The Stigmatization of Schizophrenia

[@LivingWellAfterSchizophrenia]

JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com

[@theplaintruth4794]

One of the problems I have is that whenever I'm having a bad day, or am short with someone, they say "oh! someone's off her meds today!" This is why I just don't tell people about my illness, I can't, they use it against you at every turn. Every single time I forget something, or can't come in to work, "they" blame mental illness. People walk on egg shells, and if I have the slightest episode at work, I feel like I need to get another job as soon as possible to get away from that history. It's terrible. Oh yes, about the stigma and fear of being found out, I had SUBSCRIBED to your channel, but then UN-SUBBED, why? Because I didn't want anyone to see my sub list and see "Schizophrenia" in that list because of the potential "stigma" if they think it's part of my life. I hide my condition from everyone I can. Thankful that medical records are protected, and people can't ask if I have a mental health diagnosis or I'd never get hired in the first place.

[@riordanashby]

What people think of you is none of your business... this helped me

[@MsBeeLyons]

I wish I can like this post 100x. I feel the same way!

[@theplaintruth4794]

@@MsBeeLyons Thank you for that validation.

[@theplaintruth4794]

@@riordanashby What they "think" of me doesn't bother me at all. It's what they say and do, that gets into my head. I wish they would stop at just "thoughts".

[@WolfODonnelfan]

I know exactly what you are talking about. Every time I bring up a moment with my father where he insulted me or made fun of me, he tries to gaslight me by saying "Are you sure that you didn't just hallucinate that? You do suffer from hallucinations after all." Like, apparently everyone else around me knows more about my hallucinations than I do myself, it is fucking infuriating. And then they complain about me going NC or low contact with them. Like, what the fuck do you expect when you repeatedly gaslight me and try to use my illness as a way to 'better' yourself.

[@earthschool7846]

I cried when I got my schizophrenia diagnosis in 2017 but it did put into perspective my chaotic life and put to rest why I couldn't think clearly all my life why I did poorly school and why I am the way I am just different. I have been calling weird or 'you don't think right '. There right I don't think right because I have a mental illness called schizophrenia. I'm not dangerous. I'm not a monster. In fact I'm one of the nicest compassionate people you could ever meet. I just suffer from a serious mental condition of schizophrenia.

[@nuiwai5402]

Stigma can be generational stigma. My great-grandmother suffered from mania in the 1920s and died in the mental hospital she was in. I think fear of mental illness has as a result been passed down. Experiencing family members stigmatising you, gas lighting you and when trauma behaviour is labelled as 'something'... so even without medical qualifications you are labelled. Thank you for making me less scared of mental health and really interested and im being educated. My heart goes out to everyone being stigmatised and feeling alone.

[@cherrym4042]

When everyone found out I had a mental illness they all avoided me .I hate the stigma associated with mental illness 😢

[@iwantedtobethatanomaly2270]

It happens a lot huh.. I'm really sorry you had to go through that, those friends you had are not real friends.

[@novo_ephemera]

yes I understand and I hate these fucking movies

[@dankhill6851]

The way I felt when I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder was I found this youtube channel and I was like this makes so much sense! and I felt sad. I'm glad I started taking my medicine, thank you for educating me on the topic of schizophrenia! You've been very helpful.

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

I can relate this so much

[@desi5726]

The most amazing person that I have ever known has schizophrenia. This person has been the kindest, most giving and talented person as well. I always felt loved, safe and protected in their presence. I really miss them... I think they pushed me away because of their illness but I am not sure because they don't really communicate what is going on. I watch your channel to understand what they may have been going through and so I can learn how I can be supportive if they ever need me.

[@WolfODonnelfan]

Don't blame yourself too much. It is common for people with schizophrenia, myself included, to isolate themselves from the world around them. It has rarely anything to do with people's behaviour. Unless they have decided to go NC. Then there might be something you did.

[@missveronica8393]

My late uncle was diagnosed with schizophrenia a few years before he lost his battle with his mental health. He was very much scared of the stereotype of the dangerous "psychotic" schizophrenic, adding another fear to deal with, and making his mental health worse. Looking back at it now with the knowledge I have now, I think maybe we could have been able to get him better help and support, but it's no good to dwell on what might have been. I'm glad that I have this knowledge now, and that channels like this exist. Thank you for all you do ❤️

[@Manticorn]

I think everything is a consequence of everything else, therefore everything that has already happened couldn't have been any other way. All the best to you and yours.

