are useless, due to the lack of understanding of the most basic pathophysiological features of these diseases and the dependence of these pathophysiological features on the full function of the intact brain.
I recently published a paper in Open Journal of Philosophy, with the title of "A cosmological neuroscientific approach to the Soul of Multiverse", in which I presented a figure on the structure of the human soul. The figure showed the possible central medium of Soul in the individual human scale, which I termed as "Self-Ken", essentially a neural supercircuitry in the prefrontal cortex with such domains as Identity, Conscience, Will and Mission. And I believe both schizophrenia and depression are the manifestations of severe errors in this human-specific supercircuitry. More than a decade ago, still an active neuroscientist, I applied for a NIH grant to work on this hypothesis -- but the application was rejected with the same arrogant and condescending style so characteristic of the profession of psychiatry. But I hope, my paper will be read by some young psychiatrists and one of them, one day, may even give some thoughts to it and devotes some research effort to this idea.
Nevertheless, even if this idea will turn out to be useful, maybe even correct, it will provide only an explanation for these brain disorders. Will it help to develop therapy? It will certainly be one of the greatest scientific/medical challenges of this century. Because meaningful schizophrenia/depression therapy must correct specifically that malfunctioning prefrontal cortical supercircuitry, the very medium of human Soul -- and this can hardly be done with oral drugs, because they act all over the entire brain, causing more problems (unwanted side-effects) than real help. Obviously, traditional surgeries, like the non-scientific, indeed evil, lobotomy practiced in the mid-20th century, are out of question. I did propose drug-delivery/neurotoxin-drainage ("pharmacodialysis") implants for severe schizophrenia in a paper in 2013 -- but I am not sure such implantations will ever be accepted by patients.
So these are the problems. Still, I am convinced human ingenuity will one day find the way to provide meaningful treatments for patients with severe schizophrenia and depression.
6 figure schizo here. There are medications out there that may eventually help. It did for me. Don’t lose hope of being the you that you want to be.
My nephew was diagnosed with bipolar and is autistic, he is on the high end of autism, by the grace of God he has a wonderful doctors and is thriving, he has a good job and has flourished with medicine and therapy. I pray that those who have mental health, have a supportive family and friends. 🙏🙏
My son is presently in the hospital for this illness. Thank you for sharing. As a parent I have looked so many places to get support and understanding of this illness. Your presentation and clarity are much appreciated. I wish you the best!
I was diagnosed with major depression at the age of 21 and it was a very difficult experience because my friends and family did not know. I was lonely... finding my husband really turned my life around and I never felt out of control with my emotions ever again 🙃
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
I'm in your walls
I wish I could say the same. Having a husband does not make my demons go away
@@wheatstonebridge JESUS WILL...
Lauren,
You have the warmest smile and the MOST Genuine and personable way about you when sharing your struggles and triumphs in coping with schizoaffective disorder...keep pushing and soldiering through the ups and downs of your journey and know that your mission is making a profound and positively impactful difference in the lives of others. ❤️
Courage
Don't capitalize "genuine."
@@guyrabinowitz WTH?? 🤣🤣🤣 🤪
Lauren, I watched this till the end and was in tears! No, not out of sympathy or fear, but out of my understanding of the 'love' that resides in you - it shows in your love for your husband, for all your 3 kids, and for your life. It might sound very cliched, but you truly are bold and beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story, and sending you love.
It angers me how psyche wards would allow clothing to be stripped off and her to be abandoned and naked , with a window for others to view her. That's unacceptable treatment 😢
I couldn’t imagine it as well 😭
But truth I've been there
These hospital staff should be sued. Thank you for sharing your story.🙏🏽
This story broke my heart...what an amazing woman she is & so blessed to have a husband that loves her that much to marry her inspite of her psychosis. Kudos to both of them & much grace & blessings!
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html,
" every trust issue is not a screzophernia,depend upon situation, person also depend upon how to trust whom to trust "
Hats off to you for dealing with your struggles! You are lucky to have a family to support you. Wishing you the best!
