Schizophrenia and Cognitive Challenges

[@timothywilliams2887]

I've missed friends and my daughter due to my schizoaffective. I'm trying to heal and be a part of their lives.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you, Timothy for sharing. I wish you the very best. Thank you for joining me on my journey.

[@AG-su4ij]

Listening to your backstory was very moving and pained my heart. Losing a decade is a real experience and I know for a fact you're not the only Schizophrenic to feel this way. As you cherish the happy childhood memories you do recall, be glad you are still so young, only 23 with your bright future still ahead🙂 Stephen you will make countless new memories and these will enrich your life. Best wishes to you and your Iovely family always. You are blessed to have so much support ❤️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@pauldemic2747]

Thanks again for sharing your experience with schizophrenia. You’re a fascinating story teller.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Paul for watching and giving me your support! It is very much appreciated!

[@manarazavi35]

Thank you for sharing your story. My dad had schizophrenia and I’m learning so much about his condition through you and it’s helped me tremendously. He died at 87 and had a long and beautiful life, was a brilliant physician and worked until he was 79! He stayed married to my mom and had us three kids so I hope that gives you hope in knowing you can have a full and meaningful life. You’re awesome, remember that!

[@lenajanssens7859]

I have schizpphrenia and i am studying to be a physician too. Very encouraging !!

[@ellamaria9547]

I feel you! I’ve lost so many years, I still think I’ve been ill for two years and in reality it has been six! Here for you!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Ella for sharing and being here for me!

[@John26767]

Regarding the memory, I find mundane days of insignificance often blend into each other, and as such they don't rate very highly in terms of importance in remembering. I also tend to start my day off with a hot drink. Being hot it takes a while to consume which in turn gives me time to plan my day ahead. I try and wind down before going to bed, clearing my thoughts, like clearing the desk ready for a fresh day tomorrow. Anything not completed I just make a mental note of it and place it on a to do list. I find prioritising thoughts while dismissing others works for me. Hope this has been of some help and I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable trip to Texas. 🙂

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you John! It was very helpful. I am very much looking forward to my trip to Texas. Thank you for the best wishes for my trip!

[@barneyronnie]

Your dedication and commitment to recovery is inspiring; your insights into the onset of childhood schizophrenia are quite revealing, as well as the effectiveness of clozapine. I recall a fellow patient from my first hospitalization in 1988 who had been a first year medical student at Stanford. During my stay, he repeatedly would say, " Peace, love and tranquility. " I saw him several months later on the street, and he told me that his physicians had put him on Clozapine which proved to be an amazingly effective. He had no serious side effects, and his progress was truly 'miraculous.' There is no doubt that your are helping both those who suffer from behavioral health problems as well as destigmatizing psychotic illnesses. All the best to you as you continue your journey. By the way, enjoy your trip to Texas!!😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much! I really appreciate your kind words!

[@jeancardoza4442]

You are a champion! Intelligent, kind, sweet, honest, generous and fighting stigma. I appreciate you so much and look forward to watching your videos. ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much! I always appreciate hearing from you Jean and for your support!

[@lisacastellanos4553]

Great video, Stephan! Embrace the now while letting go of the past...I know its hard. Keep making videos because they help you to continue to process and integrate meaning into your experience. Meaning is important for everyone. As is purpose. Keep up the great work!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Lisa! I completely agree that meaning and purpose is important. That is what my channel has and is continuing to do for me. I always look forward to your comments. They are very meaningful to me!

[@laurieberry162]

I am sorry that you have been through this. It must be difficult, but there must be good things in your life going on right now.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Laurie for your encouragement! I do have good things going on in my life now!

[@dianahutton913]

Thank you so much for your videos. My 31 yr old so has schi,zoaffective disorder and is only now beginning to get some insight into the disorder. I hope your trip to Texas was awesome! You are a remarkable young man. 🇨🇦

[@stellas1459]

You made me cry. Thank you for sharing. Sending love from Texas ❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Stella.

