A Portrait of Schizophrenia - Rivky

An interview style video touching on various topics concerning Rivky’s schizophrenia - what it's like living with schizophrenia; advice to those concerned about symptoms they don't understand; what scared her the most when she was first diagnosed; whether she's afraid of her symptoms getting worse; and what she would tell someone who is struggling with this illness and feels alone.
All of the music in this video is by Rivky.
Rivky is a singer/songwriter living in New York City. Here are some links to some of her recent work:
Hypnotized by Youth: • Hypnotized By Youth
Coplas de Purim: • Rivky: Coplas De Purim...
We really want to be moving in the direction of sharing more people's stories, just like Rivky's. If you want to see more of this content, please consider supporting us through Patreon at the link below. We appreciate any contribution so much as it will allow us to share more stories of real people who are living with schizophrenia, just like Rivky.
Rivky’s Instagram: @rivkyisms
Rivky's Soundcloud: / rivkygee
Rivky's Facebook music page: Rivkygmusic
We also want to thank @Students With Psychosis for bringing us to New York and allowing us the opportunity to meet and film with fellow advocates like Rivky!
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#schizophrenia #livingwellwithschizophrenia #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #interview

[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com

[@smallcinema2010]

People with this illness are all heroes

[@smallcinema2010]

@@kelvintse2354 It takes them extraordinary effort to achieve what others take for granted.

[@kelvintse2354]

@@smallcinema2010 Not true. If anything people with mental illness all have weaker willpower compared to the average person. I have heard how some of them claim they have strong will when in reality it is the opposite. It is the reason why some mentally ill people are easily stressed and anxious or depressed.

[@ember-brandt]

@@kelvintse2354 I actually just made this comment to someone else in this comment section, but it bears repeating here: There is *nothing* heroic about being sick. I'm really not trying to be negative - it's just a fact. Having a terrible disorder has not made me braver, or more resilient, or led to positive 'character development' and depth. It just made me sick. It made my life unbearable and possibly ruined my marriage beyond repair. What has actually helped me was getting the proper diagnosis, treatment, and a reliable support group around me. THAT has made me strong, and has given me my life back. But otherwise, all it did was ruin my life. There is literally nothing heroic at all about being sick. But I will say that we do face more struggles than the average person, so it does actually mean more to accomplish even the most basic of things - but even still, that's not exactly heroic. I feel like that attitude actually romanticizes the struggle that we face, and it makes me incredibly uncomfortable.

[@tripleraven]

im schizophrenic and im a piece of shit. im no hero.

[@mogx81]

Thank you so much, climbing out of the depths of it all tooth and claw each n every day is an extreme effort.. :)

[@jmk1962]

These interviews are so enlightening and helping to dispel public fears of anyone with mental illness. We are all just imperfect human beings and need to support each other. Perhaps this Corona virus situation might help us all reset our lives and become more caring about and to each other. Stay safe.

[@rickbryant9485]

Just have to say great

[@Gajoobles]

It is really interesting. I never thought negatively about disability but whenever I would meet someone who has more severe mental health issues I would just feel uncomfortable, didn't know what to say, if I should say anything etc. Turns out it can be difficult to accept people for who they are, even if the intent is not malicious. Gotta just keep on learning.

[@Calornata]

I’d hope but very doubtful in America. Mental health research budget cut. Yay Murcia.

[@djohle3430]

"learn yourself more than anything" That's something I consider a lot - in my case I have severe depression, but I can't help but relate to every mental illness It feels like we're all in this together

[@ember-brandt]

I have Borderline Personality Disorder, and I completely agree with this sentiment. Trying to understand and be compassionate towards the mental illnesses of others, has actually helped me be more understanding and compassionate towards myself. Whatever disorder or issue we face, we're all in this together ♥

[@oshunmykeltieforest9774]

I have Schizophrenia and I agree we’re all in this together

[@EzraColdsGarage]

"you are alone get over it". That is how I get by. This made me smile on a bad day.

[@worm6585]

I feel like I wanna say things like this jokingly all the time but she did it and yasss ✨

[@Navvs15]

I HATE when people say that.

[@belinalug6928]

What do you mean?

[@amycarlson4272]

She’s beautiful... so much soulful magic I see in her!

