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I've been diagnosed with borderlines schizophrenia from my family doctor which is now retired and psychiatrist. I remember the family doctor telling me the same thing. It's all in my head and threatening to cut me off for self medicating myself with marijuana😂🎉🎉
11:22 This is where you're right, but its almost like a symptom. They want you to know its like ur dead, or you're just in someway upset you couldn't be like the normal people with the healthy brains. So they just use the system to erase you while they hold a part in an oppressive hierarchy. Worst is people can still say in the end "omg that person literally cant accept that it 'IS' like they are subhuman and that they 'do' need to go away" omfg wutt huhhhhhh
My daughter was recently diagnosed with severe depression with negative thoughts but we are pretty sure she has schizophrenia 😢shes in Phoenix Arizona the medication she's is on it's like 100 yrs she STI very depressed 😔 please help me she's a good mom but now she doesn't care
I've gotten the "But you don't LOOK schizophrenic!" all the time. It's like... Oh! I'm sorry! I'll go put on dirty clothes, mess up my hair, and start screaming at strangers??!
I get this all the time too. "Oh, but you look normal". It's kinda extenuating to explain people how offensive that statement is. Now I just roll eyes and say "whatever" to myself.
Haha I legit had a psychiatrist tell me, after speaking for less than 5 min, that I didn't look like I had DID... I still laugh about it cause I wonder if I should have brought costume changes or worn several outfits or like... Idk? Hahahaha (I'd already been diagnosed by another psychiatrist before that, I just still wonder how he thought I "should" look)
You forgot the “you’re just lazy”… whenever I’m having an rough time, I can remain calm and collected though I’m directing all my energy into not going completely psychotic and simple tasks overwhelm me…. My family always tells me I’m just “lazy” and it hurts so much because I truly feel completely incapable of doing anything. I feel so alone in feeling this way :,(
no dear, you are not alone. even I am having same situation in home. I feel like i am homeless eventhough am at 'my home'. stay strong buddy take care.Much love from India. self love is healing me. please stay connected to your own soul.
People talk about gifts, like 'wealth' and 'beauty' and 'intelligence', but the greatest gift of all is motivation and attention. I hate listening to these self-help motivational dickheads talking about dopamine and how to reallign your dopamine to treat boredom and depression. I want to talk to them about dopamine supressing antipsychotics. I want them to experience it. I want to see how fuelled up their drive is, when there IS no fuel. Schizophrenia and antipsychotics are such a shit experience for a human being. LOL.
My son, he fluctuates between being very productive in his computer programming business (working at home) and disorganized to the point where he can't throw food wrappers away or take a shower. I use to get a little frustrated because I didn't fully understand even tho I knew he was ill. I wish the medical prof would help us understand better. I'm glad I only said something critical once (and regret it deeply) in all the years it took me to "get it." when you don't understand the world your loved one deals with, you base everything on your own experiences. If I left piles of food wrappers on the floor, it would be because I was being a slob. I couldn't possibly understand his struggles and he could not explain or understand them himself. It's been years of experience and youtube videos like this that have helped me understand and better help him.
This kills me and I don't even have schizophrenia, just depression and maybe some ADHD. This is one of the most hurtful ones. I've heard it from my parents my hole life.
I'm actually fine with sharing what the voices I hear are saying. I think there's a lot of stigma around psychotic symptoms and speaking openly about them is a good way to dispel that stigma and educate others. It also helps to normalize the experience of hearing & seeing things that others don't. If someone was being intentionally disrespectful that would bother me, but other than that, any sort of honest inquiry is fine with me, even if it does sound a bit ignorant or naive. The fact that someone is even asking me about my experiences means that they are interested in learning, and that deserves to be applauded, even if they don't do it in the most pc way.
Most of what the voices say to me is random nonsense or unintelligible, so I think telling someone what I hear would be anticlimactic lol. As a kid I would hear people from my class when I was alone in my room. How would I explain that? "Well Jesse is going to tell the teacher on me, but I didn't do anything. We'll see what happens."
