SCHIZOPHRENIA: A Good Day vs. A Bad Day

I think people wonder what it's actually like to live with schizophrenia day to day. In this video, I describe what a good day is like vs. a bad day and a really bad day. I also share some of our audience's responses to what a good day vs. a bad day living with schizophrenia looks like for them. Thank you to everyone who shared!
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#schizophrenia #schizoaffective #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness

[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

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[@Huston31]

My wife has really bad schizophrenia. I tried to capture some moments on my KZbin channel.😮 It's amazing how many of the symptoms are the same as demonic possession. Demons and spirits are real they can look at your password and become visible or almost visible. Also being on the receiving end of black magic is another problem we face daily; My wife being from Latin America has had evil witches pursuing her since she was a child. And you almost cannot tell the difference between the symptoms of schizophrenia and a curse from an evil witch or warlock or a covenant. Please pray for me am I God-bless

[@rayshasaur]

I have been living with schizophrenia since I was a small child, and was not medicated for 26 years of my life through out. I managed by white knuckling through my symptoms and relying on my dogs to see what was real and what wasn't. I'm now medicated, and while on medication, I thought I was faking it, because my symptoms were so much more quiet than they ever had been. But videos like this give me comfort in knowing that I am not alone and that I am not faking an illness. It is real and it's my life. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@sydnaps1995]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you've had to struggle with this. If you are open to sharing more, would you describe what your symptoms were like when they were more "quiet". I'm asking for personal reasons ❤ thank you so much

[@osmonautinmatkassa]

Never seen a more relatable comment on the topic of schizophrenia. I was in intensive mental health care for YEARS (hospitalized several times) throughout my puberty and early adulthood, and my schizophrenia slipped under the radar due to the fact that it had developed in adolescence and I was, by the time I entered treatment, quite used to gritting my teeth through managing my inner world. Currently unmedicated and living my best life. Cheers and the best of health to you on your journey 🙏

[@bushrahsumayyah3437]

Just a reminder that you're not alone 🧡

[@user-bq3pt9of9h]

You’re a strong person.

[@JesusSaves77799]

@@osmonautinmatkassa Hi! May I ask how you manage it so well without medication? Thank you!

[@blerfblarfson]

My uncle has schizophrenia. He lived a stable, comfortable life for around 20 years on medication. In his 40s, he suddenly backslid, decided he wasn't mentally ill and never had been, went off meds, and has never been stable since. He dropped contact with everyone, moved far away and was homeless for the next 10 years. The next time I saw him, when he moved back, he had changed so much from the person I knew before. My mom helped him for a while, but they had a falling out. He cut her off, and we've never heard from him again. There's not much chance he'll ever be stable again. Whenever I feel upset about how it all went, I come to your channel. It makes me feel better to see you living well. I hope you stay strong, keep taking care of yourself, and always remember how much your family loves you. I want everyone with this illness to have more and more good days.

[@bushrahsumayyah3437]

Hope your doing okay 🧡

[@kiarakiari7466]

❤❤❤❤

[@wheelchairgeek]

This is utterly tragic though completely understandable from his point of view.

[@wendi2819]

Sadly I believe more people are like your uncle, than this wonderful lady who seems to manage so well. Every one I know or know of has ended up like your uncle. Alot on street drugs and in squats with other outcasts. Very sad.

[@mikebunyea1158]

this is acctualy the same exact situation I have,it’s so scary

[@subzerothought]

My mother was diagnosed with Paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 23. Her symptoms began with her imagining a baby crying in the empty house next door. As children her illness was never explained to us so it was incredibly confusing. At the age of ten my father walked out on us. So my sister and I were let to deal with the fallout as she drank, screamed at the neighbors and accused people of "persecution", she threw things at the walls,hammered on the walls. We had a LOT of pictures on the walls covering up the damage. Our mother wrote things on the walls and believed things we just found to be incredible. people were spying on us from the trash bins and from empty houses over the street. Our neighbors were plotting and our mom had numerous tape recorders she used to record the voices but she was never able to play thm back to us. It was a horrible experience for us but our mother did her best to be loving and caring and woulkd give anyone her last penny although she was perpetually on welfare. Unfortunetely she was one of those schizophrenics that has no concept of their illness and although still experiencing the symptoms at 83 never could understand her illness and its bizarre symptoms. It has to be one of the damaging illnesses for a family if treatment is not available. My sister and I have both had lifelong problems mentally. Our mother was one of the sweetesst, kindest people you could meet but when in crisis it was like she had a terrible dark cloud hanging over her.

[@m.mercedesalonsosevilla2090]

You still managed to be a family

[@startingoverat43withnikkib58]

The work you and your husband are doing is so important. I care for my sister who has schizophrenia and I can not tell you how helpful you've been. Thank you both so much for opening yourself up to us.

[@BergenholtzChannel]

As an outsider (never had schizophrenia or knew anyone that has it) I had always assumed that all the symptoms went all away with medication and the only real problem was that the person taking medication thought they were all well and would go off their medication and the symptoms would then come back. That is why I find this channel so helpful. It is my best source for information I can trust.

