What it's like Living with Schizophrenia

In this video, I share my experience living with schizoaffective disorder. Everyone will have a little bit of a different experience, but this is what it's like for me living with schizophrenia.
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[@LivingWellAfterSchizophrenia]

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[@Natalie-ym8pj]

I lived with a man who has this. He is still truly the love of my life, and i will never be over him. But he wouldn't take his meds, and unfortunately, it got a little too scary. Even though he would have never hurt a hair on my head, when he went off meds, im not so sure. This makes me happy that you are so in touch with yourself. You are a joy and pleasure to listen to. Thank you. You are beautiful.

[@Badbabeesthetics]

I am in the same situation. My bf has schizophrenia. I love him soo much but it hurts to see him goin through psychosis.

[@mollybell1640]

Lauren, Your online presence is a priceless GIFT to so many people. Your voice is clear, vulnerable, and authentic. My mom lived with schizoaffective disorder for most of her life and as her only child, I witnessed her suffering throughout my life. My mom died in 2017 but your videos feel like a way for me to reconnect with and understand her better and also to heal so much of my own trauma. I so wish that she could’ve had somebody like you to help her feel less isolated and stigmatized and LONELY. I weep grateful tears when I think of all the people you’re helping with your openness and education. Thank you!!

[@hazeljeffery5653]

Absolutely agree. I admire anybody who lives through this, it sound so frightening. Anyone experiencing these kind of symptoms deserves praise and the ut out support. Thank you for your honesty, it's quite wonderful.

[@nuiwai5402]

Molly that's beautiful that you are being helped in your grief with reflecting and learning about what your mum lived through x

[@loetje]

WHAT a lovely and clear and beautiful comment.❤

[@OG-Capo---]

My wife is having a hard time taking medications cuz you can't find the right one.. She just got off the medications You've been actually doing good but I'm always afraid that it could hit her again. The last time she had an episode it lasted almost 2 months and I didn't think she would actually come back. You know as a man I cried because what she was going through I really didn't understand it. So I've been looking into videos and I actually like your videos So I definitely subbed. And I send you videos to her too. She just started looking into it what schizophrenia is All these years she didn't want to look into it because she didn't want to face it. But also the men she was with were very abusive and it is true and they say schizophrenia are very vulnerable people. I'm glad you found me and I found her because I would never hurt that woman at all if anything I'll be there for her. After 5 years I married her because I know she's the one I want to be with She doesn't lie to me she's honest she's faithful. I would never trade her up for anyone!

[@redred222]

you describe everything so good, its hard for people that dont have this mental illness, people think we are dangerous or just faking or whatever

[@Hughes17]

Agreed, the discrimination can be intense

[@redred222]

@@Hughes17 its always good to inform people on mental illness

[@satielsie]

I have bipolar 2 disorder. I carry so much shame and embarrassment from suffering 😭 Thank you for sharing and being brave❤️Love from 🇰🇪

[@Teenywing]

I know your comment is super old but I can’t tell you how heartbreaking I found it. I wish I could make you feel better. Please try your hardest to not feel shame or embarrassment. It’s not your fault and you didn’t do anything wrong. You deserve to feel confident and proud for getting through everyday in spite if your illness. Biggest hugs and you aren’t alone❤❤❤❤

[@satielsie]

@@Teenywing awwww thank you so much for your kind words ❤️

[@Quintessentialobserver]

Thank you for sharing awareness on our illness. ❤I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia for the last 12 years. I don’t take medications but I see a counselor every month.. Sometimes it’s hard to explain things, thank you for putting it into words. You’re amazing! 🤗

[@markreamer5113]

Whoa! Do you find you can function on a constant basis? How do you deal with hallucinations and delusions! Did your counselor help you develop skills to deal with the difficulties of anxiety and fear? How do you not take meds? Is your situation not overwhelming, or at least manageable on a day to day basis! Have you honestly progressed on your path so far to the point that you are able to notice and distinguish the difference between reality and the distortion of it! I‘m sorry if I am skeptical about your ability to not take medication for schizophrenia on an ongoing basis! I am dumbfounded! Again, I am very sorry for being skeptical, because I have been dealing with schizoaffective for 27 years and I still need medication.

