Wish I'd Realized Sooner - Surviving Schizophrenia!

[@jenniferhall3186]

Thanks Stephen ❤ I have a son with schizophenia. He hears voices that are harsh at times, but he has always been brave and loving. Clozaril has been an enormous help. After 5 plus hospitalizations per year for 10 years , he has been hospital free for three years since age 27. Throughout the whole time and through the time, he has pursued his hobbies and interests. He taught himself to play the guitar and keyboard. He writes poetry and music. He draws multi lines of color that form beautifully designed pictures. He has crocheted hundreds of colorful hats. He fishes in the local lakes and gorges and catches enormous trout and Salmon that he shares with local families as we are vegetarian. He makes his own fishing lures and ties his own flies which he learned from youtube videos. He stays up occasionally all night to go fishing for bait with fellow fishing friends. He lifts weights at the gym or st home and taught one of his brothers how to do it so they lift together now. He is wonderful and loved by family and a few casual friends (helost most of his school friends due to paranoia and being too ill to keep up with their career paths. He still has trouble with becoming overwhelmed so that "the center doesn't hold" and he needs to step back, take a period away from the people and activities he had been happily working on.. Sometimes during these breaks he can play video games. He used to be an excellent student but still has difficulty with concentration around reading so computer games are something a temporary help. We love and support him in following whatever interests work or call to him. He likes to help others so that's ooften a part of hhis choice of activity. He will help people lift heavy things or donate his colorful croceted hats to the homeless shelter or catch fish for others. There are so many ways to have a meaningful life without a 9 to 5 job. We all need each other and everyone has something unique to contribute 😊

[@jn2400]

One day there's going to be a 12-year-old in the same position and his parents will show him this video and it will give them hope.

[@barneyronnie]

And even better medication!

[@robertholmes5355]

Absolutely!

[@Michael-house]

Hey Stephen i live in ireland i was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when I was 17 and I just want to say your an inspiration and you help me out a lot as I have someone to relate to

[@rachelsalex]

I love that you're inspiring so many through your videos

[@Horusinsun]

Trick is to learn to ride those waves. It’s kinda like a roller coaster tbh. Diagnosed at age of 28.

[@gigiwills7851]

Thank you, Stephen, for this encouraging video. I am the grandmother of a young man who has this diagnosis. He is isolating right now, and I have not seen him in a year! This makes me sad, but I believe he is struggling, as you describe, to figure out his life. At first, I was completely devastated by the diagnosis, realizing that he was not going to have the expected path (as you also describe), but soon realized he was still *him*. I am pleased to say that I have seen him grow and mature in spite of his struggles. No matter what, he is my beloved grandson, always and forever will be. That's us in the thumbnail photo.

[@kathrynkemple-mclaughlin4072]

This is one of your best videos! You're just so much more fluid, and it's apparent you are improving your skills!

[@sherrynalder1359]

He absolutely is, isn't he?

[@bridgetteworkman]

Stephen, you are wise beyond your years… although I do not have schizophrenia, I have found that your advice can be applied in so many different ways. This may sound strange to you because we don’t even know one another, but I am proud of you ! You are a strong young man willing to put yourself out there to help others . It can’t be an easy thing to do, otherwise everyone would be doing it ! Keep plugging Stephen your beautiful heart and soul will touch many.

[@Dana-lj4zy]

You now have such a positive outlook on your illness! It sounds like you have come such a long way. That is so encouraging to me. Thanks for your channel!

[@Tyomas1983]

Well done friend! You are already helping to people.

[@aspenenglish4976]

Awe Stephen you have such a kind heart and soul. I’m very glad you hung in. Thank you for sharing your life with us and being a good example.

[@Mattieboi1201]

It's a constant struggle but we are all making it together. Team schizos woo-hoo thank you for humanizing folks like us. I appreciate you good to see more videos again 🎉

[@kitandsons173]

Humanizing folks with the condition, he really does a great job.

[@lisaKittylove2010]

I’m so glad you’re feeling better, Stephen. As a mental health therapist, I find your videos very instructive. I appreciate how insightful you are. You must be giving hope to so many people. Please keep doing what you are doing. Best wishes to you.

[@ramosmceligot6223]

What a great kid.

[@cecilealonso7446]

Stephen, thank you for putting yourself out there. What a positive, encouragement you are. My husband has schizophrenia, for most of our 41+ years of marriage. It is very possible to live a "normal" life, with love and family. God is Good. He helps us daily. Blessings to you and all who have this.