[@ThornyRoseV]

Besides, IF people go off their meds its usually because the meds can make some people feel flat, depressed and without a personality. The meds may also help which they can forget but its mainly the other reason.

[@bearclaus2676]

These medications are mostly thought blockers and mood stabilisers. They cut off fantasy thinking or thinking altogether at high doses. It's why they're so effective. The idea is that during this time, the patient finds normality again. They just breathe the air. The problem is that in the back of the mind, the thoughts that sent them stir crazy still linger. Some people have a backlog of useless thoughts and beliefs that do not have any relevance to reality. If they gave them up, they'd cure themselves.

[@eugenemakes]

I tend to stop taking meds because of maybe forgetting to take them for a few days (because I’m forgetful) and THEN getting paranoid that they’re poisoning my mind and deciding to stop them. It’s usually because of symptoms that I stop them.

[@kareendeveraux1847]

I don't know where you live, but I actually have seen only 2-3 people in my life who don't have schizophrenia. Lol. Sheeple. Here's one lie that creates one layer of this mental disorder: psychiatry helps people. It's an industry that actually creates chronic schizophrenia. It's even obvious in this channel, she started out with depression and ended with sz, because of the drugs. Good morning.

[@hadleyrosenberg6075]

I personally do not believe schizophrenia is all explained as a biochemical issue. It's spiritual, psychological...that's why ECT and alot of meds don't usually work...unless there's a placebo effect or the meds are so sedating that sleep ensues.

[@Julia.connolly54]

I struggle with chronic depression. A good day for me means that I'm able to to get out of bed, be productive, and eat 2 meals a day. I'm thinking positively and glad to be alive. A bad day would be struggling to get out of bed to do anything, eating no full meal, struggling with intrusive thoughts and SI, wanting to disappear, neither very numb emotionally or crying on and off

[@villageofwords]

You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.

[@angelwings7930]

I hope you get therapy too ? Don’t forget things like sunlight, taking a safe walk somewhere, exercise in general boosts pleasant moods, and make sure you’re getting a good multi vitamin. Research what extra supplements can help moods and depression. The right types of magnesium can help. I also like an amino acid in tablet form called L-theanine

[@Julia.connolly54]

@@angelwings7930 I am in therapy and the thing with biologically not forming enough or the normal amounts of serotonin within my brain thus causing the depression is that I can do as much exercise, get as much vitamin D, take as many supplements...etc as I want and it still will not be enough. I appreciated your good natured suggestions but respectfully I have not asked and am not interested, thanks tho.

[@Julia.connolly54]

@@villageofwords i think I'll trust my psychologist over a rando stranger on the interwebs but thanks for your opinion.

[@angelwings7930]

@@Julia.connolly54 No problem it’s just a comment obviously you can ignore any suggestion anyone makes. 😂

[@emilywilhite5807]

I suffer from depression and anxiety. Started in 2004. A few years ago they added ‘treatment resistant’ to my diagnosis because I have been on many many meds and have seen various psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists with zero improvement. I definitely have good and bad days, weeks, months but obviously with different symptoms than yours but more overlap than I expected. I live alone, have no support system, and can often self isolate for very long periods of time. Even having groceries delivered because I can’t leave the house. Even though our circumstances and illnesses are different I enjoy and pull strength from your videos. Thank you.

[@77777sadie]

Oh Emily, my heart hurts for you. I have bipolar and can relate to some of what you're going through. My symptoms were under control until a few months ago. Before starting med's I lived in dark depression for years. Will keep you in my prayers. Sending you hug 💞💞

[@m.mercedesalonsosevilla2090]

Wow ,you are truly resiliente,thanks for telling your story

[@deloresjackson3384]

I struggle with bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, and anxiety every day of my life. I cope with listening to music and read books. I also write as well. A bad day for me is having recurring symptoms interfering with my daily activities. A good day for me is being happy about the achievements that I have earned. I just got a new job as an Independent Contractor recently and I am really enjoying my life. Thank you for being you.

[@jadarobinson6487]

Wow! So happy for you! Continue to do great!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I'm surprised they were wiling to diagnose both bipolar and schizophrenia, usually that would warrant a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis.

[@villageofwords]

If you love books, then you should know that you need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression and paranoia.

[@m3kbeatz]

Do u take any meds?

[@villageofwords]

@@m3kbeatz no

[@binahnguyen3006]

You’re a true saint for publishing educational materials on chronic mental health illness. This helps break the stigma

[@carlacromwell1126]

My 75 year old mom has schizophrenia. She has been on many different medications. She recently had to go into a nursing home and is now on hospice. Her voices are not allowing her to eat and drink much at all. Also won’t allow her to take meds regularly. We just went to a shot every 2 weeks so we are hoping the voices go away enough to allow her to eat. I love watching your videos. They are helping me better understand this whole disease. Thank you.

