Breaking the Stigma: Inside My Life with Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia

[@educating3281]

During childhood we have the expectation that we will grow up, have a profession, get married, etc. We tend to think that other people achieved that, but we didn’t. In my old age, I came to the realization that we all struggle in life. Other people’s lives may look better than ours, but it’s only because we don’t see their struggles. Nobody has the level of happiness that happens in fairytales. We have moments of happiness. Then, we hold to those moments as fuel to move us forward in life. Try to make a list of the blessings in your life and the blessings you give to others. Your channel blessed me with hope. I wish you much happiness.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@HarisShetty-hq7wm]

0:04 0:04

[@MukeshPanche-fi9ln]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@natas12rm]

I’ve achieved that. I even own a new car. Not that that means anything in reality but if material gains and gainful employment is your measure, why do I have these things as a “non compliant “ and the compliants can’t stop from melting down? Not trying to be harsh but just asking.

[@JosimarSeverino-v2j]

Tt

[@kimberlyturner5886]

Thank you BOTH for sharing the realities and feelings of what you go through. My daughter was diagnosed at age 20, but is now 34. It's been an uphill battle, but she's much better today. I've finally realized that she will never be fully independent. As a parent, that was a tough reality to accept. However? It's been much harder for her, because she is stubborn and often hides issues, (or tries to). God bless you and your whole family. Thank you so much, from a stressed mom.

[@natas12rm]

Why won’t she ever be fully independent? I’m tired of this gaslighting! They said the same about me. The dr. tried to gaslight me to believe I was even incapable of taking a bus home. Such bs. You’re doing your daughter a disservice and when you are gone where will she be?

[@SmilingBeaver-ou7nc]

​@@natas12rmYour absolutely correct. I have bipolar 1, and I was not diagnosed till I was 48 years old. I worked as a nursing assistant for over 20 years, and when I received help, meds, and therapy I work at home. Yes I have Family here, but if I'm one day left alone I can and will fully take care of myself. Thanks for listening ✌️

[@lindaarkert9919]

Dear Steven, thank you so much for your utube chanel and your honesty and vulnerability. It's so important, and helpful.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@elizabethterry3717]

Thank you, Steven, for sharing your experience with us 😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

You are very welcome! Thank you!

[@BeckyKay-m7v]

It is sooo great to see you both!!! I love your smiles!!! My son is having a rough patch. He doesn't want to eat, shower, or do anything. BUT he's not hallucinating anymore!! So that's a big win for us!!! It's sooo great to see you in recovery!! And I'm proud of you for taking your meds & staying away from drugs and alcohol!! You are making positive choices that encourage wellness!! And you have such encouraging words for your followers! I especially loved the conversations you had with your dad!!! He has such a special way of supporting you and relating sooo well to parents of sufferers!! Thank you both for continuing to inspire and uplift folks affected by schizophrenia ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much! Your words mean an incredible amount to me. I hope the best for your son. Thank you for your support and encouragement!

[@jojokn1]

You are right , Stephens Dad is a wonderful support for him, my son is the same as yours , has no interest in showering and taking care of his hygiene 😔and his memory is quite bad due to having ECT , all the best 🤞

[@BeckyKay-m7v]

@@jojokn1 I'm sooo sorry!! I know how hard it is!!! I tell people I grive for the son I used to have. It's like he died and this shell of a body is what's left.

[@natas12rm]

@@jojokn1why would you approve your son getting ect? Isn’t that a crime against humanity?

[@natas12rm]

@@BeckyKay-m7vthat’s what you think of your son? Omg I can’t believe this is people’s support.