[@jassmeep23]

@@markreamer5113 bro.....your like me, dont cherry pick and rant on the internet to make yourself feel better, i know its hard but your going to be ok

[@markreamer5113]

@@jassmeep23 Okay, I wasn’t trying to make myself feel better, but I do feel the need to express my skepticism when it arises! Of course I don’t know you, but regardless if you have found honest and workable methods to deal your schizophrenia and improve the quality of your then that’s great!

[@dilshadandharia6833]

Is it possible to live without medicine and only councelling? Pl reply How long were you on medication

[@jassmeep23]

@@dilshadandharia6833 im doing it and while its a tough journey its well worth it (i understand im not Living well with scizophrenria but i thought the add support would help)

[@ghostcoven8600]

Hi Lauren, I discovered your channel a little over a year ago when I first started treatment for my schizoeffective disorder. Hearing you talk about it has really helped me process my own experience, and I just wanted to thank you (and Rob too!). It has been so great to send your videos to my support system!

[@kevinwoolcock6881]

Hey, my name is Kevin and I have been living with Schizoaffective disorder. Even on my medication I still am very disorganized and occasionally I have Paranoid thoughts in that I think people are out to get me. I love this channel. I feel like this combined with therapy has helped me overcome my differences, but I do have more to learn about myself.

[@yankalu2000]

Check out Jerry Marzinsky on KZbin. You might get more insights about your illness.

[@redred222]

i hear voices and kind see almost like shadows that others can not see, also when i have a bad day sometimes i think everyone is watching and talking about me, i think one the worst part of the disorder is not being able to think, i mean by being able to make decisions, even trying to read a book can be very difficult i cant work because of my condition

[@gigahorse1475]

What you’re saying makes sense. Scientists actually used to think schizophrenia was primarily based on cognitive difficulties like the ones you describe, and hallucinations and delusions were secondary issues. Pop culture thinks of schizophrenia only in terms of positive symptoms, but that is inaccurate as pop culture often is.

[@Pneuma77]

Been dealing with schizophrenia for 3 years and its starting to hit me this year. That my life is gonna be harder because of it.

[@jordansmith2911]

I have schizoaffective bipolar also. Thank you for your videos! On meds, most of my symptoms are mild depression. When I was psychotic, ideas of reference were one of my predominant symptoms.

[@prathiusharun]

i also have szhizophrenia and I suffer from reading and understanding subjects. Is there a solution to this?

[@MrSoldierperson]

Peace be with you. My wish for you is that you always have inner peace. You are loved and needed. You are needed by your family, friends and the virtual world.

[@8corpses]

Thank you for these videos. As someone with Schizoaffective bipolar these videos help me know I’m not alone. Been subscribed for a while now.

[@mz8422]

My mother in law has schizophrenia, and she's ageing now. She is at a point where the medication has taken a toll on her body. A doctor said 8 years ago that he would be surprised if she lived more than 5 years. She's exceeded that, but she's been the target of scum bags who target vulnerable people. It can be enormously difficult to support her. This is a really valuable video for me to understand her better. Thank you

[@mz8422]

I believe it's been talked about by her doctors - we are in Australia, unsure if there are country differences. It isn't right for it to be disregarded by doctors though, so I am sorry if that's been your experience 😔 And as blunt and horrible as this is, it was either medication or she would have unalived herself long before now.

[@chewygal69]

I have a Masters degree in Psychology and I never heard of smell being associated with hallucinations. Thank you for doing these informative videos.

