Schizophrenia's Mental Marathon

[@thebookofjj6292]

You, sir, are an inspiration. My father was diagnosed with what in the 70's was referred to as "paranoid schizophrenia with manic-depressive overtones". I was diagnosed with rapid-cycling Bipolar, OCD and MDD at about your age. I was always afraid that because my father had it, that I would also begin showing symptoms. However, I'm 50 years old now so they tell me I'm most likely out of the woods. That you were diagnosed before age thirteen and that you are managing your symptoms - though I imagine not easily - is a testament to your character. I have this feeling that you don't know how much good you are doing by telling your story in video after video. It's people like you who make KZbin worthwhile.

[@fm-9129]

How did your dad make it until his 70s before being diagnosed ?

[@primativemath3265]

"Some days just won't be good. But you know what? Other days will be great!" These are truly words to live by! Thank you sir.

[@baneverything5580]

Hello Steven For my schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, bipolar, and depression, growing some veggies both indoors (see those little tabletop hydro gardens with everything) and out, bought two trail cams, a Daisy 880, set up a bird and raccoon feeder, and more....I just try to find new hobbies that make me eager to get up in the morning. I call this..."Searching for a Smile." Bless you brother! Thank you for doing this to educate people!

[@210nena]

I love this so much! Thank you for sharing. I’ll have to remind myself on mornings that are especially difficult to search for a smile 🌞🫶

[@baneverything5580]

@@210nena There`s a wild bunny here that I made friends with that acts goofy that usually comes to visit each morning, and a raccoon that I can call each evening that comes running to get the dog food I leave for it, and a pair of Cardinals that are excited to see me each morning to get their sunflower seeds. I leave a trail camera on the old trampoline I put their food on to take closeup pictures of them to share and a lot of the pictures are amazing. I just transplanted Tiny Tim micro tomato plants into a new indoor garden too. I hope to grow tomatoes indoors all winter. Buttercrunch lettuce and other salad greens are very easy to grow that way. I planted way too much in my outdoor garden and have to find a way to give a lot of it to someone who needs it. An armadillo kept digging up my plants so I over planted a lot of things. It has been years since I`ve gone outside in the sunlight and it made me feel better. But I`m afraid to feel better because it always gets ripped away from me. I`m truly frightened to even enjoy myself because I feel like I`ll be punished for it. But that`s the kind of intrusive thoughts that are always trying to torment me.

[@monicadahl7715]

Thank you for making your videos. My son has ASD,bipolar,OCD,schizophrenia,chronic migraines. He is sensitive to noice. I’m glad he can eat with us. He used to be a prodigy when he was younger,his medication numbs his emotions,didn’t want to draw anymore. Needs friends!

[@Valerie__22]

Hi Steven, God bless you. My brother has been living with this illness for over four decades. He was diagnosed at the age of 19. Even after so many years, although our family has always been there for him and offered whatever assist we could to support him, we still find his mental health deeply complicated to understand and there remains much to learn about his struggles. I am glad that you have a loving family to walk this road with you. If I may, I would like to suggest something to try, in addressing one of your ongoing difficulties. Perhaps your parents and you can make a type of mealtime reservation a bit ahead of time, where you all know approximately when they would be sitting down for a meal. This can then be your time to go outdoors - for a walk, swim, bike ride, or even make a visit to the library etc. That way, your parents can have time to relax & unwind at the table, and you will not have to be stressed or feeling like they’re tiptoeing around you, (making provisions with plastic dinner ware etc.) and hopefully everyone will feel the anxiety around eating, taken down several notches, or even eliminated all together. I don’t know if it will be a solution for you, but imagine it’s a least worth a try. You are such an inspiration in your insightful presentations, and your dad’s input is so encouraging as well. Thanks for bringing us this great channel.

[@martinbrousseau2560]

In the military we often work 36Hr days and that’s got nothing on the mental exhaustion of overcoming schizophrenia. I’ve done marathons n ultramarathons, but recovering from schizophrenia was even more exhausting, much harder work to overcome the mental exhaustion of working through and all the mental obstacles.

