Surviving Schizophrenia
Surviving Schizophrenia
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Why I Took a 5-Week Mental Health Break - Schizophrenia
Hi everyone, welcome back to Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen. I want to openly share why I had to take a 5-week mental health break recently from posting videos after consistently creating content here for over 2.5 years to help destigmatize schizophrenia and support others.
The intense schedule of working on this channel non-stop for several years, without breaks longer than two weeks, finally started taking a severe toll on me mentally and physically. My depression worsened significantly. I began sleeping in much later (until 1:30 pm), struggled to talk about my channel without getting overwhelmed, and just felt the stress catching up with me. On top of that, I got physically sick, with blood tests showing an elevated white blood cell count.
I knew I needed help, so I met with my psychiatrist, who adjusted my antidepressant medication, and my primary doctor, who ran a full panel of tests. Even then, my parents had to wake me up after 1 p.m. because I slept so much. As someone with schizophrenia who hasn't finished school or had a regular job before, maintaining this intense schedule was tough on me.
But this channel has been the most significant thing I've ever done. Your incredible, heartfelt comments of support and concern during my break strengthened me. They helped motivate me to take care of myself so I could return to making videos again, which is very cathartic and therapeutic. When you watch my old videos versus now, you can see how much better I'm doing cognitively, emotionally, and functionally since starting this channel, thanks to your fantastic support.
Moving forward, I've realized I need to pace myself more and take breaks regularly so that the stress doesn't build up like this again. I've learned my lesson about the importance of taking time to relax and recharge. I think this applies to anyone dealing with a lot of stress, but especially those of us living with mental illness.
I'm feeling much better after this five-week break and am excited to ease back into posting videos. I've made a new commitment to taking breaks when needed. I'm still working with my doctors to figure out my sleep issues and get fully back on track.
I'm also hoping to find new ways to branch out and connect with people who share my interests, like competitive Pokemon. I also want to connect more with you (our community), so I'm considering getting a post office box to exchange mail and connect!
I can't express enough gratitude for this incredible community and all your support. You've helped me come so far in my schizophrenia recovery journey. While I had to step back to prioritize my mental health briefly, I'm fully committed to continuing to be open about my story and advocating against mental health stigma on this channel.
If you're struggling with your mental health, please know that you're not alone and that it's more than okay to take breaks when you need to. Thank you so much for watching, and I look forward to connecting with you more in future videos. Take care and see you next time!
#schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression
Переглядів: 64 688

