schizophrenia & suicide

Schizophrenia is a very real, stigmatized mental illness. Today's story is about loss, pain, and navigating the unthinkable. I wanted to share this story as a way to hopefully help even one person out there who is dealing with schizophrenia in any way. I hope you learned something from this episode. Sending you all so much love ❤️
If you are struggling with suicide loss or ideation, visit: samaritansnyc....
For more information about Schizophrenia and ways you can get involved/donate: sczaction.org
Drink of the Week: Peach Snapple
Book of the Week: The Mike File by Stephen Trimble & Malady of the Mind by Jeffrey A. Lieberman
A massive thanks to Laurie for sharing her personal story of the loss of her son, Regis.
We all hope you are resting in peace, Regis. I love you always ❤️
****************************************************************************
Find Madison🌟
Main Channel: / @maadthreads
Instagram: / maadthreads
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple...
Email Inquiries: [e-mail]
This video was filmed at Bright Sighted Podcast Studio- a HUGE thank you to the team!
Bright Sighted Podcasting: brightsighted.com
****************************************************************************
Welcome to the And Also Podcast, hosted by @Maadthreads ✨
We will explore many interesting, deep, and complex topics here on the show, with some incredible guests in the works.

[@Maadthreads]

I’m so proud of this episode. Thank you all for supporting and tuning in!

[@Dogon-ge7ft]

You two really understand schizophrenia. I have it and am now medicated and stable and functioning, but listening to you talk, I was constantly reminded of myself before medication. I was unwell and didn’t know. Everything was a million miles a minute and hard and stressful. I remember the moment I gave up with that life and accepted my situation. I cried and slept, woke up and my mind was quiet. Still not cured, but on the path through acceptance and medication. During my symptoms I tried to commit suicide as everything pointed to it being the answer, don’t blame yourself. It is just what our brain tells us when we are sick like this. And how could you know everything and what to do. Sorry for your loss but even this podcast is a homage to Regis and his suffering.

[@karmarain8870]

Thank you for this. I am diagnosed Schitzoaffective and you have helped me understand the Schitzo part a little more. I have always had suicidal thoughts, ideation, and have attempted multiple times. Rest In Peace Regis! You were Loved.

[@tweety589]

My daughter is nearly 15 and has been going through psychotic episodes with hallucinations and depression for 2 plus years , she is also on the spectrum , she has been put on a antipsychotic medication which has helped but I’m not sure what her future looks like , I miss my daughter’s happy personality.

[@andalsopodcast]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with your daughter. I really resonate, and relate to what you’re experiencing in so many ways. I just really hope she has a future that is comfortable and livable ❤️ you should definitely check out the Schizophrenia Action Alliance for educational info on hallucinations/paranoia and preparing for the future. Sending you so much love and light for the years ahead!

[@benwinter2420]

Anticholinergic neurotransmitter blockers as in some psych meds cause symptoms same as dementia with prolonged use . . basically lobotomy with drugs , but can be reversed by stopping use

[@adamduncan5371]

I have been living with bipolar depression with psychotic episodes and also PTSD for 20 years now. In the beginning I had 2 suicide attempts but since then I found a therapist who saved my life with CBT, DBT and medications! Thanks for talking about mental health.❤

[@deliajones9541]

My Dad was paranoid schizophrenic and he shot and killed himself at 51 years old. He would think the radio was talking about him and other things. I miss him so much he had a troubled mind.

[@andalsopodcast]

I am so sorry for your fathers passing.. I know the feeling, and it's just such a difficult thing to grapple with everyday. Schizophrenia is such an intense illness, and there are so many nuances and things that many people don't understand. I just hope you are able to find moments of peace, and walk with your grief in way that supports you. sending you so much love and healing, and thank you again for sharing your story❤️

[@deliajones9541]

@@andalsopodcast Thank you, I was 14 am now 65 and i understand that he felt he had to go. It was his choice so i have to respect that. I will never know what he was going through.

[@dawnel8288]

Thank you for this real talk. My brother took his own life in April. He was 47. He was undiagnosed and had masked it for years by self medicating. He had been thru some difficult life changes and losses. He was a sweet kind funny soul who was loved beyond measure. I miss him so much. I can’t imagine the pain and torture he felt every day. I’d do anything to change what he did but I can’t image how much he suffered every day. But he was not weak or selfish. He was exhausted and couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for discussing this hard and painful issue. I am so sorry for your loss.

[@andalsopodcast]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your brothers story with us, and for the thoughtful condolences ❤️ honestly you couldn’t have worded this comment better. It’s always so frustrating when people label suicide victims as selfish, because it’s such a misled concept. You’re right- he was not weak or selfish. I hope you are finding some moments of peace and comfort through your loss, and I’m grateful you found this episode. Thank you again for sharing your story!

[@lunabanana]

I am crying with you two. This couldn't be more real. The grief that you could never imagine that comes with losing someone you love so much. Thank you for this story.