[@WolfTalkings]

It is also sensory. Sometimes its like the very needed senses are swapped with something else. Sometimes i hear glass breaking. Sometimes I see shadows. Sometimes i smell blood or my food becomes inedible cuz it transformed in my mind into slugs. Its just outlines sometimes. Not full visuals. At least that is much as i can explain on my end. Smell is awful sometimes

[@hatesBarney4life]

@@WolfTalkings Thank you for sharing your experience

[@soniachauhan1674]

Often in Psychiatry referred to as an olfactory delusion

[@faithgaspare6077]

I have thankful for your channel. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar. You bring awareness about what happens to someone with the illness.

[@jrstanley7085]

Hi Lauren, It's 20 weeks from a severe episode of relapse with hospitalisation for me after a 17 year period of recovery. And so there wasn't this KZbin channel or the general information out there for me then. But today your videos have and are making a massive difference for my recovery and self acceptance of how schizophrenia affects my life experiences. And has done from my teenage years. This video really helped me in identifying with and understanding the subtle and gentle nuanced ways I experience schizophrenia in recovery. I just wanted to thank you for the work your doing.

[@christiandancini8081]

you are so brave for coming out like this about your illness, I truly admire your strenght

[@truth409]

Shes a fake by pharma....crisis actor robby parker etc.....

[@saardfetner8620]

It sounds like demon possessed.

[@AishaMBudgets]

A friend's son has schizophrenia and I want to learn more about it to understand what her son (and she and her husband) goes through. I have bipolar II and it makes it easier for me to empathize with some of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Thank you for this channel and these videos! You're so brave!

[@debk1650]

Thank you for sharing! Schizophrenia nearly killed me multiple times and I can now say I am in a state of some well being like you call it. I worked pretty damn hard and it is always a balancing act of adjusting my medication right. I'm am now dealing with some horrible side effects of the meds which make me absolutely depressed (which I already was) so sometimes I really think 'what's the point?'. But I just want to say to everyone, don't give up! It can get better! 'Better' is an ongoing process and it takes a lot of time, dedication, work, luck and support but it is possible. Take care everyone

[@elblah9721]

Thank you Lauren & friends (that includes you, too, Robb!) You two evoke empathy from me, & are inspirational. I hide my schizophrenia diagnosis from others. I hope to be as brave as Lauren & have a partner as supportive as Robb. Ya'll Canadians sure do export some high quality content to your southern border neighbors. 🖖

[@alexacalligaro]

I do not suffer from schizophrenia but I want to be a therapist when I’m older. I think it’s amazing that you are spreading awareness for this condition!

[@potts995]

I hope more people will accept that schizophrenia is not just "hearing voices" as so many people, even some psychologists, seem to think. I find schizophrenia fascinating as it provides insight into how the brain works and highlights the complexities of how each person can experience life so differently, which is always worth keeping in mind.

[@WrenTurner]

Feels very real ! I can relate so much!

[@BlairPittams]

You're extremely lucky to be supported by others. Even my family doesn't feed me and didn't care if I was homeless. I haven't had a well day in 20 years

[@mariab9707]

I’m so sorry to hear, I will pray for you, may Mama Mary be with you 💛

[@a.mie.533]

Yes, that probably multiplies problems a lot and makes the struggle even harder...

[@BlairPittams]

@@a.mie.533 Yeah the inward voices in hear are similar to an emotional self hatred, forever condemning and judging me in a third person perspective, I wouldn't be surprised if it's now really my anger

[@tonybeak11]

Sorry to hear :( I will also pray. Keep fighting.

[@BlairPittams]

@@tonybeak11 nowadays it's not so much hearing voices or believing in things, It's that my mind has been mentally shattered

[@user-of5bd9xf4s]

I dont have Schizophrenia but i am so impressed with your channel. The work you are doing in informing and destigmatizing is truly amazing. Ive always been compassionate when it comes to mental illness but id simply never found a resource like yours to learn more in such a real and practical way. Keep up the good work, i think you have a very clear purpose with the struggles you are going through to be a positive force and advocate to supporting others with your same illness. And just bg livinv your life, having a partner and kids you are already an example in showing that its possible to live a productive and happy life even if it comes with its periodic difficulties.