Voices in your head? Those are called thoughts. And everyone has thoughts. How are your thoughts different. Because they're psychotic that's why and that's why your condition has such a stigma...your thoughts are bat shit crazy
@@Scott-got-caught have you ever had a dream? What you experience in a dream is being generated by you, but you're not consciously controlling it. Same with voices. They don't feel like they originate with you. They seem to be coming from other "characters," just like the voices you hear in your dreams do.
Errrrr yeah. This is so subjective .. most do not audibly hear a clear voice that is saying something. Some say whispers . Or has a rhythm. mine is radio chatter, it never makes words just radio chatter.. doesn't scare me or make me feel crazy. There is NO way to know the mind of an individual with moderate to severe schizophrenia. They have an entirely different reality ,its like they are on a different world but still physically here.. that is why it is so fucking heartbreaking, the LONLINESS no one can understand your reality and you can never even share it to bring someone to your level. If that makes sense. I respect that different individuals are going to have different reasons to be "triggered" And when it comes to mental illness you just really can't lump an entire group of people into Single opinions about single questions.. I know for a fact that No schizophrenic or schizoaffective i know, even the one that takes "hello" as a word coded to inflict emotional hijacking.. none care about ppl using "crazy" or "insane" as an adjective describing general everyday stuff... its common vernacular quite popular ... from kids to old folks.. and theyre not thinking of an asylum when they say "thats crazy!" About lightning striking nearby. A lot have internal voice that does speak.. suggest things usually not good things etc. The entire condition is THE WORST most DEBILITATING and heartbreaking of all mental illness.
@@my5head wow I also used to hear people from my class when I was a kid. I don't have a psychotic illness, though. Not diagnosed anyway. It was always when I was falling asleep, and that would wake me up, but while falling asleep is not a big deal. It was a little scary, but also kinda funny in the next day remembering it.
Do one that shows how to be supportive and what you Can say to be a good friend. When I say I'm struggling with symptoms I appreciate people who ask "what do you need?" Or "how can I support you?"
I can't remember a time where anyone has said that to me. Not where I am now. The people where I live I think want me to kill myself. And also where I used to live before coming here. I think that all Christians want me to kill myself. Because I don't believe in their god. They think they have the CURE! Their cure has only made me more ill than ever. Long story. A very sick story. Very good video, I'm going to watch your other videos.
The annoyed faces actually annoyed me. How can you expect anyone to know everything about a rather rare syndrome? And how can you expect everybody to react just in a perfect way?
@@caddieohm7059 they don’t have to know everything. The examples used in the video are completely ignorant, invasive, and rude, therefore deserving of the faces
@@caddieohm7059 you should know what is rude behavior and what is not. These things she pointed out should be obvious to anyone that has been raised properly.
@@caddieohm7059 that’s the whole point of the video! To educate people who may think saying these things and others comments too ARE sometimes at worst cruel, and best, bothersome, rude and triggering to someone who is or isn’t doing well at the time. Like try to have empathy and try to see if you were on the other persons shoes? Would you feel upset by even ONE of the non-recommended comments? If so think it through. Try to have an open mind and maybe you yourself needed to see this to be educated on how to not do the specific actions spoken eloquently in this video to anyone in your life that you know has illnesses, mental or physical for that matter. And life will be easier and better for them and you. I hope this helps you to understand how they nobody is expecting anyone to be perfect! You don’t have to be perfect to be kind and polite! Have a great day!
Even if there’s schizophrenia was drug induced it doesn’t mean that Someone has the right to judge them. A lot of illnesses are caused by lifestyle choices and we don’t judge them.