[@mellynn277]

Thank you for this video! I have schizoaffective disorder and I enjoy watching your videos as they help me to know I'm not alone. I appreciate all the hard work you've done to come so far. I understand how hard it can be. Thank you so much!

[@zondrabarricks4666]

I’m so happy you made this video and so glad you’re doing well. I’m sure your mission of helping others is being fulfilled by sharing your journey and message. Thank you for your courage . So inspiring!

[@lucystrider728]

What a wonderful inspiration! There is nothing like being out in the beautiful sunshine, walking, for good health and happy thoughts! We have good days, and sometimes not so good days, but whenever the not so good days happen-they pass! They pass and things get good again. True of every person. Every single person has at least one disability no matter how perfect they or their life might seem from the outside. It might be obvious, or it might be hidden like a pain, a lack of empathy, a dietary intolerance, auditory processing deficit, color blind, agoraphobia, dyslexia, deadly allergies, childhood trauma, insomnia, on and on. We really are all in this together, and everyone should be kind and give people the benefit of the doubt, but also realize that we are as worthy as the people around us, and we all need a smile!

[@psrwhite]

Thank you Stephen for sharing your journey with schizophrenia. You have helped me and encouraged me so much!!

[@mtc1801]

You are a blessing! You are where God intends for you to be. You will save lives with this channel. My son is 22 years old and we are really struggling with medications etc. He is suicidal often, and each day is such a struggle 2 years into this. You are amazing and a gift.

[@reginabrown5059]

I wish my Grandson would listen to this! I’m so happy for you your doing GREAT!! 😊

[@marianneb.7112]

Video games are not all you're doing, Stephen. You are an active learner, an increasingly wise young man, and a thoughtful encourager of others. And a KZbinr, of course! Thank you for being such an earnest, open, and positive soul. You are making an impact in this world. I admire you and your parents. I pray that God will always bless each of you. ❤

[@berglettemom6045]

Stephen, your words are so wise and helpful, not only for people with schizophrenia, but also all kinds of people who are dealing with all sorts of issues. You’re a great motivational speaker, and your kind and pleasant smile are priceless.

[@GOLDENFALCONXOXO]

Hi Stephen, I'm very proud of you. You are an inspiration to others. God bless you🙏

[@rosemaryburford7607]

God Bless you, Stephen. I am so, so happy that you are doing well. Your outlook on life now is very positive and beautiful. Stephen, you are going to have a wonderful future and a very happy life.

[@matthewtuttle1272]

I give you a lot of credit. You didn't just accept your diagnosis. You worked and worked to get a better life. Take care and God bless you. I really mean that for you. ... I have an issue now that really hurts me. Because of you, I have decided to really try to get over my pain. I even had bad thoughts for a while. ...

[@CJR-lx4el]

Wishing you all the best life has to offer.

[@jcritter9295]

My sister has this and she’s still in a psychosis. She’s homeless and I’ve had her kids the past 4 years. She changed after our mom died. Hoping she gets better someday. Seeing you makes me think it’s possible.

[@grahamhardie6853]

Well done Stephen. About 6 years ago my life suddenly changed out of the blue within the space of 6 months when I got the job I’m still doing now and I met my wife. Life still has it’s challenges but you are in a better place to deal with them now. Good luck 🤞

[@gaylagabriel3485]

Hi Stephen, I love this video! I was sitting with you 5 days a week for years as your therapeutic educator. Watching you patiently as you intrinsically and instinctively knew what you needed to do, including the watching of videos. I intuitively knew what you were doing would pull you through the deep entanglement of Schizophrenia. In my desire to support you, I did push you to do some uncomfortable things. You would get frustrated! However, you would grow and develop new coping skills to move through those challenges. Many times we talked about your future. Unfortunately, you sadly would tell me you had lost hope of getting better. I never lost hope! Helping others was a topic we often discussed as an option for your future. There was the thought of you becoming a counselor or therapist. The draw back was the need to go to school and that was not a viable option! What you have chosen to do, in my opinion, is a miracle! Today, Stephen, you are a guiding light, as you soulfully share your personal journey! You alone are giving hope to 1,000s viewing this KZbin! I am so proud of you! 🙌🏻👏🏻🫶🏻

[@pauline_raabe]

Hey Stephen it's awesome to see your channel grow at 7k I've been watching your channel pretty much from the beginning when you had less than 1k I knew you could climb mountains. And grow into your own personality, grow into your future. I'm glad I can be here on your journey. I subscribed, like, and share your videos. I hope you're having a great day too.