Відео

Schizophrenia and Insomnia: My Battle for Rest
Переглядів 53 тис.Місяць тому
Hi Everyone! I'm Stephen. In this profoundly personal video, I invite you to join me as I share my experiences living with schizophrenia for the past 12 years. One of the most significant challenges I face is the struggle to get a good night's sleep, which profoundly impacts my daily life and overall well-being. The Impact of Insomnia on My Life I discuss how my sleep schedule has been severely...
Exploring Empathy Through the Lens of Schizophrenia
Переглядів 42 тис.2 місяці тому
Hi everyone! I’m Stephen. Empathy is a complex human capacity that involves both emotional and cognitive components. The emotional aspect refers to the ability to feel what another person feels and share in their emotional experience. The mental component involves intellectually understanding what someone else is going through by putting yourself in their shoes. For someone living with schizoph...
How a Mental Change Lifted My Depression - Schizophrenia
Переглядів 123 тис.2 місяці тому
Hi everyone, it's Stephen here. In today's video, I want to open up about a difficult period of depression I went through recently and how I was able to find my way out of that dark place. As someone who has lived with schizophrenia since the age of 12, I'm no stranger to battling loneliness, sadness, and a sense that I've missed out on many everyday life experiences, but the last few weeks pus...
I'm Using Positivity to Change My Life - Schizophrenia
Переглядів 35 тис.3 місяці тому
Hello, Everyone! My name is Stephen. Welcome back to "Surviving Schizophrenia” and a new episode: The Transformative Power of Positivity in My Schizophrenia Journey. Today, I want to share something deeply personal and transformative that has been an integral part of my journey in recovering from schizophrenia, especially over the last two years. It’s about the profound impact positivity has ha...
Escaping Schizophrenia - Insights, Nostalgia, and Pokémon
Переглядів 96 тис.3 місяці тому
Hi everyone! I’m Stephen. Welcome to another episode of “Surviving Schizophrenia.” Today, I'm sharing insights from a very personal video, where I discuss finding solace in the small joys of life amidst my battle with schizophrenia. These candid reflections offer a unique perspective on coping with mental illness, highlighting my experience with childhood-onset schizophrenia. The Impact of Nost...
I'm Struggling with Negative Thoughts - Schizophrenia
Переглядів 50 тис.4 місяці тому
Hi Everyone! I'm Stephen. In the world of mental health, stories of resilience and recovery can offer hope and guidance to many. I share my journey in this video, discussing the intersection of physical illness and mental health challenges, which sheds light on a path many find themselves on yet often feel isolated within. The Weight of Negative Thoughts Stephen opens up about the negative thou...
I Experienced a Schizophrenia Visual Hallucination
Переглядів 127 тис.4 місяці тому
Hi, everyone! I’m Stephen, and in today’s video, my dad and I talk about my recent visual hallucination and the medical care we sought. I fell ill 12 years ago with treatment-resistant childhood-onset schizophrenia. I have not had any visual hallucinations for about ten years, until last month. Schizophrenia, a complex and often misunderstood mental disorder, affects about 1% of the global popu...
I'm Finding Purpose In Life - Surviving Schizophrenia
Переглядів 63 тис.5 місяців тому
Hi everyone! I'm Stephen, and welcome back to Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen! I've found purpose and hope through my struggles to survive schizophrenia. Welcome to a heartfelt exploration of my life with schizophrenia through the lens of Stephen, a brave individual who has battled the condition for over 12 years. In his own words, Stephen offers an insightful glimpse into the challenges a...
I'm Proud To Be Surviving Schizophrenia
Переглядів 1,5 млн5 місяців тому
Happy New Year, everyone! I'm Stephen. In this profoundly personal video, I invite you to join me as I reflect on my 12-year journey with schizophrenia and share the remarkable transformation I've experienced, especially in the last two years since starting this channel. Finding Genuine Happiness and Hope in 2024 | My Journey with Schizophrenia For over a decade, I've battled the traumatic, dep...
I’m Experiencing a Schizophrenia Stress Episode
Переглядів 728 тис.6 місяців тому
Hello, everyone. My name is Stephen. Today, I want to share with you a deeply personal experience - an insight into what it's like living with schizophrenia, particularly during a stress episode. The Onset of Stress The day started ordinarily enough. I went with my dad to pick out our Christmas tree, a seemingly simple activity. However, on the way back, I was unexpectedly overwhelmed by anxiet...
Can a Person with Schizophrenia Feel Joy?
Переглядів 4,2 тис.6 місяців тому
Welcome to "Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen," a channel dedicated to providing support, insights, and strategies for individuals living with schizophrenia and their loved ones. I'm Stephen, and I'm here with my dad, Steve. In my videos, we explore the challenges and experiences associated with schizophrenia, particularly during the holiday season. We aim to answer the question of why indiv...
Schizophrenia and a Positive Mindset
Переглядів 2,4 тис.7 місяців тому
Hello and welcome to "Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen." I am Stephen, and today, I want to share a more in-depth view of my journey with schizophrenia, emphasizing the newfound gratitude and hope that has emerged in my life. The Onset of My Journey Ten years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I explore my initial challenges, from understanding the...
I'm Battling Mental Exhaustion with Schizophrenia
Переглядів 11 тис.7 місяців тому
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of "Surviving Schizophrenia." I'm Stephen, and I truly hope you're having a wonderful day. In today's video, I want to talk about something that's been weighing heavily on me recently - the impact of holiday stress on my schizophrenia and overall well-being. Firstly, let me share a bit about my current state. I've been feeling exceptionally exhaust...
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Переглядів 16 тис.7 місяців тому
Hi, everyone! I'm Stephen. Today, we're exploring a crucial topic: How to Recognize the early signs of schizophrenia! Stephen and his father discuss their personal experience with the early signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. Stephen was diagnosed with the illness at age 12. They emphasize the importance of recognizing early symptoms to improve the long-term outcome of the condition. Among the...
I'm Breaking the Chains of Loneliness with Schizophrenia
Переглядів 2,7 тис.8 місяців тому
I'm Breaking the Chains of Loneliness with Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Anxiety and Panic Management
Переглядів 2,2 тис.8 місяців тому
Schizophrenia Anxiety and Panic Management
I'm Confronting Schizophrenia Loneliness
Переглядів 3,9 тис.8 місяців тому
I'm Confronting Schizophrenia Loneliness
My Schizophrenia and COVID-19 Story
Переглядів 3,4 тис.8 місяців тому
My Schizophrenia and COVID-19 Story
Schizophrenia Survivor: My Birthday Epiphany & Battling Illness
Переглядів 6 тис.9 місяців тому
Schizophrenia Survivor: My Birthday Epiphany & Battling Illness
Surviving the Challenges of Schizophrenia
Переглядів 2,7 тис.9 місяців тому
Surviving the Challenges of Schizophrenia
Wish I'd Realized Sooner - Surviving Schizophrenia!
Переглядів 5 тис.10 місяців тому
Wish I'd Realized Sooner - Surviving Schizophrenia!
I Made A Big Life Decision - Surviving Schizophrenia
Переглядів 41 тис.10 місяців тому
I Made A Big Life Decision - Surviving Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Sleep Dysregulation and Disturbance
Переглядів 6 тис.10 місяців тому
Schizophrenia Sleep Dysregulation and Disturbance
Schizophrenia: SSI, SSDI, and Medicare
Переглядів 5 тис.11 місяців тому
Schizophrenia: SSI, SSDI, and Medicare
Schizophrenia's Mental Marathon
Переглядів 5 тис.11 місяців тому
Schizophrenia's Mental Marathon
I'm Experiencing Schizophrenia Cognitive Struggles
Переглядів 10 тис.Рік тому
I'm Experiencing Schizophrenia Cognitive Struggles
Overcoming the Flu with Schizophrenia
Переглядів 2,5 тис.Рік тому
Overcoming the Flu with Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and Antipsychotic Polypharmacy
Переглядів 4,6 тис.Рік тому
Schizophrenia and Antipsychotic Polypharmacy
Schizophrenia Adjunctive Treatment - Minocycline
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
Schizophrenia Adjunctive Treatment - Minocycline

