My Experience with My Recent Hospitalization for Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder

In this video, I provide an update on my recent hospitalization. I talk about what led to the hospitalization as well as what it was like.
Check out the video on Rob's perspective of the hospitalization here: • Rob's Experience Suppo...
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#schizophrenia #livingwellwithschizophrenia #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #hospital

[@Pothosandpines]

My girlfriend started experiencing hallucinations and delusions back in 2005 and I took her to the ER for help. After explaining what I had witnessed (extreme paranoia, cameras in the walls, poison in her food, etc) the doctors assumed we had taken psychedelics and were super suspicious of us. After several hours they realized finally that my girlfriend was not on drugs and was having some kind of psychotic break and took her to a bare room with only a bed with straps and cameras to watch her. I had to leave her there, despite her tearful objections, for "observation". After a week they released her, saying she had depression. Shortly after, she took her own life. I'm so glad to see videos like this, and wish we had had this kind of resource back then. Thank you for sharing your story. I know for a fact it is saving someones life.

[@sparsesalamander]

I'm so sorry that happened to her, and that you had to go through that.

[@ambergraves798]

I am so sorry for your loss, and that you both were subjected to such a difficult experience. May she rest in peace. My heart goes out to you.

[@dcsx5133]

I am so sorry for your loss. As someone with mental illness, thank you for caring so thoughtfully for her.

[@bbbl8910]

I am sorry for your loss. You are all heroes to me. It should not take so much suffering for us all to learn to care more.

[@raex3746]

i’m so sorry for your loss. i have mental health problems and have heard far too many stories of mental health services failing individuals leading them to become more vulnerable to suicide. this system is so broken.

[@NyxesRealms]

I admire how diplomatic and careful she's being, but what it boils down to is our police force and emergency services aren't equipped to handle arguably some of our most vulnerable and scared people and that makes me so sad. I'm so sorry you dealt with this, Lauren.

[@mmogg4045]

exactly. the police always use force and its doesnt render anything but unfortunate and misconstrued outcomings. sad and fascist

[@PlaceboEllie]

@@mmogg4045 YES

[@zencat55]

Very concerning but in the U.S. calling the police for someone that is experiencing a mental illness crisis can get them killed. It happened in my city 3 years ago and it was a person suffering from schizophrenia. One officer was fired but 2 others recieved no punishment. As someone with bipolar disorder these stories are terrifying.

[@VioletJoy]

Very well said. This is an area I'm very passionate about changing in our society. It's an area in need of growth and understanding, yet the focus is so often politics and celebrities. 🙄

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

As mental illnesses seem to get more and more prevalent, I fear things will get worse as police develop more aggressive means of dealing with people experiencing an episode.

[@mwebb1495]

I am a Pharmacy Technician in Seattle. We call for patients who have not refilled prescriptions recently and for prescriptions who have refilled prescriptions and not picked them up. Channels that discuss mental health are my go-to to help me understand what my patients go through, and helps me to effectively communicate with them and see that they live their best lives. I appreciate your videos and the videos of others with mental health struggles. I wish to see an improvement in the healthcare system, but the wheels turn so slowly.

[@tralove1360]

your pts?

[@jennyb17]

@@tralove1360 pts is a common abbreviation for patients . I'm assuming that the OP edited their post for clarity.

[@rncrrd3282]

Ah this is good to read, know that not all who work in pharmacy want to see their patients live their best lives. I don't have schizophrenia, I have Klinefelter's Syndrome and need to take testosterone (which helps with depression and many other things). Last year in Italy there were no longer any testosterone products available in the whole country for months, and the coldness I got in the pharmacy was shocking. "It happens". No information at all as to when the medication would come back into production. They didn't care at all if I couldn't take my medication or not. I kept going back every day trying to find a solution. To them it seems to be just an office job. I was seriously at risk of taking my own life. I had to keep going back to the pharmacy, and my endocrinologists weren't a lot better either. I had to write my suicide monologues all night to my specialist in order to get a one line answer from her: "I will let you have one free appointment with a psychologist". i didn't want a psychologist! I wanted medication! The medication I had been taking every day for years! Well I sorted it out in the end. I managed to discover an alternative that my endocrinologist or my pharmacists didn't know. It was my own doing. My own research. And to think that the endocrinologist was private as well, not public. After these experiences I'm generally convinced that they don't care if we live or die, that's why I was shocked by what you wrote.

[@tralove1360]

Rncrr D I am so sorry that you had to go through that. It must have been awful. I am happy to hear you found an alternative. I remember having a pt with this syndrome. i don’t know a lot about it , i’m curious to learn about the alternative

[@apryllshowersm6669]

I would reiterate to your customers that if what they currently take is not helping them to keep searching. It sucks but it is definitely trial and error. We stop our meds because the side effects are worse than the disease.

[@itsnerdo]

This is heartbreaking. I work in the ER at my hospital sometimes, primarily caring for patients there for psych holds. It’s truly awful - we have two psych rooms that have no windows, one wall that looks like a garage style door that had medical supplies behind it, and a stretcher with sheets and blankets. There’s nothing for our patients to do, there’s no stimulus, absolutely nothing. As a care tech, I am supposed to leave the patients alone and ignore them unless they’re being unsafe, because we don’t want to “aggravate them.” It’s awful, and watching the monitor as people pace because they’ve been waiting for a psych bed for three days and aren’t allowed crayons to draw with is so frustrating. The situation only escalated any symptoms and often, the ED nurses are so jaded that they have no empathy. It needs to be fixed, and I don’t even know how to contribute to that change.

[@apryllshowersm6669]

That's awful. I thought 13 hours was bad in a room. I couldn't imagine days. And they have TVs in the hospital by me but that did aggravate my symptoms more. I don't understand where in the medical field that they came up with "isolation" . I was always better with people who talked to me...being ignored is awful. I had an aid yell at me when I said I needed a Doctor to talk to and medicine and he screamed at me "you know what you need to do to get out of here!!!" Worst 13 hours of my life.

[@apryllshowersm6669]

And the doctor never came to talk to me. I ended up blacking out from fear. The only medicine the nurse gave me was xanax. That does nothing for psychosis lol

[@dreamingofcottontails6601]

I get that it works on the well documented efficacy of a 'time out room' in a psych ward, but those are usually on constant obs or at least 15min checks, after the 1st short while. The only way a room like that is beneficial is because it stops utterly useless or seriously detrimental interactions with bad staff who have zero clue about mental health, or worse, those who are burnt out & really callous. But they should never be used for more than a couple of hours, or overnight for sleeping in if someone cant settle/is violent/high risk of harm. Urgh...being dumped in a time out room when you're really distressed & all it would take is 10mins of someone listening to you...then being forgotten about, its horrible...particularly being isolated & alone makes it worse.

[@elblah9721]

I am sorry to hear about your unpleasant hospitalization situation. Callous &/or harsh workers are counterproductive toward the situation. Isolation may not be the best medicine, but I have found reduced sensory stimulation to be helpful, i.e. quiet room with low lighting. Lol, tvs aren't always helpful during those experiences. I'm sorry to laugh but I can empathize with the tv thing.. Being yelled at while being treated for mental health is bullshit & borderline abuse. Be strong 🖖

[@roxyndra]

I was in one of those rooms - dw, our minds make up entertainment. :) (Ok I’m sorry it’s hard for all of us.) Personally, I’m a misanthrope, but I’m glad that health workers reached out sometimes.

