Roberta's Story of 55 years of Paranoid Schizophrenia

Roberta Payne is a gifted writer, artist and leader with degrees from Stanford, UCLA, Harvard and the University of Denver. Roberta has coped with mental conditions since the onset of depression as an undergraduate in college. Twice hospitalized, she says that her paranoid schizophrenia has “tried, but failed, to define” her. Today, she is 40 years sober and her life is what she would have chosen: “work and love.” A successful author, she shares her skills and wisdom teaching creative writing to youth at The Mental Health Center of Denver. You can buy her memoir, ‘Speaking to My Madness: How I Searched for Myself in Schizophrenia’ on Amazon.

[@December_Capricorn]

She has amazing insight into her mental health. I believe this is the difference in having schizophrenia and being schizophrenic. Too many have no insight.

[@michellenaron827]

Excellent practical advice. Simple yet effective

[@LDianneClevenger]

Ma'am you have it together, despite your mental health issues, more than most people I have met. With that being said your plate is very full. Kudos to your inspiring outlook on life I know your life has been very challenging and I honestly don't believe I could adjust/cope with having such a serious mental illness as you have but you have done a fantastic job dealing with your illness and stay the way you are now because it's so upbeat and rewarding to see you not giving up or giving in. Your a true inspiration and a real classy lady. God bless you.

[@paulmokidespaul5347]

Thank you my friend. From a peer specialist

[@cathyide356]

Lovely lady! thankyou for your beautiful inspiring story.

[@glenngeeful]

This is good.

[@timbutler6211]

I have schizophrenia too and being creative is one positive thing other than that the illness robbed me of so much I had to depend on other people all my life and was never independent. I faced stigma as well better off never telling anyone you had a mental illness. .the world can be a cruel place and it's not my imagination. I consider myself fairly normal and I don't focus on my schizophrenia. Depression is a far more painful experience than schizophrenia was for me..people in power who abuse you is the most painful thing of all.

[@aaronjclarke1973]

Thanks 🙏

[@mckennasweda3614]

So well said on being able to recognize paranoia. Not everything gets fixed just by seeing it but once i started being allowed to notice how much it was being used to control my life I at least had a bit more insight into the situation instead of blindly getting dragged around by ideas. Though i still get consciously dragged around lol

[@esmeraldasilver8763]

Hi can you share how you managed to stay so stable and finish school, are you on medications

[@sherrythegypsysalzman7032]

What an intelligent woman. I'd love to know how she is doing? ( if she's still living)

[@pkupferschmidt]

Who is the Interviewer? I am trying to reference this interview properly. Thank you.

[@susanm7925]

What causes your drpression?

[@michelesperrow-chenie2445]

I imagine you would be very interesting to meet with!