During the most difficult months of my recovery from schizophrenia, a friend from my childhood married. Although we had been close as children, I had not seen her for years, and was not present at her wedding. But I saw pictures of my friend in her white satin gown, dancing. She appeared joyful and excited […]
Schizophrenia and the Orchestra
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 […]
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 […]
Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Over the last few years, I’ve met both medical professionals and psychiatric patients who encouraged me to write about the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse. Since I never abused drugs or alcohol myself, I have been reluctant to write about this topic. However, unfair assumptions and myths surrounding mental illness and substance abuse […]
Side Effects of Medication
People who are diagnosed with schizophrenia often struggle with prescribed medications. Some patients stop taking their medications because they are simply forgetful, while others discontinue it for more complex reasons. Initially, I refused to take medication because I did not think I was ill. I thought that I was strong and could control myself without […]
Experiencing Schizophrenia: Disclosure
I am very grateful for the many kind people in my life who encouraged me after I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Many of my parents’ friends took the initiative, treating me like I was no different than any other person, and ignoring my medication-induced drowsiness and comatose appearance. Friends took me to lunch, on walks, and […]
Healing from Psychiatric Illness
Throughout all of my mental illness and recovery, I have never had much interest in psychiatry. A doctor once suggested that I describe my dreams to a psychoanalyst, with hopes that this would aid my recovery, as it had for others. Doubtful about its effectiveness for me, I never pursued this. Dreams are a neurobiological […]