[@kinzhe83]

Thanks for this video Stephen, you are so inspiring in this one :) I am genuinely happy you came such a long way and I really hope I do something similar myself, even though it's pretty much only video games and house/town chores for me at this time. I'm not pessimistic though, I think I'm just taking my time to mature more and then spring into action. And that's taking into account that I'm 40 years old, so technically time is not quite on my side, although I think it's never too late for anything. Thank you so much for your inspiring presence Stephen, and I wish you and all of us here best of everything :)

[@zambofan22]

So happy for you! I have severe depression and it caused me to retreat from life completely. Not the same as schizophrenia but a severe mental illness none the less. With help I have been able to join in life again and sometimes it is really great to be alive! something I thought I wouldn't experience again after my repeated episodes. Thanks for the videos and inspiration .

[@kates8841]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. I have been diagnosed with non specified schizophrenia. No fun. 😢 we are stronger than we know and believe. I’ve been getting better. Check out white or brown noise to sleep better. Sleep is very important. Also hz music or theta waves. Theta waves calm me so much. But some other hz music makes me feel sick. Prayer to God calms me as well. Jesus loves you. Praying for you. ❤❤❤❤

[@bethany45101]

I’m really not sure why your videos popped into my algorithm. I don’t have schizophrenia nor do I know anyone with it. However, I do want to tell you this is an incredible story and you seem to be doing so well. I watched a couple other videos with your dad in them and it seems like your parents did everything they could to make you feel whole and loved. Sending you so much love ❤ I subscribed! Looking forward to seeing more of your life and recovery from here on out 🎉

[@kitandsons173]

I am so happy I found your channel. It is awesome that you show gratitude to your relatives and therapists. You are loved by so many people! Your positive energy is contagious! Also, what a beautiful area. Such a gift to be able to see that sort pf natural beauty. Also, video games help so many people. Kids who can't get out because of health conditions. Yeah, I appreciate video games. They keep the mind active in a good way.

[@Rebecca-oz9fu]

So very proud of you and what you are doing and what you have done. Thank you for your transparency and being willing to share, and to explain what your journey has been to try to help others who have to walk a similar pathway. It is so heartening to see the progress that you have made, and to see that beautiful smile of yours!! I hope you never give up smiling like that. That is such a gift.

[@londonsheraton1]

I don’t have schizophrenia, but have suffered greatly in the last 6-8 years from severe anxiety and depression. You sharing your hardships and your overall great outlook on life, is so inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story, it reaches me all the way here in Sweden 🇸🇪. 🙏🏼😌🙏🏼

[@kristineawkwardsilence58]

you are an inspiration.

[@denisekarding1844]

As the saying go's we cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.. I think you are doing that and helping others to do that too.

[@jeancardoza4442]

Thank you, Stephen! Enjoyed your last two videos very much. God bless you, precious young man.

[@GrandmaLM]

We are glad you held on too Stephen😊

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

Excellent video, thanks Stephen.

[@lindawilson795]

Glad you are doing well.❤

[@dan063501]

Getting outside even if it’s just for a walk around the block can turn your whole day around. And focusing on the good things in life whenever you can is important. It’s easy to get stuck dwelling on the bad things and spiraling into despair because you’ve forgotten the good things. I catch myself doing that a lot but I’ve gotten better at stopping myself from dwelling on the bad. Sounds like you’re doing a great job of taking on your illness with confidence and a wise outlook. Keep at it and hold your head high and don’t give up

[@JL-kk1rj]

Thank you, Stephen, for revealing yourself. Strength comes from the acknowledgment of one's weaknesses, which is uncomfortable. You are strong.

[@pancake6550]

Hi guys, I think you're amazing, you're so brave telling your story, your dad too. You're very lucky you have the support you do from your family. You can see how much love & respect your dad has for you, he looks so proud of you. You've come along way, you seem so level headed & adjusted. It's great you're happy with your life now, you should be & should be proud of yourself. Carry on the great work, both of you. I'm sure you're helping alot more ppl than you ever thought.