[@alijane6675]

This may be your most important video to date, Lauren. Your strength and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity is an inspiration to all of us, regardless of mental health. I think you're an amazing young woman.

[@jojoco120]

Yes! People and civil servants of all types need to hear this!

[@deadlyqueens]

I know you have been recently hospitalised but what an inspiration you are ❤️

[@MusicIan423]

You said exactly what I wanted to way better than I could.

[@tylerg354]

@TBG Lock you up for hate crimes? takes a weak bish of a man to pick on a person with a disability....

[@renga3148]

You are very brave, Lauren! With speaking so openly about your experience and feelings, you will have already have helped a lot of your viewers. It takes people like you to overcome the stigma of mental health problems, that sadly is still everywhere. Many more people (with or without mental health issues) need to learn about warning signs and how to deal with a crisis in the right way. Keep up your determination. You are amazing!

[@chroniclesofmalia6577]

watching your videos is an eye opener for me. especially here in Nigeria where people with schizophrenia are treated really badly. thanks for this video. you are a remarkable and strong person.

[@juliarosenthal3240]

Reading this breaks my heart! I hope you and others are spreading this information so that the stigma wall can crumble

[@mdowns36]

What Julia Rosenthal said. (I’m just seeing this.)

[@striderstache99]

My doctor was from Nigeria and when I was sitting in her office, she literally told me to stop being suicidal and that no one in Nigeria is ever suidical. This is a thing she said to my face. My therapist and other people at that clinic didn't like her but they couldn't tell us that. She fucked with my meds so much I have not been right since. Kinda stinks. But I know Nigeria is a pretty religious country so I suppose that is a cause of the stigma there.

[@immanuelgodson7156]

I am diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic.....you are an intelligent, articulate and compassionate person.....remember you are loved and trust those around you....take the meds you need to and enjoy peace and joy with your family....LOVE FROM IRELAND.

[@PUNCHnelson]

I'm an EMT for an interfacility ambulance company, and we almost exclusively take calls exactly like this. We transport many schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients, so I greatly appreciate seeing the patients' side of the mental health system. Sadly, I see exactly these kinds of things happen regarding patient care and advocacy on a daily basis, namely how many crisis facilities will send out a patient at 2am, and not tell them where they're going or even why an ambulance crew is there to pick them up. Often the holding facility will just tell them they're going straight home, and we have to break the news to them that they'll be going to a longer term psychiatric hospital instead. It can be incredibly frustrating, because we can't even tell them how long they'll be there, or why. Thank you for the insight.

[@JayThe0]

in healthcare EMT will just bullshit the patients saying they will go home or that it will be super temporary. Fuck that. An RN has to deal with the consequences of said circumstances

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

@@stellaspooperpicker-upper6767 *Y E S*

[@drummergurl99]

They did the opposite with me. I got ambulanced to a mental hospital and they kept me for 5 days then said “you’re cured!” And released me. I was 15 at the time.. I didn’t stop being suicidal until 22.. I’m 26 now. I was not cured and should not have left. If they didn’t have the room they should’ve sent me somewhere else. I still have major depression, anxiety, and horrible thoughts. And I think I might be schizophrenic but haven’t gotten a doctors say so idk. But yea I feel like had I stayed I could’ve gotten the help I needed.. or Atleast on the right path. Now I’m an adult and I’m mentally ill AND lost. I wish they’d sent me to a long hold facility. I needed it.

[@recurrent5348]

@@JNNK-fs7bs I think it is on the basis of "are you a danger to yourself or to others" but putting law enforcement in the mix does tend to make it seem criminalized. And then the treatment where they want to medicate you but you never see a therapist of any kind during your stay...It turns into warehousing, till they drain your insurance and spit you out, "cured".

[@ane0227]

Heartbreaking. I’m in school for psychology and we are studying mental disorders right now and how people are treated in hospitals. I hope i can make a difference. Thank you for speaking out.

[@user-ic1nj9hp7c]

Justin , my son is in the hospital right now diagnosed with schizophrenia, judge committed him to 2 months hospitalized on antipsychotics I have been looking for a psychiatrist that doesn’t favors meds and I found one that is working with people that have the illness and don’t want to take antipsychotics Or want to lower dosage I don’t know where you live but, here what I found Sandra Steingard MD Burlington, Vermont

[@napoleonaquino3829]

@@user-ic1nj9hp7c Listen, to those hearing voices in their heads, like me, you are not crazy. Unless you suffered a horrible head injury in the past, or you binge on meth or LSD regurlaly there's nothing wrong with you medically. Don't waste your money on therapy and medicine. I've tried both and nothing happened. Then I did my own research and found the solution. Like me, you belong to the unique 5 to 10 % of the worlds population that can hear and/or see spirits and entities. Yes, they are real and communicate with us regularly. They speak on a certain wavelength or channel that only we can hear/see. The spirits belong to three basic groups - angels & demons, dead people, and entities(dwarves and fairies). I've already dealt with this situation for the last 20+ years, 12 of them, medicine free. I'm OK now. Most doctors know only the physical / medical dimension of our condition. They ignore the spiritual realm. So they come up with all sorts of theories about our shame, guilt or unconcious desires etc. That we are suffering from a chemical imbalance etc. They can't cure you because they really don't know what is happening and they refuse to accept the idea of spirit activity. Its like the blind leading another blind. But, don't go to mediums and channelers, they will just milk you for money, instead go to priests and pastors who will really help you. But beware, the evil spirits will not give up easily. most of them are going to fight back.

[@napoleonaquino3829]

Listen, to those hearing voices in their heads, like me, you are not crazy. Unless you suffered a horrible head injury in the past, or you binge on meth or LSD regularly there's nothing wrong with you medically. Don't waste your money on therapy and medicine. I've tried both and nothing happened. Then I did my own research and found the solution. Like me, you belong to the unique 5 to 10 % of the worlds population that can hear and/or see spirits and entities. Yes, they are real and communicate with us regularly. They speak on a certain wavelength or channel that only we can hear/see. The spirits belong to three basic groups - angels & demons, dead people, and entities(dwarves and fairies). I've already dealt with this situation for the last 20+ years, 15 of them, medicine free. I'm OK now. Most doctors know only the physical / medical dimension of our condition. They ignore the spiritual realm. So they come up with all sorts of theories about our shame, guilt or unconscious desires etc. That we are suffering from a chemical imbalance etc. They can't cure you because they really don't know what is happening and they refuse to accept the idea of spirit activity. Its like the blind leading another blind. But, don't go immediately to mediums and channelers, they will just milk you for money, instead go to priests and pastors who will really help you. But beware, the evil spirits will not give up easily. most of them are going to fight back. Good luck on your new journey to recovery.

[@spacehaustrace]

Yes you can make a difference..you be the influence and change for good because so many start out like you and end up like them.

[@sarcasm8007]

Currently a highschool student but I've always had a strong desire to help others, and I have a strong fascination with the brain and physcology in general. Stories like these break my heart and I hope one day I can help at least one or two people in a more safe and ethical environment. Criminals in prison look like they get treated better then this!

[@MsCoolGemini]

I don't understand the dislikes😕 Her stories are very helpful to others.

[@kashmirzepgirl]

Yes Momma!!!