[@missveronica8393]

@@Manticorn you're right, and you can torture yourself with the "what if?" and the "if only" thoughts that come with losing a loved one to suicide 😔 all the best to you and yours as well, we're living in rough times ❤️

[@betsywilliamsonms]

I am sorry to hear you got pushed out of your job. I have bipolar 2. I work part time in a restaurant. I am fortunate my managers know and are supportive. When I am in a mood episode I have bipolar rage and they work with me to manage that. I agree that we need to de-stigmatize all mental health diagnosis. People are people everyone has unique characteristics and once you can recognize that it helps connect people rather than drive them apart.

[@lordbeerus2465]

I'm not diagnosed with schizophrenia, instead I have a grocery list of mental illnesses I've been diagnosed with. But your videos really help me. I used to experience so many paranoid delusions and auditory hallucinations like "background chatter" before I was medicated, and sometimes the delusions still break through but I've gotten better at dismissing them. Thank you so much for making these videos. You have a beautiful soul and I wish you good health on your journey

[@deimosphoibus]

I am a writer and I found your channel as I was doing some research on how to portray a character with schizophrenia. At first I was afraid of including said character in my story, because I didn't want to come across as insensitive, but now I'm glad I went with it... I've watched several of your videos and now I feel like I understand the illness so much better. I hope I can make at least a small difference in dismistifying schizophrenia and mental illnesses with my stories and characters. Thank you for your videos, you are already making a big difference in the world!

[@psychosislove]

I am always glad when I hear about authors/writers doing their research. Just do you best to portray schizophrenia correctly with that character and you'll do just fine.

[@Patricia-i8o8g]

I was recently diagnosed with psychosis. I also have complex ptsd and major depression. I firmly believe the psychosis is caused by repeated trauma. I am 51. This is way past the age of the onset of psychosis. Ptsd with psychotic features is a rare diagnosis. I know this is the cause of my psychotic breaks. And it sucks.

[@athoughtfulwillow]

There's no such thing as people who care. The more I read comments in my language on videos about schizophrenia, the more hopeless I become. How hard do I have to try in order to not be considered a murderer?

[@jillnelson8746]

People fear whatever they don’t understand.

[@beritbrodersen7017]

Thank you for your positive Way speaking about your illnes.🙏

[@AprilKristel]

Where I live people often assume that you are a drug addict if you have schizoeffective disorder. I ran from getting a diagnosis when I was younger then begged for help when it got really bad untreated as I got older. If you stigmatize someone it can make them feel uncomfortable about getting help so please people learn some compassion understanding and empathy 👍

[@nikkiegallivan8155]

My dad say I'll just have to learn to control it and my mum when I get really depressed when the intrusive thought don't stop, she rolls her eyes and says "just stop thinking about it" and they are my only support group

[@4eversayaandhagi1]

Ma'am I've been schizophrenic basically my entire life. According to my Mom I said I heard voices and she took me to the nearest quack she could find. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia OCD ADD ADHD and mild auditory autism all at age 4 to 5 years old. In my preteens to teenage years I was diagnosed with mild to moderate depression anxiety and panic attacks. I'm sorry for what you are going through or have gone through. To me all my mental illness seems completely to be a typical normal life for me even if I strongly dislike it.

[@martina7525]

Can you do a video on identity and schizophrenia? Many people with schizophrenia struggle with their identity and who they are..

[@midnightcat6116]

The mental health system needs an overhaul. Instead of helping folks who are suffering tremendously, they treat unwell folk with the least amount of empathy as possible.

[@MEOLOGY815]

14:23 You are a true educator. I believe in you and I pray you reach a lot more people through #KZbin. You present the information with such honesty and in such a gentle way that it’s soothing. You can refer to me as your number one fan. If I knew anything about algorithms I’d do my best to lead you to those who want to listen. #numberonefan #schizophrenia #Weareonlyhuman #acceptance #thestruggleisreal #stigma #algorithm #peace #education #lovetolearn

[@headsicknation1365]

I've got the same diagnosis. Thanks for pointing out the stigma on mental illness. A positive perspective helps me with the Outlook that Hollywood and Media portrays people will the sickness are like. Good video.