[@SchizophreniaSurvivor]

Stephen just landed in Texas tonight. Everything is good. Your comment was very impactful to me and to Stephen. I cried too. Thank you!!!

[@Shellperson]

Hi Stephen, I hope all is well with you and your family. It’s always great to hear from you. Always remember that progress isn’t linear and that there is no place you should or shouldn’t be in life as long as you’re not harming others. I think you’re a compassionate and caring individual and I’m sure most people you meet will think the same of you. Please don’t be so hard on yourself. I think that regardless of what people have “achieved” they are deserving of everything the world has to offer. It’s a daily struggle trying to find value within myself so I totally get where you’re coming from. Honestly 2018-2022 were probably some of the darkest years of my life and things are slowly starting to look up but I’m honestly afraid to raise my hopes lol

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Massie!

[@BinksRandolph]

Focus on the now, today, and not the past. I write things down too :)

[@elizabethshannon24]

Thank you Stephen, we need to be informed what you are going through so that we can better understand the daily struggle of those with schizophrenia. Keep going, you are always a pleasure to watch.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support!

[@simonroper4713]

There has to be a pay off for all this suffering the one in one hundred go through. I’m more introverted Stephen, I can’t be as out as you. I see you blasting stigma away and old behaviours or ways to approach this. I’m a little frightened of your content I think because I’m so used to my coping techniques you take away my safety blanket! But I take away inspiration from this. Thank you.

[@John26767]

What an absolutely awesome video Stephen. 🙂 You made me reflect on my teens and the take-aways from it. When I reflect I don't believe they were that important actually in terms of direction in life. I will explain if I can have a little of your time and I will break it down into sections... So regarding friendships they come and go for many reasons. Those that remained for me if I break it down were due to having similar values and being able to get and relate to each other (friendships that just work without having to put effort into it). Friends can be people you can confide in and run thoughts past for a second opinion, although if I'm honest my family were better placed/effective for that... What is important is social skills, and then we come to validation too. We get a sense of who we are and where we fit in by the way our peers treat us. Now this can be a very mixed bag, and it can go from one extreme to another and also very quickly. It's important not to give this too much emphasis as our priorities and interests can change rapidly in this age group as we try and find our way in this world, and as such those that may have held us in high regard one moment, may change their opinion due to silly mis-understandings or warped emphasis on what they suddenly deem important. As they develop along their own natural directions they might just find they relate more to others and social circles change accordingly. In a lot of respects Stephen you are lucky to have missed this finicky social time in life. To add, your social skills are up there on par with anyone Stephen, so don't feel you have missed out and further into this reply I will share with you why all of this gap as you see it is irrelevant. 🙂 As I went through my teens my priorities in life changed a little, mostly due to the pace of change society inflicts on us. I was more of a plodder, reactive rather than pro-active. I conformed, did my school work hoping to go on and do A-levels, but more importantly I didn't relish having to look for work, faced with unfamiliar territory. Time moves fast and before I knew it I failed to get the results I was hoping for and the cushion of education removed from under me as I had to find work. Personally I think the education system could do a lot more to get students mentally prepared for the big world outside of school and get them more in a position of standing on their own two feet, instead of still being in somewhat a state of dependency. This mind-set can be really difficult to snap out of, the transitioning from one of expecting everything delivered on a plate to one of finding one's own way in this world. I will go into the right approach in a moment... Then of course there is crushes/romantic relationships. For some it can be a really good experience, then for others it can be an un-doing that lasts a lifetime, never moving past that time bubble of hurt and continuing down a tangent of misconceptions or unhealthy conclusions. Again I feel you are very fortunate to have missed this, and it's important to note that egos, peer influence from both sides of the fence can really have detrimental influences distorting all manner of outcomes that otherwise wouldn't have happened. Relationships and situations of this nature being new are the very foundations of understanding and if a mangled mess ensues it can take someone qualified to untangle that mess and put things into their correct contexts and perspectives. It's a potential mine field that in my opinion you were lucky to miss. 🙂 So moving past the dependent stage we have a different vision, priorities and direction in life. In terms of forming all manner of relationships it's having the foresight to being able to read people and know those that are good fits for us moving forward in our current direction in life. We can glean a lot about someone just by observing their mannerisms, their manners, how they relate to others, what sparks their interest etc. Sometimes to take a back seat and observe is to be prudent. Knowing someone on many levels it to know how to initiate conversation (assuming this is someone you want to initiate conversation with). With regards to relationships with ourselves, first and foremost be true to ourselves, have healthy boundaries and be true to others. Stephen I believe you already do this, and again you are lucky in that you don't carry the baggage/burden of nasty criticism etc. that peers can put on others. With regards to direction in life it's working out where someone ideally wants to be in life, then gaining all the necessary skills and setting wheels in motion in finding ways to achieve those goals. All of this gives foresight, direction and purpose in life. Hope this has been of some help. 🙂