Very true! Like some cases of type 2 diabetes or some cases of liver disease and even some kinds of cancer. Yet we treat those individuals like victims of fate and often villify people who suffer from a mental illness or ailment that *might* have been caused by drugs or otherwise unwittingly self inflicted. Breaks my heart. My darling husband has mixed bipolar. When he's off his medication or his medication needs adjustment he can get manic, paranoid and just generally upset. I can't even say how many times he's been handcuffed, arrested and charged with things like disturbing the peace, intimidation and resisting arrest and has had to spend days, weeks and even months in jail without his medication. All because officers aren't trained to recognize a mental health crisis and respond appropriately. The last time this happened I had already called a crisis intervention specialist from his Drs office and they were on the way. Some passer by decided to call the police and they arrived first. I told them he was manic and the CIS was on the way. Didn't stop them from treating him like a criminal. The asked me to come speak to them out of his earshot. I told them that would escalate the situation and they didn't care. Of course he got up from where they asked him to sit to try to hear what was being said. The yelled at him to sit back down and when he didn't, they tried to detain him. Of course he fought against them untill I was able to make eye contact with him and get him to calm down. Assholes still arrested him for resisting arrest and he spent two weeks without his meds in the county jail. Now, because of his resisting arrest they are trying to charge my poor sweet husband with aggravated assault on a police officer. Which is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. He's never violent even when he's manic and he did not assault any police officer. All this because his medication needed to be adjusted and it would have all been avoided if some person hadn't taken it upon themselves to call the police. Or, if the police had simply waited for the crisis intervention person to get there instead of acting on their own. This isn't the first time this has happened. There was another instance where I called his care coordinator for help and because it was the weekend she sent the police! Which only made him more paranoid so he didn't answer the door and he didn't want me to answer the door so they busted the door down and then charged him with criminal confinement because he wouldn't let me answer the door. I hate the way the criminal justice system treats people with mental illness. I have a front row seat to that particular Injustice and it makes my blood boil
There's alot of information about how hallucinogenic drugs can awaken mental illness for some people. But that's the point- it was 'sleeping' or dormant until it got triggered. There's no definite cause, only contributing factors that make a person more susceptible to developing Sz, SzA, Bipolar, etc. Genetics, trauma, significant stress are some of the other known contributing factors. Like thousands of other diseases, mental illness simply just happens. But unlike other diseases and disorders that often evoke empathy, understanding and compassion, mental illness doesn't. It's drenched in stigma. Sadly, the affected person often feels shame about it. Even sadder is that people often blame the affected person for their condition- hence the question about drug use is so frequently asked.
@@Mr_bob12308 100% with you. Also I would like say that is the other way round... People who suffer of mental illnesses sometimes smoke more, drink more, take some drugs...it's a kind of self-cure. Anything can trigger a certain condition, and it means in most cases that it would have happened anyway. We should leave our fake prejudices behind.
My 30 year old daughter has been held in a secure mental health facility for the past year and a half and because of the pandemic is allowed no visitors & no passes. In that time I have seen her just once for an hour in May and I live just an hour from her. In that time it's the only opportunity she has had to see a loved one, to touch & to hold someone she loves. She really is a prisoner & as hard as this has been on me, imagine how it is for someone who is mentally ill? Previously I would visit her once a week and we would have a 4 or 5 hour pass to go somewhere and do something together, but in a year and a half she has been alone in that respect, forced to be with people she might not want to be with if she had the choice. I would love to see a video about this kind of isolation of the mentally ill and how it negatively impacts them and their lives.
Good day, Steve! Im so sorry to hear about your daughter. Is it a mental health facility or a psychiatric ward in the hospital? Sorry to ask. My son is also admitted at the hospital now and I feel so helpless because visiting him is restricted.
I think all of society has been abused during this pandemic. The countermeasures mandated by governments have been isolating and unhealthful, and the nightly news is fear porn.
I've also been handcuffed and treated like a criminal...and all because I told my psychiatrist that my paranoid delusions were getting worse (sometimes I think there's people watching me through my windows at night). Both my psychiatrist and local law enforcement interpreted that as me being dangerous and unpredictable. They treated me like they were all scared I might lash out and attack them at any moment; like I was suddenly some kinda serial killer or rabid dog. _and honestly...it was one of the most hurtful and humiliating experiences of my life_
That’s so messed up, if anything you’d think that your psychiatrist would want to help you feel safe and protected from these kinds of experiences. Wtf. ❤ I’m pretty sure you are brave and deserve to be proud of yourself for sharing this experience, NOT to get treated like a wild animal.