[@Robinson8491]

Great episode, sorry to hear what happened at your job, I can totally relate. The only thing that helped me accept and deal with the stigma was being in a loving relationship...only to realize I had to explain the family in law as well and knowing I would never feel confident about it. I think that is what makes me hesitant of really going for someone and makes me feel really lonely

[@mommy-conmed]

Just so you know, I am a possible future mother in law of a young person recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I don't think they even know that I know. But in order to be a loving support, and because I love this young person so very much, I am making it my business to learn everything I can about it. This channel has been one of my chief sources.

[@Robinson8491]

@@mommy-conmed that's amazing to hear and very loving of you ❤️

[@vblake530530]

Oh my God. The Canadian government needs to hire you and Ron to be spokespersons on Mental Health. You leading of course, but Ron brings the family perspective. You two feel like family to us. We who live with mental illness every hour of every day ,have a safe space here. Common 🇨🇦. Te Hemisphere is waiting for you to share this precious star. …… To much? When my depression pops a bit I get a bit Over the Top. Sorry. If it makes y’all feel better, I’m an American.

[@xsobertea]

off topic but your skin is flawless

[@DJ_Duck_Sick]

Your channel is outstanding. Recommending this to all my clients with schizophrenia!!

[@Sopiebread]

I have a friend who recently told me they had schizophrenia and at first I was a little scared but I knew that my friend isn't dangerous so I started to do more reaserch about it. I've been watching a lot of your videos and they have been so helpful! I'm really happy that my friend felt comfortable enough to tell me and I feel even closer to her now then I did before. Thank you for educating me and breaking me from my stigma :)

[@louise5321]

Brilliant video, thank you for educating us

[@sunny4lady]

Thank you Lauren for destigmatising psychosis and schizophrenia. You’re awsome ❤❤❤

[@margotholmes7857]

You are managing symptoms as we do with health issues, situational responses to stress, managing childhood memories… most of us have had things to manage and you are doing that so well.

[@colinlmacleod3385]

Thank you, Lauren and Rob. You do a great job.

[@jillnelson8746]

Wow that’s such a great “news” explanation - terrifying movies. Love 💕 your channel- I am so impressed with your organizing and planning to focus on a topic! I have also recommended your channel to others! Great body of work by you!

[@sense0fpurpose]

I just got very paranoid and I'm so mad at my brother and father... It was my pop's 70th birthday and they both left me in different directions with "let's leave this cazy". I cried for an hour before I could move and order myself a Taxi. It felt so bad. I'm getting tired of apologizing and feeling sorry for myself and others because of my sickness. I just need help.

[@timmyodaley1411]

Keep rockin Lauren. B complex is awesome!

[@anima8450]

When I got diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder I literally just rejected the diagnosis and went into denial for 4 years because my mind just couldn't accept the reality that I have this disorder for life. I think my mind couldn't accept that I would have to face stigma. I would even go out of my way and lie and tell doctors or who ever that I just have depression and anxiety. It wasn't until I had a really severe episode and had to be hospitalized that the reality set in that I truly do have it and I remember just breaking down. Then I started to have self stigma and I would think "I'm violent or " I'm dangerous" and I remember feeling ashamed. I think people don't realize that actually experiencing the schizophrenia symptoms is only half the battle. The other half is facing all the stigma whether it be self stigma, public stigma or institutional stigma.

[@sunny4lady]

Exactly!! 😢

[@alpmaster0076]

Thank You I love this video ❤️

[@michelledarkling6690]

Thank you for this video.

[@mosswithraindrops9654]

Dear Lauren! Thanks for your amazing videos! Don't you want to make a video about taking meds? I have difficulties taking mines. I'm questioning where my meds start and where I end. It's getting hard.

[@MEOLOGY815]

11:17 Im having a bad day and the self stigmatized thoughts are the real deal for people like us. It’s sort of like going backwards in my head over and over and the pile of these thoughts get compounded- and it happens rather sudden and quick. The stigma surrounding this illness also has affected doctors and therapists. I’ve been told, after a continuous search for a skilled professional to treat me, that “ I’m sorry. The doctor doesn’t see patients with your diagnosis.” I have been going for over 2 years without finding anyone who can or will help me. I’ve been no-showed by actual doctors. Once I waited in a totally empty office for 45 mins with not even a receptionist showing up to my scheduled appointment. It’s really sad for me that , in my mind, I’m all alone to sit in my head. It’s pretty dark and loud in here.

