When I was thirteen, my dream was to become a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. After countless hours of practice and a successful audition, I received my letter of acceptance. When I arrived at Severance Hall for my first rehearsal, I saw the marble floors and pillars, and I entered a new world […]
Archives for February 2016
Mental Illness and “Normal”
So much stigma surrounds mental illness. When we think about mental illness, we may struggle to find the language to discuss and understand it. But I believe it is important for people to talk about how mental illness is perceived in society. Before I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I saw human behavior as a binary […]
Mental Illness and Identity
Schizophrenia does not define who I am. The core of me —that part of me that loves to learn, play the violin, spend time with other people, and try to make a difference in my world—has always been there. When I look back at the difficult times of my life when I was suffering from […]
Check out “The Homeless Experience”
In Sacramento, sleeping outside is illegal now, punishable by a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. See: Debunking Five Myths About Sacramento’s Latest Homelessness Debate From the article: “City code 12.52.030 prohibits camping on any public or private property—so, everywhere—unless it’s for temporary recreation or events. In other words, it’s OK to sleep outside […]
College Students and Mental Illness
Because mental illness often emerges in the early to mid-twenties, it will always affect college students. The key for parents, university staff and university faculty is to be aware that mental illness can develop in anyone during this time of life, even students who may seem to be the most unlikely. When I began my […]