"I was at the doctor to tell him I was struggling, he called the police to take me to the hospital" is one of the most disgusting sentences I've ever heard in almost every way.
"Self-care" for someone who is tired or stressed out is definitely different than care for an actual mental illness! This bothers me, too, even though I do not have a mental illness. Our culture is throwing around terms like self-care and mental health in ways that have watered down the issues involved.
Even people without mental illness also might not benefit from the same things as someone else. Bubble bathes aren't relaxing to some. Also as someone with bipolar having someone tell me to do something active like running or yoga can trigger mania or an anxiety attack. People should ask open ended questions like "what makes you feel better when you are feeling like this?" Or "what can we both do that will make the situation better?"
Self care also doing things you don’t want to do and don’t enjoy, like having to cancel plans because you are over your limit and you are struggling. Staying in touch with therapists. Identifying issues you have and better ways to express them, etc. Yes, bubble baths and showers are self care. I can’t stand missing my shower, but it’s more than that, and it’s not always fun.
Right? My self care: forcing myself to eat half a pizza slice after 2 days without eating anything, while crying and depressed as fuck. "Oh, but HAVE YOU HEARD OF ESSENCIAL OILS?"
I very much appreciate you and the way you articulate schizophrenia and living with this illness. My brother has struggled with this illness for may years. I have been there for his struggles with the illness and consequences of what happens when his medication wasn’t taken. I have seen him cry in fear that the giant spiders were going to eat him. I have seen him homeless because he broke mirrors in his apartment believing someone was behind them. I’ve seen him not be able to parent his child and protective services apprehend her. I’ve seen him walk around the streets with a butcher knife in his chest to get the voices to stop tormenting him. I will always think to myself, he is a survivor and I always think he was robbed of a “normal functioning life”. I has seen family members disassociate themselves with him because they won’t educate themselves about the illness. I hate this Illness but I have loved and supported my only brother throughout his life, it’s my honour and privilege as I have learned a lot about myself about him and this illness.
I love you the way you love and care for your brother!! Let me tell you how you can stop and deliver him from all the tormenting,. You have to read the holy bible out loud to him to cast out those entities who are tormenting him , by the blood of Jesus Christ! It's the only way , there are no type of medicine that will make it stop but only in Jesus Christ name and in his blood to wash him will be the only way , You can search on how to rid someone of tormenting spirits how to cast them out and to rebuke them , , as if no one will help him get delivered the spirits will eventually take over his mind totally , I love and sympathize with you
I'm also the sister for my brother who has survived through this illness. Like you the stories are hard & heartbreaking both for the family and him. He goes through many relapses each year where his mental health is on the decline and ends up back in hospital. I try to help by educating myself and my family on how to speak to him with empathy, kindness. Unfortunately mums sometimes can't stop telling their kids what they do wrong, which doesn't help. When I think about why he is so rude to others, he is probably treating unkind to others as he is to himself. I really appreciate you sharing your story.
You are creative, Lauren. The way you do these videos shows this. And you’re creative, not because of schizophrenia, but because you’re just a creative person.
Once I threw out "I'm hallucinating and im scared" and I got "are you hearing voices telling you to kill me?" ... "no".... "then whats the problem?" All with aggression. People suck sometimes.
I’m turning 21 this year and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 19. They made me take a whole lot of medication (I’m on 3 antipsychotics, a medication to suppress anxiety, a medication for my heartbeat, constipation.. I take around 10-12 pills each day. I personally do not experience hallucinations. I have more delusional thinking than proper hallucinations. I just found this channel and I love it. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Awwwwww the ending is so cute. I personally don't have schizophrenia, but I feel for the people who do and I would never want to make them suffer with my ignorance. Thank you for the very informative video!
I have DID, and people treat me like I have schizophrenia. Ironic. You guys had me absolutely rolling laughing, because I knew Rob was going to say “that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard” before he ever said it! I know this is a serious topic, but you handled it with a great sense of humor. By the way, the hug at the end was adorable.