[@fatimamatus1612]

Keep out your thoughts that you are alone, most of deal with the same thing, sending 🤗 a hug.

[@MEOLOGY815]

@@fatimamatus1612 🙏

[@nubs9895]

I just had an appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday and he told me that he doesn't like giving a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder because of the stigma attached to them. My therapist, whom I've been seeing weekly for over a year, truly believes that I do have schizoaffective disorder (and it makes more sense to me as well than my current diagnosis), but since my psych is so apprehensive, I'm not sure I'm going to get the right help. I haven't even been officially diagnosed yet and am already affected by the stigma.

[@innavoiglopez]

You therapist knows you don't have schizoprenia. You are experiencing a phenomena that is called telepathy. Shared reality. You see some other person's reality through their eyes, you hear them through their ears, you can even smell what they are smelling as long as it is emotionally charged. You are gifted. Those are psychic abilities. When someone is in distress they send out an SOS into the universe. It is emotionally charged with fear, anger, sadness, and it get's thrown off into the universe and people like us gets those messages but we don't know what it is so we then translate them differently. Wake up. Don't tell me it doesn't make sense. It makes perfect sense. The whole world experiences the voice they just found out about it soon enough I am reaching out to the ones who haven't figured it out yet.

[@asylum3xv]

You should do an episode on "competing" with others and comparing one mental illness to a completely different mental illness, and also we don't take into account a few things. 1. Where they are in their mental health journey. 2. Are they on medication/CORRECT meds/ doing well on said meds. 3. The severity of their DISEASE. YES mental illness is a disease, and as much as people want to say "well mine is probably the worst since X, Y, and Z happened or so on.. There is probably someone doing worse than another. Now let me say, we have GOT to stop comparing!!! Like I said one person's experience will never be the exact same as another's. I would love to hear some feedback(constructive please) Sorry if I repeated or seem broken in places, I have schizoaffective disorder and forming coherent thoughts can get troublesome with my medication. Yep. Thanks for sharing!

[@wolfrayne8355]

Thank you for making this video.

[@rpink8531]

Listening to this again, so appreciated. Thank you. Appreciate that you included other chronic serious mental health issues like complex trauma symptoms that in its extreme expresses as dissociative disorders. Thank you 🙏

[@zahwavyTV]

thank you ♥

[@cvictoria1089]

Every single time I have opened up about my struggles, people will use that info as a weapon against me. I've learned to keep my mouth shut.

[@bryancruzortega538]

Thanks Jah God bless you

[@Fear_Therapy]

Realtalk 💯

[@seafossil2221]

I already know the information discussed but I like to go ahead and watch these videos anyway to help with the algorithm and just in case there is anything that isn't commonly talked about or something that I haven't learned about.

[@colinlmacleod3385]

as for the stigma, as you asked what you do with it, well, one time, i was in a liquor store, and the clerk asked how are you? I said, "paranoid, delusional, depressed, psychotic. But otherwise, good!" He laughed, and so that is how to deal with your turmoil. Pretty sure he knew by my expression on my face that I was needing the beer he was selling. So I made a joke out of it. If you can make someone laugh, I always try to do it. I am not scared of the stigma. I think that is my saving grace. I act like I don't care, because I have other characteristics that bail me out.

[@hayleyprice8345]

Go girl great work

[@midntrdr]

I just left your other video not long ago.. and before I conclude this one, I want to offer this i hope, helpful bit that might help out if it approaches correctness closely enough. a psychotic , someone who builds a castle in the sky... Nuerotic- someone who moves into that castle and lives there. Thank you for both videos and now to continue watching.

[@Starla_Darling91]

It’s hard to accept that I’ll have to be on medicine for the rest of my life for this. But I’ve accepted it. That this is reality and I have a mental illness.

[@ikehill1618]

please make a video about how often you hear voices. I'm curious about the ratio between positive and negative symptoms. Thank you.