[@l.f7469]

so scary and beautiful at the same time. She is BEAUTIFUL in many ways. She's BRAVE

[@kittymeowc8061]

I really like this interview, she's a funny one and it's ok to laugh at your circumstances at times ♡☆

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

I can imagine the torment that you suffer I have experienced it myself but mine was temporary and drug induced. It was forty years ago and hasn't reared its ugly head nor taunted me with horrible insults that seemed to rise from some dark abyss. So just remember that it will pass in time. You're so strong . God bless you child, you will make it.

[@annestreat7863]

Thank you again for sharing your stories. As a parent of a daughter living with schizoaffective disorder , it brings me hope that my beautiful daughter will get better and build enough confidence to develop new friendships and not feel so alone in the world . 🙏❤️

[@hiswife6296]

Is she on medication do u feel that one is working for her?

[@shannonhenry7608]

Likewise. My son was recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. There was so much I didn't know or understand about this illness. I am thankful to Lauren and others who are working to break the stereotypes, and educate others.

[@annestreat7863]

@@hiswife6296 Yes she has been on a few different meds for a few years, recently the meds have been adjusted so she is doing better overall.A 6 week hospital stay at the beginning of this year was vital for recovery & reassessing the meds. We are working as a team & even ‘small’ daily improvements are great. Thanks for asking 🙂

[@hiswife6296]

@@annestreat7863 i wish her happiness love and a stable and secure life.

[@annestreat7863]

@@hiswife6296 Thank you so much ❤️

[@amyshackleton6749]

I might have a different mental health issue, OCD and acute anxiety, but I totally related with trying to understand my threshold. It’s been one of the tougher parts. I really appreciated this video and hope both of you are doing great in these difficult times.

[@brandiminor1632]

It’s nice to see other people that look normal. I feel alone all the time and have since this onset. That self judgment is real and idk how I look from the outside. It’s nice to see others. I noticed it helped to humanize myself.

[@camit9670]

I don't have schizophernia but I am on a my own mental health journey. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliej5917]

Such amazing people you’ve interviewed, Lauren. I’d be joyous to call any one of them my friend. 🎉

[@alexandrufrandes.]

"Love you for who you are!" You are not your sickness.

[@terrymoore565]

After watching my son for the past 15 years..no matter how sweet and very articulate about any subject life will never be as we would want it to be for him..he is very handsome and I see he can never have any long term relationship .he can't trust anyone for any length of time..goes for his loving supportive parents as well.. He does much better accepting this situation have short term friendships and knows he can never have a long-term relationship.

[@benjamingarrett5079]

He definitely can. My fiance was diagnosed recently but I made a promise to stay by her side. Granted, she said many others before me left her.. but there is still hope he will find a genuine and understanding person he can trust and lean on. My heart goes out to you two, I hope he finds the one who makes him feel like everything will be ok again. I wish you both the best.

[@benjamingarrett5079]

And you know, even if he doesn't, that's totally ok. So long as he has a loving support system and it sounds like he has that ☺️

[@monicaj3023]

"learn yourself" great advice. What a wonderful person. We need to hear more from Rivky !!

[@monicag5788]

I was incredibly touched by this. ✨ Thank you so much for making this video. My life is better since watching this. What a special person. A really cool person who just so happens to have a mental illness and handles it so gracefully.

[@jacklynparslow2028]

I appreciate this interview!

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Articulate and intelligent Seems to have a lot to offer Great stories from fabulous people

[@hchowky]

Beautiful people. Thanks for making this. You've been a great support to me with your videos. Thanks

[@michellebreitbarth4279]

Love these interviews, helps me understand what people go thru! Stay safe & stay well! 🐶

[@renatac210]

This is an amazingly well done video and interview! I loved it and hope to see more! Thank you for this

[@betosombrio3377]

Hi, I love the when you said .....”you alone get over it!” and you smile with so much confidence and self awareness of your reality and conditions, and talking that when one understands that, than, one can feel better and let other people coming to your life. You look so beautiful, relax, strong and educated of your symptoms and needs. Congratulations, I have some mental problems and some of my family member too , and, is good to see someone like you that is controlling your difficulty or if not controlling at least living well with it.thanks Hope I will be able to wait and see some of my loved ones get at the level of management you are. Some days I think that when and if that happens will be to late for me . I know I don’t sound very supportive, but is really hard. You are doing so good, great for you !