People were so much more understanding about me telling them I had DID.. then when I got diagnosed with schizophrenia on top of it everyone started thinking I was dangerous, unsafe, and scary, and I felt so betrayed (mainly by my family and friends).
alters sound like thoughts and hallucinations are more like outside stimuli. I would react to an alter's thoughts/passive influence but it's a different feeling, way more internal. I would react to auditory hallucinations with more confusion and fear because it would be unknown and less familiar. For my system we can usually recognize each others internal voices fairly easily and its not scary anymore. Hope that helps.
I AM A VET THAT WAS SCHIZOPHRENIC BEFORE I WENT INTO THE MARINE CORPS THEN I GOT BLOWN UP IN THE MIDDLE EAST, I FOR THE MOST PART HIDE MY (SCHIZOPHRENIA) BY BEING A RECLUSE, I UNDERSTAND MY Issue AND ACCEPT IT, BUT A Lot OF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS TRUTH AND HONESTLY I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO SHARE MORE ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR IN LIGHTING PEOPLE
We have a new friend, someone coming to our church, who is schizophrenic. This person is so nice once not afraid to talk with us. We laugh, we smile and converse. A sweet friend! I have learned a lot from your videos - what to say or not to say. I rejoice with you that your life is meaningful, so is my friend's. He's been a real help to us lately. God bless you richly.
My nephew fell off the grid. No one knew where he was for months. Turns out he was in a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. We found him 4 days after his father died. He would not eat because he thought someone would poison him, he had not had a bath in months and refused to let the hospital staff give him one. He was also non verbal. Once I started going to see him he started talking like his old self. Eating a little and allowed them to bath him. He is now living with a daughter no one knew he had doing fine. My research said that some people become psyzophenic from severe physical child abuse. While I was never around to witness it(I live in another city) I'm told my brother beat him a lot as a child. My brother was a very violent man. 😒
So I do not have schizophrenia, but I do have a disociative disorder, and PTSD-C, and oh boy I have heard a LOT of rude things in my life time, especially before I did EMDR therapy and got on medication. Kids used to be scared of me back in highschool because I was introverted, wore black, and people heard rumors about me. When I was in college my former highschool principal asked my sister if I was "still sideways".A therapist once told me, "all things considered you are surprisingly well adjusted". The list goes on. My mental illness is not great, very disorienting and pretty scary, but totally harmless; but similarly to one of your points people associate dissociation with movies where people getting taken over by like a murderous alter that runs around killing people or has super powers or things like that, so it's so misunderstood.
We've had people be afraid of us once they find out we have DID, people will be convinced that we have a violent killer alter because of movies they've seen. People have legit been violent towards us after finding out we have DID. I don't know how people can say so many cruel things or feel so justified and sure on their incorrect ideas that they refuse to consider another view or look at actual educational information. For as much as we've been judged, it makes me think people's ideas of what "healthy" looks like is pretty twisted because, regardless of how many of us there are in this body, *none* of us would ever treat other people as cruelly as neurotypical people have treated us. We are tired of feeling shame for our existence and we decided we won't anymore. We have a right to exist as we are! I really hope for a future where people don't fear anyone based on a diagnosis. We have plenty of light and love to share with the world!
My husband is still in the process of diagnosis. We don't know what it is, but, with him being in the hospital right now. Your videos have really brought me so much comfort. Especially the one with your partner talking about his experience. Thank you so much for these videos.
I hope by now that you have a diagnosis. My husband was diagnosed with bipolar 1 with psychosis last year. He started out doing OK when we got him home from the hospital, but he fell in the parking lot of the care center and it put him into an awful depression paralysis. He won't go to therapy or be honest with his psychiatrist.
@@teresahegerich8835 I am so sorry to hear. We have a partial diagnosis. My husband is bipolar. He just hasn't been going to treatment, so, they can't get a real idea. My husband refused treatment for a year after he had his last break and it was the most stressful thing. I hope your husband finds the strength to be able to accept treatment. If you ever want to talk, let me know! Thinking about you and yours ❤️.
