Surviving Schizophrenia: Positive Attitude

[@elainegoldstein2120]

I have been a psych nurse for 30 years and I have worked for 2 community mental health agencies in Arizona and Chicago. You are a true inspiration for patients suffering with mental health issues. It is so nice to see you doing so well. Keep with it. You are helping so many people.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much!

[@pauldemic2747]

You’re dad gave you great advice. Also, you’re going to come across haters, it’s inevitable. This is a great learning experience and because you’re such an intelligent young man and fast learner you will learn from this as well. It’s obvious that you have an innate intelligence, it must run in your family.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Paul for your kind words!

[@stellas1459]

Proud of you from a schizophrenic grandma. Your videos mean a lot to me and I hope you make many many more!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Stella! I most definitely will! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day

[@brettgrace]

In a way, I'm not surprised that you rarely receive negative comments--you are always so upfront and honest about anything you're going through, you don't mask the lows and only show the highs like most of social media. Who couldn't respect that! Your videos are extremely helpful, so I'd say the good outweighs the bad by far!!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Brett!

[@rosieposie9564]

Nice to see you smile and I really like the background behind you. I am so very proud of you, you inspire me so much. I like that leaf in the wind comment as well and I will remember it for my own life situation. We your loyal subscribers will be here to support you against the haters though I do not think you will get many of them in any case.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Rosie Posie for always being there. Your comments always mean so much to me! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@monsirto]

You've got this, mate. Your intelligence and compassion has helped many many people. Stay safe! All the best from Gosford, Australia.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Davnar!

[@shaimzaly1446]

So proud that you posted this and are advocating for yourself! So happy you’re dealing with this in such a positive and inspirational way

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for your encouragement Shaimz!

[@elkhoualednour4753]

Hello. I just have found your KZbin channel. I really like you honesty and humbleness. Pls don't pay attention for these hateful comments. You are doing great job. I wish you success in your life. Stay strong ❤❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks very much! I’m so happy to have you here with me! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@CK_29]

Great advice from your loving dad, and I needed this today. Stephen, I admire your attitude and I love your videos. The image of a leaf in the wind will stay with me. Thank you so much!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@aleksandracatt]

That person is probably jealous of your channel success and the fact you’re feeling better. And only miserable people leave negative comments. And miserable people want everyone to feel miserable too. Don’t take it personally, I know it affects your mood, we are all human. But there are lots of sad and angry people in the world. There are always going to be haters. Sometimes, I like that saying: “If nobody hates you, you’re not doing it right”. That person is just a sad and miserable being. You are doing great. You are helping people. Me included. I also have schizophrenia and I find your channel very helpful. Thank you for being here.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Alek! I appreciate your support!

[@denisekarding1844]

It go's with the territory as they say. Some just can't handle others success. You got this!!!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Denise. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@tsf637]

There will always be mean spirited and ignorant people. Please ignore them, because you are a wonderful human being that has overcome so much and you are living a wonderful life! I have a son that also has overcome so much! I admire you guys more than any rock star !!!

[@KristofferStenlund]

Congratulations to 1000sub! 🥳🥳its a good parable with leaves! . 🙏

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@scottcelello2866]

Great job! I am a little off on this quote but “sometimes it’s better not to speak and let people think you are a fool than to speak and remove all doubt”. The person who left that negative comment removed all doubt of them being a fool. You help a lot of people. Keep moving forward!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for your very supportive comment!

[@danallshaw1131]

Had me in tears. Make sure Mom and Dad get big hugs.:))

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Dan! I will!

[@cherylmiller2272]

Hi Stephen. I'm so sorry for the hateful comment. Some people that are unhappy and miserable seem to take it out on others. Unfortunately, that's just a part of life. But I'm so glad that you were able to release it to the wind. Hopefully it won't happen again. I'm pretty sure you're able to block those kind of people from your channel. So glad your dad is there to help. Take care.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@tamarabradberry9299]

Concerning negative comments...it is a reflection of who that person is. Don't even pay it a thought. You are an amazing person.

[@psrwhite]

Thank you for reminding me how to deal with negative comments: let them float away! Perfect. KZbin obviously agreed that was a negative comment and they did not like it either. Your feelings were justified, you addressed how you felt, and then let it go! Thank you Stephen! I love your videos!