[@meagengarza9158]

Your videos help get me through my symptoms. Sometimes, i feel lost and alone. I appreciate every video. Thank you.

[@ghostlyreads666]

i have not been officially diagnosed, but you basically just described my every day life. thank you for the education, i was looking into a first person account on the symptoms and how they feel and stack on top of each other and it was really eye opening for me. it makes me feel better seeing someone managing to live their life like this. i struggle every day and feel so lost with no real answer to what's wrong with me, but i think i will start looking into treatment again now. i've been hesitant, because i've also been fearful of meds and and doctors recently, and my anxious symptoms have made it feel impossible to make it to my appointments. so thank you so much for sharing !

[@karayoung4411]

My daughter is 19 and in a state hospital in Pennsylvania 😢She claims to have 4 children and they charge ages and names and she called 911 the other night from the hospital saying that they were raping her babies, my daughter has no children 😢It is so heartbreaking 💔

[@starrhall8160]

Prayers...I know how utterly devastating it can be for a mother. I have faith and keep hope.

[@sararao8429]

Sorry, I need to be committed I'm homeless in few days in a motel,

[@sararao8429]

My mom abandoned me she isn't perfect

[@bellajean6731]

Sorry. Prayers

[@leaweekes-randall991]

Being hospitalised was a very good thing for me- they put me on medication that really helped me. I hope that your daughter gets better.

[@ОксанаЛисюк-о2б]

You are very brave and strong! I really couldn't image how it is hard to distinguish yourself from this illness. My mom couldn't. Unfortunately she gave in to that voice in her head. Unfortunately, she could not separate herself from the disease, so she perceived the disease as her identity. Your big plus is that you separate the disease from yourself. I think it helps a lot. Thank you a lot for this video. I wish you be strong despite all❤

[@juliejackman2649]

I have Exec Function issues too. So I know what that feels like and I didn't realize how different I really see things than others whose Exec Function is normal until very recently. Reality is hard to distinguish.

[@lekat525]

You are such an intelligent person and you articulate so well. ♥️

[@coryhart4268]

It is a huge challenge everyday dealing with all the voices and noises. I am right there with you. Great video and informative. Thank you

[@ThePortalTheory]

You are such a beautiful and brave soul. Thank you for letting us learn more about this disorder. 🙏 People fear what they don't know or understand so you are helping us to know and understand. ❤

[@TerriBethGoodman]

You are a source of hope! Thank you for starting this channel! Who knows how many lives you have changed/saved/touched. God Bless you.

[@rosalindwebb7729]

Thank you Lauren for supporting people with schizoaffective disorder I have had mental illness since age 19. Paranoia and schizoaffective disorder . So I know it’s not always easy . I like that your explaining these problems that can happen with it sometimes that can become problematic.❤ god bless best wishes.

[@jayaldridge4444]

its a every day struggle and it can seem like a nightmare.

[@marianbascunanagarcia7714]

Thank you very much for your videos. This one has been particularly helpful for me in terms of giving me hope. My best friend has schizoafective disorder and sometimes he can be avoidant when it comes to talk about his emotions and symptoms. Hearing about you journey and how you get to talk so openly and sincerely about it helps a lot

[@MisconceivedPancit]

Lauren.... I've been following/observing your videos for some time now, particularly on schizophrenia. Personally lately, I have made peace with mine ( actually at times silently smiling and acknowledging the voices, though some may see acknowledging the voices in a friendly manner still problematic * shrugs and smiles * oh well ). I just wanted to mention that you're one of the few people that have given me comfort having schizophrenia.

[@spiritualgangsta2178]

You are so brave. Thank you for sharing with us who do not have schizophrenia.