[@lunabanana]

This podcast episode is beautiful. I'm grateful that you shared Regis' story. My brother Ben was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18, and it was a roller coaster of a journey. On April 27th, he took his own life at age 29. As his younger sister, currently 27, I tried to be involved but never fully understood the extent of what he was going through. This year was the hardest for him; he was in and out of the behavioral center and never felt safe. I couldn't quite understand. I just knew I had to be around. The voices were extremely present and only seemed to worsen. Eventually it seemed to be too much. I regret a lot and still work through the blame but I just want to remember him and how pure and genuine of a person he was and always will be. He tried so hard and I really see just how much he wanted to have a normal life. Love you bro. I wish you could of known other stories and maybe if you could of gotten the proper help you needed you would still be here today.

[@andalsopodcast]

I am in tears reading this comment. First, thank you so much for being open and vulnerable and sharing you and your brothers experiences. Second, I’m so beyond sorry for the loss of your brother. I know exactly how you’re feeling as one of the many survivors of this sort of tragedy. It’s heartbreaking. But the fact that this episode resonated with you truly means more than I could ever say. Thank you so so much. If you ever need to talk, don’t hesitate to DM me on Instagram❤️ rest in peace Ben, I hope you have found peace ❤️☀️

[@bfsgrsrg]

Just watched the episode of schizophrenia and suicide, and can relate so much in so many ways involving my son’s death because of his 1:01:42 insidious mental illness with schizophrenia. Regis’s was so blessed to have you and his mom there for him. My son suffered for at least 15 years in torment, and inevitably took his own life. I believe, God, ( the universe) decided enough suffering. Grief walks beside me, along with some joy. You both are so brave to keep going with one another’s support!!! 🙏 Blessings

[@andalsopodcast]

your comment means so much to me, so thank you so so much for sharing such a vulnerable, real story with me❤️ Schizophrenia is a beast, and it can leave us so hopeless. watching our loved ones suffer the way they did was so much to bear, and so much to cope with in the aftermath of this. I am so beyond sorry that your son faced a similar battle. we both share that pain with you. I have found that community helps a ton, so hearing your story today just makes it all feel less lonely. we have to stand with each other! I hope you are finding some sense of peace and healing with your son's death. We are here for you!

[@mannye21]

This is very helpful. Thank you guys for being open. I have been struggling with schizophrenia for about 5 years, and was just recently told that it was actually a mental illness two months ago. It's quite a lot to take in...

[@andalsopodcast]

thank YOU so much for sharing this with me. I am really thankful that this was helpful for you, because thats why we share such vulnerable stuff like this. I am really proud of you for how far you have come, and I would love to hear more about your story if you are open to it! wishing you so much light and peace in your journey. we are always here for you!❤️

[@mannye21]

@@andalsopodcast Thanks so much! I am very sorry for your loss. That is very heartbreaking. I wish you light and peace as well. Yea, it is mostly the medicine that is very intense right now. I am now at 0 delusions and hallucinations after 2 months of medicine.

[@andalsopodcast]

Wow, that is incredible! I’m so glad the medication has helped in these areas. This is amazing to hear. Can I ask what the medication is called? I’d love to research more about it and learn about treatment options for schizophrenia 💗

[@mannye21]

@@andalsopodcast Abilify. Sure, this is a google drive folder I recently came across that has tons of research data in it if you are curious: drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B3eX0nlkVBRReXFXN2VpT0stQW8?resourcekey=0-CEtehUe4GjpOQ6KoVCLTqw&usp=sharing

[@ruth6983]

Starting to watch this one.. and you are talking about getting help.. The problem is many times a person with schizophrenia rarely trusts "professional help".. And when they do actually the help means whole lotta meds... That make you lose yor personality and possibly physical health. I hope someday they'll actually find the root cause and we can start treating it. The care that's been offered now is inhuman.

[@andalsopodcast]

It’s very very hard to get someone dealing with schizophrenia the help they need. Totally agree, we lived this reality every single day, and it’s hard. Though I partially agree about meds being a risk, there are so many people living very normal lives with schizophrenia on their medication! It would be nice to find a root cause, but every case is vastly different. Here’s a really great organization that’s fighting to learn more about the disorder, and has tons of education on treatment! sczaction.org

[@naomiC4362]

Thank you for sharing about schizophrenia, i am currently dealing with this with my son. And i can relate. Sometimes, it feels like there is no real help. This kind of video helps me learn more about it. And it gives me some hope .

[@andalsopodcast]

This means so much to me. Our whole idea with this video was to make at least one person feel less alone. For us, we felt so alone, and it was really difficult. So it looks like the episode served its purpose, which makes me so proud ❤️ I really wish you so much peace with your son, and I hope you’re able to get him the help he needs!

[@lydialevorson3681]

My older brother is diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic and I’m looking forward to listening to this. I’ll probably leave a comment underneath this with my thoughts when I’m done lisyening

[@andalsopodcast]

I really look forward to hearing your thoughts & feedback! Also please message me on IG if you would like to talk more 🖤🖤🖤 thank you for listening!