[@rae7864]

Yes the shot is a good idea honey. The medication is one of the most important parts.. so sorry about your mom it's so hard to imagine them in there , struggling all alone, hearing voices, being brushed off my Staff etc. I know how that feels. Sending all the love to you and remember that your mama loves you SO much ❤

[@sarat8577]

So sorry 😞 we rely on our inner voice to guide us and navigate life. If that inner voice actively hurts us, life would be so so tough. Hugs for you and mom

[@dyrefate]

bad day - Loss of insight into my symptoms, command voices telling me to self-harm, catastrophic delusions, insomnia, cognitive impairment. good day - Symptoms are not debilitating, feel hopeful/empowered/capable. Loved hearing everyone's descriptions of their good/bad days. I relate to so many of them.

[@janiegetyourgun]

While I’m on medication I don’t have any delusions or auditory hallucinations, but I do experience a lot of apathy and low motivation. If I’m really stressed my paranoia may pop up. Most days I can’t even bring myself to shower, and doing my job is very difficult. I don’t want to cook or clean, keep up with personal grooming. I can manage to go to work and school but that’s about it. I can’t remember the last time I had a “good” day.

[@thegnarlyvagabond]

I don't exactly have good or bad days. Most of my days are pretty much the same. The most I can hope for is slow and steady improvement, which I have. I used to seek out those exciting highs, and even often liked the crushing lows but after having that now I'm just looking to take a single step. We can do this!

[@uniayang]

As a partner of someone with only anxiety and depression, this still resonated with me. Especially the feeling wrong part. Thanks so much for this video!

[@oddbodly]

Good for you for supporting your partner!

[@josemedranoiii6963]

I’m glad I discovered your channel. I’ve been with my love for 7 years. She is very cheerful and very supportive and caring. When I seen her have her Schizophrenic episodes, I try to learn from it. The first time she had an episode was hurtful for me seeing her at her lowest. I love her and this channel is a great opportunity to learn and understand what this is and how to adapt with it. Thank you for this content.

[@bradleyfrieze3643]

I just want to say thank you for what you do with your videos. I live with schizoeffective disorder and it can be very intense and very overwhelming. One thing I've found that helps me is to watch these videos. Something about just sitting and listening to someone just talk about it and rationalize and explain really helps me bring me out of my "moments". Really thank you! And your voice is also very calming lol

[@eugenemakes]

I feel the same way. It’s so highly stigmatized and there’s so little accurate representation out there that seeing someone just reasonably talk about their normal life with schizoaffective disorder is like getting thrown a floatie in deep water- I can do this, I am not alone, I am not a monster

[@tidespath2240]

And who really knows what they’re talking about

[@fraurosenthal2958]

This makes me feel less alone! Thank you for sharing your experience as well as ours!

[@A_Chicago_Man]

Takes guts to be so vulnerable. Much love! Hello from Chicago,

[@vonjess9]

My son has your illness. I continue with my learning, but I am sending you my compassion and love.

[@Fiberwoman15]

As always, I feel supported just watching your videos. It helps me to know that I’m not alone. Thank you for all you do!

[@marikoferrell3275]

Having to Live with one of the worse sickness can be exhausting but I still have to believe I can be healed.

[@marikoferrell3275]

@Casey Muller That’s nice, I have Been diagnosed with a cancer and I will definitely need her help and would also want to know how to get in touch with her. I hope she cures other sickness also?

[@marikoferrell3275]

@Casey Muller Thank you a lot you are a life saver. I have found her website on the internet.

[@ccMomOfJays]

​@@marikoferrell3275 that's a scammer please don't fall for it

[@villageofwords]

You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression and paranoia.

[@louise8752]

Thank you for your channel. You're doing fabulous work/help for others.

[@leighwoitkowski8714]

Good day: I am very productive in everything I do. I even muster up the energy to exercise. I don't feel like everyone is out to get me. On good days I don't hear many voices. It has been this way for awhile now. I am very pleased with myself and how I feel. Bad day: I feel irritated and anxious about everything. The voices try to sabotage me in my efforts to help myself, or so I believe. I hear weird sounds that seem to come from nowhere.

[@ginacheselka6086]

Thank You for Everything you do ❤

[@kathfennemore1131]

Thanks for sharing these. It helps to be able to put into words what a good and bad day look like -not something I've ever thought about before. At the moment I probably have more bad days than good. A bad day for me is feeling paranoid and anxious about the future while feeling depressed at the same time. These are most of my days right now...though I do still manage to work as a Physical Therapist. On a good day, like today, I still feel pretty fatigued, but somehow a bit lighter and more able to concentrate and talk to people.

[@robwembley]

I really appreciate your sheer honesty and candour. You are making a huge difference to many many people. Thank You !

[@jiytruywer1996]

Hello! I don't have schizophrenia, but I have BPD and depression for 16 years by now. Recently I understand that my illness will not go away soon (I had that illusion for many years) and I need to just live with it. I need regularly treatment and I need to change my daily routine. Thank you for this video, thank you for showing me that people can live well with mental illnesses.

[@villageofwords]

You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.