[@sarah.ohsarah]

I love this series!

[@rpink8531]

Great idea! I love the idea of these interviews. It inspires me that nothing can limit us from looking our best and growing professionally and personally. Rivky and Lauren: thumbs up!

[@tamarabradberry9299]

Thank you for speaking out.

[@marisela4919]

I am truly enjoying n am very grateful ur making these INTERVIEW videos!!!! 11yrs in with this illness well since officially diagnosed n watching videos such as these still play a huge role in helping me cope still!!!as far as well now they really help me relate more but theyre also very educational especially at the beginning stages when one is first diagnosed ..so AWESOME JOB ur doing here! Thank you thank you so much! Cant wait to see more of our lil community in more of ur future videos 🥰😊👍👍

[@jadeyjung]

You are alone. Get over it. The most honest and accurate advice ever

[@jeanninetrudeau7525]

Great interview. You ladies are a huge asset to caregivers who want to know how to help. Thank you

[@DougFortier]

All of these portraits are FABULOUS !!

[@commentasis8903]

Thank you so much

[@Cat-yn5jc]

Loved how real she is about it.

[@ASMinor]

I am an avid #MentalHealthAwareness advocate and spoken word performer, and I love this so much. I travel the country trying to bring that awareness on stages, in classrooms, hospitals, and on my KZbin channel, so I get excited when I see other advocates. 💙❤

[@donarnold8268]

Thank You!

[@DC-wp8cr]

Rivky....! Great interview so interesting. Great job on the interviewer too.

[@tomkatt3410]

Thanks that was just Watts we Needed Luv 🙏, not only did we get to learn from you also got to discover new things about yourself and others

[@angelicalloyd4879]

Yes thanks so much for sharing your story love these videos

[@angelicalloyd4879]

Thanks

[@oyinlolarosamond786]

Thank you Rivky

[@peter888chan]

One thing that's important when getting help - bring a family member or some other person with you who can describe what THEY see. Going by yourself, you may leave out a lot of symptoms that others see, just because you don't realize it. This complete picture will help your therapist understand better the best way to start treatment. For my step son - the therapists didn't really start focusing on successful treatment until I went with him. And in our case, monthly injections have provided a world of change, without many side effects.

[@liadanthedark]

My mum went with me. She also wrote a long letter to the services and sent it to our mp as well. They still don't care. I feel completely done.

[@liadanthedark]

I think the NHS is too starved by our government and they need me to die

[@Estrellacristalina728]

Peter Chan ?

[@shaolamazur7354]

I’d totally want to be her friend- she reminds me a lot of myself ❤️

[@Hana.Behl-Lecter]

I've never actually heard anyone give such an honest answer like that when it comes to talking about being alone. 99% of the time people just say, "oh, you're not alone!" But sometimes people actually are and having to reach out and meet people halfway is so true, as difficult as it may be sometimes.

[@genienichols3954]

I enjoyed this interview. I can relate .😊❤

[@carbunkle5643]

Rivky, I really enjoyed your interview.

[@simonewatts3655]

They have a really nice way of speaking and are very soothing to listen to :)

[@ContraryMary]

I love the way this woman thinks.

[@lauranixon7639]

Thanks all for this interview! Can especially relate when she was talking about the clutter and "you are alone get over it" made me laugh lol

[@kathrinjohnson2582]

Nice to meet you 🙋‍♀️.

[@UiNeilSandys]

6:25 ~ I made a screenshot, with caption quote of her mentioning "people and social behaviours from like 7 or 8 different perspectives ..... brain goes into a loop." ~ Wishing ya'll good health. Really interesting how concurrent thoughts, cancel out the flow or progress of a natural thought. Fish and schools, and bird flocks, =Who would have imagined that in brain biology, extra external thoughts demagnetize the magnetic strip on your license to a self driven life.

[@vblake530530]

That was beautiful.

[@Pareidoliashortcaketurtle]

Keep smiling!

[@lorettadittrich3148]

Thanks!

[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

Thank you for your support!