[@vanessaouyang1220]

@Gr8ful 1 : Imagine you are in severe pain, and the doctor gives you pain medication. You take the medication, and in a few hours, you start to feel a lot better. You continue to take the the pain relief for three or four days. There is no more pain, but you feel drowsy, you find it difficult to concentrate on anything, and it impacts your ability to drive. Chances are, you will think that now the pain is gone, you don't need them any more, and you will stop taking them. The pain doesn't come back straight away, but you feel an underlying discomfort. You convince yourself it's nothing to worry about, because you hate the side effects from the pain relief so much. The pain then starts to escalate, so eventually you go back to the doctor, but he is nasty to you because you shouldnt have stopped taking them. This is the reality for most people with mental illness, the difference being the type of medication required. I hope this helps you understand WHY people do stop taking their meds.

[@vanessaouyang1220]

@Gr8ful 1 : Most people with mental illness tend to have episodes, rather than being continuous. They may go several weeks, or several years, without symptoms, and without medication. Then something happens (not necessarily major) that triggers an episode, and away it goes again. So when somebody says they have stopped taking their meds, it doesn't mean that they have only just stopped. They might have stopped quite some time ago.

[@vanessaouyang1220]

@Gr8ful 1 : Your original comment generalized "people without a mental illness", and "people who stop taking their medicine", so that is what I have based my reply on.

[@vanessaouyang1220]

@Gr8ful 1 : Sorry, I misunderstood what you were trying to say. That being so, I would still like to say that there were mitigating circumstances leading up to her stopping her meds, (stress at work, change in sleeping patterns), which would indicate her medication wasn't working as well as it should, and probably needed tweaking anyway. To lack the motivation to refill a script, is just not normal behaviour in itself.

[@taylorschahn5596]

You are literally teaching people how to understand, care for, and assist people with schizophrenia. The work you are doing is SO appreciated. Thank you.

[@kirkla8897]

I've worked in an emergency room before and let me tell you, it is absolutely heartbreaking the way most psych cases are handled.. locked in a room. Held down and sedated.. had someone in 4 point locking restraints begging to use the restroom and the nurse said "just pee the bed and we will clean you. We can't trust you" and that absolutely broke my heart. I have severe depression and seeing how they were treated made me terrified to get help.

[@---yx7ti]

its a fucked situation

[@HalwenGreenleaf]

Is it not possible to just say “fuck all of you, imma just help them”? This is coming from someone with no professional experience, especially not in this field. Is there a fear of helping them because you could get in trouble/fired?

[@TheAtl198]

@@HalwenGreenleaf What do you mean by "help them"? I'm a psych nurse and I'm interested in your question, but I want to make sure that I understand what you mean.

[@Sarablueunicorn]

I experienced 5 point locking (chest). Not because i was aggressive but because i had to learn the "rules" of the place.

[@tdang9528]

This made sense though. I agree with the hospital, first thing to do at all times in any situation is to drug and sedate someone. Hey mate, im not going to have a deep and meaningful therapy session at 3am with someone who thinks ufos and the fbi are after them and likely to crack me over the face with a chair... Drug them up, give them a few days to stablise, then lets see if they improve enough to begin recovery. Unfortunately people like this lady seem to not want to just accept that the best thing to do is to just do nothing and let the drs shut down her mind, the last thing you want to do for someone in psychosis is to ask them what they want, for your safety and theirs. Neutralise the sitiation and sedate them. Sometimes people have to not act on emotion and use rational calm, and also the patient needs to just stop and let the drs do their thing. The biggest problem is that people always resist the cops and hospital nurses, which just escalates, rather than having enough sense to take a step back amd admit you probably currently not in the best state to be telling others what treatment you need. Sedation for a few days would seem like a good idea.

[@lorenbreen7754]

As someone who works in an emergency department, everything you described perfectly encompasses my thoughts as well. I really think that is a major lapse in care that needs to be addressed. Nothing is comforting or normalizing about having all of your belongings and clothes taken away from you then to be locked in a room with literally nothing to do but be left with your paranoid thoughts

[@scottbeaulieu8192]

Tammy Mader sounds like a long exaggerated delusion fabricated by your mind.

[@user-ellievator]

@@scottbeaulieu8192 Go be an edgelord somewhere else.

[@angelawetzel9157]

Loren Breen thank you! It’s nice to know those in the system can recognize it’s flaws

[@grizzdotcom]

@@scottbeaulieu8192 You're the reason people with mental illnesses are so incredibly likely to be victims of abuse. If someone's reporting is just dismissed as delusion, why would they bother reporting anymore?

[@orandachildren1051]

@@tammymader9343 a hunid percent right. Great post.

[@Chanie787878]

It's very brave to take such a personal experience that many peopple would be ashamed of, and discuss it so publicly, to educate the public. Thank you Lauren.

[@sarahbrennan1342]

Chanie A I agree

[@JoeBlow_4]

Why on earth would she be ashamed of an illness? That's an odd comment.

[@xoSiNgInGiNtHeRaInox]

@@JoeBlow_4 unfortunately it is how I feel as well. Not everyone does and it is internalized, yes.

[@JoeBlow_4]

@@xoSiNgInGiNtHeRaInox I'm sorry you experience guilt over your thought process. There is no "sane" way to look at the world. There are only views of the world that go further and further away what is expected as a normative view. There is no reason for you to feel that your view which is not experienced by the rest of us is somehow less relevant or important. What is important is being able to communicate with others even in the light of seeing the world outside how the majority might view it. There is nothing "wrong" with you, you merely see things differently. When it becomes "wrong" is if your view hurts you or anyone else. Other than that, embrace your difference. Don't hurt yourself or anyone else and live your crazy life ;)

[@kashmirzepgirl]

Yes, thank you Lauren.

[@theninalady]

As a psych nurse I find this very helpful. You are such an inspiring woman! Bless you hun 💗

[@WhatIHaveBeenGiven]

I went to the emergency room yesterday for help. They never even asked about my diagnosis. They sent me home with a pamphlet about anxiety. I talked to Father God for a few hours and figured out that I am headed into psychosis and that's why I went to the to the hospital. Now that I know what was going on, I'll try to fix it at home with The Lord.

[@mam362]

Probably the hardest thing about my hospitalization was feeling like I had even less control over my life than I typically do

[@bigrobbyd.6805]

Grumpy old retired paramedic, here. Why the @#$%^&* did they have you blindfolded in the back of the ambulance? That borders on torture, especially for a psych patient. Arm and leg restraints I can understand, because I had to employ them a few times to keep patients from hurting themselves, but a blindfold?

[@adjappleton]

Isn't that the most bizarre thing you've ever heard of? Why WOULDN'T she think she was being kidnapped?? Morons.

[@bigrobbyd.6805]

@@adjappleton Yes, it is. The only reason we would ever, EVER, completely cover someone's eyes is if one or both eyes were injured. Otherwise, I cannot think of one valid reason for blindfolding a patient.

[@lizross1910]

@@bigrobbyd.6805 Oh my god, I had to go back and listen to that again to make sure I heard it correctly! I'm an ER nurse, I've never ever EVER seen someone come in via ambulance blindfolded. That is really terrifying. Especially for someone in psychosis, I cannot even imagine. I hope she replies to this. I really want to try to understand why that happened.

[@stephaniebennett7095]

I thought the same thing! I would be suing for sure, as I can’t imagine a situation that would warrant that kind of cruelty.

[@india239]

So Who's the Dummy Now? That has to be one of the worst reasonings ever.