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much John! Reading your comment has made me feel better about my missed opportunities in life and myself and who I am now. I really appreciate you!

[@gigahorse1475]

Thanks for sharing your story. I can relate to a lot of these cognitive difficulties. When my symptoms were beginning, I had so much trouble following directions and remembering where my classes were. I had to ask multiple people for directions since I could only remember the first thing they said. Then I would go to that location, ask another person, and follow the first step they said. I eventually needed an accommodation where an upperclassman would lead me to each of my classes for a week or so. I should have realized that’s not normal and something should have been done about it.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@gigahorse1475]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Thanks, and same to you as well!

[@sego5657]

I basically skipped experiencing transactional relationships such as having family of origin or guardianship. Though, I didn't miss education. Sometimes I feel like a social experiment--but they neglected to produce the Pipi Study Report, lol! You're lucky to be able to be upfront with with your extended family since it's pretty common that similarly affected folks never feel free enough to be upfront like that. I think you're more of a stigma fighter than you let on, and have more awareness, too. Thank you for helping me understand some ppl in my life going thru similar things to you. Some folks find The Power of Now book very helpful. You shine so brightly. May you continue to have a happy life. Congratulations!😊

[@aspenenglish4976]

I have cognitive issues from having 3 brain injuries. I forget what I’m going to do all of the time. It basically affects my short term memory but not my long term memory. It’s affected 4 areas of my brain. My family has to watch out for certain symptoms to make sure I’m ok. Stephen you’re doing great. I’ve been quite impressed with your videos and openness. You’re helping others while helping yourself while telling your story. God bless and may you continue in your recovery journey.

[@yoursugarismine]

Hi! Can I ask you how long after the brain injuries did you start having memory issues? And were your brain injury moderate severe? How long after the injuries did you start developing memory issues? I’m sorry if I seem intrusive…I had a moderate brain injury myself with fractured skull and other mild ones from fallings…the serious one happened 20 years ago and I suffer from vertigo since then when before that I was a gymnast so no vertigo right before. But the memory thing you say…I forget things too often…and because you mentioned your story I wanted to see if there were some similarities. And my memory would get worse years after the injuries? Doctors say that isn’t the case but I’m not fully convinced really.

[@aspenenglish4976]