Hey Kiddo, I'm on the other side of Schizophrenia, I still take meds, but the news from here is that there is going to be more to life than mental illness. It is going to improve. its not so much getting better like you do a cold but you'll learn to function better the longer you keep going. your videos are very valuable, and very open. keep going.
edmond do i understand correctly that for many or most sufferers, it comes down to choosing between the chaos, conflict & danger of going unmedicated or the numb, dead pointlessness of antipsychotics-induced anhedonia?
@@knuthamsun6106 personally i find the meds a formality at this point, there are many drawbacks and less than pleasant effects, but with mindfulness and a meditative approach, with people you can trust around you, completing the puzzlebox that is schizophrenia is possible, I've been lucky with the meds, in that i took a proactive stance on doses. getting a balance right is crucial, too many people are over medicated as a whole, or are on inappropriate meds, but they are a safety net for much of the chaos and extremes of state. the right dose will change life from a fractured minefield to something feeling like normality.
This is just my experience and is not conclusive, however i remain convinced that there is life after psychosis, there is joy and meaning in the resolution that is possible.
Keep faith in that which you love and value, beit God or Gods or just a good idea. Because life is short and pain is a transitional state. and there's a lot more future than there is a now.... with or without the drugs.
thank you Edmond
How can I subscribe to ur channel?
My oldest son has schizophrenia, and after a few terrifying years, he has improved tremendously. He just graduated from university. In fact, I have read that about 30% of people with schizophrenia can recover, or partially recover...
I am grateful for this thank you. You are an inspiration for me. I have what you live with and I have now finished a graduate degree. I am proud of my accomplishment. Yoga has helped keep me grounded and my loving family.
I'm bipolar and you explained my life. The unpredictability, how exhausting it is. Just when you think you have gotten a routine down, boom an episode. I haven't been employed or anything. It's just insane.
i have mentall illness i never had an episode
My mother had Schizophrenia I never new her any other way. She was in Mental institutions in the early fifties being Italian and never learnt to speak English life for her was very hard. My two sisters and I were put in Orphanages St. John’s in Aubury and St. Vincent’s in North Melbourne. Mums story is so sad as she had a tough life with this illness and was treated terribly by ignorant people. Mum passed away at the age of 96. The treatment of people in the institutions was brutal and barbaric. My mum told me some horrid stories. My daughter works in Mental Health and I worked in Disability. Thank God treatments are better today, I wish my mum had a better chance in life. My father worked hard to buy the family a house. I admire my late mother and father for getting through this, it was never easy and I did not have a conventional upbringing, but am grateful for everything and the blessing life has given me. All the best and thank you for your story.
I have Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective depending on what the doctor writes on my papers... I think maybe having or finding some kind of "purpose" in life to drive you is a big key.... having kids would be the next level in "Purpose" I would think well done you... I remember being totally psychotic.... scared... treating my body like a trash can and for me too at times thinking back things got a little dangerous... it wasn't long ago I also thought... "I'm feeling good maybe I can lower my meds now" I asked the doctor and the answer was "No not a good Idea" although if I wanted too they gave me options... these days I take my meds pretty religiously... I'm like one of those kids that got "scared straight" ... the anxiety I have still terrifies me and I get psychotic from time to time but if I'm not going back there if I can help it... the other day a neighboring demolishon business guy asked me what I did and I said I work part time which I do... He said I was "fucking lazy that's why this country is fucked"... sometimes maybe the whole Schizo thing is a lesson on how to deal better with negativity... sometimes it's just nice that asshole was standing right there in front of me and I heard him loud and clear... he was pathetic... he would cry like a baby twice if he had what I do... Once because hes terrified and twice because he too could no longer go to work and sell his rubbish... anyway what a rant.. I only did it because sometimes things can help others although I'm pretty much a one off by by xx
I can’t imagine calling someone lazy for working part time.