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @michelles9897
    @michelles9897 2 години тому

    😊

  • @baciliorochajr_schizophrenia
    @baciliorochajr_schizophrenia 3 години тому

    I just got a new psychiatrist. My first appointment is on September 11 i think. Also, my IHSS caregiver is my mom.

  • @michelles9897
    @michelles9897 3 години тому

    🤍

  • @michelles9897
    @michelles9897 3 години тому

    💟

  • @michelles9897
    @michelles9897 3 години тому

    💟 love your channel. it is so good. thanks for doing what you do for everyone.

  • @NoahLeppin
    @NoahLeppin 7 годин тому

    Have you ever taken Hydroxyzine for anxiety?

  • @emoKid-y4n
    @emoKid-y4n 9 годин тому

    My mom chews loud and whenever I ask her if she can please chew quieter she says it’s disrespectful to say that to an adult. It’s worse at school with everyone chewing gum and I can’t use headphones since we’re not allowed to so I usually just cover my ears, lol. Same on the bus too. I have to sit next to someone who breathes so loud and I don’t wanna be rude and say “hey, can you please breath quieter?” Because it feels inappropriate to say that. I know it’s mostly me that’s the problem but it makes me want to rip my ears out but whenever I get away from the noise I feel like I overreacted. I do have noise cancelling headphones but when my mom blows a gum bubble it really annoys me and it doesn’t cancel that sound out. I haven’t been diagnosed with misophonia but I did do my research and im pretty sure I do. It started 2 years ago when I was 12

  • @therafi3918
    @therafi3918 11 годин тому

    You're so attractive and thoughtful ❤

  • @nenadcubric2663
    @nenadcubric2663 12 годин тому

    My Doctor pecribed me Haloperidol, i am scared to take, i have all my life, Anxiety, avoid Social interaction with People, depression, none of the antidepresant didnt work, so now Haloperidol, should i try??