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

I just got dignosed and definitely had some internalised stigma but your channel has helped me so much!!! Also can relate about the job situation

[@Saraaa499]

My brother is 49 y.o, has been suffering from schizophrenia-like symptoms for several years, and the weird thing that worries us is that he also feels tightness all over his body (he feels like there are rubber bands from his head to his feet), and rubber bands around his eyes and on his forehead, He refuses to go to a psychiatrist. We do not know the reason for this tightness that he suffers from, and is it related to his psychological condition? .. I pray for my brother and cry every day , Sorry for the inconvenience, I hope you can help me with some information please, thank you very much

[@reducetheatoms]

Your channel is needed in the world. It helped me a lot, my little brother has schizophrenia, the doctors don't tell us what we need to know so I'm so happy to find your channel. Also, people don't understand how hard living with schizophrenia is, how hard the hospitalization is and how family of people with schizophrenia are trying to keep living without crying every single day. I wish people could stop being scared and understand that those people need help the most...

[@isabellaluciaestevez2506]

Thank you

[@reinaldopereira1268]

Other schizoaffective disorder patients told me this year that one of the worst symptoms I would have to deal with was the stigma. I understand them perfectly now.

[@killurbob3295]

I tell no one about my illness lol

[@jacquelineleitch7050]

Stigma/prejudice creates social Shadenfreude which in turn creates further PTSD. For many PTSD is a mental disorder that sets off schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or psychosis.

[@jacquelineleitch7050]

@@killurbob3295 I was like that for quite a while. It was survival but once I got to a place where I there were definite walls against unwelcome interventions with cops or anyone who could define me without my permission or attention I began to be more free with letting people know.

[@fatimamatus1612]

Best to do because doctor don't care at all...my son was diagnosed 6 years ago and most profesional don't care

[@killurbob3295]

@@jacquelineleitch7050 I just don't know when or how to bring it up. It's all calm and normal, then you tell them about the zombie that hangs on your back and that now they can see. It's an ugly disease. Brings up ugly things.. and for some fearful things. I just haven't found anyone yet besides my mother that NEEDS to know. Glad you could though 😊

[@emilyaguirre8949]

My mom conflates Schizoaffective disorder with DID, I appreciate that she cares, but I wish she'd watch your videos with me so I didn't have to explain every time the subject comes up. Also about the mental health clinics, everything was the worse experiences I had ever had every time I went, it's to where if I were... IF I were going through psychosis I'll do my best to hide it. The staff always had no clue how to handle me. Once while I was tricked into being admitted I overheard the nurse laugh and say "she seriously thinks I'm on her side!" And I could tell it wasn't the voices because to me voices sound like whispers to explain basically.

[@tarasalad]

Thank you for sharing and continuing this discussion about removing stigma.

[@vksomji]

Hello Lauren, First of All thankyou for your Efforts Creating this Channel Living Well with Schizophrenia since it helps Patient affected by Mental Disorders, predominantly Psychosis and Schizophrenia. I have been a Patient of Mental Disorders "Psychosis" since 2012 to 2022. As on Present Date I am into the Struggling Phase with Psychosis which I have been able to Cope up with 60 to 70%. I was Completely Allien UnEducated to the Mental Disorders Psychosis due to Misguidance and Misleading. I listened to Some of your Vlogs - What is Psychosis, Your ECT treatment and this Vlog. Like I mentioned in my Earlier Comments posted under above mentioned Vlog, I was Diagnosed with Psychosis 10yrs ago. I was Diagnosed with Psychosis because of Harmonal Imbalance, Nutritional Deficiency, Too much of Mental Stress, little bit because of my Spiritual Beliefs and Overeading of Books on Literature, Biographies, Autobiographies, Spiritualism after my Mother's Death and Lay Off from Employment to cut my Loneliness from 2008 to 2012. Because of all this I ended up with Psychosis. So after 10 yrs of Experience about Psychosis from 2012 to 2022 all I can say, that sometimes a Psychotic Person is Treated by the Society as "Special Human with some Divine, Extra Ordinary Power", Stating that "You are Angel of GOD who has been blessed with Special Spiritual Powers", this special treatment makes the Patient behave "Schizophrenia", the Truth is it's nothing to do with Divine Energy. A Human has Psychosis because of the Chemical Imbalance of Brain, which affects mainly the Cortex of Brain and the Center Nerve of the Human Brain. So half of the time it's Society that encourages "Schizophrenia" thinking that a Psychotic Human is Divine Human and everyone should Listen, Follow the Psychotic Human. At times there are Fake 🤥 Sympathizers who misuse the Poor Psychotic Human for SLAVERY, PORNOGRAPHY through Emotional Blackmailing. These Fake 🤥 Sympathizers use the Episodes during ADHD, Agressive behaviour caused due to Psychosis as a means of Emotional Blackmailing the Psychotic Human by Saying "It's GOD that has Punished you for your Bad Deeds so you have to do this else the Situation will be Worst. This all because of those who are UnEducated about Mental Disorders. So I can completely understand how it Feels like when a Person is Living with Schizophrenia. I don't consider Schizophrenia a Stigma, it's just Neurons, that tricks the Brain right inside the Centre Nerve, affecting the Cortex which impacts the Working Ability Permanently or Temporarily. It also affects Health, Thinking ability and changes the Overall Personality, Appearance, Physique of a Human. It makes a Man behave like a Woman and vice versa. I commented at 17:41 Hrs ⏳ IST for this Vlog posted by you on your KZbin Channel "Living Well with Schizophrenia" on Friday the 28th October 2022.