[@lentejas9442]

In the midst of everything you and your partner are facing, you've taken time to put this together. Thank you *so* much for this labor of love.

[@Jeff-hy1eb]

It was very brave of you to discuss your recent hospitalization in a KZbin video. I am glad that you are doing better now.

[@jenbunnful]

How amazing would it be if every single police force had specially trained officers in mental health wellness to respond to calls for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis?!?!

[@cursedcancersurvivor]

Too bad BLM wants to cut their funding or abolish the police force completely. Funny that...

[@Vanifications]

@@cursedcancersurvivor LMFAOOO by defunding the police we could create just that, a different form of policing....funny that.

[@sinclairfourthousand]

Here in Eugene, Oregon we have a service separate from the police that are first responders for people in a mental health crisis called "Cahoots". They collaborate with the police but they handle all but the most dangerous situations. Other cities are thinking of adopting a similar service. I hope they do.

[@NZKiwi87]

I think many countries do, it’s so good that mental health is being spoken about more openly.

[@anjonaebenton4248]

J Do actually defunding the police isn’t getting rid of the police just putting that extra money towards other things like people who can deal with mental health and would leave the police to things like dealing with actual crimes and not mental health stuff which they arnt exactly trained for

[@AuthenticMentalHealth]

I hope you’re okay❤️

[@voidedv7325]

Lol what an insensitive comment, esp from a verified mental health channel. Hope you’re okay? Aka... thoughts and prayers.

[@joshuasimpson2540]

Yeah .. hope your ok . What a stupid thing to say. I hope your ok to someone just hit by a car out of hospital and trying to piece together how the fk that just happened and how to avoid it next time . I hope your ok too . Piss off . I hope your ok with that. Better to not have said a word . Right . Dont patronize us . We are really suffering. Save you pithy comment for yourself next time you sre out of your depth. Which I suspect you never have been . Yet .

[@OfficialAshlynnBabb]

You need to do a Ted Talk. Much love. ♥️

[@leafyteadragon2258]

My close friend recently told me he was diagnosed with schizoaffective and had an experience with the mental Healthcare system. I figured it must've been pretty bad (it's still too much for him to talk about), but after listening to you're story, I realize it must've been worse than I even imagined for him. Thank you so much for sharing this, so that I could get a glimpse of what he might've gone through. This is so important for those of us without schizoaffective so we can try to understand your experiences and change our approach to offering help

[@JannockDiors]

You're so honest and articulate. I'm so glad I found this channel.

[@techmantra4521]

I've never heard anyone else talk about seasons affecting their mental health. I thought it was just me. I can become more unstable around late autumn/ winter.

[@natalietyrrell9406]

TechMantra me too! September-December I need to be extra careful. I’m glad I’m not alone!

[@Jacqueline888]

google SAD.... seasonal affective disorder

[@WeatherMondacicci]

Me too... spring/summer=mania fall/winter=depression

[@TempermentalTart]

I think the idiotic and antiquated "fall back and spring forward" Daylights Saving has a lot to do with it as well.

[@bethholland2186]

TechMantra I have issues with my OCD during season changes.

[@katelow5390]

My take away: you’re professional training has really made a difference and that more police officers need to go through this training. If both officers were on the same page this could have been a much easier experience for all involved.

[@synchronium24]

Just don't call the cops unless it's absolutely necessary tbh. Unless Lauren was suicidal, I'd have waited until the crisis response team was available.

[@emmacassidy8482]

If that's the help available it's no wonder people don't ask for it.

[@MissHannah2036]

I wonder if there is an organisation people can call when friends or family are having an episode. Time is of the essence because I've heard of people running off in fear and being found days later in the water, drowned. We just had a case in Australia where young people were camping and the guy looked to be having a fit, he's fallen over, crawled under a car and run into the bush it was 2.00am in the morning pitch black, his friends couldn't find him. Sadly he was found 3 days later passed away in the lake.

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

Cops can he trained all day, until there are consequences for their actions it's at their own discretion if they choose to listen. They fucked up calling the cops, locking herself in a bedroom was not enough to warrant such an action

[@grizzdotcom]

@@skeetsmcgrew3282 Thank you, someone with an ounce of sense.

[@catlady2375]

As somebody who has been through hospitalization for mental health, it is one of the scariest and life changing things i have ever gone through. I am so sorry to hear your experiences in the past have been bad. Im glad you got help and are safe ❤️

[@allisonchainz82]

Agreed, I went through a hospitalization in the fall of 2017, the whole experience was an eye opener and I felt really let down by the mental health services. I have never been more terrified in my entire life. I didn't receive therapy or anything, just saw a doctor only ONE time for my 10 day stay, who proceeded to stick me on 3 medications, didn't warn me about any of the side effects or how hard it would be to try to come off, and how much withdrawals would damage me so now I'm stuck on this crap for life. I had been to three ER's before the hospitalization, and they had no clue how to help or what to do. I'll never forget that experience and how it taught me I have to really be my own doctor and to be extremely cautious placing my mental health in the hands of others.

[@beccam9854]

your experience with the police sounds so traumatic 😭 I'm so sorry you had to go through that

[@bethholland2186]

You’re fighting the good fight sweetheart! You’re not alone! Praying for your journey!

[@tomsea5769]

Praying in buddha

[@jenspedersen9138]

Yeah. Prayers are really helpful, I'm sure.

[@stormcloudsabound]

@@jenspedersen9138 This. Beth, the best thing you can do is educate yourself on schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, not throw up a prayer.

[@sidneyc9252]

Do you understand how beautiful and powerful you are, so strong for coming on a platform like this to express and share your stories. It makes me feel so much better about my anxiety! I plan on watching all your videos !

[@GottaWannaDance]

I echo that! Please don't stop

[@CBForsen]

I'm a correctional officer and I run the mental health unit. This video has really given me some things to think about when it comes to psychosis. I generally have a lot of patience and compassion but some days it's easy to get frustrated.

[@defaultbrownie]

Then get a new job then

[@unconcernedcitizen4092]

@@defaultbrownie What? Everyone gets frustrated with their job. I’m extremely patient, but working with dementia patients can still be frustrating at times. I’m also a Certified Recovery Specialist, and even as a recovering addict, working with addicts can be supremely fucking frustrating.

[@defaultbrownie]

@@unconcernedcitizen4092 thats a fair point. Im just saying if the job gives u mental unwellness then find something else

[@byounghusband]

I’m glad you mentioned the police in mental health conflicts. Hit or miss is a very accurate description

[@beerman1957]

I don’t even know you but. I think you’re extremely brave and I wish you well.

[@davidryan8269]

Hug Lauren. It took me 7 or 8' years to accept that I need my meds. I can still tell myself that now that my psychosis has abated I don't need meds. Denial, it's huge. Peace

[@india239]

David Ryan thirty years ago I had just begun my education as a psychiatric nurse and believing one doesn’t need medication is top of the list of difficulties for people I would say. And given some side-effects in the mix it’s not surprising. I hope you stay well

[@alexcameron_]

Same

[@laurengalan2760]

I know the feeling- I have a psychotic illness and I have really struggled with taking meds. I have massively reduced the amount of meds I need by eating ketogenic. I’m not off all meds but it definitely has really helped me. I want to try supplementing with exogenous ketones too.