Sorry that an asshole called you "lazy" for working part time. That takes a lot of work and effort to even manage a part time job, plus with your disorder that I also have you deserve all the support :)
Definitely sounds like that guy has bigger issues than he knows!! too bad he’s not getting the help and support you are!!
Take it one day at a time!! We support YOU!!❤❤
You are a remarkable woman & rolemodel for my own struggle with schizoaffective disorder. I've been watching your channel for a few years now. Always, your friend, Lora
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I can’t tell you how I am grateful that you are well and can share your story….the world needs more honest loving experiences like yours. I can’t wait to hear more….be well!
I am thankful that I stumble upon this channel. Thank you for your story this has helped me understand my bipolar disorder better.
WOW! I enjoyed hearing your story. From 1987-1996, I suffered Schizophrenia and never told a soul. It was while I had Graves Disease. When I was finally diagnosed, I received radiation. When the Graves faded away, so did the Schizophrenia. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It is a huge huge burden especially when trying to raise two children. I will never ever forget.... lots of respect for you.... it's not easy to admit having that disability. 👍👍👍
Don't capitalize "schizophrenia."
@@guyrabinowitz What??? 🤣🤣🤣 Are you trying to sound smart?🤪
Answer: no. I am trying to teach you that capitalizing the name of a particular mental disease is incorrect.
Okaaaaay.....
Thank you so much for sharing your story Lauren. It's been really great watching your confidence grow. I'm currently starting my recovery journey and hearing you speak so frankly (and without the sugar coating) is very inspiring and reaffirming. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you for telling us.
You’re so brave !
❤
I am in awe of you, I really am 👊💝
I am appalled and outraged at your treatment in the hospital, absolutely outrageous!!! That is surely treatment from the 80s and before ..... WTF!!
so much love and strength moving forward. Thank you for sharing and helping those that are walking the same path 💖
Girl you’re such an amazing and inspirational person
I struggled so bad fighting the tears watching this. Thank you so much for sharing, I love your channel so much. My brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia 2 years ago. Ever since then I’ve been on a journey to understand my brother’s illness and how I can be a better younger brother and more supportive for him.
Since his diagnosis, he’s had only 1 episode within those two years, and we quickly learned it was due to him being off the medication. I would be lying if I didn’t say things have been overwhelming at times. I love my brother to death and want the best for him.
At times i struggle to understand what caused this to him. My brother is a recovering Alcoholic/Addict, but had a relapse 2 years ago and during this relapse, this was when he experienced his first episode. He ended up in a mental hospital for about 2 months, he was severely paranoid, having hallucinations, and was fixated that a woman he was seeing at the time was drugging him.
For myself, it was a traumatic experience, I didn’t know what to think. It was hard for me to admit he was schizophrenic, I didn’t want to believe and accused the Medical Professionals that they were misdiagnosing him. I just thought he mentally broke due to relapsing and the guilt.
It wasn’t until he experienced an episode a few months that has set me on a Journey to learn more about Schizophrenia, so I can understand how to properly be a more supportive brother. Even till this day, I still have a hard time accepting the fact he is schizophrenic. There’s just so much I don’t understand, nor do I want to accept 😢.
I just want the best for my older brother. Is there anyone out there that has experienced something similar? Was it the relapse of alcohol and drugs that made him schizophrenic? It’s been difficult to wrap my head around at times.😢
Thanks for listening 🙏🏼
As someone who struggles with mental illness and alcoholism, I think it's quite possible your brother experienced Delirium Tremens, which are hallucinations caused by the withdrawal from alcohol and usually subside after a while. Depending on the person, they could last a couple days to a couple months. Hallucinations, delusions and hearing voices are very common during this time of detoxing from alcohol. It's possible that your brother was in the throes of DT'S and was diagnosed schizophrenic and placed on medication before he was given time to come out of it on his own. I'm praying for you and your brother that you would find the answers and help that you need.
Jnh
Nothing we experience today is new. It’s been faced by our ancestors long time ago. People in the past had a rather simplistic but functional answers to problems like this.