I live bipolar disorder and hearing anyone say your “acting crazy” is so offensive to anyone but definitely someone with mental health problems especially because it is definitely used as a weapon to induce self doubt. I know that I have struggled with being able to trust myself and my feelings even though my treatment is very affective and just getting the diagnosis has made me question every thought and feeling and even my sanity
Well, on the bright side - when you hear somebody say that to you… You know not to trust them, and you know they are manipulative. So that can cross them off the list.
I remember in the last year of highschool my form tutor, having known me for 5 years at this point, took me aside one morning and yes, he asked me how many personalities I had. It could have been a simple google search that would have cleared up that misinformation! I did start to advocate for myself though and wrote a letter to my teachers, explaining what schizophrenia was like for me and how they could avoid making things worse. I still dealt with stigma from some of them but I did have one very positive experience and that teacher’s compassion means a lot to me to this day.
@Funny Username I wonder if people mix them up because they are the most frequently vilified by Hollywood? That's my best guess, anyways. I don't get it, either! We have DID and the stigma is SUCH a struggle! It makes me mad that there is no evidence based care and it's so hard to find professional help, it's ridiculous honestly. I used to feel deep shame but now I realize that mental health care is doing a great injustice and I want to encourage them to do better! We have a right to help just as much as everyone else.
@@norajake3790 but not really, in DID the voices are not described like the ones in schizophrenia. In DID it's usually described more like thoughts that don't belong to you, while in psychotic illnesses it's described as literal voices heard from outside, like they are listening them through their ears, not inside their heads. This is because the alters in a DID system are not hallucinations, it's completely different. So much so, that DID is made so the host doesn't know what's going on, it is a self defense mechanism, the person who is in charge of the body is not supposed to be aware that there are other "people in their head", so the voices tend to come as thoughts, this way the person won't recognize them as something unusual: the whole "point" of the disorder is to hide the trauma away so that the body can survive and part of the personality can actually function and live their life without knowing any of it.
Ok this is like my 3rd video I watched with you in it.. You're so compassionate and intelligent. Thank you for being open and transparent about this mental illness.
The one about eating right and exercising hits home for me. It's always suggested for my anxiety disorders. While I don't disagree, it feels patronizing. Great video!
@@scotchmist...I respect that many people don't trust in any super natural intelligence. Though, I'm not about being narrow minded. So I'm not about being cool, either.
Love this. Weird moralizing about how exercising is some kind of super drug really irks me when I'm having a depressive episode . It's not something I can "walk off" lmao.
MDD guy here who's been actively having an episode for two weeks now and though I do agree that it's annoying of you choose to try and open up to someone about it they just throw out cliche "fixes", I cannot stress enough how amazing exercising for even just 10 minutes can be for the mind. Just three days ago I forced myself to just run where I've kept to that until today, and the improvement in seeing myself finally coming back to baseline is significant. And the fact it is also a highly proven thing that exercise releases a ton of feel good stuff. Basically it *is* a super drug. The hardest part is the start. Especially when dep is hitting hard.
@@TheFos88 I agree that physical activity can be an overall important part of managing depression for able bodied people. However, I personally have episodes/symptoms that don't always respond to it. My experience is definitely not universal though, so I encourage anyone experiencing depression to give it a shot if they are able.
I know the comment is kinda old, but this REALLY irks me as well. Over the pandemic I got into a really good walking habit (like 45 minutes of very brisk walking outside, rain or shine), and guess what? No tangible improvements on my mental health lmao. Likewise for the year I got super into yoga and mindfulness meditation. I'm sure it was still good for me physically and maybe helped a little bit mentally too, but it's certainly not a miracle cure. I'd also guess it's very dependent on the underlying cause of a person's symptoms; maybe some people happen to lack the exact brain juices that exercise releases and it WOULD be a miracle cure for them. It's worth a shot of course, but uneducated people suggesting it repeatedly is very dismissive.