[@ktbugrox]

9 minutes in and you are discrediting my experiences with depression and anxiety. I don't believe you were intentionally dismissive, but it happened none the less. I appreciate your unique life experiences. Please do not make my life experience menial. I know that wasn't intentional, but that's the problem with texting messages and social media, isn't it?

[@andalsopodcast]

Definitely not the intention at all! But your feelings are valid nonetheless. Every single person with any mental health struggle deserves the help that they need. Every single person with any mental health struggle deserves a happy healthy life. Thanks for pointing this out and sharing your feelings watching the episode🩶

[@andalsopodcast]

I just watched it back to see where you’re coming from and want to add this- my point about it being cute & quirky to have depression and anxiety is NOT my opinion what so ever. To your point about social media contributing to this, I think that’s very true. what I was saying here, is that there is a notion online or in today’s perception of mental illness, that it’s “cool” to be mentally ill with a disorder that is non-psychotic by definition. But by no means do I stand by that or agree, it’s a general notion online that can prevent people from getting help because they feel invalidated. But all of this to say, I hear you, agree with you, and think that my intention with talking about that was misconstrued. But nonetheless, your feelings are valid and it’s never my intention to make someone feel invalidated. If anything my point was to say that people who have mental illness are sized up against each other, and online narratives can determine whether someone will get the help they deserve. Anyways, I wish you peace, and healing wherever you’re at in your journey. And thank you for bringing this to my attention❤️

[@alicialockard5964]

Thank you for the discussion space on this topic. My father struggled with demons and I wasn't able to help him from 'drowning '. He sold my birth certificate, marriage license, and social security card to unlicensed citizens on the corner in Arizona. Thats after he sold all belongings in the house. He sold the couch and TV he sat on and falsely accused me of breaking and entering and the police didn't write the report because they knew he was SMI.

[@josephoimbim7578]

I just subscribe to your channel. Keep up the good work. Best of luck.

[@andalsopodcast]

Thanks for the sub! That means so much❤️🌟

[@lightfaeries7]

Its an illness of newer, dsrker souls; i mean they never report seeing angels..

[@andalsopodcast]

They do report hallucinations of angels in many cases! It’s so dependent on the person. It is also not an illness of newer people. The first cases were reported in the 1800s!

[@honorclarkescatacomb67]

I don't want to come across as critical of you, or like I'm trolling. But since you're holding up the book and talking about reading it if we want to be educated on the topic, you may want to go back and edit that part because you are mispronouncing the title. If you want to do a deep dive into an illness, you should know that the word "Malady" means an ailment or illness. It is not pronounced as if you are referring to the wife of Milord. It has a short a in the first syllable, like "sal" in salad, or "Cal" in California. The word is pronounced, mal-uh-dee. not muh-lay-dee.

[@andalsopodcast]

Good to know, thanks for letting me know how it’s pronounced. It’s definitely not worth reshooting this entire segment, re-editing and reuploading over a mispronounced word. It doesn’t take away from the message, and the book is always listed in the description if someone wants to find it! Mispronouncing something doesn’t mean I’m uneducated- it means I mispronounced it. I know what it means, I’ve lived it and deeply understand it. But I said it incorrectly. That’s it!

[@johnna3279]

I’m so sorry for your loss and experience with the mental health system. I work in a dual diagnosis treatment center and I want you two to know that most workers are just as frustrated with the rules about hospitalizing the mentally ill. Most people don’t pick a job in mental health if they don’t have a serious passion to help and have had a personal experience with mental health impacting their life in some way. We have to go by the same rules a parent does.. they’re adults and have to consent to treatment UNLESS they are a danger to themself or others. But how do you prove they are a danger when they are up and down and don’t believe they are mentally ill. We’ve had multiple patients say they are having SI but will tell the actual hospital they are fine or won’t say anything at all. I understand we all have different experiences and perceptions of those experiences although I don’t think it’s best idea to tell people that they won’t receive help or will struggle to if they reach out. We all have room for growth, this all is just my opinion so you do you, share your stories and continue learning and growing. Thank you for sharing 💜

[@andalsopodcast]

Hey! Thank you for sharing this with me and for sharing your experience working in a treatment center. I wanted to clarify that we are not blanketly stating that reaching out for help inherently means you will not receive it. But we are saying that in Regis's experience, this was the standard, as well as many schizophrenic patients. As you said, it's not entirely at the fault of the system; instead, the illness creates a lot of struggle and dissonance for that patient. I am a huge advocate for getting mental health help and reaching out when you need it! I think when it comes to schizophrenia, though, it's so much more complicated. My guest may feel differently about her son's experience reaching out for help, but ultimately, my personal sentiment and what I share across platforms is always advocacy for getting help! That being said, thank you for your work in the field, supporting those who need help, and doing your absolute best to get that help for them. I know how frustrating the system can be, and how many circumstances MH workers are put in where they want to help, but legally cannot. Anyway, I hope this clarifies my stance that getting help should always be an option and that it's incredibly important!❤️ Thank you for watching and laving some feedback.