[@axs-xq7cq]

The stigma will always exist because many people are stuck in the mindset of animalistic competition for social status and sex partners, and any perceived weakness will be attacked or exploited..

[@danielleurciullo7833]

Thank you for these wonderful videos! I needed to hear this for motivation. I stigmatize myself far too often, let alone do I know I'm stigmatized by others. I have been through so much when it comes to my own non-ordinary experiences.

[@donnaechlin5550]

I just love listening

[@Sealtiel306]

my internal stigmatization about my Schizophrenia is that I get depressed about it that I don't deserve to have it............

[@brenda1520]

Psilocybin mushroom is very helpful, I remember I took them and I cried like I haven't cried at all in my life and I saw my pain as a rainbow of different colors, each sorrow, each specific hurt became a specific color. It felt so liberating. After the trip I changed a lot & my life improved so fast. Now I am looking into micro dosing, it's time to upgrade but It’s hard to source them

[@stevensquires714]

One dose of mushroom cured my depression/ anxiety. It's a "spiritual" experience, but doctors don't like to use that word. mycologist, Dodge_Shroomtips is a life safer

[@stevensquires714]

He is on Instagram

[@jeff-xd7nu]

I've been having constant, unbearable anxiety. I always work night shift in a die casting company which affected my stress level but microdosing dissolved it

[@Lauren-dm7on]

@@stevensquires714 What’s the highest shroom dose you’ve ever taken? I’ve taken 1.5, 3.5 and 5 grams of GT. All I ever got was some visual and on 5 grams trip I ruminated about minor things haha

[@stevensquires714]

I've had 5grams and it was awesome. Maybe the Golden teacher you took is either weak or you have a pretty big tolerance

[@josephalberque5334]

1:09 Lauren, the whole world is crazy.

[@mateszep1610]

I was a fool when told a lot of people that I have schizofrenia.I was drunk.The whole neighborhood scares me. My neighbors guarding my door every day. I heard them f* annyoying. They say im sick its true but im not wicked. I don't blow up the house .

[@christineveazey3705]

I want to thank you for your meaningful work in dispelling the stigma of schizophrenia. I have learned more from watching so far three of your videos only, but have made a lasting impression on me. My father, I think, had schizophrenia but undiagnosed, with mood disorders, who committed suicide, and a brother who also committed suicide. We never new what happened to our family. It was just blown apart. My father was born in 1916, so did not receive the help he needed. My brother would have been 68 years old. So even then there was no help, or at least not like now. Growing up with a schizophrenic parent affected my life and my relationships with men and people in general, developing paranoia that I have always had to deal with. Mostly, being unsure of myself. Thank you again for your help.

[@johannemendez515]

I truly appreciate you raising awareness on this disorder. I’m yet to be diagnosed but my symptoms are very close to schizoaffective disorder. I was diagnosed with bipolar and just last year I had hallucinations and delusions. I was afraid of accepting the reality of the possibility but seeing your videos it’s made me feel so much better about it! So thank you for not being afraid of putting yourself out there and teaching those who don’t know much about it to debunk the sigma!