[@Chucanelli]

I’ve been following this channel for a couple of years, and recently going back through videos I missed or have forgotten. I’ve seen a saddening amount of nastiness in the comments of recent videos, and I get the sense that many of those commenters haven’t seen earlier videos like these. To my mind, this kind of video laid a substantive foundation for the channel: Forthright, concise descriptions of one person’s experience, with an educational component that demonstrates an understanding of the disorder and helps other people understand. When Lauren started making content about keto, I was concerned. But a couple of other unrelated channels I follow also took an uncharacteristic dip into keto/carnivore, and I got curious. The rabbit hole of anecdotes about keto/carnivore helping people with seemingly intractable conditions - namely autoimmune and psychotic disorders - didn’t have an end. I’m very skeptical of “health and wellness” ideas that claim to be a panacea, and anecdotal evidence is not good evidence. It’s wise to be skeptical of a bunch of anecdotes, partly because the ambiguity and emotionally compelling nature of stories can lead people to dead ends, whether it be through grifters or sincere but misguided enthusiasts. What I arrived at for myself is this: The diet cuts out a lot of known bad stuff, it seems to be safe, and I’m desperate enough to try it. As for this channel, I get the sense that Lauren was also quite skeptical, but is engaging with this process as carefully as she possibly can. If it had just been claims about keto helping depression, I may not have given it much attention. But psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar have been the exclusive purview of psychopharmacology, and it’s a huge deal that medical keto may be a viable treatment for a significant number of sufferers.

[@ZBooneBeats]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

[@rfernandez1648]

It’s amazing how you are able to share and explain your experience with schizophrenia

[@DARKINBLADE.]

This is a huge eye opener for me. For years, I’ve experienced feelings of those tactile hallucinations, like I feel a spider crawling up me even though there’s nothing there, or bugs in my hair even though I definitely do not have that either. The smell too, I’m constantly carrying a bottle of body mist or room spray because I smell things that are gross to me but no one else can smell. I thought these were all just normal things people experience a few times a week, but apparently not? Even then I experience those two types near daily but always thought it was normal. But visual hallucinations are something I’ve almost never experienced, maybe 3-4 times in 20 years of life. Audio hallucinations I can’t tell…sometimes it feels like just my thoughts but sometimes I feel like it’s something close to my natural voice telling me to do bad things (jumping out of a window is a common one) or even just straight up laughing at me. But I always just blamed that on my depression that I’m not really well medicated on. I tried explaining all this to my boyfriend who started getting concerned about my mental health and even he’s a bit creeped out by some of the things I’ve experienced. I already experience Paranoia as confirmed by a psychiatrist but was never diagnosed with anything else except Autism and Depression. Perhaps this is a sign to look into things once more.

[@christinak9587]

Time to go seek out a better psychiatrist, I think. It took my third psychiatrist to actually diagnose me properly and to get on the proper medications. I hope you can find better help.

[@tashakayrivera8930]

Wouldn't that just be intrusive thoughts? Serious question. TIA All of what you said is similar to me. But after covid I smell weird stuff at times now. Idk

[@JesusSaves77799]

God bless you Lauren and your family and viewers in Jesus’s Holy Name, Amen. I love you and your channel!! 🙏💖

[@SpiritualSchizophrenia]

Thanks for another wonderful video! You are really helping the community with your amazing sharing of your story! People really get inspired watching you share so bravely!

[@ss6830]

This sounds really difficult, thank you for posting this, and opening up. It almost sounds like my experiance of spirits (feeking watched, hearing voices) I hope you are doing well ❤

[@MichaelSmith-kb9iu]

I was in love with a lady a long time ago that had un medicated schizophrenia and a really bad alcohol problem. I tried my best to “fix” her but unfortunately the kind of help she needed was far beyond anything I could do for her. I’d grown up with a couple of people that had schizophrenia so I understood it to a point. Anyway point is you totally have helped me understand a lot. Great information and has made sense of so many things she did that I couldn’t understand and why she could hurt me so. Greatly appreciated keep up the good work!

[@kimberlyemery]

Being able to relate with you has brought me comfort. Many thanks!

