Surviving Schizophrenia: My 5-Week YouTube Mental Health Break

Hi everyone, welcome back to Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen. I want to openly share why I had to take a 5-week mental health break recently from posting videos after consistently creating content here for over 2.5 years to help destigmatize schizophrenia and support others.
The intense schedule of working on this channel non-stop for several years, without breaks longer than two weeks, finally started taking a severe toll on me mentally and physically. My depression worsened significantly. I began sleeping in much later (until 1:30 pm), struggled to talk about my channel without getting overwhelmed, and just felt the stress catching up with me. On top of that, I got physically sick, with blood tests showing an elevated white blood cell count.
I knew I needed help, so I met with my psychiatrist, who adjusted my antidepressant medication, and my primary doctor, who ran a full panel of tests. Even then, my parents had to wake me up after 1 p.m. because I slept so much. As someone with schizophrenia who hasn't finished school or had a regular job before, maintaining this intense schedule was tough on me.
But this channel has been the most significant thing I've ever done. Your incredible, heartfelt comments of support and concern during my break strengthened me. They helped motivate me to take care of myself so I could return to making videos again, which is very cathartic and therapeutic. When you watch my old videos versus now, you can see how much better I'm doing cognitively, emotionally, and functionally since starting this channel, thanks to your fantastic support.
Moving forward, I've realized I need to pace myself more and take breaks regularly so that the stress doesn't build up like this again. I've learned my lesson about the importance of taking time to relax and recharge. I think this applies to anyone dealing with a lot of stress, but especially those of us living with mental illness.
I'm feeling much better after this five-week break and am excited to ease back into posting videos. I've made a new commitment to taking breaks when needed. I'm still working with my doctors to figure out my sleep issues and get fully back on track.
I'm also hoping to find new ways to branch out and connect with people who share my interests, like competitive Pokemon. I also want to connect more with you (our community), so I'm considering getting a post office box to exchange mail and connect!
I can't express enough gratitude for this incredible community and all your support. You've helped me come so far in my schizophrenia recovery journey. While I had to step back to prioritize my mental health briefly, I'm fully committed to continuing to be open about my story and advocating against mental health stigma on this channel.
If you're struggling with your mental health, please know that you're not alone and that it's more than okay to take breaks when you need to. Thank you so much for watching, and I look forward to connecting with you more in future videos. Take care and see you next time!
#SurvivingSchizophrenia #schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression

[@dardan9218]

I'm really sorry to hear about your recent depression my friend, wish you all the best with it, take care and take hope! Remember, as Rilke wrote, no feeling is final. Thanks for the videos

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! It means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@fluctuatnecmergitor]

It's very good to see you, sir. Please rest assured that your support here is neither conditional nor transactional; it is an amazing thing to hear such honest and open discussions about these topics which touch many even well beyond Schizophrenia - people who have depression or anxiety or any of many concerns that you express. I rarely take breaks from my work and I've paid for it with medical conditions over the 42 years on my job - you are right to balance things and consider yourself, your family, and your friends first. Thank you for continuing to share your journey as and when you can. Prayers go with you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@kitandsons173]

Your channel community wants you to be happy and free of stress! You are showing exactly how you handle your condition. It is great that you recognize how to manage your life when you are struggling. Good that you have a team of experts to turn to when things don't feel right. Changes in the seasons here on the East coast really effects my son. longer days, messed up sleep cycles, even cold to really hot weather. He always sleeps with a fan, even in the winter to keep his sleep environment consistent. We all need to take breaks. Love and prayers to you and your family. Glad you are feeling better.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! I wish you and your son the very best. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@iamalex8457]

Hi Stephen; I hope you’re doing well. I am 26 and have schizophrenia as well. I was diagnosed with psychosis at 13 when I was hospitalized for depression. It later developed into full blown schizophrenia and recently I’ve probably struggled the most with my delusions and hallucinations in quite some time; but watching your videos and seeing your work and positive energy makes me really want to be myself again and not give up on myself. Although I’ve been struggling I also probably have felt the best about myself ever in my life recently. People like you make me feel not so alone and I appreciate the effort you put into this channel. I really hope all the best to you and I like Pokémon as well lol. It’s never too late to feel that nostalgic Pokemon battle. You’re not alone either Stephen and I’m rooting for you dude! It’s ok to not be ok. We all have ups and downs. Life is a journey. We each have a path we just gotta take it slow sometimes. Keep up the great stuff 👍🙏🙌

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! What you said means so much to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@SN-XZ]

Hi Stephen, as a mother of a young man, I must say that you should feel very proud of yourself. You have a genuine heart and been so brave and honest about sharing your true feeling and experiences to help people in similar journey.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much.