First of all, let me say I studied neuroscience for two years at UofG until I transferred to YorkU to study psychology. All this struggle was to figure out why this happened to me (diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder).
With no scientific answer in the horizon and a little bit of luck, I turned my face to religion and started studying it with a religious master.
He recommended me to read the book of Job where he declared war against God for the things that happened to him, lost everything he had and caught a disease in the end.
Everything people said to him did not explain why horrible stuff happened to him. He asked God why several times and he finally answered. All went back to normal and Job became even more rich and powerful.
Here, there is a spiritual answer based on philosophy. Please read it with an open mind and see if there’s any similarities between Job and your brother. If it makes sense, encourage him to read it.
I pray for you, your family, and your brother. God bless you all.
oh my god you're the best sibling anyone could ask for
Praying for you and your family! Stay strong! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much for sharing your story and I love how real you were, this had me in tears but I'm so grateful to you.
I have suffered with mental illness in my life. In my early life, as I look back, I probably was bipolar. I tried to take my life at one point and ended up in a psych hospital which led to antidepressants and anxiety meds. They worked some but would mask any real emotions, empathy was one. I was just functioning. Then learning about eating healthy and all the chemicals in foods, and our daily consumer products, I began to do a purge of all that. I began to eat organic non-GMO and using only natural and organic products. After a couple of months I started to wean myself off the meds. There was still the heaviness of depression hanging over me but I pushed through for the next several years. Been off of the meds since 2014.
My mom started having health problems for the next 3 years and us three children, more me being the female of the bunch, trying to take care of her became very stressful. My body began to spiral out of control. I ended up in bed for two months. I lost 15 lbs in two weeks. I had horrible symptoms. Couldn’t sleep or eat. My body felt jittery, like a motor running that would not shut off. I was constantly crying for no reason. I couldn’t tolerate light or loud noises. No TV whatsoever. It involved to much movement. I was having panic attacks and extreme anxiety. I was afraid to leave my house and go into public for fear of a panic attack. I stayed in our guest room that I called “the cave” because it was so dark. One day I was so desperate I called a friend to drive me to the doctor. He was going to admit me to a psyche hospital but I backed out. He tried me on 4 different antidepressants and each one had their own unique side effects. Horrible experience. I was seeing a psychologist and a psychiatrist and one had mentioned a type of brain therapy that involved magnets. I didn’t see many positive reviews on that one. Then one day I decided to try and do some research on the combination of my symptoms.
I learned I had Adrenal Fatigue brought on by stress. Vitamin D was the major thing lacking in my life. I started taking 50,000 IU/week and after two weeks I started to feel better. More research led me to more supplementation of key vitamins and minerals, aroma therapy with essential oils, and also some herbs like Ashwaganda. I learned that many dementia and schizophrenia is a deficiency of B12. My mom passed away six months after that and I was sure I was going to crumple back into that despair but I made it though.
I am happy to say 3 years after that deep, dark time where I could not see a way out, I am happy and feel free of that despair. I am living a normal life now. No fear and despair…even with the mass hysteria that is going on in the world! I thank God that he sustained me through and pray that anyone reading this will find help through research and vitamin supplementation.
Be blessed on your journey through this crazy world we live in!💕
awesome thankyou well done you may have saved us years of sadness and hoplessness copeing with this illness that we are new this time .
@@thebobbysisters No. I don’t want to pay an astronomical cost of lab work. I just started doing research for the dosages and listening to some credible sources of information. I found a doctor on YT and that’s how I found out I had adrenal fatigue. There was a specific test to do with a flash light and what happens to the pupils if your adrenals have been stressed out. Amazing. Then it was a lot of rabbit holes. Now I’m at a point of maintaining. In fact I take 4 supplements from that doctor and so far, after the past few years, I’m feeling pretty good. I could do more in the way of exercise though!