[@whatrtheodds]

I don't have this illness but my grandma was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 73. Very very late onset. So not sure if it's a genetic thing in this case or environmental. But it helps to learn about the illness. Also just general awareness. Thankyou Lauren.

[@thetoritree7865]

My partner and I have been together for 14 years. Over the last year he’s shown signs of psychosis. His beliefs are so strong I struggle to cope. He’s trying medication but two nights ago had a bad episode believing I was out to get him. It’s worse than that but it’s very personal. He’s diagnosed with adhd but some of those symptoms are very similar. Thank you for sharing , it helps me understand at least a little bit.

[@watchviewer]

Thanks for sharing and bring this out in the open. The more people understand the better. :-)

[@joeldupuis4182]

As a nurse in training for my PMHNP degree. I appreciate you helping give us insight into your experience with schizophrenia.

[@barbarahansbury2291]

Simple simple Thankyou! what you do for so many I enormous

[@warmbreeze43]

My 34 yr old son has what you have. He is currently in a crisis hospital. They won’t allow me contact or let him sign a consent for them to talk with me. I’m so frustrated. Thank you

[@melissabernys229]

If you are in the us, all he has to do is sign a release form.

[@warmbreeze43]

@@melissabernys229 we are in the US and no they didn’t let him. Took over two weeks

[@puck6380]

I realy admire how you manage your life and I think you're so strong.

[@grahamhardie6853]

Hi Lauren thanks for sharing. I hope you get an award or medal for all the great work and positivity you are bringing to demystifying this illness which can be crippling at times. Keep up all your good work and best of luck 👍

[@doobmist]

I know it's not accepted but I truly believe there is a link between the paranormal and mental health. got a video about it, although it's amateur!

[@Boogieman55117]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. We have a loved one with Schizoaffective disorder and you help us understand him. He doesn’t talk about it at all so your insights are incredibly valuable to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, this information helps us all.

[@redred222]

i was diagnosed in 2013 i was in my 30s when i was diagnosed so it was late for me, but it took 10 hospital stays to get on the right meds its been 6 years since ive been in a hospital

[@elblah9721]

Congratulations on your 6 years. I recently reached 4 years without a hospitalization after nearly a decade of at least 1 hospitalization per year.

[@redred222]

@@elblah9721 thats great news i understand how hard going in and out of hospitals and trying different meds can be

[@logancolson2782]

These are really great videos and very informative. I have a family member with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type so these videos hold a lot of value to me. I'd like to ask, could you possibly do a video on schizo-obsessive disorder (schizophrenia with co-morbid OCD diagnosis)? I have a very hard time finding resources about this topic but I know someone with this condition that I'd like to help out more...

[@ryleehappy8954]

Your eloquence and candid explanations help me understand my own schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type) more than my psychiatrist even can. Thank you for your honesty and openness.

[@themovingstation2973]

This video was incredibly informative, I was actually going to reach out to you to ask about your schizophrenia, but this was more then enough. Thank you for helping me understand what is it like living with schizophrenia!

[@kygal]

My daughter's dad died during a schizophrenic episode six months ago. These videos help me understand what he may have been goin through. I wish I had known how to help him.

[@fabianwamer7226]

I also have schizophrenia and I can see demon. I feel persecuted by this demon. He also touched my neck. Its a really good video thank you !

[@amyaguiar6924]

The content is really meaningful. Thanks for sharing your experience with others and persisting through the ups and downs. ❤️👍

[@ValentinaLichman]

I love your channel. Thank you for sharing. Once I was afraid of people knowing I have schizoaffective disorder but now I open more about it to educate people.

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

What a wonderful comprehensive video!

[@johnlakey4983]

Thank you very much! Your explanations educate me. I'm better able to cope. I enjoyed and benefited from learning about executive function. Yea, I start a lot of things and finish few.