[@pattib8902]

Hi Stephen, knowing your goal is to destigmatize Schizophrenia, be aware you are doing a great job. Most people without a disability will never reach over 700k people with their message but you have Even if you had to stop the channel for your personal survival, be proud of what you’ve accomplished. I’m a 72y.o. Woman and you’ve opened my eyes to the disease. Thank you! And kudos to your supportive parents. Be proud of them. It’s so difficult to watch your child suffer. But I see the pride in your dad’s eyes whenever he is with you. Despite your challenges you have the greatest gift of all: being loved. Take care of yourself. And thanks again for all your efforts to enlighten us about schizophrenia. You’re a gem!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much! I appreciate your kind words and kind support! It means so much to me.

[@cindyperez1085]

Good to see you today, Stephen. Your channel is doing very well in terms of subscribers and your content. Glad you are taking care of yourself. It’s important to do that so you can keep strong and give your message a voice. You are improving our world.❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@katherinehsu6537]

Hi Stephen, long time no see! I have a little relapse due to facing my trauma. I hope you well and having more rest😊😊😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you. I wish the same for you!

[@katherinehsu6537]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia ☺☺☺

[@SaraWinger-ct8hr]

Great to see you back! I'm glad you took a break and ready to share your insights again! God Bless you!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Sara so very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@Harbaksh1234]

Bless you, Stephen. Take your time, we aren't going anywhere ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Super glad you’re back! Hopefully the psychiatrist will help. For me when it comes to content creation it’s so hard to find boundaries when it comes to work and fun and self care. But it got sorted organically so I hope that it will for you too. Best of luck! You got this 💪 PS: I have friends who play Pokémon Go and meet people at gyms/raids. So you can always try that!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much @SchizoKitzo Thank you also for your suggestion! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@kriss506]

Hi Stephen. It's great to hear you will continue with your channel. It is very informative and interesting. Enjoy your breaks..I hope you have a good time.

[@rmantini1]

Hi Stephen, welcome back ! My son is also 24 & living with SZ. Looking forward to seeing your content, take your time! Self care & recognizing symptom flare ups are critical to respond to. Hugs from Texas

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for watching and commenting! I have family in Texas! I wish you and your son the very best.

[@Heather-p3k]

Good to see you back, been thinking of you, glad you are doing better!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Caleb! I appreciate it!

[@curtisroberts503]

As my mom always would say “Take care of you.” My 24 yo son who suffers from schizophrenia is very isolated and lives alone. I am his his lone advocate. He has always been fan of Pokémon and anime. We used to play the Pokémon trading card game a lot. He has a Nintendo Switch with Pokémon games but hasn’t been wanting to play much in the past year it seems. I am trying to get him interested in doing something so maybe Pokémon will get him going a little. :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much.

[@elysemattocks1495]

Glad to see you back. Be kind to yourself. I also have bouts like this best is to take the time and with hope come out stronger ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@lindaarkert9919]

So good to see you. Taking breaks is such a good idea. It's self care and a good example to others. You are such a wonderful example and your authentic and honest videos are so important. Sending love.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Linda! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@carlosmaldondo9851]

Hi Stephen good to see your doing better today. Love what you’ve done with your channel keep it up brother

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks so very much! I appreciate it!

[@SueB42]

I am so happy to see you and glad you are doing ok! You figured it out and now you will take breaks! Looking forward to the next!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@denisekarding1844]

You have to do what is best for you under the circumstances. I know you read your comments and also know you can't respond to them all. I don't expect it and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. It's good to see you back!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Denise! I appreciate you greatly. It feels good to be back. Thank you for the support you have given over the years!