[@svenerikj.389]

You did a really good job with this, it´s inspiring. I feel like I want to start interviewing my circle of friends too ... (most of them have a similar diagnosis)

[@hiswife6296]

That could be a very helpful outlet for them

[@boblevey]

God Bless her!!!

[@devinmoran59]

She has really nice eyes

[@amandamorgan6526]

I love her!

[@ivacheung792]

I really like this series! Any people of colour willing to disclose and talk to you for a video? Would be great to see more diverse representation.

[@stevesayewich8594]

I like the fact that she can see the importance of being able to laugh. Yes we are all of us alone in the end. Nobody can live our life and give us the rule book. Now given that reality we are free...or as Sartre says we are all doomed to be free. No matter what condition we are diagnosed with, we must advocate for ourselves. I am going through a life ending process now. It is my final creative and courageous act. I am free to construct this end game event.

[@liadanthedark]

I tried to get help after living with psychosis almost constantly now for a year. In the last few months I really pushed my mental health team to take me seriously and help me. I am so scared. They don't take me seriously. I think I have to take things into my own hands as they want me to be dead so I no longer am stuck on benefits draining the system. I just locked myself in my house. I already taped up the windows in January. I am too tired to deal with people now. It is too exhausting because I am so so scared and I have to pretend to my family that I am not. They don't know what this is really like. I think I might have this illness but I am told I have BPD because I used to self harm to cope. But I havent cut since almost 2 years ago when I needed 47 stitches. And before that I didn't cut for years as well. If I cut now I will maybe make my head more quiet. I don't know what to do anymore.

[@aoiahiru670]

Keep reaching out for help! You are worth it. If you need to, reach out to a different doctor, psychiatrist, or hospital. I hope all the best for you. One moment at a time, if need be. You can do this!

[@kth260]

Please do not cut yourself!

[@madeleinep7103]

You are seen and heard here. Keep advocating for yourself.

[@nibussss]

Diagnosed word create an emotion in her

[@TheKalo9]

I can so clearly see her tiredness 😢

[@laurieberry162]

Nice outfit and boots. I guess that Canada is cold. I don’t like my diagnosis, but I am beyond my diagnosis and it’s a shame that people don’t understand.

[@georgeferreira124]

Love ❤️ you!! You are so pretty!!

[@oneMe_SP]

Don't worry about honey at all This is a gift you can make the most of. I have a powerful character in my mind who will always take care of me. Just manage it, I fully understand your feelings I'm not very good at English, unfortunately (iran )

[@MariaHernandez-qv5cl]

It's sad because I feel exactly like her the way she acts the same way 😌

[@chunkykit1]

beautiful , deep lady

[@OrhallaZander]

Well she's adorable.

[@worm6585]

“be your own measuring stick”

[@SnowmanAgent]

Case of Hebephrenic schizophrenia?

[@turbocumberlandplateautruc3896]

#Why do we have standards

[@PetterNilsson]

Sad eyes

[@tfsheahan2265]

So, do all female schizophrenics have beautiful smiles, and eyes, or just you two?

[@streaming5332]

They've all had their eyebrows done the same way, or these two have.

[@agenericboringhomosapien8108]

They both look similar somehow

[@unperson5713]

I appreciate your videos. I socially distance myself by replying to comments outside the original posters. "People with this illness are all heroes." What? You devalue that which constitutes a hero. Honestly, this is a dangerously naive statement. Homelessness and schizophrenia. I heard somewhere catastrophic loss of family is the number one CAUSE of homelessness. Substance abuse and mental illness are common traits of homeless people, but they are not the CAUSE of homelessness. You should not be especially nice to homeless people, in fact, you should avoid them, desperate times call for desperate measures. Once again, dangerously naive.

[@ember-brandt]

I agree about the hero statement... I actually just made a comment about that to someone else in this comment section, but yeah, nothing about being sick is heroic. Having a terrible disorder has not made me braver, or more resilient, or led to positive 'character development' and depth. It just made me sick. It made my life unbearable and possibly ruined my marriage beyond repair. What has actually helped me was getting the proper diagnosis, treatment, and a reliable support group around me. THAT has made me strong, and has given me my life back. But otherwise, all it did was ruin my life. There is literally nothing heroic at all about being sick. But I will say that we do face more struggles than the average person, so it does actually mean more to accomplish even the most basic of things - but even still, that's not exactly heroic. I feel like that attitude actually romanticizes the struggle that we face, and it makes me incredibly uncomfortable.