[@tylerhandsome7344]

Great educational video as always, Lauren! Very random but I always forget you’re Canadian until I hear you say certain words. In this video it was “about” 😂

[@michellephillips9593]

Lauren...thankyou for telling us of the varied experiences of scitzophrenia...this will give a better understanding to support the sufferer and family...Your brave Lauren...and a beautiful person... We need a better understanding of how relentless the voices are...complete torture...will they ever stop?? Can you discuss LACK OF SLEEP...how to overcome ... Thank you Lauren..

[@sankofm8024]

Rise and get up.. i lift you up... i also destroy and turn upside all negativities against you....

[@hayleyprice8345]

Thanks for sharing I experience some of those symptoms to

[@MoondustManwise]

I work with adults with mental illnesses, and honestly, the only part that sucks about working with people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders is that one of the residents hates my guts because he thinks I'm evil. 😂Aside from him, I've never had bad experiences, the rest have been quite sweet and lovely, even when they're more heavily symptomatic. I'm going to start my new job working with Alzheimer's and dementia patients soon, and I owe a lot to my lovely friends at the group home for helping me gain the skills to work with people who experience delusions and hallucinations.

[@ameliavelasco8602]

I fight paranoia by saying “GOOD let them watch! I’ve got nothing to hide. I’m boring as hell” 😂

[@leaweekes-randall991]

I have schizophrenia, I recently decided to ‘out’ my schizophrenia at a disability employee network meeting at work. My colleagues with disabilities seemed really shocked and said they’d never heard anyone in a disability employee network meeting say they had schizophrenia. I felt discriminated against by some of the things that people said, I.e one colleague said ‘don’t worry she won’t hurt you she’s more of a risk to herself😢. I’ve never self harmed. I work full time as a public servant and am fairly successful considering I have schizophrenia and am on an antipsychotic. Has anyone else told people they work with and felt discriminated against?

[@leaweekes-randall991]

Thank you for making these videos!

[@MrTooljello]

Some colleagues / friends around me were casually talking about their own ocd and depression, and I opened up about waiting for my first psychiatrist appointment that I currently have a referral for, and that I sometimes have delusions, and that I do have a family hx of schizophrenia in a couple of my cousins, Tourette’s syndrome from my mother etc. I haven’t been diagnosed with anything yet, as this will be my first appointment ever with a psychiatrist. I’ve had these episodes though for about 14 years, and only in the last two kinda started to realize it’s likely a mental health issue. they seemed a little surprised but nothing over the top. Think that it’s something that, because it comes in “episodes” and that 90% of the time I feel normal it’s something people don’t realize someone has unless you tell them. But so far at work it hasn’t affected any relationships after telling them. Who knows maybe they talk about it when I’m not there, but doesn’t bother me anyways.

[@tamarrabrundage4298]

Thank you for being you and helping us so don't know our understand. Prayers❤❤❤❤

[@a.o.9594]

Really appreciate this video and all of your work. I have been diagnosed with GAD and major depressive disorder. I get the paranoia a lot where the thoughts/voices and hearing your view points helps me understand. It also helps me ask my provider questions.

[@marieDg]

Hi Lauren I have schizoaffective disorder, I'm going through a hard time with medications. I have heart failure so trying to find an antipsychotic and mood stabiliser that doesn't affect my heart is challenging. Thank you for your videos, they are really helpful.

[@jenwoods2352]

I am so thankful for brave people like you who are willing to share so openly. My son is autistic and developing signs of schizophrenia, and your videos help me have hope and courage and strength to keep fighting for his treatment and his best life. Thank you and blessings to you.

[@csc8697]

My dad was diagnosed in the 1960's. He had hallucinations, & I thought at age 4, he was special. I have some problems too. CPTSD Now watching this I have some related symptoms...... I like your haircut btw!

[@pamsimth8018]

I remember when my little brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia disorder it was very hard for use he's gotten whole lot better now thanks to God I remember before he was diagnosed with schizophrenia me and my family though he was possessed but with educating ourselves we know now

[@mariacarneiro7495]

Actually both exist! Being possessed is spiritual and having a mental illness is physical. It is important to diferenciate between both. And sometimes both can be present at the same time! They are two different thing and sometimes can overlap!