  • @nenadcubric2663
    @nenadcubric2663 12 годин тому

    Lack of empthy, mostly

  • @jackhade3232
    @jackhade3232 15 годин тому

    You should try seraquel for sleep , it worked wonders for me!

  • @beachstreet101
    @beachstreet101 20 годин тому

    Thank you for sharing your story and struggles. You’re helping others while helping yourself at the same time. It’s good to talk about things. I go to the gym religiously every Wednesday and Saturday around the same time. I have been doing that religiously for twenty years now as of this year. Rain or shine. Depression or not. I suffer from low moods and motivation, yet with that one gym thing, nothing stops me from going even if I don’t feel like it. I force myself to go anyway on those days. I know once I start moving that my energy will shift. When I leave the gym I always feel alive and much more happier. So I find the schedule and routine works for me. I go like it’s my job and I have to go. Some days I’m excited to go, other days not so much. But I still go no matter what.

  • @wandaruiz9814
    @wandaruiz9814 23 години тому

    Thanks so much for sharing 😊

  • @edwardmccue5982
    @edwardmccue5982 День тому

    hi steve:) glad to see you back you are a great inspiration and honor to watch, and inspiration to others. Keep this going, dude!

  • @nenadcubric2663
    @nenadcubric2663 День тому

    Had the same problem, first Olanzapine did help for a short time, but weight Gain was a problem, then Haloperidol helps very good

  • @TheLisalea
    @TheLisalea День тому

    what were Steven’s symptoms? both positive and negative thoughts ? any ocd symptoms?

  • @EthanLomas
    @EthanLomas День тому

    I am so sorry to hear you are struggling. You do not need to apologize for feeling depressed. But you are more "normal" than you think. Many people at your age want a partner and relationship; it is very common. It is only when you get older that you will not feel like this. The best thing is to find a (hybrid) community of people who share similar interests. It is from this that you will meet a partner.

  • @EthanLomas
    @EthanLomas День тому

    Your medicated schizophrenia sounds like PTSD. My psychiatrist has given me synthetic marijuana to help me to sleep deeply, which helps with the nightmares

  • @avosquirrel231
    @avosquirrel231 День тому

    I am trying to come out of 20 years of isolation, I was able to atleast work and go to grocery store for 15 of those years. For 5 years I was able to work from home and have food and groceries delivered. I am using doctors and psychiatrist appointments to leave house.

  • @katherinehsu6537
    @katherinehsu6537 2 дні тому

    Hi Stephen, long time no see! I have a little relapse due to facing my trauma. I hope you well and having more rest😊😊😊

  • @justinacosta1883
    @justinacosta1883 2 дні тому

    Hey Stephen , I have a few questions, do you have a email ?

  • @lastar2639
    @lastar2639 3 дні тому

    Can I ask, what medication worked? Desperately need help.

    • @SurvivingSchizophrenia
      @SurvivingSchizophrenia 2 дні тому

      Clozapine is the medication that worked best for me. But everyone is different.

  • @lastar2639
    @lastar2639 3 дні тому

    This is so wonderful, just how you accepted the disease, so then you could get help. My daughter just won’t accept it and so as an adult has the right to refuse help. How can I help her get there?

  • @79mann
    @79mann 3 дні тому

    I am drawing as a hobby but my hand shakes too much and can't really draw well. But I think it helps with my schizophrenia as a coping strategy. Anyway, great video!

  • @jeremywilliams1664
    @jeremywilliams1664 4 дні тому

    Thank you so much for your bravery and your videos Stephen! I’m going through many mental and physical health concerns right now (Autism, ADHD, suspected Hypogonadism, a psychotic mental disorder (not sure if it is MDD w/psychotic features, Bipolar 1 or 2 with psychotic features, or schizophrenia/schizoaffective with bipolar disorder or depression) but you are an inspiration for me and I appreciate that! Keep up the good fight and good work. We can’t let our mental disorders win.