[@seamushawks2190]

Lowly Worm i respect your view, but don’t agree with all of it. I kind of agree on the heroic bit, as that’s a word that shouldn’t be used lightly. That said, as the person above me said, we with severe mental illnesses do have to work enormously harder to do even basic things, so when someone has schizophrenia and is heroic, it’s especially impressive. But yes, hero is a word that I’d use cautiously, I agree. On the other hand, the homeless thing, I disagree with the idea that people should avoid the homeless. I personally have taken the time to get to know a good few homeless people, and most have been kind to me, and have lived through horrors that most have not. So, I think they need compassion, and help. That said, I respect your view, and thank you for engaging in this conversation. I know it’s rare to have a civil conversation about controversial topics on KZbin, but I’d love to have one with you. Genuinely wishing you well during these crazy times.

[@unperson5713]

@@seamushawks2190 Thoughtful discourse requires verbosity in order to avoid ambiguity, but brevity is the soul of wit. Heroes must be admired and idealized, by the very definition of the word. In general, schizophrenics are neither admired nor idealized. If a schizophrenic has achieved positive notoriety, they are a hero despite their affliction, not because of it. Many schizophrenics achieve notoriety in far less positive ways. Survivor, not hero, is a more accurate term for the average schizophrenic. Saying "every schizophrenic is a hero" is erroneous thinking which promotes mediocrity. Homeless people are unstable by the very definition of their status, engaging unstable people is dangerous. I fail to find flaw with that statement. Contextually, I have been homeless in nearly every state in the lower 48. If a state has a national forest, I have lived outside there and not just been camping. I always had Choppy (my hatchet) and Stabby (my knife) near at hand, other homeless people being the greatest danger I faced, followed closely by angry citizens, then authorities, lastly wildlife and weather conditions. I reciprocate appreciation of respectful discourse, and thank you for your engagement. I understand people are trying to be positive on this channel, and I endeavor to do likewise. Honest discourse is equally important as civil discourse.

[@peternolan814]

Hello Lauren, Wonderful video. Most interesting. Rivky has a bigger than average chin that's a strong chin and I have noticed that people with bigger than average chins are strong people inside. My intuition was telling me that Rivky is also a free thinker and then she said several things to help me feel at least confident that that assessment of mine might be correct. Peter Nolan. Ph.D.(physics). Dublin. Ireland.

[@alienreggaeradio]

I'm glad God loves me. God loves all that accept him for who he is. I had a close call to death. Its been 2 years this month I've hardly heard voices. When I hear them I believe they're people. Now I dont. I thinks its an evil spirit like in the Bible now. I try to relax, take my meds, and pray. I saw Jesus 2 weeks before my close call with death. I was out for a little bit and saw heaven. These dreams were definitely not a movie because it was so vivid. I try to take it one step at a time. You haaave to get over it. Let go.

[@nibussss]

Everything has to be a movie dialogue with u PPL.....police goes if u say the right dialogue here...

[@ash20453]

The way she talks kind of reminds me of like...Shane Dawson. Weird left comparison probably lmao

[@michaelheintz5300]

I'm schizophrenic and I'm afraid the "hero" narrative is just a tad offensive. We don't like to be patronized. It's not heroic to tell your story. We're only sharing them so we don't feel so alone.

[@s.devries2644]

I think that your videos don't show the really severe cases with schizophrenia. Some people with schizophrenia are so disheveled and not able to function or seek help because they don't trust anyone. All these people seem to be able to take care of themselves. Your videos are somewhat romanticized, the funny music in the background etc. it really takes away from the seriousness of this illness.

[@seamushawks2190]

S. de Vries every person who lives with schizophrenia has been through the ringer beyond the imagination of most at some point. I don’t think music in the background takes away from that seriousness... it just shows that there’s a spectrum. The severe and untreated cases are over represented, and the more average or less severe and treated cases are under represented. They’re balancing out the representation. There’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t think it’s romanticized either. Everybody knows schizophrenia is serious. Not everybody knows that there are people who live with it, and can function to a relative degree so long as they get treatment.

[@bobriopel6391]

This one is quite confusing -- said a lot of nothing (to me).