[@gigahorse1475]

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on autism, since there is so much overlap with schizophrenia, both symptom-wise and comorbidity-wise. I was diagnosed with psychosis first, and then once I recovered I found out I have had autism all along. Autism played a big role in my delusions, looking back. But nobody caught it because the psychosis was the more obvious problem. What you mention about sensory sensitivity reminded me of that, so I was glad to hear you are planning on discussing autism in the future!

[@sego5657]

There are two essentials that I turn to any time I need help with energy and mood. I make sure to take my sockeye salmon oil and drink a bottle of hydration drink or electrolyte water. I also have some high moisture fruit or veggies. It's important for me to moisturize my body and relieve inflammation! You're doing so an awesome job sharing your experience, Stephen! I'm so grateful the way you keep shining so brightly for all of us who are here!

[@barneyronnie]

Good to see that you're continuing to thrive; I always look forward to your informative and inspiring videos. You should never feel guilty about needing some time to relax. It seems to be the case, though, that your improvement has been nothing short of remarkable throughout the past year. No doubt your mission to destigmatize schizophrenia through your channel proves to be a tremendous source of motivation. Honestly, you are doing an amazing job, Stephen, and are making the world a better place for those who are struggling!

[@libotoole8489]

I am having a day when I feel very tired physically and mentally and this video popped up. I think it's a combination of the illness and the antipsychotic medication. Thanks for sharing your story

[@martinbrousseau2560]

I’ve done marathons n ultramarathons, but recovering from schizophrenia was even more exhausting, much harder work to overcome the mental exhaustion of working through and all the mental obstacles. In the military we often work 36Hr days and that’s got nothing on the mental exhaustion of overcoming schizophrenia.

[@Rebecca-oz9fu]

I do so appreciate your open honesty and your willingness to be transparent and to share the struggles that you have gone through and are going through. Thank you for making these videos and starting this channel. God’s blessings.

[@TraceyFougere]

I love my hammock... just laying there with my eyes closed listening to the birds.... as long as I'm warm I enjoy it so bring a blanket and have a nap outside if you get a chance.

[@Tolya1979]

Great job on the videos, Stephen! You seem to have more facial expressions and are using eye positions to recall things. I don't know whether you're getting out more, or it's the KZbin channel. You seem more grounded. Keep it up!

[@Kevtalkseverything]

I'm glad to see that you are doing better , I have bpd, bipolar disorder, adhd and avpd with major depressive disorder, your mental when you over do yourself will make more fatigued but it does getter and I'm glad to see you keeping your head up and staying positive, I love your videos they are very inspiring!

[@sapphirelane1714]

Thanks for making these videos! Parents: thank you to all the parents who genuinely try to understand your schizophrenic children. Please understand it is absolutely draining and painful on a physical level too! I’m grateful with a family who offers help, but they don’t really understand the physical impacts of schizophrenia on the body. They think it’s chalked up to feelings…I wish! Haha, I can have my emotions in check, but if my brain is physiologically acting up it’s going to affect me. Been struggling with vision and digestive issues the past few years, but pushing through. I can only imagine how relieving it physically is to have a normal brain…

[@crystalclear5098]

From what I hear its noise pollution over stimulating your senses and creating frustration. I bought cd’s years ago from an online company, Holosync. They create white noise at vaying hertz that varies through each ear, headphones on of course. Anyway they said that the discord created in the brain creates a stress that when overcome is akin to inner personal growth, or growing through trauma responses. Sorry to rattle on, but thats what came to mind re the cutlery noises. I hate the the frustration I feel from others noise pollution. Ive learned to grow through that. I think understanding the process helped me most. And wow thats so many kms in two days. Your muscles can only grow while you rest and sleep. Most likely it was your muscles prompting you to rest. Hope your smiling, your videos are awesome 😊

[@Joshoehlerking]

I love looking forward to your videos I watch about 3-4 of your your recent ones a day it helps know I’m not alone with this illness you are awesome and continue with your greatness of who you are🤘🏼

[@shadipahlavi]

Hi steven ur videos r really helping me --i feel less alone❤

[@Jameswinds]

I do my hobbies these days now that I've been outside of the hospital for two years: cooking, photography, astronomy, plant collection, a little bit of community involvement. When you are busy with your hobbies, its a healthy time.