[@CJFreeza]

This channel, your work and everything you do is monumental for people living with mental health.

[@yahainHotPink]

I appreciate this video so much! Thank you Lauren! ❤🌹

[@dianechong7046]

I need this knowledge. Thank you so much for your sharing.

[@emie8ight711]

Thank you so much for the effort and time, your channel has been so helpful. When ever I watch your videos It makes me feel more relax and it help me control situations.

[@TheOnlyLila]

Great video. I am so grateful for people to have a platform to reaffirm their own situations in life and help others feel more confident in dealing with life difficulties and problems. Hope I’m saying this right. That goes from small difficulties to catastrophes. People feel less alone and more capable to push forward. Thank you for doing that for everyone.

[@shaunoshaungo1305]

This is so informative! Thank you for creating a positive space ❤

[@stevereith6571]

Lauren, Thank you for your posts I sometimes think of you as the best family that I have ever had

[@Catlily5]

This is a great video to explain what having schizoaffective disorder and/or schizophrenia is like for various people.

[@peternagy2575]

I feel such respect listening to you and reading the comments.

[@neesasuncheuri]

Inspiring that you are able to manage it. I am also a social worker with schizoaffective disorder. Right now, I am experiencing stress with housing and I am feeling more paranoid. I hope it passes.

[@villageofwords]

Maybe you need knowledge and different perspectives to counter paranoia.

[@missovercomer2488]

​@villageofwords That's a very unhelpful thing to say.

[@Lela419bg]

Thank you for this explanation, I feel such validation with my illness. Understanding some symptoms can still happen even while on meds. I felt like I’m just not getting it right. You put everything I feel into words. Thank you for this video.

[@tallblonde1976]

That's what helps me knowing there WILL be a good day. I will have energy, enjoy being with others.

[@saegemehlfee]

I love the phrase "thrive on being alive". I am gonna use this to describe my good days too now :)

[@MsVivian99]

Thankyou for sharing your experience , so sincerely appreciated.

[@ginaslevinsky8906]

You're a great presenter (and editor Rob), and even though I don't have schizophrenia much of what you say is very relatable with my mood disorder. (UofA psych emerg! 😅) I'm really glad you're making a mental illness series too. A link on your LWwS pages would be great.

[@cabbiten]

I do not have a diagnosis for schizofrenia, but I recognize so much of the symptoms. The shadow things, objects changing from one thin to another and back again, voices and so on. Sometimes I am so scared I "freeze". On the plus side I can not act on the more harmful voice commands. Haha on them I guess. I have experiensed these symptoms since early childhood, my first memory is of "the shadow slugs" moving around. On top of this I have ADHD, it can get interesting. But has also helped me managing symptoms, thank you special-interest-fixation!. I can actualy have full time job now! I am so happy and my co-workers are so sweet and caring. And thank you. Thank you for sharing. It has helped me alot. I have almost built up the courage to reach out for professional help. Soon I will be there I hope. Until then I seek comfort on internet and with my machines at work ^___^

[@selenaseibt306]

You are so clear and articulate about your challenges. You are a hero! You are a champion! You are fighting the good fight! Thank you for educating us all!

[@crystalMcGcam]

You're so helpful to understand what my brother is going through. It's heart breaking at times. I wish you all the best. And everyone who is experiencing this in there life. I'll continue to follow your journey ❤️

[@pipermoonshine]

to all who struggle with schizophrenia you are courageous and I know you may not think like that but I have bipolar and it is so encouraging to me and I think.. If someone who struggles with schizophrenia and can have good days then so can I and so I struggle through. Your courage has given me the courage to go on and realize that it is just a day and I will get through and be ok.

[@philiplewis1989]

Hey Lauren, love your channel. And thank you so much for doing this. I like learning things about mental health issues so I can understand them & help as much as possible. Hugs for you & everyone who suffers from schizophrenia.

[@veescultt7489]

honestly thank you so much for this i’m not even diagnosed with schizophrenia but this makes me feel so seen and i am on my way to getting diagnosed as we speak but i was always so confused to why it seemed like i could rationalise my delusions but still be paranoid about them and have a physical reaction towards them and just live in constant fear so i was confused and thinking i was faking it at one point but no, it’s something so obvious that living with something like a chronic illness you can have good days and bad days i’m not sure why everyone seems to think that schizophrenics are irrational 100% of the time but thank you for these videos if anything i just feel like i’m understanding myself better with everything because it’s just so applicable to me. Lol.