@@thebobbysisters czcams.com/users/DrEricBergDC
Its electronic harassment,, look it up ,theres groups on fb about this
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
I don't have the same disorder, but terrifyingly similar hospital experiences in my formative years and ended up with medical PTSD from being left naked and sedated off and on alone in a room with no windows, and my parents had to fight to see me and get me out. I'm stable now with a care team and complex PTSD and obsessive compulsive and dissociative disorders. It scared me so badly after being restrained and sedated against my will especially after surviving CSA. I sympathize with you so much and I am so deeply sorry.
What happened to you in name of treatment is bloody unforgivable
Why do they perform those actions? . Its humiliating and totally unnecessary
Praying for you. I have a similar past. It's extremely hard to get through.
@@aichaaicgq4650because they can and they know most people will not follow through with a lawyer and pursue legal action. They strip rights based on punishment which is illegal and write it off as “clinically justified” meanwhile they break law every day and no one does anything cause the mental health system is corrupt and broken.
Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story.❤🙏🏼
Thank you Lauren for your hard work in telling your whole story and your complete honesty. You should be so proud of yourself for your recovery thus far and your story has and will continue to inspire me - a young person living with Schizoaffective Disorder - and many, many more. Keep up the story-telling and conversations because you are a golden example of how there is hope for people like us.
Big love and respect,
Charlie :)
Thank you for being so open and honest and for sharing your story. This is so powerful and you are changing lives/the discourse around mental illness. You are also shedding light on all the gaps and mistreatment in the mental healthcare system. You are truly giving strength to all those living with a mental illness and you have taught me so much.
JUST EXCELLENT, Lauren! Many blessings with you and your beautiful family! We love and support you❣️
Thank you for sharing your story
The way you articulate your feelings and experiences makes it so easy to resonate. Thank you for sharing your story.
I’m so sorry about your experience in the hospital!
I just stumbled on this. My brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was 5 years old(he was 20). I’ve only ever known him to struggle with his mental illness. God bless you for putting this out there for other people (those struggling with the illness or the family who cares for them). This disorder runs in my family and I know firsthand the challenges, I think it’s wonderful you have this channel. My brother passed away from COPD and heart failure at 60. He was a beautiful soul with a kind heart, smart, funny and thought more for others than himself. You got this, stay strong. I will keep you in my prayers.
You are such an inspiration, Lauren. I know i keep commenting. I just cant help it! I just found your channel yesterday and I've been binge watching all your vids. Im hoping maybe i can understand my mom better. Its making me have a lot of empathy for what she must have gone through. Sending love & best wishes ❤
You are doing a great service not only for those with mental illness and their families but for clinicians who need to hear the realities of getting help and living well with these emotional issues.
You are such an amazing person Lauren. Even that I do not know you in my heart I do and I am so and so proud of you! You are strong af and you can rock this life girl ❤️
You are a brave brave lady! I wish you and your family the best! 😻
thank you for sharing your story. means the world to me, the last words about how we as a mental illness carrying people can still see life in a beautiful way is really touching me in some way that it somehow inspires me. i was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when i was 15 and still going on until now, got seriously motivated by this. absolutely love your story. thank you so much!
you are AMAZING for going through all this and still caring for your kids
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Your life & honesty is a blessing ❤
Thank you very much for sharing, you are a very brave human to make it through so many ordeals. Your story is inspiring, the fact that you’ve made it through all that ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story. You're such a strong individual ❤
I loved watching this ❤️ your kids are so lucky to have you ☺️
It is really beautiful how open and vulnerable you can be in sharing your story. As someone without schizoaffective disorder you have helped open my eyes to what it can be like to live and manage your illness. Thank you for sharing and helping to educate us all. I am a healthcare provider and your story and experiences will stay with me and help me take better care of my patients
Wow!! I started following you years ago and am so happy to see how well you are doing. What a beautiful baby boy! Such a BLESSING!!!
« I am glad my story isn’t over. » This got me unprepared. I felt it in my bones. Brilliant message. A big thank you, Lauren and Rob!