@@yoursugarismine sure. I don’t consider your questions intrusive at all. I had two massive brain bleeds a few years back. I noticed and my family noticed the memory loss almost immediately. Looking back, I cannot remember much of the remaining year including holidays. As time went on, little things started to get worse. I did have a concussion following the brain bleeds in less than a year post recovery. I was in bed and couldn’t watch tv, use my phone or computer. A few years went by and small deficits seemed to become more frequent. The list was growing. I cannot no matter what I do keep track of my phone, keys, AirPods despite them having tracking devices and brightly colored tape on all of the . I lose them at least 5-10 times a day. I use the AirPods frequently depending on how many people are home because multiple conversations or different noises become overwhelming. I don’t drive that often but when I do, it’s key hunt day. I have forgotten and locked myself out of everything requiring a password. I’ll write them down and forget where I put the list. Then 2 years ago I had a worse event. Part of my brain became swollen and I went BLIND temporarily. I don’t recommend that nor do I recommend stays in the ICU. After about nine months of recovery, flooding part of my house, leaving the stove on when it shouldn’t have been, my family urged me to get a cognitive test. Now I look completely normal and seem just like any other normal, functioning mom. The test was very tiring. I went to bed and slept for 4 hours afterwards. That’s not normal for me. It did show cognitive impairment in 5 different areas and functions of the brain. It was hard to hear but not surprising. I’m not at risk for early dementia or dementia in general any more than the general population. I do simple things to practice basic skills. I have a difficult time making decisions which is unusual for me. It can be as simple as what should I eat. My kids in college live at home and if I haven’t eaten, they usually will cook me something to eat because I forget. I stopped using the stove except for very simple things and if someone is on the same floor of our house. I basically can’t cook a meal anymore or cut up food. I can do small amounts of laundry but after the flood, I don’t mess with water. The only medication I take for it is a seizure medication. I do not have epilepsy but did have three seizures while in the hospital. The neurologist kept me on them because they help my headaches and overall symptoms. If you feel like you have memory loss or cognitive issues, I would suggest taking the test. It was emotionally draining but helped me and my family find ways to cope with my deficits. My injury was considered severe and most people don’t even live to make it to the hospital. I don’t think my doctor stated if my memory and cognitive dysfunctions will get worse over time. My main goal is to prevent repeat brain events to not increase the memory and cognitive dysfunction. Good luck and I hope you find answers.💕

[@kinzhe83]

Beautiful video Stephen :) Love the scenery. As far as the topic goes, I'm afraid I don't have much to contribute here, I do have some mild memory issues while on antipsychotics, thankfully nothing too bad. I tend to forget things that are unimportant to me relatively quickly, for example I used to go to the movies with one of my friends prior to covid quite a bit often, and I'm pretty sure he remembers the plotline of every movie we went to whereas in about 60% of the cases I wouldn't know if I saw the movie at all. Best wishes Stephen, may you have a wonderful time on your trip :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing and your support!

[@yoga_iaini]

Beautiful place for a walk! I'm sure that in a near future you are going to have new experiences and friendships. You are making an incredible inner work processing the past and your experience. Keep going, best wishes 🤍

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Yoga!

[@wesheart]

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. Thomas Jefferson

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Wesheart! I really like that quote!

[@dawnoftherock]

I am so happy for your upcoming trip. People used to say a change is as good as a rest! These are true words. You seem to be making the best of your situation and that is so admirable. Enjoy your trip😊

[@kitandsons173]

Some people have difficulty keeping their vitamin D levels stable. This deficiency caused schizophrenia in my loved one who now has to regulate his vitamins b12, d3 etc. with blood tests to keep him feeling grounded. It has helped him tremendously. I pray for continued success in your treatment and happiness. You are helping so many!

[@leahpinn4202]

You are so thoughtful, cornhole is an awesome game. We play it all the time, so fun! I hope you have an amazing visit in Texas!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Leah!

[@franklinfamulski8638]

Steven, you talk about wanting to regain your childhood and experiences you missed out on and much of your life that you can't remember and I wanted to say don't feel bad what so ever for wanting that you don't have to compare yourself to anyone else and you are completely within your right to live a good life. you can still form good memories exactly how you are doing now. ofteb times throughout my life I have imagined a tree and just because tree loses a branch that tree still continues to grow and sometimes the tree can grow quite beautifully even better. sometimes also it can be a blessing not remembering certain things as I do believe that our brains often have a way protecting preserving what really matters. but yeah there's no pressure you have just as much right as anyone else to fully enjoy their lives. it's a noble pursuit.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Franklin for your very wise and profound words! I will take it to heart!