  • @ShivamRbl
    @ShivamRbl 6 днів тому

    1 sub❤

    • @SurvivingSchizophrenia
      @SurvivingSchizophrenia 5 днів тому

      Thank you so much for subscribing! It means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

  • @SueB42
    @SueB42 6 днів тому

    I am so happy to see you and glad you are doing ok! You figured it out and now you will take breaks! Looking forward to the next!

  • @tjwatson2249
    @tjwatson2249 6 днів тому

    Stephen, you are courageous. It is a challenge to find people willing to speak so plainly and openly about an experience of psychosis. Further still, it is almost impossible to find someone talking about their recovery and their journey of faith in a positive light. From my experience, it is easy to overcorrect and believe in nothing, out of self-protection. Your story tells me that recovery of my faith is not impossible. Be brave. Be compassionate. Be loved. Thank you for being you!

  • @dardan9218
    @dardan9218 7 днів тому

    I'm really sorry to hear about your recent depression my friend, wish you all the best with it, take care and take hope! Remember, as Rilke wrote, no feeling is final. Thanks for the videos

    • @SurvivingSchizophrenia
      @SurvivingSchizophrenia 7 днів тому

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

  • @captainamerica9028
    @captainamerica9028 8 днів тому

    Schizophrenia is caused by an ATP7B copper binding gene defect that causes toxic unbound or free copper to buildup in the body. At the same time a schizophrenic has a defective blood brain barrier that lets the free copper into the brain. To reverse schizophrenia and live medication free, take 50 mg of zinc one hr before meals, 3 times per day, and in 1 to 2 years the free copper will be lowered to non toxic levels and schizophrenia will disappear. Then you can wean off the medicine and be normal again. You must continue taking zinc daily to prevent the free copper from building up again, which will cause a relapse. The uric acid drug, allopurinol, also lowers free copper and reverses schizophrenia in 6 to 12 months. Another copper chelator is the BP drug telmisartan.

  • @noreenquinn3844
    @noreenquinn3844 8 днів тому

    You make, making videos look so natural and straightforward. Stephen. We didn't notice that you weren't taking breaks, but yes, of course, breaks are essential, especially with Schizophrenia. In fact, work contracts should allow people with schizophrenia to take special unpaid leave as necessary without the fear of losing their job or being penalised. Maybe this is something that should be discussed further and petitioned for? The reason why people with schizophrenia fear jobs or can't hold down a job for a prolonged period is precisely because they know they can't take time out breaks as needed. They fear being trapped in a job with people and situations they don't understand and with no escape mechanism. No possibility for taking a break to decompress, compose themselves, and gain perspective again. This is very frightening. Schizophrenia patients know themselves and their illness to a great extent. They know they may need time outs that others don't.. Without the break, psychosis, shut down, or melt down can creep back in, with all the heartache that these bring. If a simple break helps the situation, why not allow it? I think there are great similarities between autism and schizophrenia. In both conditions, patients are prone to circular thoughts, processing speed difficulties, getting exhausted from all the thinking , figuring, chatting, social nuances, and general sound and fury of life.. etc.. Thanks, Stephen, for identifying and highlighting this important issue. All managers, personnel staff, training staff, teachers and lectures, etc. should be made aware of this and facilitate special needs breaks in the workplace. Keep up the good work, Stephen. May your recovery be a speedy one.

    • @SurvivingSchizophrenia
      @SurvivingSchizophrenia 7 днів тому

      Thank you very much Noreen for your continued support and encouragement. Your words always mean so much to me! Thank you so much! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

  • @user-dh1fr3oq4k
    @user-dh1fr3oq4k 8 днів тому

    Please ask your Doc to prescribe sleeping pills! Switch between 10 mg of ambien,switch to 20 mg of sonata when you build up tolerances to either..in addition, there's low dose remeron and low dose trazodone..please do this soon .insomnia is awful

  • @user-dh1fr3oq4k
    @user-dh1fr3oq4k 8 днів тому

    Why don't they prescribe sleeping pills? I take seroquel,almost as sedating as clozaril..it makes me sleepy, sedated,but not enough to sleep..I take 10mg of Ambien for 2 months until I build a tolerance to it, then switch to 20mg of sonata for a couple months,then back to Ambien, ect..why can't they prescribe these to you to end your suffering?