[@jeremywilliams1664]

Thank you so much for your bravery and your videos Stephen! I’m going through many mental and physical health concerns right now (Autism, ADHD, suspected Hypogonadism, a psychotic mental disorder (not sure if it is MDD w/psychotic features, Bipolar 1 or 2 with psychotic features, or schizophrenia/schizoaffective with bipolar disorder or depression) but you are an inspiration for me and I appreciate that! Keep up the good fight and good work. We can’t let our mental disorders win.

[@jeremywilliams1664]

God bless!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for sharing and for your kind words. Wishing you all the best.

[@Riley_sd]

We love your channel and the support you give all of us. We will always patiently wait for a video of yours. Say hi to your Dad also. Sending you positive energy and light.✌️☀️💙

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so incredibly much! Sending positive energy your way too! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day! PS: My Dad says hi!

[@elizabethterry3717]

Hi Stephen, good to know you are feeling better and trying to find new ways to be happy.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@tom-ss2mn]

Glad you had a break and feel better

[@NavigatingthePeriphery]

So glad to see you back Stephen! I can relate to everything you're saying. My channel is taking its toll on me as well, especially when I address cerain painful events or topics from the past before my schizoaffective diagnosis. Keep up the great work. Glad you're ok and feeling better!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your kind words and for sharing.

[@dragonfly1810]

Stephen have you tried the ketogenic diet? I have been doing a lot of research and it seems to be very successful with putting people with depression, bipolar, schizophrenia in full remission. I am talking to my son about this. Hoping he will give ketogenic a try. Dr Palmer is having great successes with his patients. Thank you for always sharing your experiences. ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

No I have not tried it.

[@jamespassas9441]

Welcome back!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@cathykilleen2716]

Great to see you Stephen - keep up the good work you are doing giving insights and sharing your story. You are helping a lot of people

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Cathy!

[@edwardmccue5982]

hi steve:) glad to see you back you are a great inspiration and honor to watch, and inspiration to others. Keep this going, dude!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@JillianCatherine]

Take as much time off as you need Stephen! We will be here for you! I have schizophrenia as well so I understand! I have depression as well! Your mental health is more important than anything! Take care of yourself like you are doing.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your sharing and support!

[@MrBenflanagan]

Al the best. I was diagnosed at 18. You've had it really hard and your work is amazing.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing and for your support.

[@TammiJayneishere]

This channel is so important. Thanks. (You're looking great by the way!) I really enjoyed the video where you took us on a walk with you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@annhasty4857]

You are so wise. Take care.

[@noreenquinn3844]

You make, making videos look so natural and straightforward. Stephen. We didn't notice that you weren't taking breaks, but yes, of course, breaks are essential, especially with Schizophrenia. In fact, work contracts should allow people with schizophrenia to take special unpaid leave as necessary without the fear of losing their job or being penalised. Maybe this is something that should be discussed further and petitioned for? The reason why people with schizophrenia fear jobs or can't hold down a job for a prolonged period is precisely because they know they can't take time out breaks as needed. They fear being trapped in a job with people and situations they don't understand and with no escape mechanism. No possibility for taking a break to decompress, compose themselves, and gain perspective again. This is very frightening. Schizophrenia patients know themselves and their illness to a great extent. They know they may need time outs that others don't.. Without the break, psychosis, shut down, or melt down can creep back in, with all the heartache that these bring. If a simple break helps the situation, why not allow it? I think there are great similarities between autism and schizophrenia. In both conditions, patients are prone to circular thoughts, processing speed difficulties, getting exhausted from all the thinking , figuring, chatting, social nuances, and general sound and fury of life.. etc.. Thanks, Stephen, for identifying and highlighting this important issue. All managers, personnel staff, training staff, teachers and lectures, etc. should be made aware of this and facilitate special needs breaks in the workplace. Keep up the good work, Stephen. May your recovery be a speedy one.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Noreen for your continued support and encouragement. Your words always mean so much to me! Thank you so much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@Hypatia350]

Great to see you! It's always the right thing to put health first. Excellent self-care skills!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@littlezentz]

Thanks!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so incredibly much! I appreciate you and your kindness greatly. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@ryanamundson2723]

Its ok to take a break, nothing wrong with resting.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@Hfftgbfrschjm]

Great success 👍 glad you feeling better brother. Taking breaks is better than giving up, that's a good motto 💪😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@BeckyKay-m7v]