[@shelleystojsavljevic155]

Just don’t take on too much when you feel well. You then have days or weeks to recover. You are so brave after all that you have been through. Take care x

[@yasmeen66]

Dear Stephen you are a wonderful person You are the age of my kids I get stressed out too and can have anxiety sometimes for no good reason I love listening to you speak Your videos are very calming because you sound so true and real and you have a good heart ❤️ Thank you for making the video and for looking after yourself Best wishes on everything you do 🌻

[@pauldemic2747]

Great video Stephen. Sharing your journey with us is so helpful. And brave! Thank you.

[@janetpope8495]

Hi Steven! Thank you for sharing and showing your thoughts/feelings. The steps you take to help cope sound positive and effective. Very helpful!

[@jesuspp5157]

Hey young man, there seems to be a number of people trying to get on the 'band wagon' about Schizophrenia. God Bless you, and may you keep getting better

[@laurelgillespie5612]

Thanks!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Laurel! I very much so appreciate your continued support! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@Jay-kk3dv]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia You mentioned in other videos the Schizophrenia appeared after a Flu or Flu like illness. You have PANDAS, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It is most often associated with Strep and OCD but can by any combination of infection and psychiatric disorder. The flu like illness caused your body to have an autoimmune reaction, the immune system starts attacking the brain. This caused your schizophrenia. The acute onset at early age is good evidence for PANDAS. This is also why you responded positively to Antibiotics.

[@georgene6767]

@@Jay-kk3dv You probably should leave the diagnosing to his doctor.

[@Jay-kk3dv]

@@georgene6767 and you probably shouldn’t tell people what they can and can’t say

[@georgene6767]

@@Jay-kk3dv Far less troublesome than playing pretend-doctor.

[@kinzhe83]

Hi Stephen, thanks for making this video, I can somewhat relate even though my mood and energy swings were due to bipolar disorder. I remember when I was off meds I used to have such an intense and energy filled periods of mania (about 3-4 months) and then I used to instantly crash into depression like someone turned a switch off, and depression used to last a lot longer. However, all that changed when I started taking Zyprexa, virtually all of my positive and negative symptoms of bipolar disorder were gone, but fatigue, weight gain and hypersomnia kicked in. Nowadays I sometimes have just a minor fluctuation in mood, but nothing life ruining like manias or depressions. I used to have a moderate sensitivity to sounds too when I was off Zyprexa, one time I had to sleep in a room that was next to a street that had a busy traffic, and that was probably the worst night of my life. However, thankfully Zyprexa fixed that too. That's some of my thoughts on this topic, thanks again Stephen, I really wish you and everyone here all the best :)

[@dardan9218]

Sorry to hear you've been feeling drained. i feel the same thing personally. good to hear you've been walking so much though, great stuff. hope you feel clearer mentally

[@CarolH2]

Steven, thank you for your videos, they help so much, and shed light on schizophrenia which reduces stigma, which is awesome.

[@NatashaDay-h8n]

Hello Steven,loving your videos so informative.Thank you for telling people your story,your channel is so interesting.I suffer with Schizoaffective disorder.lots of love Natasha....xxx❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@carollima20]

Hi Stephen! Excuse any english mistakes. Know that we are listening to you. Great video. Thanks for you take the time (even without much wanting to) to do this.🙏

[@anafreire9078]

Hi Stephen, you are doing a wonderful job talking about this important topic that affects so many lives. My wish is that one day science will catch up and we will be able to eradicate this dreadful illness. Don't give up, keep going I wish for you many joyfull moments ahead of you. Okay take care.

[@martinbrousseau2560]

Thank you Steven I absolutely agree living with schizophrenia is equivalent to doing what I would call an ultra marathon.