[@aagtalentmanagement]

She is a brave and intelligent woman and willing to share her painful experiences for people with this disorder

[@foreveryactionthereisacons1683]

I have a couple friends that have this. One is on meds but still drinks everyday and the other friend is on zero meds. I worked with DD people and schizophrenics. My schizophrenic clients were my favorite due to their sense of humor and kind heart. Thanks for all the helpful information 🙂 one day at a time 💜💚💙💛💫

[@lovesimplyteena]

Your helping me as a practioner, a person, and as a peer who experiences my own mood disorder. Thank you.

[@lankwon2004]

Did you know that you can get healed of schizophrenia by praying and fasting. Pray to God in jesus name

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@lankwon2004 Please don't post lies like this. Prayer can be very helpful, but there is no cure for schizophrenia, only ways to treat it...

[@Slawsers]

Lan Kwon Jesus sent me a message he says you’re gonna burn in hell for trying to makeup bullshit and screw with the mentally ill brainwashing into your religious ideas

[@feline501]

@@lankwon2004 That really helped my dad. He died of bone cancer anyway, no matter how hard he prayed and fasted.

[@seamushawks516]

This couldn’t have been uploaded at a better time for me. Thank you for sharing your story. It makes my horrible night so much easier to handle, seeing someone so strong like you making it through these struggles too.

[@cutingirl]

Wishes for your health and wellness

[@irainaclayton4992]

Thanks for the video, I am a “frequent flyer”, bipolar with psychotic symptoms and the more we demystify stigma the better. When I was first diagnosed I was very scared and confused, now I celebrated my first psychotic break anniversary as a celebration of life and all that is good. We call it “Cheeseday”. I am grateful for a great life and enjoy seeing how my life is improving even more by being open about my story and knowing that my story is not over yet. I look forward to helping others and the potential in each new day.

[@analara1008]

You have my admiration for coming out and sharing your story. I feel that police officers really need to be trained on how to deal with mental illness situations since they can make the crisis go smother or even way more stressful for the patient and family members. My brother suffers from the same illness and it is just devasting to see how some people don't know how to handle it.

[@anascarlet]

I end up feeling like the whole system of hospitalizations and inpatient care doesn't work very smoothly in most countries and places.... it's unfortunate.

[@chloeemmalavoie6345]

I am an Occupational Therapist and I watch your videos to improve my own practice but also to have ideas from patients directly of how we can change a very deficient mental health care system in Canada. Thank you for sharing your story

[@purplehood8418]

Chloé Emma Lavoie The mental health system in the US is no better. 🙄

[@lankwon2004]

You can get healed of ANYTHING by praying and fasting. Pray to God in jesus name

[@davidhollenshead4892]

​@@purplehood8418 Actually the Mental Health System in the US is significantly worse. Years ago, a friend of mine with Bipolar Disorder had a breakdown as she would every few years. The University of Michigan Hospital stopped all her medications without even contacting her Psychiatrist who worked at the U of M Hospital & also had a private practice. She was catatonic for over a year, and they didn't even take care of her teeth. While ECT eventually brought her back, she was never the same and committed suicide about a decade later. I miss her...

[@willowbe4747]

I can't get through this video without crying. It's so hurtful. I so sad that you had to experience people who treated you badly. I pray that you will continue to be well.

[@SBecktacular]

Strong, intelligent and articulate... Respect.

[@pietroleite6002]

Thank you so much for this video. Your story helped me revisit some of the difficult experiences I had while hospitalized for severe OCD, on two separate occasions. Going into the ER was not the worst part for me. It was the "hangover" of waking up in the hospital and feeling extreme shame and confusion. Ashamed for being mentally ill; ashamed for having to interrupt my studies; ashamed for being a burden on my family. Thank you for fighting the stigma! I never comment on videos, but I had to on this one.

[@elblah9721]

There's no need to feel ashamed for being hospitalized for mental health. Seeking help when it's needed is a sign of strength.

[@Jennifer_150]

Same here. Felt SO ashamed when I was hospitalized after trying to end my life. As horrific as the hospitalization was, I almost didn’t want to leave knowing I’d have to face my friends, family and society with the stigma of being crazy.

[@eatymceatison97]

This is going to sound cliché, but you are such an inspiration. Your honesty is baffling.

[@chrisreimers84]

Thank you for sharing. My brother has Schizophrenia and I am his guardian. You are doing much better than he did at your age but he is now almost 60 and doing well. I encourage you to continue to share your story. Your honesty is inspirational. May God bless you.

[@overtlygrrl4850]

When you described the de-motivation once your medication ran out, I felt that. Sometimes my medication will run out and I won’t have the motivation to refill. I really never knew how to put that into words but thank you❤️

[@mrreiter9807]

As someone who was hospitalized recently for schizophrenia symptoms, this helped quite a bit. Luckily I had great police officers who helped me quite a bit. Thank you

[@5roundsrapid263]

It really is the luck of the draw, unfortunately. Some of my family members have mental issues, and they’ve been lucky.

[@laurengalan2760]

I have a psychotic illness too it really helps to see other people who know the same experience, sending you love and god bless you 💖👍🏻

[@lankwon2004]

To be healed of schizophrenia , pray and fast. Pray to God in jesus name.

[@kandisfox8904]

I felt the same way when I went to the ER... I feel like it just made my situation even worse! I remember thinking to my self that something had to change about how they handle mental health patients! It was a horrible experience for me!!

[@anabarnes4654]

You are so brave.❤️❤️❤️ One day all of this will change. Thanks to people like YOU!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@charbelsarkis3567]

on our way to "de-stigmatize" mental health.

[@Breloom213]

@I'm Right ok?

[@idno8955]

@I'm Right You're wrong

[@Breloom213]

@I'm Right sounds like she just doesnt fit ur predetermined idea of what a schizophrenic person should act and look like but go off

[@NO-uc8xw]

I'm Right you do realise it is possible to look “healthy” and be schizophrenic? There are plenty of cases where people get on the right medications and more or less live exactly like a normal person should. Also your use of schizo kind of discredits you because you make it sound like a slur- maybe stop that? Also educate yourself before spouting bullshit, thanks.

[@katrinapierce9386]

@I'm Right you can look at someone and see mental illness? wow, didnt know that. also she is diagnosed sooo... ?

[@manderse12]

Lauren, thank you so much for sharing this. My brother has Schizophrenia, but I had no idea how this hospitalization process works. It's really helpful to hear your experience first hand. You remind me that I need to be more proactive in being part of his support network.

[@katiefincher2433]

You need to keep your brother the fuck out of the hospital is what you need to do. They're monsters.

[@rolltide1871]

My doctors are beginning to strongly think my “schizoaffective disorder” was caused by a traumatic brain injury that I received to my brain stem. It might explain why NO meds help even a little. I’m just taking it day by day. Hope you’re doing well.

[@lankwon2004]

To be healed of ANYTHING, pray and fast. Pray to God in jesus name

[@makeitbetterx33]

How did you receive the injury?

[@rick3747]

Very intresting! May I ask if you had CAT Scan, MRI and an EEG? Also......Besides a P.doc are you also seeing a Neurologist too?

[@Goingby20s]

I hear it doesn't help with everyone, same with antidepressants. Therapy is the way to go, find someone you trust and seems to genuilly care. Also meditation is a good way to notice your thoughts patterns and try to refram them and yoga is a great way to releave stress. Take one day at a time and always be gente and kind with yourself, with patience it will get better, also many developments are being made in the field.