[@wesheart]

The comments are reflective of how uneducated people are about mental health. You are literally educating people. Like a warrior in the fight for mental health awareness and removing stigma. But warrior still have to be brave and fight. Stand tall Stephen you’re doing more than you know

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@karenbrownbill9000]

Thankyou for all you are doing Stephen in helping those with SMI. I am so glad you responded this way to such a hateful, biggotted comment. Keep on keeping on - you are going global!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@John26767]

Those comments you mentioned Stephen sounded very odd. Like others have said it's hard to know what motivates someone to leave comments like that. Perhaps they are struggling too. Still I think if it were me I would report it to KZbin. It's great to hear you have risen above this. Thing is putting out content that is close to our hearts can leave us emotionally vulnerable. I have been fortunate in that so far (touches wood), I haven't received any negative comments on my videos, but I guess there is always a first. As always you are inspirational. 🙂

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Your comment is inspirational to me and helps me move forward in a positive way. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@franskel9647]

You're a great positive inspiration to us all. Your videos have helped me relate as someone with schizophrenia. Keep up the good work!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@dragonfly1810]

Keep doing what you are doing. You are an inspiration to so many.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@McHenryCruiser]

Gotta ignore the haters. I get them often too.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@connorrosberg651]

Sorry about that, keep in mind all the people with schizophrenia that you help and give hope to. Like me. I get comments all the time that are discouraging in my day to day but I’ve learned to live with them, it’s part of my life now. I get how hurtful they can be, especially because there’s nothing you can do about having the disease.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Connor for your support!

[@janeliu5237]

Stephen, you’re great! Thanks for sharing your story to help others! I admire your courage and commitment! Your dad is right: let it be the leaf in the wind!!!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Jane!

[@noreenquinn3844]

A positive manner and compassion... Impressive Stephen and Steve. Yes, let it float away and disappear from thought.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Noreen! It has already disappeared from thought. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@gamermo1963]

you are a great guy, focus on your Masculine energy. you'll recover faster stay healthy brother

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@billyshane3804]

Soldier on brother!!! God bless you. Keep it positive and keep living and loving for the greater good of all. Love your work.

[@blueyomogi]

Again, I’m so impressed by your willingness to share and be open about your experiences. Thank you - this is a nice way talk about what happened and it’s a good reminder to me to respond in the same way when people are mean-spirited.

[@learnzz9255]

It comes with the territory. Don't stress yourself from a hater

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you! I won’t

[@teanippalainen2613]

You're doing great.Don't bother about the weird comments.There is plenty rude folks out there ,you can't avoid them.Keep your work up.You're very important and valuable to all the others that are watching your channel.💚

[@CarolR-uy6jc]

When someone is genuine and sincere, the trolls roll. They need attention so they become toxic. Yeah, let the leaves blow. Great line from a song.. "the answer my friend, is blowin in the wind, the answer is blowin in the wind."

[@amandabarnes6721]

The reason people say those things is projection. What they said about you, is actually true about them. "Like a leaf in the wind" I love that.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Amanda!

[@idil4657]

Stephen, you rock!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@ronaldsmith531]

“You can’t please everyone. You only have to please yourself.” Rickie Nelson. Garden Party. A good song to know.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Ronald!

[@susanna3058]

Haters gonna hate, Stephen's gonna Stephen. People leaving stupid comments like that just don't have anything better to do, I guess. Why even bother writing something if it's not going to be supportive? It just makes them look pathetic, really. And...on a different note...I'm thinking of starting my own channel! You've really inspired me. I definitely have a lot to say about mental illness, meds, and life through a neurodivergent lens in general. It's such complex stuff and I really think others could benefit from my perspective, like they did yours. So stay tuned :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Susanna! That is absolutely amazing! Please keep me posted!

[@blackthornsloe8049]

I'm horrified that anyone would be awful to you . Your disorder must take so much strength and fortitude for both you and your family to live with . I wish you only good things . 🌻🌱🌾🌿🌼

[@lindawilson795]

You are helping others. Just ignore negative people.🧡💛💚❤️

[@GrandmaLM]

You got this Stephen.🎉

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Laurel!

[@greg6924]

Nothing but respect for you. That coward spewing hateful comments isn't worth your time. Keep up the good work!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks Greg!

[@johnv1176]

From my experience: when these dips occur, it always goes positive again sooner or later. The hurts feel real, but time corrects them and we grow stronger.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you John! Very profound. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@jessicarettally6534]

Beautiful scenery ❤

[@MrBenflanagan]

Don't take any notice from those ignorant biggots. This illness is hideous and it took me about 7 years to recover, and a super human effort. I only tell people that I trust. You are to be commended.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Ben!

[@knock4banquetmeals]

When I was six I had my first hallucination I've been really tired from running around in the yard and went to go into my room to take a nap and woke up to have some wonton soup 🍲 and I was about 45 minutes into eating it and I realized my family is pulling me off the toilet bowl I've been going to town munching on the whole family's dumpees we've saved up for a week cuz we're trying to save money and not flushed it was an eye-opener that I was schizophrenic but on the other hand the positive side I learned was you get to eat wonton soup twice so really you're only paying for 2 servings every time you get

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing!