[@noreenquinn3844]

Very wise, Stephen. You gotta do what you gotta do. It's good that you realise this now and don't stress about it. So many don't realise this and feel a failure. It's just life. It's lucky that you are self-employed. For others with Schizophrenia and with Autism the same should ideally be possible. Employers and teachers need to be made aware of this. Also, before starting work or school, time to unwind and have a cup of tea is often necessary and helps. It's just part of the requirements of the conditions. A few words of conversation and a joke or two also help. I am looking forward to your Autism podcast. Sometimes, having mild Autism is nearly as bad as having other forms. This is because it is an invisible condition, so people expect you to act normo typical. You even expect this of yourself because you don't know. This very mild type of Autism is often discovered very late, if at all. It's a shock all round, and you probably have been bullied, left out, stressed from trying to figure life, not sleeping well, and are suffering all the time from undiagnosed sensory overload. All this leading to a high psychotic potential. Keep up the good work, Stephen.

[@tjtampa214]

Glad you enjoy making your videos 😁👍and I'm sure it is helpful for many people. There's a lot of people in the world that feels the same way and appreciate talking to someone about it ... someone who knows and experiences it.🌷

[@missnucci26]

Thank You Steven. ❤️🤍💙

[@Joypontious]

Thank you for sharing your story. You seem like a remarkable person.

[@silviareyes5267]

Than you Steven for all your videos. They help me understand my son who lives with a mental condition. God bless you! 🙏🏼

[@kristina4272]

Hello Stephen. My son has been diagnosed with autism and schizophrenia. I would be interested to know how these conditions overlap, and how to distinguish between the two conditions. Great video, again.

[@WDBsirLocksight]

It's one if the most difficult differentials if not dubious in terms of value. There's no good way. My researcher friend presented 5 ven diagrams to conceptualize autism and psychosis. Dr Bernard Crespi & Christopher Badcock used a diamrtric model where there maternal imprinting. These conditions centrally involve altered development of the self, but they have yet to be compared directly with regard to the self and embodiment as of 2019. The fact they build a foundation on evolution is the reason I am cautious as evolution is an outright delusion of science. The problem that not all autistics have external hallucinations not just misidentified inner voice, is a curiosity probably in relation to disturbance of identification of self. Then there is a problem of spiritual development that people ignore along with the existence of Satan. With regards to diagnosis why do we need one at all...? A certain cutting a pie into infinite slices only works so far. DSM 5 is like that with 311 categories where grief of only 2 weeks gets you an MDD dx. All if this is most likely a reflection of the spectrum of human existene with capacity to be creative & curious, go against the grain or follow others. We respond to our environment with all sorts of responses. Schizophrenia Spectrum much the same from research categories like psychotic- like and psychotic-anomalous experiences (PLEs and PAEs), the schizotypal group, ultra high risk groups to supposedly clinical groups like prodronal, first episode psychosis and etcetera. One differentiating technique is identifying the quality of the experience and the journey of the symptoms that twin with the individual. Through all this are observers (psychiatrists and psychologists) who come from a specific viewpoint with lenses, biases and subjectivenes. Why do they claim they know reality when there biases by tgere own existence and bubble...? As much as we want discrete bins much of what is going on is a live experiment in sociology - how society will respond depending on different groups viewpoints from rich to poor. Ask yourself what is the most difficult to accept or work with in ur son beyond the labels...? Maybe meds might "help" for one thing or you may find out med's are not needed. All psychotropic meds just suppress the nervous system - there sedating. Just an outside trusted voice to work through the bewildering maze of experiences that cause the fog, confusion and cognitive effects.

[@salovas7264]

Your coping strategies for depression and anxiety are so good. I feel less alone 😊 Thanks so much for your share! ❤

[@deborahs2593]

I'm not sure why your video popped up on my feed but I've watched two of them. Your courage and determination are remarkable. Thank you for telling us your experience of schizophrenia. You are helping others (and yourself). ❤

[@yulastrader9126]

You are incredibly lucky that you had a caring family who loves you. My husband went sideways in 2020, july 15 ish. , In 2021, December 1 - 18 th my son went into a phycosis . The 18 th was the day my brother Charles Pifher murdered my so. My so called mother Ruth Pifher is covering up for Charles so he doesn't go to prison again. Ruth is Jeffrey Scott Robertson Jr. Grandma, . . How could anyone protect there son over there own grandchildren. This is a truly sick and twisted world we live in. . You area true inspiration , thank you for sharing your story with the world. I hope this gives some one knowledge , and the clues to help them with there love ones. I will never get to see or hold my son ever again. My husband is a shell of the man he used to be. He is nothing like he used to be. God bless