[@BrookeKatherine.]

Lan Kwon I have brittle bone disease and there’s no cure whatsoever. The amount of ignorant people that have told me if I pray I will be cured is overwhelming. Stop telling people that. It doesn’t make anyone feel better.

[@salemwhite2446]

As someone who was hospitalized for suicidal ideation and potential action, I resonated so much with this experience. The conditions i was put into the hospital for were different, yeah, but the experiences with hospital staff and mental health resources were nearly identical. I’m sorry you went through this but having your voice out here talking about the shortcomings of our healthcare system and the experiences of people from the inside is really valuable.

[@MoonMoon-yy1qq]

I'm in shock. My hospitalization was nothing like this. The intake process did not take long, and they didn't leave me alone. They took my roommates back with me before a doctor saw me so that I wouldn't be scared while I was waiting. When I was in there we had a psychiatrist come in every single day who was kind. We had peer group therapy about 3 times a day. The first one was a morning check in, the second was CBT, and the third was usually something following a book they gave each of us. When they were doing intake they said the average stay time was one week! And I feel as if that is conducive to the intensive therapy you receive there and the daily psych visits. How crazy. I'm so sad that people have experiences like this and I'm so glad you had people in your life to advocate for you when you were unable. Take care and thank you for bringing attention to the inadequacies of mental health care.

[@TheKarret]

Yeah my hospitalization was more like this one. Granted, I was also JUST BARELY able to check myself in, instead of being an involuntary patient. But my parents were there with me, and I was given some medicine to help calm me down, and then I was able to sign myself in for a stay, and pretty immediately, I was put in a wheelchair [even though I could walk] and taken to.. I guess the psych ward? It was part of a regular hospital. Only stayed there like a week, and in my time there, a lot of people came and went through. The rules in the place I stayed were also HELLA lax, tho... like it felt like a lot of people just kinda did whatever and the rules were just kinda there. The one exception was the meals; and those were kept on a strict regiment, which was nice. I enjoyed being able to pick out my meals each time [It had the variety of like aaa school lunch]. I also think there was only therapy like once a day, and like every couple of days a higher up psych- person [idk if psychiatrist or psychologist... probably the former.. I'm just not 100% on it]. The every day one was like a group therapy, so I don't know how much that actually helped anything for me. Overall, I enjoyed my time there. It was a good place to be where I could come back to Earth and regain my sanity. It wasn't some perfect, luxurious retreat or anything, but it effectively served its purpose and idk.. I had a good experience.

[@danithefiend6167]

You must have good insurance.

[@MoonMoon-yy1qq]

@@danithefiend6167 not really, I have Medicaid. I believe this meant I couldn't stay longer than a certain amount of time but it never came up because I only stayed 5 days.

[@TheKarret]

@@danithefiend6167 I have no insurance at all.

[@BrookeKatherine.]

Tayler M Medicaid is really good lol. I have it, granted I use it more for my physical disabilities and all that.

[@UKinUSA-xx5zo]

Sadly as an American I’m still shocked how poor mental health awareness is in our country, the lack of bedside manner/compassion in our healthcare system and support for people across society. Very sad and time for change.

[@VictoriaWonders]

yes we need to change this as millennial generation.

[@JayThe0]

we need change - An RN

[@JayThe0]

@I'm Right money talks and bullshit walks my friend

[@vanessaderenzio8541]

@I'm Right Why would you even say that?!

[@vanessaderenzio8541]

@I'm Right it's people like you that ensure there are still stigmas surrounding mental illness. Shame on you.

[@kelseyadkins9762]

When you discussed the lack of care and proper support in the ER I found myself nodding along. My mother was initially hospitalized by being arrested by the police as well. I was at the hospital with her when the psychiatrist came in to "assess" her. My mom was severely paranoid and scared, and out of not knowing what to do with how overwhelming that was for her, she spit in the direction of the psychiatrist after just a minute of him being there (but she was bound at her wrists and ankles in the bed in the ER, which made the paranoia even more awful for her, but that said, the spit didnt reach him because he made sure to disrespectfully sit far from her as if disgusted by her paranoid condition) and he immediately stood up, extremely pissed off, and yelled to the doctor that "yeah, she's psychotic" as he walked off, without even assessing her. I hate the handling of mental illness. There is so little understanding. I'm grateful for your channel. Although my mother is the one going through this mental illness, it is comforting hearing someone my age understand these experiences. The good, bad, and ugly of it all. It feels good to have someone to share these experiences with. Thank you ❤

[@KatelynIngle]

Kelsey Adkins that’s awful. I am so sorry.

[@nicotinedietcoke]

I’m sorry that happened to you. Healthcare workers sometimes have this reaction because the physical assault can be very intense and horrific, and there are little to no laws that protect healthcare workers, especially from those certified under the mental health act. I’ve seen nurses have their fingers broken, punched, kicked and slapped. Also, spitting at someone is in fact aussalt with a deadly weapon in some cases, at least where I live.

[@jameslove-vani797]

@@nicotinedietcoke Jesus fuck, what with all the shame you've invested here. You hear this girls story, and your only response is to play lawyer on behalf of doctors and nurses? "spitting at someone is an assault with a deadly weapon". Lizards are more humane. Makes sense what you do for a living. *I was born with a series of disfigurements, and have spent large periods of time in and out of hospitals. Why is it, exactly, that "health"care "professionals" are taught to conduct themselves with such prideful thoughtlessness, while working in a "healing" setting? Literally 9/10ths of ALL of the craziest things I've ever heard came from a comically casual doctor or nurse.

[@thepanda9782]

@@nicotinedietcoke in my province the nurses are very well protected by their union and hospital rules against violence. That being said, in some ways you kind of sign up for the risks when going into healthcare, especially a specialized setting like mental health. Dont get me wrong I see where you're coming from but at the same time it's kinda like going into carpentry and complaining you got a nail through your finger, stuff like that happens in those jobs and a lot of the time in retrospect it could have been avoided by proper staffing, training, and seeing safety risks in their early stages. I tend to see this issue as less a patient problem and more so a training/management issue. For example, in that exact situation OP explained her mother could have been helped a lot more if staff had used sedating medication, maybe given her something to soothe her like a warmed blanket and a juice box, and generally just reassured her she was in a safe place.

[@grizzdotcom]

@@nicotinedietcoke Those "healthcare workers" are kidnappers who consistently get away with assault themselves. I feel no pity for them when they get injured after forcing a patient to defend herself. They all deserve a lot worse than broken fingers.

[@jenniferfrazierlpc7171]

You're so brave for sharing your life and personal stories with us! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!🙏🏽💯💗

[@cristinafrick9773]

I'm so glad you're feeling better- thank you so much for having the courage to share your story- you are doing so much to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness!

[@hughcavallaro5822]

Our son had schizoaffective disorder before he passed 5 years ago. Your ability to articulate what your life is like while living with this disorder is so enlightening and helpful for me to understand what our son must have been inwardly dealing with. What an inspiration you are. Please keep up your work, you are making a difference.

[@dreamcat9985]

When I had a nervous breakdown I went to my psychiatrist. I didn't know what was happening, but I told him how I felt, and he recognized I was in a manic state. This was before I had been diagnosed with bipolar and later schizoaffective disorder. He asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital or have my dad and him take care of me at home, and I chose to stay home. He asked me if I wanted to tell my dad or if he should call my dad, and I wanted him to call. I remember feeling very upset, and I didn't want to hurt my family. My Dad talked with my boss and I got a month off work, and I stayed home with medicine. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like for me if I chose to go to the hospital. I remember feeling really scared.