[@joycezaid3909]

I have had that recently, I had visual hallucinations over a period of 3 months, I called my therapist, and psychiatrist, and increased my medication, and getting that under control. I have more good days than bad, and I use my "toolbox" when symptoms come up, and I feel more in control. I do get it

[@maddynavarro77]

Thank you for talking about this. It helps see what my son had to deal with. Yes, it's extremely difficult and heartbreaking but it's something we need to learn about. Praying for continued strength for you and your family. 🙏🏽❤️

[@donnabecker9882]

Yes Maddie we need to be educated with schizophrenia My son diagnosis is paranoid schizophrenia Very difficult to deal with keeps talking about aliens Taking meds but not taking daily which he says he is He's 46 yrs old and I have been dealing with this for years getting him help

[@mariamuller-hornbach1143]

Thanks to all of you who shared this so vulnerable. It helped me so much to understand a bit better what it's like to live with schizophrenia or a related illness❤

[@rfernandez1648]

Omg your channel puts knot in my throat and I am able to understand my brother a little better. I no longer challenge his view of the world, instead just let him be

[@journaling.aw.vlog.37]

Those where some very intense, Symptoms I can definitely admit I have been there. Not lately, in the back of my mind I know I could have a bad day, not looking forward to a bad day, Thanks for being there for me..

[@baileyhallfilms]

very cool to hear others shared experience

[@Poutinen]

Great video! Thank you so much 🥰

[@brey1720]

It's nice having you explain these things, altho I wish I could have gotten a better picture while my uncle who had schizophrenia was alive. Altho I still enjoyed visits with him, he was always happy to see us kids, I think kids brought him such happiness 🙏 but also, atleast one can understand it better now, how living with it, may have effected him 🥺

[@AB-C1]

You are truly inspiring and extremely brave to share your story so openly and honestly! You're doing a great thing and I'm sure it will help people with not only Schizophrenia but those suffering with all types of Mental Health issues or illnesses from Depression, Anxiety and other mental health issues, and help to end the stigma so WRONGLY associated with Mental Health/Illness! We ALL have MENTAL Health as we ALL have PHYSICAL Health and EVERYONE will likely Suffer with Mental and Physical illness at some time in their lives whether mild or severe, short term, long term or periodically! The Medical Establishment GLOBALLY is "NOT Fit For Purpose" And often just makes things WORSE instead of better! Or at least doesn't help! For those suffering to be able to trust and have confidence to get help this has to be addressed by our Governments! But in the meantime brave people like you sharing your story can HELP many people Not to feel ALONE or isolated (even if they are).. Wish you ALL the luck in the world with healing and maintaining your health for you and your family! Cheers from London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@conversationswithcory3730]

i am diagnosed with this illness, and everything that you described is what i deal with. i was prescribed meds and actually felt good, my mind wasn't going hard, i was eating...a bit too much, and sleeping a lot. it caused me to stop taking the meds and 3 days later i had an episode and drank a bottle of vodka and hurt those close to me. i am 2 days after the episode and i i've apologized, having so much thoughts in my head and being afraid to get back on the meds now. i have burst of motivation but only when someone real is around me. even if they just sit in the same space, i feel safe. idk what is causing these issues with me and im afraid to restart the meds because i need to work and making money and in my profession the meds wouldn't be compatible. i feel like if i just get back to work and have things to keep my mind busy things will smooth over. checked into a hospital for a week and it helped but once i got back home, everything went right back to normal. im trying my best to stay away from alcohol because i've used it for many years to mask my underlining conditions....how can someone tell me to get my life back, work a job and maintain a balance within my own life. my symptoms have never been this severe, i know when im having episodes and i just call it what it is in my head but they stay there.

[@sunshinerose9355]

I have schizoaffective disorder and this video helped me a lot with feeling alone. On a good day I pray a lot and don't see or hear things and I feel free and happy but exhausted. Bad days I feel like Satan and demons are after me. I get really exhausted. I see things like shadows and things that go up and I hear voices. Sometimes I feel a heaviness on the chest and I think people are putting witchcraft on me. I cry a lot and when it gets really bad I don't know how to explain it but my body goes stiff and my whole body jumps, almost like a seizure. I tend to isolate in general but on my bad days it gets really bad. I have really bad anxiety and I pray a lot. Sometimes I think God is mad at me. I have intrusive thoughts about Satan and demons. I pray and Jesus always comes to my rescue when I have bad days. Prayer works! Having faith in Jesus and leaning on him always works. Sending love and hugs to all who suffer!

[@rickp4398]

Satan isn't the evil one it's Kane

[@bearclaus2676]

Maybe dont believe in such things so deeply. Conjuring madness from religion. I mean, take someone who isn't religious at all? They dont hold any fear of what you speak of. Theyre free of it.

[@searching-for-truth]

Theres a really interesting guy called Jerry marzinski that you should listen to, he talks about the demonic forces with schizophrenia

[@rebeccah973]

Hi at sunshine Rose. I am undiagnosed but I can fully relate to this. This, this right here is what I go on through on a daily basis. I think God/ satan hate me and personally have it in for me. I also have the intrusive thoughts about Satan, It has taken over my life. I know what it's like, to live your life in Fear.

[@rebeccah973]

Hi at bear claus, it isn't as easy as telling someone to just get over it or don't believe in such things so deeply. It's like telling someone to just get over a broken leg. Intrusive thoughts are exactly that, INTRUSIVE. schizophrenia can take over your entire life. But thanks for making me aware I'd be free of it , without the thoughts?!