[@fluctuatnecmergitor]

This may be the best father and son video yet posted on this channel. Y'all touch a lot of spots that other people experience, anxiety - through to panic attacks, clinical depression, an more that allow others not directly in the schizophrenia community to really empathize, even feel what you're talking about. And more, your coping mechanisms are helpful to others, very much so. Even in pain management - distraction is essential. Sometimes quiet time is necessary, I know, when I have a panic attack I'm not very rational, and then I'll regret what I say. But with many things, like "irrational" anxiety, distraction is very important, like video games or watching comedies - and empathy with others is also essential to understand that you are not alone. You hear the cliche when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I have a friend who had some very bad things happen in his family and he told me the his strength in caring for folks through the tragedy came from changing is question from "Why me?" to "Why not me?". In other words, he was best able to help not only himself and them, but also others suffering. That's what you are doing, Sirs, and it is greatly inspiring. Thank you.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for your inspirational words! I appreciate your words greatly. They impact me and encourage me to continue. Thank you very much. I hope you have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@cheribee968]

I just think “ put one foot in front of the other “ It’s admirable how genuine you are coming to terms with mental health challenges. Much respect to you. You help so many Yes mental health issues in my immediate family. I know it’s difficult .

[@themorningmist99]

You feel empty and thus, unsettled. It's like something is missing. Even when you're "okay," you're not okay because, "is this really me, or is this really what i should be doing?" Everyone is having fun, and I should be having fun, too, but I don't feel like I belong. I feel like there's a glass between me and everyone else. Everytime you're happy, you remember you're not supposed to be happy. If you relax too much, it's going to get you. So, you're always on edge, uncertain and yet certain of the uncertainty. Does it feel something like that, Stephen?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes, it does feel like that often. But it is getting better!

[@natas12rm]

Wow, you just described 90% of the population…

[@GRestores]

As someone with a special needs sister (down syndrome) and also schizophrenia, from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for sharing your experience with schizophrenia. There are so many things she can’t explain to us that you are helping me understand in not only how she feels, but how we should see her and treat her.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing and for your heartfelt comment. It means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.

[@GRestores]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Thanks! You too!

[@jean99708]

You both helped me understand so much about my son. Thank you . Much Love to you👍💕💕

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much.

[@LuxeJourneyVlogs]

Stephen I just want to say thank you because by bravely articulating so well provides valuable source that can be used to help the ones who can’t speak up for themselves in like manner.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@susanaroche8642]

Thank you both. Stephen you are so brave to open up to everyone about your illness. I see you as a very loving, handsome and interesting young man. I pray that you have a close friend and a girlfriend one day soon. My son who is 29 now was diagnosed back at age 22. I hear some of your symptoms are similar to his. He is tired alot and just the other day called me from work to tell me he wanted to get off the medicine because everyone says he looks tired or high. He so wants to meet a girl and he has a problem with that. He is shy when it comes to girls. He is depressed alot about this. He has trouble getting to sleep and then in turn getting up in the morning he can sleep for hours once he falls asleep. I get upset sometimes with my son because he acts normal many times and I wonder why I am doing all his things, laundry, cooking, waking him up and reminding him of things. I want him to be independent and I think my husband and I are holding him back. Its not easy to be the support at times. I know its a struggle for him and I wish so much I could take it away from him. He will be going to see a psychologist next week for the first time. I hope that it will help him. Looking forward to your next video!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Susan for sharing about your son and your life experiences. I wish your family the very best. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.

[@KarenMckay-mh3sb]

Thank 🎉 you Steven I'm a 54 year old that has the disease and I can tell hope, purpose and connecting with whose your God and family support you'll be able to heal and do Amazing things with your life. I was a soldier a mom and now back in school to change my career. My illness was due to trauma of being attacked but I can tell healing is daily work. Keep striving!

[@charitybartell5708]

I love that you advocate taking meds as prescribed. Thanks you so much for the food discussion, too. Just like my sons.

[@natas12rm]

@@charitybartell5708 why do you love that? You love people doing what they are told when it isn’t helping them make a recovery?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Charity for watching, commenting, and sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@kitandsons173]

Great to see you both! What a loving home! Cousins are the best! My boys depend on their cousins for support. It is nice to be around people who don't judge and can just be there and have fun. Your channel gives unbelievable insight. There is over three million people with different variations of your condition. Hard to believe. That means there are tens of millions of family members trying to understand what their loved ones are going through. Your unique perspective gives so many people hope and understand that despite temporary set backs, there is always some new therapy or suggestions to help manage life. Thank you.God bless!!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support! I appreciate it greatly. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@SL-vq7zq]