[@jmk1962]

What a great doctor and dad, but also kudo's to you for agreeing to work with them. Hospitalisation is a last resort and is not generally a plesant experience as you are just one of many and can be trigger by other unwell patients. Keep well.

[@harrieta6961]

Your dad is a superstar and saved you from a lot of trauma. x

[@mariebernier3076]

Dad, doctor and YOU = superstars

[@jasminebarahona5129]

You did the best thing

[@orandachildren1051]

Where did you work McDonalds or something?

[@bertzerker747]

Courageous battle! Your story in every respect 100% positive and constructive. Co-patients really can offer an amazing perspective in such an experience, that you can feel for anyone's predicament in this situation, if as bright as you are.

[@wandamanske8667]

I just want to say I’m so proud of you and you are such a help for me. I too have been hospitalized and shared the same things as you . Truly many things are lacking in being hospitalized yet as you said you need help to get stabilized. I’m so glad you had support from others. Take care of yourself so we can know how to take care of ourselves. Thank you.

[@merlinthemog8899]

My dad had the same experience as you when he was hospitalised...and that was 40-years ago ! I find it absolutely shocking that people are still being treated in this way. Lauren your videos are so important, interms of raising awareness. Part of the problem is ignorance, because people don't really understand it.

[@oddlilbird]

Lauren, I can’t help but think about all of the people you’re helping with this video. I myself haven’t suffered with mental illness, but my husband has had a few episodes with bipolar disorder and your video has helped me be more understanding and compassionate toward him. Thank you 🤗

[@emblackbird]

Thank you SO MUCH for making these videos. My partner is struggling with schizophrenia and your videos are so educational and inspiring. Thank you for your bravery and strength. Thank you for helping me as I try to help him. I will show him your channel when he's feeling a little better. And I'm sorry about the way the ERs and police treated you. In this experience I've realized the lack of mental health resources available at times (especially in moments of crisis), it's infuriating and scary. I'm been in school for psychology and this experience has given me a whole new determination to make a change. Seeing my bf, his family, and even myself struggle with this has given me a whole new layer of purpose. Keep fighting, we're in this together. Much love

[@trtlduv07]

Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us and being so transparent! I’m so sorry you went through this and that your experience with treatment there wasn’t good! I agree our mental healthcare system has so many flaws That need to change! You’re amazing! Please never stop sharing your stories! 💙

[@lisar9425]

It takes a boatload of courage to come out about this kind of experience. I’m not schizophrenic, I have brain injury from CO poisoning; the manifestation can be identical to schizophrenia, but the trigger is toxic exposure. I developed cerebral edema on a transatlantic flight and ended up in an ER. Despite traveling with my medical records, I was sectioned. I didn’t even get a locked room. They kept me in 4-point restraints for 38 hours. I was given neither food, nor water; no range of motion exercises, no human contact. The clock on the wall was stuck at 6:35-no joke! I couldn’t believe my eyes, so I asked someone to confirm this-I remember looking at it, then looking at the one window, trying to figure out what time it was. I had to approximate the passage of time by staff shift changes. In the US it is illegal to combine chemical restraint with physical restraint, and the patient is supposed to be supervised and reevaluated frequently. It’s also illegal to use restraint for convenience. I developed rhabdomyolysis and my kidneys shut down. My cerebellum herniated as my brain swelled. My right leg swelled to twice its normal size. I pleaded for help, and was chastised: “The man next to you is really sick and you are disturbing him.” I have never recovered. So, hats off to you, because I know how terrifying and downright dangerous it can be to get sectioned to the wrong ER. When they finally transferred me to the psych hospital, the psychiatrist on staff told me he could see my nystagmus (sign of biological brain injury) from across the room. He told me I should never have been sectioned, and discharged me immediately. I have never felt such overwhelming terror, and I have never recovered. I think protracted seclusion and restraint should be part of every med student’s training. They should have to experience it first hand before they are licensed to impose it on others. Your videos inspire me. Thanks for letting us see you.

[@QueenBee-py3ks]

My God, how utterly terrifying. I’m so sorry you, and every other person that’s been locked in that room, ever had to experience that.

[@grizzdotcom]

" I think protracted seclusion and restraint should be part of every med student’s training. They should have to experience it first hand before they are licensed to impose it on others." Absolutely. They've consistently proven that they can't have empathy until they've been through the same trauma.

[@Barnaclebeard]

Where did this happen?

[@Barnaclebeard]

@@grizzdotcom Going through the same trauma won't necessarily change anything. The nature of the work is itself harmful to a person's empathy. Being emphatic towards people in pain HURTS. One simply can't stand to do it every day of the year, year after year.

[@grizzdotcom]

@@Barnaclebeard Then their power to inflict trauma on others needs to be revoked. Them having a hard job doesn't justify them traumatizing others.

[@andremcclanahan4015]

It’s interesting how some people respond positive to different things. My son was diagnosed in 2017 and is now doing great. He coached football this past year and is now a supervisor at Ollie’s. He didn’t want to take his meds at first cause he thought he didn’t need the cause he was what we call back to normal. What he didn’t realize it was the meds that was helping him. So he stopped and went cold turkey and that sent him back into psychosis. After that episode we don’t have to remind him at all. He takes them on his own. And this year has been the best of him we e seen since his initial diagnosis. With prayer, support, love, meds, and good counseling so bad the individual will have a better understanding of the diagnosis the individuals will get better. Or at least learn how to manage and learn the triggers.

[@ghillieghost8627]

This brings me to tears. Especially the part when the police got involved. As well as the care you received after. I've experienced similar things when my family tried to get me help during a psychosis. Being forced medication without your consent and it having effects on memory also putting you to sleep when your in an uncomfortable environment your scared of. These experiences repeated throughout my multiple psychosis over the years. Really fueling my distrust of getting help during psychosis.

[@sebastianduzy3621]

Thank you for doing a good job. I know it's hard to live with schizophrenia but you are explaining it very well. You have really opened my eyes to this. I watched your video about schizophrenia simulation and I can only imagine how hard it is to live with your unwelcome guest. I hope you stay safe and keep doing what you doing, because this is really helpful to understand what people with this disorder are going through. You are such a bright person! Thank you for sharing and breaking the taboo around this. Sending lots of love and positive vibes ❤️❤️❤️

[@taylacherry2433]

wait why did they blindfold you in the ambulance? did they not want you to know you were going to the psych hospital? I feel like that's possibly one of the worst things you can do for a paranoid patient in active psychosis with schizophrenia.

[@alishiad5695]

Blindfolding anyone when going to the psych hospital is outrageous to me.

[@lilawrence91]

In the US, patients transported to psychiatric facilities are restrained or shackled, despite the fact that this has lead to deaths. Psychiatry engages in ways that would be right at home in Saudi Arabia, China, or Russia.

[@sweiland75]

@@lilawrence91 She is in Canada.

[@GodsChildJess]

You’d be surprised how disgusting you’re treated when you are having a psychosis episode.

[@nicotinedietcoke]

One reason I think this may could have been done to decrease stimuli and help to calm her down?