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
That line, brought me to tears ❤
It is outstanding that you are sharing your story! You really are making a positive impact by having the courage to share your experience, and by being so open.
Good for you, never giving up is such a strength. I had an uncle who passed last year who had schizophrenia. When lucid and on his medication he was such an interesting, brilliant and charming man, when not I could see his struggle. You are a success story and I think accepting your diagnosis will be very helpful to anyone struggling with this. Well done.
Very well narrated. It’s so great that you’re here offering hope & support to others with similar illnesses. Wishing you all the best for the future ❣️
Thank you so much for sharing. Please don't stop sharing your journey
I've been watching your videos for a couple years, and I'm not sure how I missed this one, but I really enjoyed your telling of your life. I received my diagnosis of schizoaffective late last year, but it was among several other diagnosis', some of which have since been removed from my chart. It leaves me feeling uncertain on whether I have anything I've been diagnosed with, but hearing about your experiences does help me feel less alone and more confident in a positive outcome--regardless of which disorders I do or do not have.
Thank you so much for educating me about your illness. I have a couple of friends with it and I am trying to learn more so I can be supportive.
Wow. I'm so pleased to have stumbled across this post. Although I have suffered serious anxiety in the last few years, your story has humbled me. What a story you tell. You are obviously a very caring and determined person. Keep the good work up. Andrew 😊
You have sparked my interest in being a mental health nurse. I feel like this has made me a better caregiver to the patients admitted to the mental hospital. Thank you for being so open about your experiences.
Thank you for sharing your story so honestly.. mental illness can be debilitating, robbing you of your life..so glad you met your husband who has been with you through your struggles and thank you for being an inspiration to so many others who are going through this darkness where your mind becomes your enemy and every minute a struggle.
You and rob are angels and this channel is a bless!!
Thank you for sharing... my aunt struggles with this illness and I never really knew what things were like for her... But your story helped to put some things into perspective so thank you. Really happy for you and your family, you created a beautiful bond and dynamic, and I wish you good health, more ups and beautiful moments and memories ❤
thank you so so much for this, for your story. i related to a lot of your challenges and felt ..... so .... connected. THank you so much for this. For your non-sugar-coated story, for your representation for this disabling conditions
Wow. That was open and honest. Vulnerable. Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so grateful that you are alive, too. Thank you so much for sharing ❤ As a midwife I had the honor of caring for a couple of moms with schizophrenic disorders throughout the years. It was really enlightening to listen to your story. What touched me very much was your relationship to yourself, the self care and love for yourself.
I think your channel may have just saved my life . I was diagnosed bipolar in 2017 and have been experiencing growing psychosis since then . I began to watch your videos some weeks ago and today I told for the first time to one of my doctors about the voices that I hear more and more often and the hallucinations and I finally linked it with the insanely high amount of people in my family that are affected by some schyzoaffective or schyzofrenic disorder . Maybe that's not my diagnosis , we'll see , but watching you talk so calmly about psychosis made me realise I was experiencing it . Thank you , I could have never identified with the way I always saw these disorders portrayed and that prevented me from seeking help . I really don't know what to say apart from thank you
Thank u for sharing ur story. U and ur family are beautiful. Keep praying and striving for a great a life as possible! ❤
Wow, what an inspiring talk. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I live with depression and have a relative with schizophrenia who has struggled so, so much and we have struggled in our support of her. I hope one of your videos focuses on how family can support someone with it.
Despite being here from close to the beginning of this channel and knowing most of this already, it was really beautiful to hear your whole story
A great watch on; Why you need to self-reflect? And the consequences if you don't. Collective Self-Reflection. czcams.com/video/S5f5zKsN1DE/video.html..
You are so amazing!! The strength it takes to share your story is incredible. I grew up with a mom who suffered and now I have children suffering with treatment that isn't working. I hope many people get to hear your story and feel hope and find courage to face it head on. I am grateful that I have🙏🏼 thank you so much 🌹
Thank you. This channel is a big help. I hope you are strong and you have joy.