  • @isab348
    @isab348 9 днів тому

    mieux sans

  • @isab348
    @isab348 9 днів тому

    le psychopathe est partout dans la societe se montre se connait ( vulgarisation scientifique ) se sait lol etc. promo

  • @nevecampbell-ue6on
    @nevecampbell-ue6on 9 днів тому

    Really good, amazing video. Thank 🌷 you Steven and your Dad, you are helping people that are going through this and doesn't understand and family members. Congratulations 👏🏻 👏🏻

  • @TTIzzy1
    @TTIzzy1 9 днів тому

    Any family members that had schizophrenia or bipolar? Grandmother or grandfather?

  • @AnaCristina-uj4he
    @AnaCristina-uj4he 9 днів тому

    Eu sou brasileira,e não compreendo o inglês,mas vou deixar para meditação desse garoto,Lucas 1 :37 para Deus nada é impossível, em Jesus Cristo há cura para qualquer problema.Sua vida tem valor .

  • @natashiajohnson8251
    @natashiajohnson8251 10 днів тому

    Stephen you look refreshed and you sound great!

  • @Kipodkid
    @Kipodkid 10 днів тому

    thanks for uploading bro

  • @HabibeBoyraz-hg2nk
    @HabibeBoyraz-hg2nk 10 днів тому

    Can you please search benefıts of vıtamın -b3 and vitamin -C together for curıng schızophrenıa. One of the professor treated many schızophrenıa patıents wıth both vıtamıns and also search for metabolic psychıatry. They adopt ketogenıc dıet to cure ıt too. Good luck everyone . Thank you for sharıng your life experıence and l like your relatıonshıp wıth your father.

  • @pn9675
    @pn9675 10 днів тому

    Long term dehydration is real.It actually can cause Psychosis.

  • @abhisiddh4930
    @abhisiddh4930 10 днів тому

    😅😮🎉😂❤🎉😮😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

  • @abhisiddh4930
    @abhisiddh4930 10 днів тому

    🎉🎉🎉❤😂

  • @sunnyn2417
    @sunnyn2417 10 днів тому

    私はテレビではなくユーチューブ番組を好んで見ますが、中でも、ステファンさんの声、発音、話されている英語の文章・内容はとても分かりやすいです。トピックも興味深いものがあります。病気がどうであるかわかると、健康がなんであるかがわかります。日本人の若者のもっと多くの人がステファンさんのビデオを見て英語を勉強して、自分もビジネスできれいな英語を書いてくれたらいいな、と思います。できない人がとても多いですから。

  • @mountainheather
    @mountainheather 10 днів тому

    Good to see you Stephen! Do you play Pokemon Go? If you (or anyone else here) do my player code is 581573486072 Peace , love and snorlaxes to all. ✌🏼

  • @edsonsouza563
    @edsonsouza563 10 днів тому

    Thanks for your words. I'm shure you're helping a lot of people.

  • @elliesaailem777
    @elliesaailem777 11 днів тому

    Thank you for this. ❤❤❤

  • @jusapoet72
    @jusapoet72 11 днів тому

    Stay strong 💪 you are a TRUE Hero. Now I finally feel like someone understands what I'm going through. It's so hard when the brain 'goes dark'. Things are getting MUCH better with self-care. But I get worried sometimes that it will come back. But I practice self-compassion and this helps. I miss being alone with my thoughts and daydreaming good things, just relaxing. But you're right, when it's our thoughts that were 'the trauma' then it's still hard to trust the brain as it heals. Active B vitamins (not inactive) helps a lot. Research Dr. Amen. You're doing GREAT on YT. Saving and changing lives.

  • @annhasty4857
    @annhasty4857 11 днів тому

    You are so wise. Take care.