You look amazing! So great to hear more from you! And super excited about the P.O. Box! You are such a beacon of hope & light for us parents who are trying our best with our sick kids!! Have you been back to going on your walks?? I will say, in our community, our Public Library has had a pokemon group in the past that would meet up and play. Not as stressful as an actual tournament!! It's free and Just a fun way to meet like minded people! Maybe your local library has something like this. Check it out if you'd like! And take all the breaks you need!!! We're here for you and we'll wait for you! Hugs from ND!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Becky! I never thought about checking to see if any of my local libraries have Pokemon groups! I will definitely look into it. Fingers crossed they do! I have not been walking daily, but am going to slowly get back to them. I appreciate your support greatly. Thanks again.

[@martinbrousseau2560]

I wish I could film… Glad you took a break,,, Glad you’re back… Take all the personal time you need. Hope you’re doing well.

[@martinbrousseau2560]

I need to learn to organize video files before I start making videos. You’re right to set yourself a schedule,,, routine,,, stability.

[@martinbrousseau2560]

I’m Sorry,,, is it ridiculous to look for videos on Keto diet healing schizophrenia,,, as well as cardio exercises healing schizophrenia. What’s holding you back.

[@martinbrousseau2560]

I’ve also thought of past things that were stressful, while also helpful n beneficial… This last week I realized or accepted,,, I need to focus on the things that will All be beneficial and helpful.

[@pauline_raabe]

Hi Stephen GTSY! The best part of taking a break is when to know when you need one. Rest is so important for clarity. It is for me. I think P.O. Box is a good idea It could be fun to read some letters and cards from people that care and relate, Even cool packages of fun things to do. If anything makes you uncomfortable Just close the P.O. Box If it gets too overwhelming. Always take time for yourself no matter how long it takes. Our support for you will always be here. ✌️ ☮️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much Pauline! I am excited to get the P.O. Box setup soon!

[@chickenmonger123]

Of course. It’s perfectly understandable to not burn yourself up. Now that you have a little drive and purpose. A job you can do. If there is a point to all this, it is focusing on how to live well with those issues as a practicality. Just glad that you are addressing that. If it was best for you to leave without a word. I would suggest it. Luckily it’s not. KZbin is a bit of a unique stress as it is. A learning experience and skill anyone might struggle with without the personal struggle involved in the subject you tackle. The Pokémon Tournament seems like a good idea. Of course, people have all their own challenges. Friendships. But with a little careful consideration, and perhaps a wise word from someone worthy, it seems like a good start. Glad to see you back. Take care. For what it’s worth I will pray for you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your kind words and support!

[@roxdonado240]

😊Take it easy, sweetheart, we have a son who's turning 23 this July 2024 and is struggling with probably this same condition you have. Pat yourself in the back. You are doing great. 💯 Keep up the good work. I am praying for you, God blessings, amen!!!!!!!!! 🙏

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much. Your words mean a lot to me.

[@hilary2457]

Glad you’re doing better 😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@omg_SallyKelly]

So good to see you and know that you are feeling better. Can I ask you a question? I would appreciate if you could do a video about your medication journey and what treatment regimen finally gave you some hope. I have a 12 year old daughter who was diagnosed with this a year ago. She was started on Risperidone, then Aripiprazole, and now they wanted to go to Clozaril. We have opted for Olanzapine trial which is structurally similar to clozaril but without the blood side effects. In this video your life sounds just like what she is dealing with and we are struggling to stabilize her. I did not want to ask you this in the past becasue did not want to stress you out. But, if you can, please share your past medication trials as this can be our life saviour. Please shed some light on your medication journey and the challenges you face with each regimen and the path you took to end up on clozaril. We live in rural Washington state, so we haven't had access to what you might have in California, but we are grateful for one single Psychiatrist we did find for her. Thank you very much and our thoughts are with you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I plan to do additional videos on this subject. I have several previous videos about my medication. One video that goes in depth about my medication and medical journey is “Schizophrenia Psychosis - Father’s Thoughts.” It is a very long video, about 40 minutes from around 2 years ago. Wishing you and your daughter the very best.