[@austin5690]

I have schizoaffective disorder and I can relate to having paranoia and avoiding eye contact to keep people from reading my mind

[@recklart8592]

I have the exact same problem. I have to force myself to look at people at work, if I don't they start acting weird and it makes it worse.

[@Seaturtle45778]

Thank you Lauren ❤

[@magdalenachavez8637]

My brother-in law has been living with schizophrenia for a very long time and despite being on medication he cannot communicate effectively. He stays to himself and we don’t know how to help him. He is under the care of a psychiatrist. I can tell when he is not having a good day and try to talk to him, but he cannot express his moods. His conversations make no sense. Most of the time he can follow directions very well and helps around the house, but we are always nervous he will self-harm so we try to keep an eye on him.

[@recklart8592]

It's very hard, but you are doing everything you can. I'm sure some days even if he can't say it, he's very happy to have you supporting him.

[@villageofwords]

You should teach him that words could have relations to each other. So that it will be more short and precise.

[@dennissutton3767]

You are a pioneer in a new age for mental health and communication. Z what you are bringing forth could possibly usher in a new paradigm for your illness. Admiral person and distinguished woman.

[@falistapally78]

I feel like even the psychiatric portion of nursing school did not teach me as much as some of what I've learned from your channel and other similar channels have. I only ever really saw patients that were in mental crisis so it is nice to see what it is like when someone is getting treatment and they are able to live their life. Thank you for all the informative videos! I'm not a mental health nurse, but it is good to know.

[@bessofhardwick9311]

I think you've hit the nail on the head about clinicians usually only seeing people with MI when they are having an episode; this is why we often aren't seen as human - it's because HCPs don't see us when we are in a good state of mind, so they don't see us as fellow human beings. .

[@jahangirshaikh8674]

The best thing make it our self busy Keep in touch with family relatives friends and when alone then listening or watching something don’t make yourself alone. Do yourself busy. Sleeping time listening something good.

[@marciabradley7660]

I appreciate hearing about schizophrenia because rarely are there open discussions about treatment, symptoms or coping. The stigma surrounding the disorder would easily separate people and increase paranoia in those who have the disorder. Your presentation removed a lot of misconceptions for me.

[@Rhanyra]

i sent my sister a link to your channel. She is schizophrenic. I hope she really gets into your channel! I've been watching for about the last year or so.

[@villageofwords]

She needed knowledge and different perspectives to counter paranoia.

[@dennissutton3767]

I too believe that you are headed in the right direction by focusing your energy on the science of what is happening plus your guy…is really there for you it seems.

[@EatMyAxe69]

Thank you so much

[@Frances-wv9xv]

You're so blessed to have a good family and Supportive husband, it makes a world of difference. I have absolutely no one in my life. Since several years ago when family/friends learned about my illness, they Harshly Judged me and I've been permanently Cut off. It's rough

[@serenityslife4910]

I subscribed to your channel because my mom had this. She raised me and when you had a baby I was scared for the baby because my mom abused me so much when I was little. I wanted to follow you to see how you were over time. I’m so happy to see you are doing well with your child’s safety. When I watch your videos I just find myself crying over the memories and knowing what my mom went through was pure hell and it’s the kind of hell that the rest of us should get on the ground and thank God we don’t have it. People that do not have mental illness will never understand the absolute terror of having one. Sending love to everyone who has to deal with this. I’m praying you all will have peace.

[@anahidkassabian4471]

Great video. Two thoughts: First, maybe you could read one or two of the responses at the end of future videos that seem relevant? Second (and please know I’m not trying to trivialise anyone’s experience), I was surprised at how many aspects of a bad day for you sound very much like my worst days with persistent depressive disorder, which used to be called dysthymia. I don’t hallucinate, but I certainly can struggle to stop thinking of the catastrophes that could happen any day, or even any minute. And those thoughts can be intensely and surprisingly vivid and overwhelming. I’m sending you lots of warm, protective thoughts so that the hallucinations and other difficult thoughts can’t come in, get established, and start perseverating. If your community here can do a small shred of what you do for all of us, I think we’d all be very grateful indeed.

[@sg8659]

Thanks for the podcast.

[@bushrahsumayyah3437]

Thank you for this video 🤎

[@CitizenJ1]

Thanks!

[@laciebranza3591]

I feel a lot of the emotions they’re portraying, I feel the same about the good days, the bad days I also feel how a lot of the others are feeling. I don’t have schizo Effective disorder. I do have other issues-it’s just insane how similar and how different each diagnoses is. It’s really makes you wonder

[@gracegotthis3704]

Sounds like you’re an empath ❤

[@teijaflink2226]

How do you manage to create thesevery professional videos if you have so many bad days? You are so strong, I'm very impressed and specially that you experience paranoia and not like in your body that you manage to create such clear videos and explainyourconditionso well, that you knows what's the condition and what's you, how do you do that?

[@TorgerVedeler]

Thank you all for sharing this. These letters help the rest of us better understand what you are going through, and hopefully give us some tools to help.