[@knock4banquetmeals]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia love the channel bro keep it up

[@zanmartin8054]

Keep going, you are fantastic!!!❤❤❤

[@adampalmer7768]

Good attitude to have Stephen! I like your video clips! Keep it up!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@christopherauretta3438]

Yes, like a leaf in the wind. Let it float away. Forge ahead, smiling. The work you do is too important to stop.

[@aew234]

Were you ever evaluated for autoimmune encephalitis or pandas. You’re headaches and young age seem to be in line with those conditions. It’s worth getting tested for there is an extensive panel for this and though you were diagnosed years ago if these conditions were involved other medications such as immune modulators can be used as adjuncts

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes I was tested in 2012. Thank you! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@marilyndesantos4806]

When people try to take your dignity, they only succeed in loosing their own. Keep going forward

[@kinzhe83]

Two things, first the person wrote you pay for your subscribers, if you say it's not true (and I'm pretty sure it's not) that should be good enough for you and the second thing about being around babies, I read and heard on several occasions that being mentally ill and receiving proper treatment (which is your case) has virtually no impact on whether someone will commit criminal acts or not (in other words criminal statistics are the same for "normal" and people with treated mental disabilities) and that person should have known that. So the comment is complete malarkey and therefore it shouldn't affect you Stephen at all. This is not to be confused with constructive criticism which, while it may sound displeasing, can be helpful, however, this is just someone being jealous of your success and trying to destabilize you. So thank you for being here for us Stephen and keep up the good work :) Edit: I don't know about cases where mental illness is untreated, but I think it's the same, only in those cases there's much greater chance that they become a victim of a crime and not a crime perpetrator.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@Peekaboo2-o8o]

Good for you, Stephen. There's really no need for it. Wow. The comment about the babies is sooooo below the belt.

[@lisacastellanos4553]

There's a saying, "Cada cabeza su propio mundo", "every head is own world", in other words, we don't know what is affecting people or what they are going thru when they project their energies towards us. Who knows what they are experiencing, all we can do is send loving kindness their way and hope they have a supportive community surrounding them. Here's a question: does reading the negative comments (at least those flagged by youtube) help you in your healing recovery or creative process? It takes a lot of energy to deflect unprovoked negativity, even on good days. We all need feedback and constructive critique, but negativity is not always helpful. I'm so glad to hear that you've processed this incident, but again, is it helpful to have to go through it? Just a thought. If the answer is no, then I wonder if someone else can be in charge of those types of comments. Again, inspired by you sharing this experience. It demonstrates how your self-care practices are keeping you strong! Keep up the great work!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Lisa! I like that saying a lot, it is very profound. The negative comment helped teach me how to work through the emotional impact. You said in a previous comment about dealing with stress:“Notice it, talk to someone about it, and turn to my resilience activity menu!” And that is exactly what I did. By talking to my parents, and then working through my emotions by making this video, and going for a mile and half walk that I just returned from. Thank you very much Lisa for your incredible support!

[@onwardsandupwards7397]

Stephen/Steven, please consider the comments as 'questions' about schizophrenia/living with schizophrenia and as possible challenges to your own underlying beliefs about being a young man living with this mental illness. In other words, my own father had paranoid schizophrenia. It really scared him when he learned his diagnosis because of the belief that people with paranoid schizophrenia are dangerous. My father was a person, not an illness. So, that was a challenge to my father's underlying belief system and I was a support to him as your father is a support to you. My father taught me a lot and his living with paranoid schizophrenia taught me a lot about being fully human.

[@rosebuddud0307]

Oh Stephen, there's always someone who will say something negative but I'm sure if you check into it it's not from anyone who truly follows your channel and knows what it's all about. Those of us with schizophrenia feel very supported by you and your work. We learn and grow from it. And I'm sure family members appreciate your point of view as well not always having the opportunity to talk with their ill relative as they'd like. We appreciate you. I'm glad you found a way to not focus on that one negative comment. Keep it in mind for the future. Because there will be other people who don't agree with you or who want to stir up trouble but remember, you are prepared 💯. No one can get to you. We are all here as witnesses to say you are doing great. Take care my friend. Your friend, Rosebud

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Rosebud Dud! Your comment is so meaningful to me and is much appreciated! Your friend, Stephen.

[@PaulineRaabe_]

I agree what your family is saying and the comments in this group are always positive. Being on KZbin there's always that knucklehead or two that throw hate out there. It's hurtful to all of us that received negative comments. I've learned to not even think twice about it. They're not worth it. On all my reputable favorite KZbin channels there's always that person. LoL Sometimes it's just part of it, no worries.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@daniaalbassam561]

Hi Stephen do you take depakine ? Which is a mood stabilizer ? I want to ask you regarding your school studies when we’re you able to go back to study ? And how long after taking clozapine you felt you can go back to study and work ?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Hi Dania! I do not take Depakine. I was able to graduate High School with a GED several years later.