Yeah. Exercise is healthy and whatnot but it isn't a cure all. We should all exercise an appropriate amount for us to get to our baseline level of health, but for some of us that level isn't the same level as people without our struggles. I have ADHD, depression, and anxiety and I exercise to cope, but it has never made me not have those conditions. I still struggle despite exercising, eating healthy, drinking water, and whatnot. And sometimes my conditions make doing those things hard. Just like asthma makes it hard to exercise in certain ways, and GERD makes otherwise healthy foods unhealthy for me. Exercise helps both of those too, but it isn't magical. I don't understand why that's hard to understand for people.
I was talking with someone about something fairly benign. They decided that they didn't want to keep going with the conversation and they fired, fairly out of the blue, with, "Well, how do you even know that I'm real." It's been about 7 months and I'm still shook over the whole thing.
I blame life time movies for "disability porn" . Some one suggested that I could go back to school with my life just as it's is now and no money at almost 40 and get a doctorate. When I called her BS she said "it's never to late anything is possible they even made a movie about someone doing that" . Cringe cringe cringe!!! It must be possible I saw it on LMN .
YES! Not just lifetime movies, either, it's most movies that show disability show it either as something to pity or something to "overcome" and be "inspirational". We need better representation of disabled characters (played by disabled actors) just living their lives with disability!
Ugh, the "it's not too late" one, assuming that you can snap your fingers and do whatever you want when you're not at all in a position to do something. Like geez okay, so you'll fully financially support me, including providing me with health insurance, and you're also a miracle maker who can magically cure my health problems? Yeah, there's definitely things I wish I could do, but it's not realistic. I'm not wealthy and perfectly healthy.
Thank you for making these videos. So helpful. My mother's been recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and I never Wana affend or make her uncomfortable etc so this super helps me communicate and understand her better. I was terrified when heard her diagnosis, but I found your videos and am educated better, and helping understand her better. You've completely changed my view and education on schizophrenia. Thank you so so much.
You are a courageous woman . you are very intelligent too that's why you are out of missing insight and you understand your disease very well. Your videos are v knowledgeable and intresting too . I appreciate your initiative. May GOD heal all persons suffering from schizophrenia.
Thank you VERY MUCH for your voice! We're a couple that is one Aspergian and the other is Schizophrenic. As the Aspie it is me starting to research this. Your videos are informative and VERY well processed. Lighting, audio and editing are superb! And the content, which is the meat we're after is nicely arrayed for easy understanding. You've got a new subscriber who appreciates your work and suspects it is helping many people come to grips with this situation.
I used to be really self conscious about my schizophrenia. I used to get upset when someone called me crazy or schizo, but its all in your head is the worst!!
Keep up the good work guys. Everyone here is doing so much good, if I can feel better watching these and reading the comments, then I feel like so many other people can as well, not feeling alone has helped wonders. Thank you all!
ahh! so many things to say about this video. one being, i LOVE THIS! first of all lauren i absolutely adore you and your channel. my partner is an undiagnosed schizophrenic and when he first told me he hears voices and hallucinates and all that jazz, he was expecting the complete opposite reaction… he was expecting me to not explore our relationship further and for me to just kinda walk away. but of course, me being fascinated by mental health and i’ve experienced drug induced hallucinations and voices, i was like “oh ok thank you for trusting me with this.” ever since he told me i started looking into it and ways i can “help” him and not fix him because he’s not broken. anyone with a mental illness is not broken and can’t be “fixed”. but he’s always been alone and he’s liked it that way, but since i found your channel and shared videos with him and we’ve had conversations about schizophrenia and schizo effective disorder, i think it’s helped him feel less alone. and you and rob have definitely made me feel less alone and rob has validated many feelings i’ve had as a partner of someone with schizophrenia, and you have validated so many feelings my partner feels. so thank you for that. seriously such a big thank u. also!! my partner is an amazing artist and some pretty neat parts of his hallucinations we like to focus on, are the things he sees when he closes his eyes/dreams. his art has stemmed from those things and it’s been a blessing and a curse. bottom line is thank you. so so much to you and rob for making us feel sane. being in a relationship with someone who lives with schizophrenia or any mental illness is not easy, but it’s not a burden and it shouldn’t be viewed as one and i’m so happy you’re teaching that. my comment is messy and all over the place but i just needed to say a huge thank you to the both of you.