[@JIMKATSANIDIS]

Very informative and helpful video! The mental fatigue can affect negatively on participation in various activities, including work, study, leisure and social activities. Sadly the causes of fatigue in Schizophrenia are poorly understood and there are no established treatments. Anti-psychotics can be helpful in managing Schizophrenia's primary symptoms, but they can come with side effects like fatigue, issues with memory, attention and reduce quality of life. Thanks for sharing Stephen!👋🌷

[@frankconti5725]

Hi, I have schizophrenia, I've been in the hospital 3 times, I am on clozapine, and everything is going well compared to a year ago, and I graduated from high school 2 weeks ago. What is your advice for hearing these scary voices when I am anxious or triggered?

[@grahamhardie6853]

Hello Steven your psychiatrist medication will reduce your stamina and induce fatigue so best not to over do your walks. I sleep for a couple of hours a day early afternoon and early evening which revitalised me. I am like you and get totally exhausted for no particular reason and I have diabetes 2 which doesn’t help. Your coping strategies watch a comedy etc sound good and effective. Hope you get your energy back soon-ps I don’t think it’s your schizophrenia causing your fatigue but your medication. Take care Graham

[@jessicarettally6534]

❤

[@Tolya1979]

Exercise can metabolize antipsychotics at a lot higher rate, meaning you can run low if you are exercising. Normally, antipsychotics are stored in body fat which acts as a buffer, releasing them into your system when you are burning body fat. In your case, you might be running low on the antipsychotic blood levels when you walk five miles. Also, if you have been on antipsychotics since age 12, your brain has developed along with antipsychotic use, meaning you will probably have to be on them for the rest of your life, despite how much you recover. Clozapine is the worst in this regard. I am in a similar situation. Your brain never fully develops until age 25 or 27, when the pre-frontal cortex fully develops, controlling primarily your critical thinking and impulse control. In people with mental illness, autism, PTSD, etc., it can fully develop a lot later in life, if ever.

[@rosieposie9564]

Interesting information.

[@jeannesullivan5392]

Steven, my sister suffers w/ schizophrenia too… I was wondering if you were tested for Lyme disease…. You were camping about 6months before your symptoms started…. May be worth testing for a tick bite…. I hope that you continue to overcome your diagnosis…. You just seem too young to have been stricken, my sister didn’t develop it until early 20’s….

[@mtc1801]

So thankful for your channel. Maybe you have already considered, but have you ever used biodegraddable cutlery to ease stress of hearing metal on plates. Just thought of that when listening to this video❤

[@butterflygirl3359]

You are such an inspiration Stephen! Thank you for explaining this so well. I have depression and anxiety and I often experience a sense of being mentally drained. I don’t want to do anything. Exercise is so important and I am in awe of your ability to do so consistently.

[@byhislove]

I bet daily functioning can be draining and once in a while, we just...well need a break!

[@teanippalainen2613]

What about swimming ?💚

[@NF-im1wq]

Sorry you are feeling stressed out right now going for a walk and talk seems to make you feel better

[@johnv1176]

last few days I've felt this too

[@grahamhardie6853]

Also what your going through emotionally depressed about the past etc are normal human emotions that everyone experiences. Life is not perfect so don’t try to be perfect all the time 👍

[@amyjones8613]

Hi friend. I have schizoaffective depression type and take the injection every 3 weeks. How do you watch your weight on these types of medicines? I suppose you eat clean? Also I have been very moody. The inner narrative is extremely exhausting in my head and it makes me tired.

[@calebbrazeau4597]

Our son has schophrenia and autism and he has trouble with the sound of metal utensils so we use plastic ones so we can eat together

[@tim57243]

What video games do you play when you are trying to relax? I hear that first person shooters make some people depressed. If you routinely walk 5 or 6 miles, that is good, but if you opportunistically walked 6 miles because yesterday's 5 miles felt good and you never have walked 11 miles in two days, that might have been a mistake. Runners try to gain 10% per week.