[@franklinfamulski8638]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Thanks, Steven You're that's very kind of you to say. and it's not say you wouldn't get most of your memories back eventually it is possible I mean my brother did get most of his memories back after his psychosis but he still doesn't remember the things from when he was sick. and like I said that can be almost a blessing. I actually what helped my brother a lot is that he did almost relive his childhood he watched all the shows from when he was kid and things like that.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yeah I love Pokémon for that reason it brings me back to my childhood

[@pauline_raabe]

You are a true inspiration thank you Stephen ♥️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Pauline! That means a lot to me

[@karenalletson9598]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It helps me understand my son better. He was also diagnosed 10 years ago and lost a lot of his twenties. He was in the hospital a lot. He lives with me now and lives like a teenager. He was diagnosed at 18. Now I understand why. Have a great time in Texas!

[@Muu245]

Your amazing, you are so strong and have came so far, I love watching your videos, hopefully your having an amazing day❤️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Mat! I hope your day has been amazing too!

[@Muu245]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia keep up the good work my brother ❤️💪🏻

[@ravenswoods177]

I have Schizoaffective Disorder. The cognitive struggles are real. Thank you for sharing

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@aislingconnolly1798]

Thanks for sharing your story Stephen, it means a lot

[@brodog1884]

I hope your trip went well, I can relate to writing things about people down. I feel so embarrassed and don’t tell my friends or family that I have a notepad that I write notes down about them because I forget even very important things about them. Also when I’m taking if there if someone else starts to talk or cut me off I completely forget whatever I was talking about and need to ask what I was saying, several more cognitive issues I deal with as well unfortunately. But I’m trying to push through and keep fighting all my mental health issues. I enjoy your videos, they are calming and relatable. Thank you for all your work put into making videos. ❤

[@janeliu5237]

Thanks for sharing Stephen! I heard benztropine impairs memory, you may want to check your doctor.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Jane! I will look into that medication with my doctor. Thank you again!

[@lucystrider728]

I think I am seeing this in someone I help, he seems to some days be reexperiencing things that happened 20 years ago, from people he knew to video games he played back then. It is like he is skipping 20 years and hearing their voices. I love that you can explain this! God bless you, I know it can be so hard. We are all on your side!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

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

[@jackiecooley5937]

Thank you Stephen for the much appreciated insight. Have a family member experiencing this illness.❤

[@marthayoung3203]

I am interested in hearing what your mother thinks about your journey. Would she come on the show just with you together?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes she will come on the show!

[@mah3223alia]

Thank you so much for this video....its really helped me to understand what my son experiences....hes 30 now, but still thinks thinks things are how they were 15 years ago when he got ill. In reality his friends have grown up, got married, had kids or moved away...he struggles so much with this, as do I. He says he has " amnesia" and Ive never understood what he meant before....all good wishes and respect to you x

[@markaubuchon2227]

Bless you Steve.

[@chrissy24-7]

I suffer with memory issues since a bad head injury. I relate a lot to missing good memories, losing certain memories, etc. I do mark my accident as a point which i have not been the same since. After several years and lots of treatment, i do feel more like myself. But when i didn't, it was like meeting a new person, in a way. I do sometimes still lose my place when I'm speaking.

[@poembryo]

I don't remember much of my life too. Many of my life-experiences have been erased from my mind as if they never happened at all. It is heartbreaking and embarrassing at times, especially when a friend or family member asks me to recall an event and I sometimes have to pretend that I am able to remember.

[@poormansprotocol-bibinpbab4177]

Hi Stephen. The doctor put me on modafinil in the morning, which is a stimulant, it helps me focus and helps to do works

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing. I am happy it is working for you!

[@WestCoastGeoLover]

Your dad is awesome and so are you. Thank you for demystifying this disease.

[@davidradenkovic5076]

❤ You are amazing! Getting better as the time goes by!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much!

[@judshva]

Very interesting and you are a eloquent speaker. Losing the thread of thought in a conversation is so normal, people just say "I forgot what I wanted to say..... ah", and go on.

[@usagi-z]

Nice spot to film. Love the landscape.

[@absolutummaximum993]

At 33 i feel like this happened to me between 24-29. I cannot imagine what you have gone through. i admire your mind and your desire to help the world. Take care friend.