[@theplaintruth4794]

Labels aren't as important as getting the right help based on your true symptoms. I learned that to get a really good diagnosis, you have to be completely honest with your Dr. no matter how exposed you might feel. I used to make stuff up and not tell the whole truth, it just delayed my proper diagnoses. I did things that I felt were too humiliating to admit. I'm on a better path now.

[@aydenhaggarty318]

Psilocybin containing mushrooms saved my life. The drastically reduced my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quite illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had became medically dangerous to quit. It has also helped me survive depression.

[@ellaaysun6181]

Psychedelics definitely have potential to deal with mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, I would like to try them again but it's just so hard to source out here

[@ryancihet555]

The Trips I've been having really helped me a lot,I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well

[@dilara4130]

@@ellaaysun6181 I was having this constant, unbearable anxiety because of university stress. Not until I came across *dr.jeromespores* a very intelligent mycologist. He saved my life honestly

[@dilara4130]

@@ellaaysun6181 He’s on iNsTa 👆🏻

[@ohmakure4716]

@@ryancihet555 I feel the same way too. I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels. I am also glad to be a part of this community.

[@alpmaster0076]

Exactly my father really believes that I was devil possessed and he won't listen to me about what really happened.

[@aaronjennings8385]

It's kind of funny how people respond when you ask them if they hear voices. Lol. I've been hearing them for over 30 years. That's more than half my current age. Seems normal to us.

[@andersonsystem2]

Another great video and yes you are so right. The media portrays mental health issues like if your dangerous. Having a mental health issues doesn’t make one less or more dangerous than someone without mental health issues. Thanks for making this video. Much love ❤️

[@riordanashby]

Yeah thanks for videoing yourself, I got what you got, you help me heaps cheers

[@libbyhyett6625]

Same same

[@GNumNums93]

I have schizoaffective disorder and it’s been very hard to get a grasp on life since I was diagnosed. I’ve been hospitalized twice in the past two years and I’ve lost the life I had before I went into psychosis. I was in a relationship for 3 years and this last hospitalization I found out all of my things were packed up and he had gotten a protection order against me and I had to find a new place to live while still going through psychosis. It has been very hard and has made my depression spiral. Im still trying to figure things out and stay stable at the same time but it’s rough sometimes.

[@innavoiglopez]

If you feel that you feel something overwhelming and don't even know where it's coming from then it's not yours. If you have no reason to believe that you are in danger then you are not in danger you're just experiencing shared reality through telepathy. Depression comes from frustration. You've been looking at it from the wrong point of view. You've awaken your senses. You don' t have to be afraid. You know who you are so just remember who you are when you feel the telepathy coming in and remember it's not you.

[@cybercab]

I think everyone deserves to be treated with kindness. That being said, I'm not sure what you mean by "stigma." In my mind it's red flags in our mind about a person for whatever reason. False beliefs about everyone being a psychopath is clearly not helpful nor accurate. But for those of us dealing with major challenges like this, some of those red flags are valid. I'm probably not a good person to drive a train or run a country. People would rightly see some red flags there. I'd call that stigma, but valid. In some situations, I would be the problem. That's not cruelty. It's just reality. But it's good to still treat people with respect.

[@libbyhyett6625]

Please, I'm a misunderstood genuis🥰

[@Hotiron-sk1uk]

Thank you !

[@PhilipLederer]

brave!

[@laurieberry162]

No Lauren. You are not crazy.

[@spatter427]

Yeah being told that you are not normal is a really solid mind fuck. But after many years of dealing with that label you might find out that normal might not be that great. Its part of our history but healing comes from reconciling our pasts. Lauren you have proven that you are fine, kept telling the rest of us that we are fine to. You are redeemed. lol

[@katduhaney5517]

Another really informative video’

[@neptunespirit]

its not easy to be multidimensional, i have a emotional burnout...

[@Starla_Darling91]

😅

[@ralfpersson8755]

Have you eny Videos about medical free treatment for schizophrenia.

[@donnawiseman3686]

I have a family member recently diagnosed with schizoaffective. This person started suffering nightmares and seeing ghosts etc from a young age there was alot of tramua in the family etc and school i am curious how this could be related and has anyone else suffered this as a child?