[@Helena-to9my]

Hi Stephen, could you please talk about group counceling? Was it helpful? Why or why not? I have suggested this many times to my psychologist, but it is not something that is practiced in Sweden.

[@fluctuatnecmergitor]

Mr. Stephen, I wonder if you would consider being pen pals - actual snail mail letters that could be vetted by your dad if you like. I'm 62, married, a Chief Engineer / Associate Director, and have lived with general anxiety/panic attacks for a long time. But I don't think we'd write each other about medical things. I study ancient history and lots of stuff that might be of some interest. At any rate, if you have interest, let me know. If you are not interested, there is no need to respond. I completely understand.

[@shadipahlavi]

Can you plz make a video about ur sense of self?i feel mind shattered with diffrent shreds represntaing fake versions of me --my real self feels dead and gone i have cotard syndrom

[@nancyk6536]

What are you doing all day? Do you have a job or going to school? You may need some sort of stimulation to keep you energized and focused. Maybe an online job? I think you would be great at many things!

[@baciliorochajr_schizophrenia]

Are you sure this video was uploaded 3 weeks ago? It seems like its LIVE when I watch it 😴😥

[@lindawilson795]

You should write a book❤.

[@hellisheretostay]

Hey, what kind of games do you play? I know you've spoke about feeling lonely and similarly I'm in a lot of Discord servers for games I play which can be nice sometimes to talk about stuff when you're bored or to ask questions / share things ^ ^

[@wieslaw111]

try ear plugs when eating together with your parents or play loud musi on your ear phones sothat you are not able to hear the eating sounds

[@Jay-kk3dv]

You mentioned in other videos the Schizophrenia appeared after a Flu or Flu like illness. You have PANDAS, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It is most often associated with Strep and OCD but can by any combination of infection and psychiatric disorder. The flu like illness caused your body to have an autoimmune reaction, the immune system starts attacking the brain. This caused your schizophrenia. The acute onset at early age is good evidence for PANDAS. This is also why you responded positively to Antibiotics.

[@gigahorse1475]

You shouldn’t be so confident as to diagnose him. There are other autoimmune diseases that can have the same effect as PANDAS. And there are probably many we don’t know about or understand as well.

[@genji7536]

Yeah I read an article on that it can range from schizo to ADHD etc that pandas like strep can be a sign if autoimmune disorder but we dont know which one causes the trigger. 😵 I do a lot of reading on this stuff so I can vouch for the citation. I also get very bad strep that needs anti boitics

[@genji7536]

Well lately I havent been needing anti boitics I've had strep 2 times without taking so that's been a good sign but again if your diabetic or insulin resistant, metabolic rate from adrenal gland hormones usually respond to the brain on inflamation too, it's also based on kidney or adrenal health. So maybe that's a good start, if people with schizo or other disorders related to get a diet that may help reduce stress and cortisol, There are adrenal/kidney clense diets I went on one similair it's kinda helped with medication treatment and cutting down sugar does help. Inflamation onset is usually the problem its if your body is responding properly to recovery. Also nootropics are bandaid but they usually help...

[@idissolvebutirecrystallize8410]

How do you feel when you’re eating and you make noises

[@Simonjose7258]

❤

[@WWS322]

You might not have slept enough the night before. Or you might be tired because of medicine. You are young. I wasted my energy by being angry my entire life. Use your energy wisely.

[@Aquaman5436]

What’s up Stephen u have a ps5 I would love to play with or a pc to play fornite lmk much love

[@Aquaman5436]

Play with u

[@jeancardoza4442]

❤️Hugs❤️

[@kathylooperlmft3045]

Do you have a website or email?

[@Daniel44x]

I don't understand a single line what he was sayi

[@bhanusri3732]

Did u complete graduation?

[@NzionNzion]

Do parasitic cleanse and deworm and see how great you will feel.

[@lanyinigo54]

Hey, i hope you realize Jesus can rescue you from all the darkness, you can read isaiah 53, its a very touching chapter, he actually suffered for us and is familiar with our sorrows, he loves you ❤️

[@goblin1226]

Fatigue can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, so maybe that could be a reason? I also have schizophrenia, but it might be vitamin d deficiency for example (this is what caused my fatigue)