[@kaylaknuckles343]

Thank you. This was so helpful. I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD for over a decade now, but two years ago I started experiencing hallucinations and intense paranoia. Schizophrenia runs in my family and I’ve always been so afraid of the stigma. This makes me not feel alone in these experiences. Thank you for what you’re doing!

[@villageofwords]

You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression.

[@eeb9177]

I have a question as someone that has a boyfriend with bipolar 2. We've been together for 10 yrs, but it wasnt until 2018 he was diagnosed at 27 yrs old so a lot is still new figuring out triggers and he isnt the best at communicating so its hard for me to figure out. Is it a bipolar symptom for you to say something out loud (usually something hurtful or unnecessary), and the 2 seconds later you don't even remember what you said? I've been noticing this happen often recently that wasn't a thing before, so I'm trying to figure out whats going on.

[@villageofwords]

@@eeb9177 Sounds like you are the one that is sick. Hearing voices. My family is also like that. They once say this one foreign word in a sentence. They had also denied that they had said those words.

[@eeb9177]

@@villageofwords i didnt ask you when all youre doing is criticizing people you dont know. I asked someone with bipolar experience. For you to be on a video about mental health and make false accusations towards people you dont even know with genuine concern of a loved one and bash other people in a vulnerable topic, why would you even be on here? Go educate yourself BULLY!

[@jude_of_alltrades]

so useful I'm trying to get my in for treatment and trying to get him to watch your videos and join the peer support group on Discord… But the first step is going in and getting a diagnosis I'm going to send him screenshots of the responses you put on view because a lot of the symptoms are what he's experiencing and he feels very alone in it and thinks it's real

[@happybergner9832]

Lauren thank you.

[@hadleyrosenberg6075]

Just wanted to say in my past comments , perhaps I was overly judgemental of your style/ content. I realize you are going through enough already, and I don't want to add to that. I do think you provide a much needed forum for people and families struggling with this illness. Thank u for doing that..

[@dlab1978]

I am sorry to hear that other people with the same illness as me, have reccurent symptoms, although not a full blown episode. I do have the same illness, but I noticed some key points. First of all, I had the minor symptoms, when I stayed home alone, for weeks, suffice to say, and the more you socialize(to the extent that is not energy draining), the more connected to reality you can stay. Apart from that, the life-changing occurence for me was the use of nicotine gums. I know a lot of fellow co-patients do smoke, but I wanted to avoid the health drawbacks. And thing is, nicotine acted as neuro-modulating, and helped me change perspective. Then the visit to the psychiatrist became more impactful, since I had learned a lot of lessons, just by being able to listen more carefully(attention span, clarity etc), and it also eleveted my mood. For other illnesses like depression, there is an ongoing study of psychedelics. That pinpoints the importance of the 5HT2A receptor. For schizophrenia, the same importance lies in the NMDA receptor, that is regulated heavily both by the 5HT2A, and the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor, both targeted by nicotine. Also, since nicotine increases dopamine release, there are less side effects. It is certain that one will get addicted to nicotine, hence the importance of not choosing cigarretes, as means of treatment. Nowdays, I use both vaping and nicotine gums, due to the financial cost, but the good news is that after 2 years of administration of nicotine, I have no symptoms of psychosis, not even the minor ones, and I have reduced my meds to half, in a matter of several months of course, according to the instructions of my psychiatrist.

[@JesusSaves77799]

Thank you for this. I think this is why you sometimes seem people chain smoking who have schizophrenia. It would be great if there was a medication that could help activate this nicotine receptors safely without having to actually ingest nicotine. I personally would steer clear of any psychedelics. I think these can be really dangerous for people with schizophrenia?

[@oddbodly]

Interesting..Thanks for sharing. Take good care.

[@nikkiwilliams7152]

That is exactly how i describe it. I try so so hard on looking at it as a bad day, and tomorrow i can wake up and it could be totally different day. So good days i get caught up on things. Bad days...getting tbrough the day using the tools i can

[@Kevin_Finch]

Thank you for your videos. I have schizoaffective disorder. Hear voices and see things.

[@grahamhardie6853]

Thanks for this video. I have good and bad days also but during the bad days even though they can be distressing I get through them with immediate peer support (my wife) and from experience knowing this state is not permanent. It is tough almost doing an assault course. Good days are a huge relief and to be cherished. I find on bad days my anxiety hits the roof because the intensity of what you are feeling can be very frightening and the fact you have no knowledge of where these thoughts and feelings are coming from especially when they challenge you’re very emotional core. How do you cope with the anxiety of not being okay or do you not experience that. Many thanks 👍

[@chrisbtender5992]

i REALLY related to the person who said they felt like a rabbit, i've used that same metaphor before myself. Gosh. This illness is so hard.

[@rajnandinisharma6960]

I have schizophrenia.....n my good days are with no guilt....I m very grateful to my Dr. These are 90 %.....bad days r rare n I stopped thinking about schizophrenia....I advice not to stop meds ....love n well wish to u....