I appreciate this video. My son is 24 and he was recently diagnosed. I’m trying my best to educate myself to better help, support and understand my son. Thanks again 🫶🏼

[@SchizoKitzo]

I love that both of you were in this video! It makes me happy to see your dad supporting you, and you are definitely not just surviving you are thriving, like he said, even with daily struggles to deal with. Love this! 🎉

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@NavigatingthePeriphery]

Hey Stephen, so glad you are back. I can really relate to the cognitive issues, and lack of motivation and energy. Those 3 things are my biggest issues with my schizoaffective disorder. Thank you for your content. It really inspires me to keep going. You and your Dad are great!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@JIMKATSANIDIS]

Great discussion Stephen and Steve! Schizophrenia is associated with significant distress and impairment in personal, family, social, educational and other important areas of life. Sadly, stigma, discrimination, and violation of human rights of people with schizophrenia are common. But there is hope! A range of effective care options like, medication, family interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy and psycho-social rehabilitation (e.g., life skills training) exist and at least 1 in 3 people with schizophrenia will be able to fully recover.👋❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Jim for watching and commenting, and sharing about the reality of schizophrenia. I appreciate your support! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@denisemgraham8689]

Thank you once again Steven for sharing. My mom, 76 diagnosed at 69, and my three sons 34, 35, and 36, have various schizophrenia type diagnoses. They have all managed their diagnosis in completely different ways as adults. I just want to say thank you for sharing so honestly. I am still learning at 60 to be the best support person I can be to my family. Part of that is always finding cool KZbin videos. I learn from you and your dad every single time I catch a video. I’ve traveled this path almost my whole life, 55 years. You share things maybe my family doesn’t want me to know like the constant depression because I work so hard to help everybody. These are things hard to hear as a mom/daughter but important I know/remember. Keep up the good work. You will keep grow at your own pace. All my sons drive but it took one till age 32. Do you have any artistic hobbies or gaming you enjoy? Thanks again Steven and Stevens’ dad for your honest meaningful sharing. My biggest hope 35 years ago was for mental health to be de-stigmatized and that’s one of the most important works you do here. 😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for sharing about your sons and your kind and meaningful comment. I do enjoy gaming, drawing, and reading! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.

[@BlackAdder1970]

I'm so impressed with your presentation, Stephen. You are well spoken. Your positive attitude and willingness to share your experiences are so refreshing. We'll done! You've got a new subscriber!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@grahamhardie6853]

Good luck Stephen you are doing really well and are high functioning if you can make and produce such high quality videos. I wouldn’t know where to start. Take care pal ☀️

[@DiPlanet883]

There are so many aspects of schizophrenia that behave as some sort of long term viral or autoimmune type reaction. Fatigue, severe hunger, mental fog. I personally notice a sensitivity to heat. (I was diagnosed at age 44-rare to get it that age) I went through so many tests. The main thing that showed was a severe vitamin D deficiency. I also was exposed to many toxins- I am a veteran who served in the Army for 9 years. If a cause is found a cure is right around the corner. I appreciate your candid discussions on the channel.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing. I really appreciate it.

[@charitybartell5708]

Thank you so, so much. Both of my teenaged sons were diagnosed with both autism and severe mental illness early on. However, my younger son's issues changed when he was 11, though, and, since then, his symptoms have been very similar to those discussed. My younger son is also treatment resistant, but he has gotten a lot of relief from psychosis by combining antipsychotics and monthly electroshock. (He is 16 and in perfect physical health, so he has had no bad side effects from the electroshock; he was already having memory issues, so there has been no noticeable change in that.) Both of my boys had had anxiety since before the age of 4 and depression early, too. You are not alone.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for your very kind words and for sharing. It means an incredible amount to me.

[@ron1183]

I'm so happy that I found your channel my son is dealing with this right now he's going through catatonia and it's really hard to see as a parent.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for watching and sharing. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.

[@pauline_raabe]

Hello gentleman! It's so cool how your channel has grown. I been here since the beginning now your at nearly 900k Subscribers. People are listening . Thank you for sharing your journey. 💞

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Pauline! It has been amazing having you on my channel since the beginning. All the support you have given me means so much and has helped me an incredible amount. Thank you!