[@Aicha___]

Wow Stephen, your positive outlook on life is so inspiring! It’s so good to hear how well you’re doing! You’ve made my day. 😊🌼

[@gururajugururaju6255]

Aicha hi sister

[@chickenmonger123]

Hope. Hope is not just wishing. Hope is setting your trajectory towards better. Then putting as much as you can towards it. You know the thing people don’t realize is if you find your aim wasn’t right, you can correct your aim while traveling. You aren’t an arrow. You are a rocket. Who said we get to stop correcting that aim? Who told us that the journey is one you eventually master? Well whoever they were, they were wrong. My metric of aim, for those whom I travel with, is the most true things. With the highest magnitude of good things. Where those two things meet is where I wanna go.

[@themorningmist99]

Nice! But don't be too hard on yourself for not seeing things earlier. It's hard to see while you're stuck in darkness. You had to walk through that darkness in order to make into the light. It's a great message you gave: be patient and walk. The night might be scary, lonesome, and cold, but the morning will come. We shouldn't lose hope even though we've been robbed of our precious things, beaten and left for dead. We're still alive, and where there's life, there's hope. We can at least start by being thankful for that. I know sometimes life hurts so much that we want to end it, but there's no hope in death. And if we lose hope then all that stands before us is the everlasting darkness of death: there's no learning, no growth, no knowledge, no instruction towards wisdom and understanding. But you persevered, and made it into the morning and are now enjoying warmth of the light. Your mind has been filled with understanding and understanding gives you access to wisdom. You've replenished your soul, and standing strongly. It's because of the darkness and suffering within it that you're able to appreciate this light so well. You've done well to make it this far. Don't stop, however, there's a lot more waiting for you. Even if the darkness creeps back in: Keep rising.

[@hollyhawked]

😊 Having many years of experience with a close family member diagnosed with schizophrenia, for many this “condition” is a gut issue effecting the brain and nervous system. Unfortunately standard allopathic medicine can only act as bandaid, looking into this guts connection may help you and I wish all the very best! You have a very kind and pure heart as do many people with schizophrenia because most are so hyper sensitive and have been through so much in they’re lives. 😊

[@KenzoTenmaM]

You have such a positive energy young man. Thank you for sharing your amazing personality with us.

[@fm-9129]

I do not have any mental issues, but I subscribed because I like your channel and content and I have learned a lot!

[@Clairebearthegoodfinder]

It’s really great that you’re feeling good ! I am really happy for you. I am proud of you. I’m coming out of a long spell of CPTSD, Neuromuscular Scoliosis, MECFS, plus many more but just recently I feel better. I have been doing EMDR treatment and it’s working well. I am glad I dropped in 🤗🙏

[@Milchfrosch]

You look good and kind of stronger and happy

[@fluctuatnecmergitor]

Thank you for this inspirational video filled with hope. You are wise, very wise.

[@KA-bw3wf]

God bless you dear Stephen. You are very strong to share all your experiences with us, educating us. Mind can play tricks sometimes ,but your ❤ is beautiful✨.

[@heatherwilson9714]

It is good to see how positive you are, and you seem much happier. Please know that schizophrenia does not have to be a life sentence, you can recover from it, and it looks like you are. I have seen people come out of it, as well as myself. The medical profession don't know the cause and they cannot cure it. Perhaps you could try a spiritual practice such as learning Reiki. That could help you.

[@barneyronnie]

Thank you for having the courage to reveal some of the most challenging times in your life. This means so much to those who are still suffering and feeling as though they are the loneliest people in the universe. There are people who are willing to help, and true persistence and the indomitable will to survive provides a path to rewarding life. Our lives can change in the blink of an eye and there is always hope!!😊

[@lorrilaque7311]

It makes me feel so good hearing what you shared on this video ❤

[@jenniferpeterson763]

You are an inspiration to listen to when you talk about life’s unexpected twists and turns. It’s an important message whether you are schizophrenia or not. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@Commonsensestillexists]

Good on you mate. Not only do I appreciate your positive outlook, but also your ongoing insight into your own condition. Keep it up my man.

[@denisechauvin1965]

You seem so much more alert today. Keep up being mindful, meaning keep your mind on your self and everything around you daily. Good job!!!!

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

Nice one Stephen 👍 you got a lot better a lot faster than I did... And it's great you didn't seem to have little petty things like cigarettes drinking or even drugs to hinder your recovery... All the best mate I'm sure things will be getting even better for you in the future!