[@daniaalbassam561]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia did your focus and ability to ready and study and mood improved throughout the years and still improving ? Depakine is a mood stabilizer I think you also mentioned that you take antidepressants?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes it did and is still improving. I take Lexapro as an antidepressant. I also take a small amount of Abilify, which research has shown it has antidepressant properties. I take 175mg of Clozapine, 5mg of Abilify, and 5mg of Lexapro every night at 8:30pm.

[@JC-ep5yv]

Just wanted to let you jnow know that my sister who suffered with schizophrenia was great with my son when he was little and they loved each other. Babies give unconditional love and she adored him.

[@ghostmantagshome-er6pb]

Please keep in mind Stephen. Most of the KZbin comments now are A.I bot accounts. Just click on their channel icon and they are usually empty, or just have old downloads. Often they are just snippets of someone's video game. God bless your family.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@TdotJ]

Stephen, how do we contact you and your father if possible, what your doing is amazing… is there a way to email you or contact you.. what you and your father are doing is so helpful I can’t even begin… how do we contact you?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

The best way is through the comments. Thank you! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@themorningmist99]

People can be different. There are some characters out there for sure. But here's a little understood value of suffering through schizophrenia and other chronic illnesses in general, and it's that the suffering you endure doesn't have to be in vain. For example, what does it mean to survive schizophrenia? It means you've been submerged under the ocean, burned in unquenchable fire, wandered about in thick fog ruled by giants, hunted and haunted by beasts and demons in deep darkness. You've survived hailstorms and lightning strikes that poured down on your world, winds that tore through the lands uprooting and leaving nothing but emptiness. There's not many hearts more resilient than yours. When you compare the hell you've had to overcome in order to get where you are, and when you remember it, and then you think about some silly comments from people you don't even know, they become nothing. They can't hit you the way you've been hit by schizophrenia. You took everything it gave you, beaten down and broken, and yet here you are still standing. Resiliency is a word that defines you. Don't ever forget that. Whenever you meet any obstacle in your life that makes you want to shrink or retreat or feel defeated or even just doubt yourself and what you're capable of, remember who you are and the hell you climbed out of to be here. There's nothing that can stop you, nothing that can move you, let alone some silly comment on KZbin. There's a resiliency bestowed upon those who endure suffering, and it would be a shame to forget such a gift. You're not just a survivor, Stephen, you're a conqueror. Don't give back even one inch of what you fought for, but continue to advance. Don't ever forget that. Your dad is wise in his words. Let comments like that blow away, for they are the leaves, not you. Remember who you are in front of negativity that tries to tear through and break down your defenses to injure you. Remember, schizophrenia did that to you and to the rest of us who have suffered, and those are still suffering in defeat. Now, this doesn't mean you don't feel, but it simply means you know how to rise above the negativity. It means you're able to take perspective and recognize that if the hell of schizophrenia couldn't hold you, and the negativity from people don't even hold a fraction of that weight, then they're not even worthy of a fraction of your energy. Great video on bringing awareness to some of this stuff and also how to deal with them. Keep pressing onwards, my friend 👍

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much! Your insightful comment means a lot to me!

[@jeancardoza4442]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Jean!

[@SchizophreniaSurvivor]

Thank you, Jean.

[@Peekaboo2-o8o]

Keep talking rationalising processes and letting it all blow away.

[@kundaliniyogabrasil]

Hi Steven, first of all, I admire your courage and commitment. my son has squizofrenia. We live in brasil. I’d really like to make a zoom group for families. Would you ask your parents if they’d be willing to talk to me. Have a fabulous day!

[@NF-im1wq]

Ignore it everybody gets hateful comments now

[@fekkakhasna5687]

You should know that we are all insects on earth us humans or animals it means none of those creatures either it is big or small can become a powerful God although they are highly ranked in society Highly ranked people can't replace the powerful God The powerful God the light of existence is the giver to all creatures and the chooser of every thing or creatures for all the things we are doing on earth. This life no longer bother me to much. I am asking God about this life and Iam being answered for some things and refused for some others things. Because this short time on earth is not for having everything. Now I am wondering what will be there after life and resurection day in heaven. Iam wondering also what all those beings did to deserve eternal fire or eternal burn, it is astonishing.

[@etnalutt3492]

Don't give a sh...about negative comments. Those people may have bigger problems than you otherwise they would not do that. So, don't bother. Good luck. Luckily now there are better medications and people with schizophrenia don't have to go through Lobotomy that was totally wrong for any human being.