[@michelles9897]

Thank you. ☺

[@hopeful188]

Thank you for sharing!!! ❤❤❤

[@mookie34545]

Thank you for this video, Lauren! I personally recently resumed my AP because of an increase in many of the symptoms you mentioned, to where my pdoc expressed concern. I've made a habit over the past year in how to manage the 'mild' hallucinations like people in the house that aren't there or (the most annoying) hearing my name called everywhere. I try my best to redirect my attention away from them but of course this has caused friction with others as I often miss things that were going on where my presence would likely have been wanted. I think it's better than hurriedly leaving my room to investigate every 30 minutes. It does get to a point though where I'm unable to tune the voices out and the unintelligible mumbles become radio broadcasts and such. That's when I hit the emergency button and go back on the AP and call my doc.

[@synchronicitygabi4679]

Im not convinced that those things you’re hearing aren’t there. Maybe you’re tapping into other realms that exist around us. Thats what i feel every time i hear a person with schizophrenia talk about their symptoms.

[@rosek8393]

U are so smart and talk with such grace...your brave and beautiful

[@arlequingrey]

I stopped taking meds because I was actually only being super bored while experiencing irrationnal and unwanted thoughts. Now I still experience thoses thoughts but I'm less bored. I do lot of meditation, I dont take drugs, I eat sane food, try to get active and sleep suffisently. It tend to fade away quite completly when I'm disciplined with that all. It taked lot of time to be possible. I am, in a way very lucky for that. I don't talk about my diagnostic often. I had a big trauma with hospitals too (I managed it) and that's another reason I don't talk about that with people around me. Often, they don't understand me anyway. I try to accept that and be happy without a community around me. It works, most of time cuz I'm an artist and I tend to sublimate those effects with art. Other times I have to deal with the loneliness aspect. I started to became very spiritual for that reason and it's sometimes very blurry between the disease and the spiritual life. It feels very good to express that all to you without you being able to know who I am. Be blessed & have a good day !

[@NeonCicada]

When I'm struggling with my illness -- I'll get really withdrawn. I feel like I NEED to hide from people and the outside world because I'm ashamed of being sick...and I don't want anyone to see me like that.

[@iVenge]

My goodness… your video about a difficult episode came up in my feed a few days ago, and then this one popped up. I do not have mental illness myself, but I think your willingness to explain and even show your own vulnerability here is very educational and helpful to those who would want to understand what you live with. I wish you the best.

[@hannaberaja3682]

Thank you

[@tcort]

Thanks!

[@zaidarivas7152]

Thanks for sharing. Real eye opener. I had no idea.

[@Fear_Therapy]

Thank you for sharing your experience ❤

[@hilda9513]

I recently was diagnosed with schizophrenia but thankfully I recognized my delusions and hallucinations early enough to get help.

[@johnrobbins7669]

What were they?

[@hilda9513]

@@johnrobbins7669 My delusions were of hell and demons even though I'm pagan and am an active practitioner of wicca. I don't believe in the supernatural when I'm healthy and on my meds witchcraft is spiritual not religious though I was raised Christian and have religious trauma from my time with the church.

[@mkdutta9428]

Thank you for such an informative video I had questions I am diagnosed with depression and anxiety and I frequently face 2 symptoms mentioned in the video from childhood 1) People are always looking at me, seeing what I'm doing ,juding me, talking about me( is it paranoia) 2) That people hate me for who I am ,etc.(Is it Delusion)

[@danielcarney3487]

Lauren your amazing forgot about your channel but will watch what I have missed . Your a very calming person alot of the stuff you said hit home your a amazing person 🙏🙏🙏

[@susanne4028]

Thank you thank you thank you Lauren. Great work.🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@tamzar2440]

Thank you Lauren , Bless you ❤

[@ricardocolen2979]

I used to name the voices too. I had 2 that I remember naming "Dimitri" and "Pietra". I've been taking my meds right so I'm alright now.