[@omg_SallyKelly]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Hi Stephen, thank you very much for your reply. I will go and watch the referenced video. Thanks again and please keep up your work. It's really making a difference in the lives of all who are touched by this. We are not alone in this and all of humanity can benefit if we can further understanding of this affliction. Take care!!!

[@baciliorochajr_schizophrenia]

I just got a new psychiatrist. My first appointment is on September 11 i think. Also, my IHSS caregiver is my mom.

[@natashiajohnson8251]

Stephen you look refreshed and you sound great!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@LuxeJourneyVlogs]

Hi Stephen excellent self awareness and understanding what works for you. Good job.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@ChrisPatersonAus]

Good to see you well mate! I like the idea of PO Box, maybe you could use QRZ cards like the amateur radio community uses. Cheers from Sydney, Australia 🙏

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Good to see you too! Thanks very much for watching from Sydney, Australia!

[@grahamhardie6853]

Your doing a great job Stephen. Glad you took a break 👍

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks very much!

[@johnv1176]

Thanks Stephen. I can relate.

[@lettiekirk5967]

I have noticed that you’ve been away and I didn’t say anything but want you to know I’ve been thinking about you and hoping you were ok

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me!

[@Kipodkid]

thanks for uploading bro

[@smallisbeautiful2808]

You probably just naturally have a later circadian rhythm... Some people just embrace it and do everything on a later schedule😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yeah! That is very possible. Thank you!

[@JeannePeters-g4u]

Please ask your Doc to prescribe sleeping pills! Switch between 10 mg of ambien,switch to 20 mg of sonata when you build up tolerances to either..in addition, there's low dose remeron and low dose trazodone..please do this soon .insomnia is awful

[@davidharry9390]

Glad you were busy taking care of yourself. 🎉❤😊

[@mided2119]

Good to see you back, mate. Nobody would blame you if you feel the need to space the videos out a bit more, so that it is less stressful and more manageable for you. If you get a P.O. Box, I will send you a gift from England :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and support. I am definitely getting a P.O. Box soon and will let you know when I have it!

[@NatashaDay-t8j]

Hi Stephen,maybe you should join your local library or social club.Love your vlogs.I will pray for you.I hope you find happiness in your life.Lots of love❤ Natasha..x❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@shamanmermaidblackdragon]

Missed you Steven be well and you did right to love your self and health and put your self first 😊🎉💛🧚🏻‍♀️👍

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@NoahLeppin]

Have you ever taken Hydroxyzine for anxiety?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

No I have never taken that. Thanks for asking! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@JoanieParkin-vx3hv]

Namaste stephen..thank you.. I am.bipolar..75 ..incanadathry cut us Off from mental.help services over age 79..forcing us to use overworked emergency hospital services.i needed a medicatonn revolt review etc..I live overseas in asia as not enough.money to.live as a senior with base housing and survival

[@JoanieParkin-vx3hv]

Thank you ...I am a buddhist nun..and feel deeply the Suffering of our community in general..barely rating treatment and services that feel like still dark ages.ignorance. recently government . And police calling school massacre. Shootings caused. By mental llness ...?????ignorance is overwhelming.

[@lostmaskey]

1 sub❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for subscribing! It means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@jackiecooley5937]

🙏

[@annasundstrom7764]

💙

[@jn2400]

You should look into the carnivore diet..ive been reading interesting results with people and mental illness. Would be worth giving it a shot! That would be a popular video of your results if any.

[@natas12rm]

I don’t believe this is a good example of how to survive schizophrenia. Most schizophrenics don’t have KZbin. They have to work 5 days a week. They can’t say I’m going to take 5 weeks off and 2 weeks off anytime i feel like it. I need to learn from someone who roughs it out and pushes through. I work up to 60 hours a weeks and if I was just like yeah I need 5 weeks off I’d be homeless.

[@mladventures1935]

Bingo

[@abhisiddh4930]

🎉🎉🎉❤😂

[@NatashaDay-t8j]

Hi Stephen,maybe you should join your local library or social club.Love your vlogs.I will pray for you.I hope you find happiness in your life.Lots of love❤ Natasha..x❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@NatashaDay-t8j]

Hi Stephen,maybe you should join your local library or social club.Love your vlogs.I will pray for you.I hope you find happiness in your life.Lots of love❤ Natasha..x❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