[@pauline_raabe]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia you are so welcome! Sharing your knowledge is key to understanding. Thank you!

[@hayleyprice8345]

When I was diagnosed I just wanted to self destruct but gradually can get on with things now

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing. I felt the same way too.

[@natas12rm]

What do you do to get on with things? Do you work or go to school?

[@hayleyprice8345]

I just take a day at a time

[@gregdescant4121]

4:09 Thanks! I'm so thankful you're making videos.ive always enjoyed watching them!❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much for your support Greg! I appreciate it greatly! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@dawnmarkiewicz1916]

Steven, you do have a beautiful smile. Also, you've come a long way.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you! I appreciate that very much!

[@natas12rm]

@@SurvivingSchizophreniaI want to see you come further. Do you have a mountain bike? I want to see you hit the trails. I want to see something besides the schizophrenia talk

[@germainedenon311]

Yr channel is great! 💯 Very genuine depiction of the disease

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@helenaaraujoalmeida731]

Obrigada Steven pela grandiosidade de falar aos nossos corações. É um assunto que só quem já viu de perto pode ter noção do quanto é dolorido. Você é um jovem do bem. ❤🙌🙏🇧🇷

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for watching and your kind words! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@elysemattocks1495]

Thank you for all you do!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you! I appreciate that so much.

[@igorlinhu]

I live with my mother and my brother who has schizophrenia and he’s been making our lives hell . The instability ,depression and his cigarette addiction make living together really difficult

[@jacquelinejohnson2956]

I deal with flat emotions with the difficulty of not being able to talk to people.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.

[@candiadams5512]

You both have hearts of gold.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@carja09]

Hi Stephen, I just want you to know that I’m still watching and do care. I had to avoid watching too many videos about this topic because I feel the necessity to approach it in my own unique way. A little bit like you’re doing, but with my own personal take on things. I do occasionally watch & I do care - very much. I hope when you see this comment you’re doing well & just know that we all go through the complicated range of emotions associated with this. My own personal take includes nutrition and energy healing modalities. They have come a long way. If you or your Dad are ever interested, I can give you more info on these. Best always, Carolyn

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for watching and sharing Carolyn! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@shamanmermaidblackdragon]

U ❤ explain it very well Stephen I totally can imagine it all perfectly bcs of how u explained it for your self Ur such a brave soul I’m so proud of you And I love all your content u create Sending light to u always Much love namaste ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@TitusMatthews-x4h]

, good luck , good channel here, it’s never easy to admit we have problems, physical/mental etc

[@cre8ivelife554]

Yes, slowness in processing speed is the worst! Not understanding what happened in a situation or what someone is telling you until hours later makes it hard to live life I'm sure... make things difficult in so many ways. Everything from not realizing you need to do something to missing out on a beautiful woman hitting on you lol... ugh

[@noreenquinn3844]

yes, you articulate well, Stephen. It's good that you have strategies. Did you plan any holidays this year?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Noreen! I just celebrated Independence Day with my family, which was a lot of fun! I have a video coming out soon where I talk about that amongst other things. I also have plans to go to Texas in a few months to visit family. Thanks for asking! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@Laura_toggsgirls]

Never quit!

[@tamarafrancis8404]

Going to bed. Will finish watching another time. I'll be well. 🙏💅🙂 Be well.

[@catherinemarsh5453]

When my daughter developed schizophrenia and went on medication, I bought her some multivitamins with the largest does of folic acid and told her to take two every morning. Within 10 minutes I noticed her "waking up" and becoming more alert and "with it" when talking to me. It helps very much when they give heavy doses of medication that make you feel heavy. Do you take any supplements at all Stephen?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing! I take vitamins B, C, and D daily.