[@melihapaydn2137]

Fear of people suspicious mood and dragged thoughts also a reason but we must endure ourselves to find a way to exit , and get toxicity find a peaceful place other than feeling of living in danger zone creates a support on your mind and unfortunately it is like ghost for your soul just to keep you living humans are vurnable are the most intelligent ones never be spotted for ordinary people communication leads confusion , low triggers you never fear from educated people .

[@kathfennemore1131]

I'd love to connect with you about advocacy and your journey to get there. I'm a Physiotherapist (Physical Therapist), so I've had a similar experience to you in some ways.

[@kathfennemore1131]

I've had a few similar experiences to your scenario at work too.

[@elee6606]

Also about feeling constructively dismissed from your job, keep in mind that you are unstable and that you've made videos on your channel, that you have problems making decisions under pressure. They already know about the problems the clients with mental illness and their limitations. Think of the well-being of your clients and not about being entitled and selfish. Your bosses were justified.

[@f-xdemers2825]

My voices are complaining that they hear me, my friends and my dog. They are crazy.

[@yoly0527]

Can you do more videos with interviews. Parents with there children.

[@grahamhardie6853]

The stigma is still not good. When I did my degree myself and some fellow students did a research project on Mental Health Stigma and the media in the UK. Interestingly in the National Statistics only 1 per cent of violent crimes is committed by someone with a mental illness in the UK. So the media generate a totally disproportionate and pejorative account of the mentally ill within society. You should contact the Glasgow University Media Group who are experts in this field 👍

[@DanteInferno11]

I love this channel! I don't live with schizophrenia, but I do have friends of mine who are neurodivergent and this channel helps me communicate with them more effectively. I'm not sure if I'm neurodivergent, but I've found many of these videos helpful and insightful when dealing with my own struggles or feeling lost as to where I'm at and who I am. Many thanks to you and your team for all you do. Wish you and your loved ones good health and positive steps forward.

[@colecooper1550]

I have skitzophrenia I was diagnosed a few years ago I keep being admitted in hospital and that's scary and that I just wanted to say over all is I love your videos I found your channel a few months ago and your videos help me so much!! Especially your personal inspirational videos 😊

[@j.h.miretskay3430]

It’s so much easier to blame individuals for predicaments that society itself has created! Also, regarding violence - let’s be blunt, violence is a privilege and society very much determines from which groups and segments of society it will tolerate violence. Perhaps things are somewhat different in Canada, but here, south of your border, groups that are known to be violent are very much tolerated and permitted to exist, despite being terrorist organizations - because such groups uphold the white supremacist, “conservative values” status quo.

[@anglophone412]

It’s not the media… it is countless lived experiences

[@massagetherapyforinjuriesf8197]

My son Jeffrey has schizophrenia 11 years now… and all your experiences are helping me to help Jeff. Thank you

[@kevinwoolcock6881]

Hello, my name is Kevin and I have schizoaffective disorder. I have been hospitalized around four times for it. My last mental break happened when I found out that my wife has cancer last year. I felt so depressed and sad when her hair fell out from the chemotherapy I was hospitalized for a week. I felt like I totally let her down and all was lost. Fortunately she is strong and beat Cancer and she helped me through my mental break. I love your channel, we need you now more than ever. Thank you.

[@alduinwidow4648]

You didn't let her down you were just hurting because she was hurting, I'm glad you were able to get help and she beat cancer. I wish the both for you

[@rick3747]

There is a huge stimga to any mental illness. I have Bipolar I and DID. In 1998, I took an FMLA and my employer and staff made my life unbearable. Too much to list but hundrends of co-workers suddenly knew my DX and not from me. I talked to the Ombudsman who pulled me aside in the parking lot and said "you must leave or sue them." I filed a claim with State of PA and EEOC. I proved my case from the EEOC and was allowed to sue in Federal Court. They settled with me in Phila at Federal Court the day of jury selection. They knew a jury would have sided with me since every ruling was in my favor by the court. It was a highly stressful lawsuit taking almost 4 years. No, I did not get millions but I did get the satifaction that my employer had to pay my legal fees of almost $88k.

[@ramyamaddali703]

Love that you got the money, hate that you had to go through this. 🌟