[@Mattieboi1201]

I loved the interactive-ness of the group question

[@limbo3545]

I can absolutely relate to the things you shared. Most days are good days for me, but they still feel like an exception. I can't enjoy them fully, because I know that there will be a time again when things go sideways. The moment I'm in a stressful situation is the moment when everything breaks apart. Then the voices in my head start talking to me and insulting me like a broken record non-stop. Sometimes I can become very cynical and verbally sadistic. This is a huge contrast compared to my nature on good days.

[@lizka8792]

3333³³³3èwè

[@masonbaker2377]

Excellent insights.

[@MigglesTheGidget]

Yay, I'm the 700th subscriber of the new channel.

[@onyx_euphenia]

Holy cow... Hmm.. Maybe I do have schizophrenia after all.... I went to seek help for an eating disorder in 2018, and was told that they would diagnose me with paranoid schizophrenia rather than anoraxia, and hope that the "eating disorder" would go away with the progression of theraphy and medication... I have always felt like I was faking it (I got on medication right after reciving my diagnosis, in such a small amount I had to have it in fluid form because of the starving myself issue) and thought that just all the doctors would gaslight me into thinking I was schizophrenic, you know, like a placebo... So they had a "sane" parson to compare all their patients to.... (yeah, even I can hear how incorrect that sounds) but Lauren these videos are gold and diamonds to me! They make me realize that maybe the doctors are right after all and im just experiencing anasignosia (is that right?) Please keep it up, dont ever stop telling the truth, we need less stigma and more helpfull info! I really appreciate you both for running this channel! :)

[@alyssabreon2646]

I have been definitely feeling like someone’s out to get me at different times/paranoia. I hate it also my medication gives me depression at times. But on a good day I feel really productive happy and connected with myself and definitely happy to be alive.

[@villageofwords]

You need knowledge and different perspectives to counter depression and paranoia.

[@alyssabreon2646]

@@villageofwords thank you I will try that

[@staceymartin2731]

Thank you

[@Stylomagic]

Thank you for this video, I am curious about other mental illnesses and it was very informative. To aswer your question what a good vs a bad day looks for me. I have PTSD and that caused ulcerative colitis. So I don't have good or bad days, I have good or bad months, depending on if I am in a flare up or in remission. Some feelings are pretty familiar to me, some, like hallucinations aren't. A bad month would look like this: chronic abdominal pain followed by diarrhea with a lot of blood. And because I almost died in my first flare up and got PTSD it is now a cycle. Blood in the toilet means panic attacks and extreme fear to die. And it changes pretty quickly to absolute distance to the situation. I can go to toilet and have a panic attack and few minutes later go again and feel numb, even both times there is blood involved. So that are bad months, very bad ones. After having a flare up and changing to remission, I feel energetic and fearless and alive. I can conquer the whole world. I also usually get an iron infusion and that makes me feel my age again. Before I feel very old, if you have no oxygen, your body can't work properly. After view months the fear starts to rise again and sometimes it gets also triggered by something, usually by death. It can be in a film or someone is telling me something. There are a lot of situation. But the fear is also rising, because I think its time again for a flare up, I had enough remission. Its crazy, I know. I absolutely cause it myself. So as you maybe know PTSD is treatable and after starting finally my therapy and going to remission, I never felt energetic again. Instead of that, grief is overwhelming me day by day. So sometimes I have good days like today and sometimes I am crying all day and night and ending up having migraine. But the fear also changes, to be honest I don't care so much anymore if I will have a flare up. I am in constant mental pain, because there is so much grief, that I wasn't aware of and couldn't let through, because I constantly tried to run away from my fear, which I don't do anymore. So I think maybe there will be no remission or flare ups anymore. I also had chronic depressions for about 29 years and after an accident they disappeared. I am now 6 years free of depressions, having panic attacks folowing by beeing numb feels different, because you are able to function, for example you are able to stand up in the mornings, it was different when I had depressions. Also I see colour and can taste my food, even in the numb moments. Depression took that away from me for years. Edit: As I see some comments about self harming. I have that too, everytime I feel helpless. Often its in a situation where I search something and can't find it. Helplessness becomes fear and fear becomes anger and I end up wanting to harm myself just of pure anger. Usually I don't realise that all and end up crying, but since I got therapy I start to get some distance from that situation, for example leave the room, if I start panicking after searching something. I also say to myself loud: "I want to hurt myself right now!" That alone gives me relief, but don't ask me why. I think saying this out loud gives the feeling its right of existence. I don't hurt myself in a classic way, instead my body starts a flare up, after pushing all this feeling away. Now that I don't do that anymore, I am pretry hopeful it changes.

[@pienpakvis6118]

You are so brave to share your illness with us and it really humanizes schizophrenia for us.

[@juancho7274]

Good content as always

[@jacklynno3810]

I wish something I could do or say would make everything better than good for you take care thank you for sharing.

[@jacklynno3810]

I found some information in a book I am reading by Dr. Gabor Mate the Myth of Normal page 262-263 that you may find helpful.