[@glenngray675]

Having a fractured psyche is far more common than anyone wants to believe. Most people adapt and accept their limitations as a part of their lives. But even within the realm of mental illness, people maintain their individuality. Only the worst affected are ever diagnosed as schizophrenia or psyscotic. From my own experience, prior to a trigger event which resulted in the re-integration of my heart and mind, I can tell you a fractured psyche results in the heart and failing to communicate properly. It's like having the wiring between your hard drive and screen pulled out. It just isn't going to work as it was meant to be. Having a fractured psyche is a separation of two major parts of the psyche........your emotional self and your intellectual self. The intellectual mind is much like a computer but it's the emotional part which is having difficulties. Without being integrated, your emotional self lacks the ability to understand their environment in their own terms. People with a fractured psyche suffer from arrested emotional development. Forever young with the intellectual expectations of an adult. Hoping understanding will help you cope with your illness.

[@TheBlackCat1337]

keeping a journal helps in some situations

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you!

[@schreckeninecken2583]

It is never too late to become the next Pokemon master...this trading card game still has quite the fanbase (adult-fanbases as well)...you should give it a try for sure!

[@dionysusapollo]

Same here, I don't remember so much, ( I know because my husband does remember) I did write diaries sometimes though so I have that. I also can't navigate and have trouble with faces. I'm diagnosed bipolar but I relate so much to you I'm wondering if I'm really schizoaffective.

[@NF-im1wq]

The good part is your getting better that is really all that matters

[@HashCracker]

Its too bad bro you basically lost your teenage years completely, thats such an important part of ones life. I think youll make wonderful memories in the future though

[@noreenquinn3844]

Your story sounds a bit like the Tom Hanks Movie " Big". He went to sleep as a kid and woke up as an adult. It was hard for him, too. Not knowing how to behave in the adult world without having the intervening years.. You don't have the luxury Tom Hank had, of going back in time to childhood and catching up. I think all you can do is unashamedly be as you are. Your new memories will eventually add up and catch up. Once adults reach the age of 30, they more or less stop being all that different anyway, so you don't have that much catching up to do. Sure, if we all acted a bit more like children, with their big open hearts, wouldn't the world be a better place. You can't skip those years. Stephen, you have to live them, so don't expect too much from yourself just yet. I understand that post psychosis, it is like recovering from a huge brain injury. Afterwards, the brain must recover. Brains recover slowly. You sound like you are only getting back to yourself in recent years. Already, you are catching up and making sense of things, realising that your memories are mostly from 10 years ago, is a big step. Staying in the present helps and learning new things. The more you can train yourself to stay in the present moment, the more you will remember and retain. Talking with others about things like about a film, song, book, trip etc. helps, too. Anything new stimulates the brain. Talking about things and writing things down reinforces memories. Look at things around you more. Keep yourself in the moment by noticing signs, window displays in shops, prices, nature, etc..form opinions on what you see. No pressure doing this. Take it at your own pace. Don't think too much about your trip once you pack. Just plan to play a game on board the plane or write a poem or sleep, and you will be there before you know it. Tell your relatives not to mind if you go for lots of rests / breaks during the day and not to plan anything too hectic. The medicines necessitate this and your sensitive senses. Have someone that you can tell when you need a rest or break from a situation. A signal will suffice like a salute, text, or whatever you agree with, this person indicating that you are taking a break. Pack your dark glasse, dark eye mask, and ear plugs / phones, and it will be grand. Text your folk back home what you are doing, and they, in return, can text what they are doing. Rituals are important like your naps and walks and keeping in touch with home. Most importantly, enjoy experiencing something new. Take care, and thanks for the insights.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Noreen for your amazing and insightful comment! I am very excited to go to Texas and like you said, experience something new!