[@marareyes3031]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@Kateroberts1010]

Your videos help my daughter’s anxiety as she also has schizophrenia

[@hiteshpatel3910]

Hello Steven. Your video are very helpful and inspiring. I want my son to watch your video who has been going through rough time with schizophrenia and loneliness in the home. In fact I feel like if you can talk to my son it might make a difference since he doesn’t talk much with his parents who are 24/7 caregivers. Keep up the good work with your channel and tell your story that can help more people who are going through rough time. God bless you and your family.🙏

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much for sharing!

[@BronaldBT]

Keep soldiering on, champ! Life isn't easy, but if you keep looking for the beauty in it, helps to put things into a worthwhile perspective ✌️💛

[@Seaturtle45778]

That video is very encouraging, thank you.

[@susanne4028]

Very insightful. You're still so young but you seem so wise and like you've had a lot of experiences and like you are thinking a lot about life in general. You really have recovered so much. Keep on doing what you're doing.

[@kellygill4795]

Thanks for sharing. So brave!!

[@BergenholtzChannel]

We appreciate you,too.

[@JeannePeters-g4u]

Good for you..great conversation and video.😊

[@garymulsp]

Well done Stephen

[@jamese9283]

Stephen, you look remarkably healthy here. I've watched many of your videos, and this time your eyes and mannerisms seem very well-adjusted and normal. I'm thinking you do better when you are outside.

[@taglepm]

Stephen you are a true inspiration for me. I think that the wisdom and insight that you have acquired from living such an intense and special life experience can be expanded and applied to many other topics. You truly have the potential of becoming a great thinker and a tremendous motivational soul. Keep up the spirit and dont stop blessing us with your feelings and thoughts. ❤❤❤

[@NF-im1wq]

I am so glad you are doing better and feeling better you have everything going for you you also help a lot of other people with mental illness

[@IlikeTurtles316]

I really enjoy these walk and talk videos you're doing!

[@ruthfrye9181]

Stephen...u r a brave soul!

[@kl3625]

Stephen, you are truly an inspiration! God bless you ❤

[@riaanbester5477]

I love your videos in nature. You are so much more at ease. Love how you evolve. I can see how much better you are just by watching your videos. I learn a lot that I can apply to my own life. So, you reach so many more than simply putting a positive light on mental health

[@CJR-lx4el]

Thank you for creating your channel and sharing your life with us. You're helping so many. We love you.❤

[@laurelgillespie5612]

Thanks!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much Laurel! I really appreciate it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@robertholmes5355]

Looking good! Sounding great and with a great message too.all the best !

[@chrissy24-7]

It's been so great to see you get better and grow and become more self aware as i have watched your videos by backtracking a bit. This is a very valuable message and i hope a lot of people will be encouraged by it!

[@valerieperry3480]

Your doing great! Thanks for taking us on a beautiful walk w u ❤

[@roxiesorrells4552]

You are helping so many people

[@VenkataKumar-z3n]

Thanks Stephen for your videos

[@theresajohnson7112]

You have given me hope for my 18 year old daughter. She is on Closapine and believes she hears spiritual voices. She has spells of hitting herself and says the bad voice is making her hit herself.

[@dardan9218]

Wish you continued optimism going forwards mate

[@Anoonrain]

Such a sweetheart!🙂lovely to see your videos.💕🙏🏽

[@MrBlunt32]

Keep it up man. Great attitude. Everything is influenced by attitude. You seem like you're really, really improving

[@Jepse89]

Very informative and useful, please keep going you will give hope to people in similar situation when they stumble upon it on KZbin

[@leest1098]

Keep smiling. Thank you

[@lynnmcmain1965]

It’s great to see you smile.

[@bass3966]

Thank you 😊

[@xortoloco49]

OMG Thank you bro you helping me so much out

[@lenovovo]

Hey Stephen, are you ever going to introduce us to your boyfriend. I know you guys are not talking to each other at the moment, but whenever the two of you reconcile your differences, we would like to meet him. Anyways it's good to know that you are doing so well these days. I'm so very happy for you!!! Have a great day okay!

[@juliedavis7673]

Thank you.

[@tictoc5443]

Kudos for your good work and sharing your journey Imho sick or healthy its all just experience that we all can learn from Thankyou

[@condianemcmonagle3630]

You are adorable and thank you for educating us 😊

[@EinsteinsPocketWatch]

Thanks friend. I have schizophrenia too

[@mynorby206]

great job you are doing thanks