[@Galactic_hippie1111]

Thank you for voicing your experience. I have been hospitalized 11 times and the majority of them have caused trauma rather than help. I think mental health rights need to be expanded. I felt like I was being treated like a criminal instead of someone who needs kind and compassionate and attentive care.

[@katgreer6113]

Most doctors dont assume being compassionate will help. Maybe because of experience they believe the patient will hurt them... I've experienced it even though I'm still in training. Compassion somehow doesn't get through to them even AFTER their episode. Love and wellness💖🙏

[@dmitrymanchenkov2996]

Thank you so much for all the videos you make! I admire your courage, your beauty, your open-mindedness, and the way you speak about what you have to deal with, even about the harshest periods. Lauren, I cannot even imagine the hell you have to go through, and let me please express the sincere gratitude and wishes for health, both mental and physical, to yourself and all your beloved ones.

[@ea7535]

So grateful to you for sharing your difficult experiences, that's what's needed in order to improve the system that's supposed to help people with mental illness, because they deserve so much better! Thank you Lauren! 💚

[@Annie-dm1tu]

Hi Lauren. I work as a nurse practitioner on an inpatient psychiatric unit. I think that our hospital does a great job of being compassionate to people suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, but even with doing a “good” job, there is so much more that needs to be done. It makes me so sad to hear that there aren’t better standards of care. It’s amazing to follow your journey of advocating for better care for all. I’m glad you’re well, so sad to hear of the trauma caused from the process to getting you help. As a clinician, I appreciate hearing your experience. Just wanted to say thanks. Your work is so important. I wish you ongoing wellness.

[@lankwon2004]

Did you know that you can get healed of ANYTHING including mental illness by praying and fasting. Pray to God in jesus name

[@Ball_Punyan]

I was hospitalized for three days a few months ago after severe suicidal ideation and a near attempt. I'm sorry to hear that you also suffer when seasons change, and that it led to being forcefully hospitalized. Glad that you're doing better now, and glad that you're okay!

[@loosekarma3443]

I'm from New Zealand, trying to wrap my head around ALL the ways you were treated and how they went about it is absolutely ASTOUNDING. I literally can't believe this. Sending love your way, You are so strong.

[@LissaNylon]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Sending love and support your way. Thank you for continuing to educate us. 💕

[@emilyemilie307]

Wow. I strive to always be a genuine person and damn girl, you are amazingly genuine. Very enlightening and good gosh you are incredibly articulate!! Your college education is apparent. Thanks for using your experiences for the betterment of humanity!

[@kimberlymead2789]

Lauren, I've just come across your videos today. You are such a strong young woman. Thank you for your videos. You have just dumped a world of hope on me regarding someone very special in my life with Schizoaffective disorder. Your videos (just the few I've watched tonight) have given me more hope than years of intermittent research. I know that the work you are doing is changing lives. Kim

[@Nightsky107]

For my job, I play a major role for those experiencing a mental health crisis. What you described is pure hell. I'm so sorry it was so terrible and traumatic. I apologize for the broken system.

[@kirstensledge4107]

I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’m still very scared to share my stories of being hospitalized, but I’m thankful that you share yours.

[@Lauren-yr4wn]

I’m honestly disgusted by the way you’ve been treated. It isn’t okay.

[@phitsf5475]

Schizophrenics aren't the people who can give you an objective opinion on their hospital treatment. They don't share your reality.

[@testaccount8921]

@@phitsf5475 Unfortunately while you are right very few people will ever understand it.

[@NGHART]

Tsf Phi that is often used to cover up poor treatment at a hospital.

[@Comet_Teaser]

@@phitsf5475 that's untrue. Whilst experiencing a schizophrenic episode your reality isn't totally the same as everyone else's. But lots of what you experience is real. And although the truths are woven in with the untruths, you can often work out in hindsight what actually occurred. And that is only whilst you're experiencing an episode. Often, with medication, a schizophrenic shares exactly the same reality as everyone else.

[@informitas0117]

I'm schizoaffective. I can tell when I'm getting treated poorly. Especially after a psychotic break when I have time to think about it. Sure I dont remember all of it but I can tell, a 3 meter bird swearing at me is probably not real, not being fed for a day while institutionalized is probably real. Saying schizophrenics can't give you an objective opinion is pretty dehumanizing.

[@mikewysko2268]

Your talks here on youtube and your talks with the Police officers has made a positive difference. Well done Lauren.😇

[@adobson1990]

You are so amazing. Thanks. My mother struggles with her denial of this so its so comforting, and impactful seeing you stand in your truth. Honest people are the real MVP's of life. You deserve nothing but love.

[@redlipstickmafia]

Thank you so much for sharing this, it opened my eyes as to what my son has been going through with his multiple hospitalizations. We need a humane system. I’m so sorry about what you’ve had to deal with. 💞

[@carolebaker1381]

Sorry to hear, your videos really help me understand things better with my son's schizoaffective disorder.

[@charlidwells2446]

This is so real. I’m so sorry this happened. I can relate to everything. The trauma, the lack of support while being inpatient. But also the fact that you described when you need to be inpatient, you need to be there. I’ve experienced the trauma caused by lack of understanding but I also don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t go inpatient. You are such a great communicator. Edit: I also wanted to add: you are strong! And you are not alone! Thank you!

[@apoptosis1932]

I have my own struggle with mental illness and I just found your videos and I'm crying because you really speak volumes about how much worse it is for us because of how people have no idea how to deal with or support people with these issues. Please keep making videos.

[@jessiedelgadosemedo1683]

I just came across your channel. I am not Schizophrenic myself, but I have seen it around me with a family member. You are so brave and it takes so much courage to be this open and vulnerable. You are helping so many people. Stay strong 🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@chloem.872]

This has got to be one of the most important channels out there. I am so thankful that you're doing this.

[@monicaj3023]

Thank you for your bravery and your truth . Im so sorry you had to go through that, Its so frightening. Youre right, the ER and police need more resources and education.

[@hannaween]

I'm watching this as I'm a student mental health nurse and I don't have a lot of experience yet with people that experience psychosis. I'm so, so sorry to hear of this experience with the police, it breaks my heart. Thank you for your bravery and sharing your story. Not only are you helping people who have similar experiences, you are helping to educate (future) professionals and humanise unwell people. Society does a lot to make schizophrenics seem scary and other. You are doing a lot to break these walls. Thank you.

[@valleytiller42]

Thank you for your candor and vulnerability. You are providing a valuable service by providing insight for those who suffer and their loved ones. God bless you.

[@elisabethcampbell9301]

Thank you for making me feel not alone. I’m in the hospital quite a bit for my schizoaffective disorder and autism. It is a horrifying experience. I always feel so embarrassed. I always feel so isolated and paranoid. That means a lot when you feel like everyone is out to get you

[@ashtonwills5708]

Fellow social worker here! Your channel has been incredibly valuable to me and my own work in mental health care. Thank you thank you thank you :)

[@susanfisher773]

Bless you and thank you for sharing. I’ve been living with Crohn’s for over 30 years and has caused a lot of darkness. Too many stresses are a trigger for sure. Please take care of yourself 💜

[@aimeeroberson3780]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Very brave if you. And you can help so many by this💗 My daughter had multiple traumas that led to her being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder at age 16. She struggled to take her meds and this led to her spiraling. She began taking drugs which led to a drug induced psychosis. She made a full recovery thank God. She recently relapsed and is in her 2nd drug induced psychosis. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