[@gaylagabriel3485]

Love this video, Stephen! People are leaving wonderful comments and have said many things I would agree with if I were to talk with you! I truly believe your brain is healing. Your trip to Texas will be fantastic and you will know what to do or you will ask for help like most people do! I want to share that many people including myself forget past events. Funny, right before I watched this video, I was walking on a local school’s running track. Suddenly, I remembered running on that track 43years ago when I was pregnant with my son. Yikes, where did all those years go? I can remember events and moments from each decade, but I did not keep a journal, so specific things are not easy to recall. I also think as we age we can’t really be our chronological age if we are feeling good. Many friends and clients around the age of sixty, tell me they feel like they are really forty. They are finally engaging in activities they missed due to careers and families. It’s an interesting phenomenon! So, yes you have schizophrenia and it did cause you to miss a decade of your life! However, you are brilliant and socially aware! You are able to live and create a beautiful life right now! This KZbin is evidence of your courage, brilliance and tenacity! Going to visit your family in Texas is an example of how much progress you have made these past few years! Enjoy every moment! Be kind and compassionate to yourself! Keep doing what you are doing…being you!

[@princesstamaraclife8905]

Hello i have schizophrenia and obese now what did you do to lost weight

[@barneyronnie]

Do you take clozapine? It doesn't seem to cause as much weight gain; Olanzapine seems to cause a lot of weight gain. Don't be afraid to bring it up with your therapist. Wishing you the best😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing. I try to exercise regularly, eat healthy, avoid drinking soda and sugary drinks, and try not to eat late at night. Though eating at night is hard for me not to do. At night I try to eat cheerios and vegetables instead. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@pequenos-videos-para-inspirar]

We have related issues. I got bipolar I. They are different issues but I have managed to live quite well (I'm 46). That was an amazingly brave video you made. Let me know if you want to exchange ideas - some I can relate. Congrats anyways!

[@Tolya1979]

Too much dopamine in the brain destroys memory, along with mental functioning. Hang in there, Stephen. You're doing great!

[@ruthfrye9181]

don't get discouraged...I was 35 yrs old before memories came to me!

[@TheLan-cx4kp]

How?

[@lv7118]

This makes perfect sense....you are very erudite.

[@MrBenflanagan]

This illness wiped out most of my mid twenties to early thirties/

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing

[@nickidaisydandelion4044]

23 is not that much different to teen years. You have your whole life ahead of you. It's never too late for doing what you love doing like swimming. Go for it and love life. You will find your girl and love and wonderful hikes in nature.

[@redthreadzen]

For a twenty year old who's problems started when they where twelve means it's half their life. But for a fourty year old its 1/4. The older you get the more that time will feel like less of your lifetime. We can't hold on to all our thaughts, otherwise our brains would pop. It's a little hard to know what is "normal" and what is schitzophrenia, and what is medication related. But my friend with schitzophrenia has an awsom memory and mine is shockingly bad. Yesterday I forgot I had to pick someone up and drive them home. They asked me at 11am and I'd forgoten by 2:30. They had to ring me when I didn't turn up. So not necessarily just scizophrenia related. You can still go to collage. Maybe community collage. Enjoy your holiday.

[@sheilahorton5189]

You sound so much like my son. He doesn't have schizophrenia, but does have epilepsy and chronic Lyme. Have you been tested for chronic Lyme and its coinfections? I ask this because a huge number of people with schizophrenia test positive for chronic Lyme. Treat the Lyme and symptoms often disappear.

[@wobina]

wow its nice to see a video where you talk to us without your dad.

[@Tolya1979]

Maybe you can do a Briggs-Meyer Personality Test and include it in a video.

[@Tolya1979]

Stephen, are you an extrovert or an introvert? Or a combination in-between? Maybe you can do a video on that.

[@KnowledgeOasis_YT]

I am your age too . seemingly this kind of schizophrenia called hebephrenic, and it is very hard for the patient, so could you finish your teaching?

[@sarahizmeth616]

Yes I have problems with my memory too. I’m worried about getting Alzheimer’s or dementia. Do you know anything about this? Is there a correlation? I have schizophrenia.

[@OS-bs9ky]

how is your working memory ? are you able to learn new material ? do you have a problems with concentration ?

