How mental illness made me a better person: Joe Schaefer at TEDxAlbany 2013

[@joeschaefer6298]

I want to thank everyone who took valuable time out of their lives to watch me speak of my experiences and living a new reality. I hope that anyone having a difficult time will reach out and get help. I'm far from out of the woods, but this is better than it was. Much love. Peace to you all. Thank you.

[@KingsPhotographySolutions]

Joe Schaefer amazing talk. Really resonated with me, I could relate to alot of your points. Having bi polar (lvl 2) myself I can really relate to the way you now view the world. If you can look through the shadows of life there's a lot of light to marvel at. I also experience something called crippling empathy (causes me to relate to everything and everyone, even if I know they are a work of fiction), was wondering if your experience is similar, or exclusive to "real" people? Much love and respect, peace.

[@FreeJulianAssange23]

Joe. If you read this. Talk to your mom, trust that she hears you. You and her have had many conversations that leave you wondering if it was her answering because it sounds like you in your mind. It’s her. Tell my son I love him Locomo tion no idea what that means.

[@Satsui_No_Hado]

Joe, I myself struggle with my own form of mental illness( continuous depression), it's stories like yours that give me hope, way to step in the arena and share your story, thank you again and fantastic speech

[@mauricevdc6548]

Wow thanks for sharing your story this was 6 years ago after going through what I went to I just hope I could impact some people in a way thank you

[@JohnLee-dt9fz]

Josh, the brain is so powerful. Read carl jung. Define for yourself what is normal. Remember fiction is trully mentally ill. I time travel, have waking delusions, met 12 with people from the past in real life, see synchronicity, reality that distorts, its all in your psyche. Dont endanger self and others. Good luck.

[@synneecha1900]

Thank you for your beautiful inspiration story, noticed how every time I listen to everyone story and they started crying me to.

[@aleche96]

This was just wonderful. I'm struggling with my reality, but this makes me feel more relieved.

[@joeschaefer6298]

I hope you find peace. Thanks for watching!

[@hiraofarts]

Same honestly

[@deenababie]

I'm so proud of my friend Joe!!!

[@nhess8590]

Dear man ... thank you . Helps me understand my daughter ❤️

[@joeschaefer4793]

I hope so :)

[@FromtheLightofTheDarkness]

Excellent, I love this gentleman and can relate so very much! Thank you my brother!

[@joeschaefer4793]

Thanks

[@ericwallker1331]

Thank you for sharing so bravely.... I'm still working out of a 10 yr rabbit hole and you inspire me

[@joeschaefer4793]

I hope all is well, Eric

[@audreys1931]

Joe, thank you for sharing your story!! First off I want to mention that the commenting functions aren't typical on this video, and I wonder if that's why there isn't more dialogue here. Idk much, since I rarely comment. Your story tugged at my heart strings though. I'll be ruminating over this for awhile. I had some some observations about the talk that I wanted to share, but can't quite word them at the moment without inserting unnecessary personal monologue. I'll try to come back when I can be more concise. Best of luck in your endeavors and your treatment... whichever forms they may take :)

[@johannagoossen1192]

Beautiful message. thank you!

[@humanbeing8531]

First of all bosses in companies, Management/CEO/Principals/Managers in academic/non academic fields should be tested (normally like blood tests) and if they are mentally fit for the positions, then they should be selected to become leaders. This can be done like making identity card by Govt. This way society welfare will be taken care of and economy will improve along with protecting such professions in medical fields. Nice speech Sir. Thank you👏👏👌

[@raspberry1011]

I hope you see your mum again. Lovely talk, was really interesting.

[@emmetmcnamara5514]

Brilliant I thought I was the only one who experienced these things.

[@joelfry4982]

This is beautiful indeed. Thank you.

[@joeschaefer4793]

Thanks Joel

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Two people very dear to me, (both with mental illnesses, both now deceased) were improperly medicated. And their lives throughout...were..blighted, that's the only word I can use. The third one, received no meds at all, and one day had an episode: he threatened to kill our neighbor's kids before we got him out in the hall, and past the knife board. Mental illness covers a wide spectrum, of course.Not everyone with an episode becomes a potentially violent person. But with better understanding, stronger intervention, and more education for everyone, we can at least do better, more humane job... for those citizens among us who are often not dangerous, but extremely fragile. And get them help!!!

[@coffeeman8590]

I have schizophrenia... Thank you for your video...

[@LukeSchaeferFilms]

Beautiful :)

[@julianjarquin3859]

San Francisco CA has lots lots of people with mental illness, a lot of folks, like more than 70% probably...

[@ajsrabbit7564]

Give them a chance... thank you

[@treborironwolfe978]

So.. could schizophrenia be related to the Eastern philosophy of reincarnation? Only this experience occurs while in life, and not in death?

[@sidarthur8706]

billy pilgrim doesn't look anything like the way i imagined him

[@EricCampbellUAV]

a better person? i used to have a career… a mortgage… friends…

[@alexandragulko8135]

You learn to be less judgemental

[@balamama6709]

Omg 😱😱😱, I had schizophrenia and experienced the same thing that this guy is telling, I thought I was only one who experienced that, I'm in total shock rn🤯

[@CrystalAndersson]

I'm a bit taken aback that there are only 11 responses (12 including mine) to this talk and over 23,000 viewings. There needs to be more dialogue on the topic. So much of our arts, entertainment, revolutionary ideas, history and modern science can be attributed to those with mental illnesses. A beautiful genius it is. Great speech. Thank you for lending your bravery and for treading into territory that is apparently unspeakable to the vast majority. Much love! ❤

[@joeschaefer6298]

I agree. Thanks for watching Crystal :)

[@TheHandsGamingCommunity]

The lack of response is because he is not crazy.

[@JohnLee-dt9fz]

Read foucault book on the history of mental illness. I had a counselor tell me i am not sick but a shaman who had a psychic break in my subconscious. I accept myself more, held a job and have a great family. I have friends inside and beautiful worlds that i go to. I have laughed off my add and my mistakes that got me depressed. I have felt my dead parents presence which other cultures would accept but this one surpresses. Wel

[@JohnLee-dt9fz]

@@TheHandsGamingCommunity even with the real ones, we should have them learn to adjust to it too with therapy from other cultures besides or including drugs. They address the spiritual side of mental illness.

[@lavidaesplendida]

Very powerful. Thank you.

[@bigdec1]

Thanks for sharing your experiences , what you were saying is really informative but also changing peoples perceptions of mental health. Many thanks Declan

[@SauceT21]

This is brilliant

[@jlangdon2]

"compassion times 1000%" haha classic

[@godisright2155]

Thank you Joe for sharing. You really bring light into things for me.

[@robinjardine8366]

wow, what an amazing talk, I can't believe that he still did it after his mum had passed away, that was a shocker, ultimate respect, well done Joe.

[@joeschaefer4793]

Thanks Robin.

[@sjanoski8878]

I have a dear dear friend. Thank you. And I loved Breaking Bad as well.

[@treborironwolfe978]

...I believe there is something greater than "meeting again". As many greats have said to the effect of "Do not worry my child".

[@kimlec3592]

Dear Sir, you already are a "better person".

[@lissaajz]

I in the middle of that path still feeling the pain you talk about, and I really hope to get to that place some day. It’s truly beautiful, to grow from all the hurt and despair we get from our brains and I hope I too can be in peace with myself one day so I have peace and love to give to others as well. Thank you 🙏🏻 💙

[@joeschaefer4793]

Peace to you.

[@bryantholbeck7456]

I give you my respect, and say thank you..