[@prashantbendale7687]

Stephen thank you 🙏🙏🙏.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@rxytduyfigu]

You guys are awesome. Thank you for your insight :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@me-cfs-strategiesforhealing]

Hi Stephen, you mention fatigue. I was wondering if you get very exhausted after you do too much physically, eg go for a slightly longer walk than usual? Do you ever experience times of exercise intolerance, where you just don’t have the physical capacity to take exercise?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes I do have times when my fatigue is too much for me to exercise. I have been struggling with that for the last week. I am planning on going for a walk today to get back into exercising. Thank you for asking!

[@me-cfs-strategiesforhealing]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia thanks so much for the reply. Keep up the wonderful work

[@greg6924]

Thanks for sharing. A most insight conversation

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@fatimacoutinho4437]

Olá, Steven! Estou assistindo vendo voce ...❤BRAVO!❤..FALO DO BRASIL... DA AMAZONIA.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for watching from Brazil!

[@NoahLeppin]

Love your videos

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@ovhome6841]

Something to consider in the future is to look into KarXT a medicine in clinical trials still but being reviewed by FDA. It is very similar to clozapine, but is suppose to improve cognitive issues, not make u as tired. And other benefits to metabolic health. Also Emraclidine You or your parents may want to look into these and maybe there is a clinical trial you could participate in one.

[@messpilo]

I have anxiety obsessing recurring thoughts and I face similar symptoms affecting decision making.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing.

[@natas12rm]

I have demons trying to kill me. Last night one was right over my shoulder and said God was a liar. Paraphrasing of course but yeah. So what do you do for fun?

[@ashnisa7703]

Does clozapine cause hair loss.. my brother aged 24 is put on it at 225 mg dose since a 1 month ago and he is facing severe hairfall for first time .. did u ever face this issue

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

It hasn’t caused me hair loss.

[@SpaceLife80]

Great info!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@hiepsterPhD]

Thanks for sharing my 20’yrs old son just diagnosed with Schizophrenia, he hears voices/ hallucinations and he is tiredas well.. we are going though a hard time and so painful at the moment ..thanks for sharing

[@kristapeterson1924]

Hello. Im Verginia aka Krista. I communicate with Dboy. Just got back from Jamaica. I also have to write down everything.

[@jeancardoza4442]

❤Great video❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Jean!

[@Robbox9]

Thank you for sharing 👌 i always watch and support you. About the stigma, even when you try to change it, you will never get intelligent reactions from stupid People, just live and let live. Greetz

[@JakeBriggs-dj2bn]

Im seeing a therapist but im still in torment

[@JakeBriggs-dj2bn]

Still struggling i would do anything to be cured

[@natas12rm]

You can’t be cured. You need to learn how to cope and power through it. Quit waiting for the medicine to fix you because it won’t.

[@heloisamoraes292]

AMÉM

[@davidharry9390]

❤

[@natas12rm]

Amazing, this channel just grew 8 more thousand subs in less than 12 hours. Just amazing… hello? Don’t you want to live in truth? Your dad isn’t doing you any favors.

[@MoonSunshine55]

Stephen be careful & weary of morningmist (who commented above) he is just trying to promote his own channel and he claims to have had schizophrenia but is now off medication. Now i do feel what Lauren is doing with the keto medical diet may be a promising path, waiting to see the outcome of the clinical trial on that being done at Harvard right now. Although, i feel that medical keto diet may not work for all with schizophrenia. But i feel that those saying they just willed their way out of schizophrenia are spreading dangerous info and doing a disservice to those with schizophrenia all just to build up a ytube channel like morningmist is doing.

[@natas12rm]

What’s so dangerous? I’m fully functional, work 60 hours a week, am independent, don’t do counseling and don’t do meds. Why does your conspiracy go against MY lived truth? You’re dangerous…

[@tamarafrancis8404]

❤❤❤.

[@SebastianaValdox]

*JESUS CHRIST IS THE LOVE. COME INSIDE TO THE TEMPLE OF GOD. RECIEVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD'S LOVE. JESUS HOPES YOU.*

[@Laura_toggsgirls]

I suffer bipolar 🎉😂😢

[@tamarafrancis8404]

Pgt me Steven not sure sweetheart😘

[@Laura_toggsgirls]

Mental illness is interesting

[@heloisamoraes292]

AMÉM