[@shadipahlavi]

But u said in ur other video with ur Dad u indicated that ur illness was not caused by any traumas and that ur childhood was trauma free but now u say u r glad u dont remember things

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

That’s true, but I meant I am glad I don’t remember much of my childhood after the psychosis hit

[@shadipahlavi]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia i dont know why u r glad about not remembering ---i dont know about ur case but my schizophrenia is 100%trauma induced i had tons of repressed memories going for 20 years -i started 2 heal after i began 2 remember i immediately felt better as soon as i could remember my life

[@shadipahlavi]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia after or before psychosis?

[@BeckyKay-m7v]

Stephen, May I ask a question? I know you're not a doctor. But I'm wondering, do u believe your memory loss is due to schizophrenia itself? The medications? Or perhaps both? And how long were you psychosis??

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

I think it’s my schizophrenia. I was in psychosis for about 18 months

[@BeckyKay-m7v]

Ok! Wow, you must have been suffering terribly! Thank goodness you found an effective medication! And have the loving support from your wonderful parents. My sons been in Psychosis for 13 months with treatment resistant schizophrenia. And I pray we find something that will give him some relief of his symptoms! Thank you for your response!!

[@victor9501]

Why does it bother you when people are eating around you? Is it the sound of them eating, or the smell of the food, or something else?

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

It is the sound of people eating that makes me stressed

[@jamespassas9441]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Agreed, it's not the most pleasant sound!

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

California is beautiful

[@janetones6221]

🤩😇Sending good vibes! (((

[@deborahtruthseeker112]

I have an alcoholic, schizophrenic neighbor who told me he has been drinking alcohol since age 11. He has no memory of things he has said, and done, and seems to really believe his lies. He wears filthy clothing, and has not bathed in at least one year. He does not wash his laundry. His teeth are rotten, with some teeth missing, and he smells really bad, like limberger cheese, but does not even eat that stinky cheese. His foul odor is attracting flies inside his apartment. He smokes alot, and drinks alot. He is unable to clean up after himself, and everything is a total mess. His belly is swollen, and he has breasts like a female, from eating, and drinking soy products, which produce estrogen, and activates cancer cells.😢

[@johnny1334]

Is he a nice person at least?

[@orbismworldbuilding8428]

I can understand why It'd be hard to take care of yourself if you can't remember anything or be organized, and especially if you feel depressed or whatever else he has going on that led him to drink alchohol Either he believes his own lies because he doesn't know what to believe or maybe his lies as you call them are delusions, things he believes that aren't true.

[@deborahtruthseeker112]

@@johnny1334 Yes, he is.

[@deborahtruthseeker112]

@@orbismworldbuilding8428 Yes, the poor soul is delusional. Both his parents are still alive, and together, but his mother is an alcoholic. Perhaps an recovering alcoholic. I am not sure about his father. He says he forgives his mother for his horrible childhood. There is an really great book I am reading, called 'Healing The Shame That Binds You', written by author John Bradshaw. I know of yet another person who is suffering from addictions, and such. This book truly does describe him, and when I am through reading this book, I plan on sending it to him, even though he lives in the same city as I. He blocked me from his social media, and now I think I understand the reason(s). He is, or was, in therapy, and has many 'issues', including alcoholism, drug use, sex addictions, drunk driving arrests, lying, and more. While I cannot 'fix' him, nor anyone else, I think he enjoys reading, and this will truly let him know that I have discovered some of his 'secrets'. Perhaps it will motivate him to contact me. One thing is for sure, with this man. He is good looking, and has great personal hygiene, unlike my neighbor. He also has a huge following with his social media, or did have. However, they do not know all that I have discovered about him. It is truly a shame that he suffers from so many issues because he has so much potential. The same goes with the neighbor friend. So sad.😥

[@userNotdefined]

I did a course called "Inner Engineering" offered by Isha Foundation.They have a centre in Tennessee called Isha Institute of Inner Sciences. It was life transforming in my case. It brought mental clarity, enhanced my perception & best part is Gradually i came out of all medications. I fell more alive more concious & those memories that were somehow blocked started coming back & i cherish them for what they were. Medication helped alot but some how something within me kept saying this is not it dont settle take another step & thats how i came across this course ❤ 🙏😇

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you for sharing!