This is so interesting - now, of course, I’m curious to see his artwork, is there a website or Etsy store selling it? I realize you may not want share his name etc but am hoping you could direct me to a site that sells the work of several artists so you aren’t pointing him out specifically Okay - this question still sounds more invasive than I would like, not sure how to convey innocent curiosity, I promise that’s all it is
Thank you for doing this so well: depicting the social struggles and realities. ...Re.Rob's portraits of the questions and judgments we confront from others is so much on, that I check all the boxes: weed; creative; often being unkempt, etc. ...Your responding histrionics and hyperbole are so creative!
I do not have schizoaffective disorder. But I am a recipient of a fair amount of PTSD from extremely traumatic family situations. I got into psychology about 5 years ago. It helped me to understand human behavior which was pretty important to me. I appreciate you sharing your experiences because it has helped me to understand more about the human mind. As a person with chronic post-traumatic stress syndrome, I suffered from some of the same orders of anxiety and what some people call dissociation. Like I was watching my life through a movie. My doctor has offered me Prozac and all the other pharmaceutical choices. But up to now, by practicing a lot of self work and self care and a little bit of counseling, I've been able to learn how to control these experiences. But I also write articles about aspects of The human condition like many of those that you describe. Right now, mental health is becoming more and more important as people talk about their experiences. When I was younger, this was not the case and even the counselors were ill-equipped to help the kids of my generation to get over the dysfunction they had experienced. I just want to sincerely thank you for doing this work. It must have been a Herculean task on many occasions to talk about these things. You are making a difference in the world. I think that's fantastic
I have depression and i struggle sometimes and i have a few people in my life that if i talk to them about it they say things like 'oh just go for a walk, its such a beautiful day out' and like.... i can't even get out of bed or eat.. how am i going to 'go for a walk'. its very frustrating. I know they mean well but its just horrible when you hear that stuff
I understand since your behavior is the same as my son Jeffrey with schizophrenia… I invite him 100s times the las 11 years of his illnesses to go with me for a walk… he refuses and he does eat neither…he likes water though…4 glasses a day… I have to cook special food for him. food that he only likes…I am his slave but he is my only one son… ❤
Thank you for your videos. My teen was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder a little over a year ago. It’s so helpful to hear your experiences; the videos are a great way for us to open a conversation and talk about how they feel. It makes the discussion earlier because my teen can explain the similarities and differences from a specific and safe reference point. - I do think we’ll be sharing this video with their friends. They mean we’ll, but they don’t get it sometimes.
I've heard almost all of these - from partners, from myself, from people I've just met. I'm not schizophrenic but I do have psychotic depression. My last therapist kept asking me what my voices said and if they were telling me to hurt anyone, at a time when I was still certain talking about my symptoms was going to result in my actual death. I couldn't answer her questions or explain why, and I couldn't articulate why that particular question made me uncomfortable. So thank you for those words, even a few years too late. I've been arrested once - for mental health reasons - and handcuffed for voluntary transport to the psych holding unit while I waited for a bed at the local psych ward. You're absolutely right, being visibly and honestly symptomatic in public results in getting treated like a criminal. Which is why "I don't look crazy!" - I'm good at faking normal and I've seen and experienced what happens if you're not. Mentally ill people are still intelligent people with a functional sense of self preservation, most of the time! Also, on "you must be great in bed" - it makes me think of that Will Smith MIB meme. "I mean yeah I'm great in bed.. but it's not because I'm crazy!" 😂😉 Thanks so much for this, it's so good to feel validated in the discomfort these kinds of statements create. This is such a useful video for anyone who knows a person with a psychotic disorder.
Great video!..I'm diagnosed as having anxiety and depression with some OCD symptoms. It really gets to me when people describe their behaviours as so OCD when they don't have the illness.
Thank you for mentioning the “wild” or “criminal” assumptions with certain mental illnesses as well as the relationship between literally policing behaviors and treating them.
Once a cop knows you've got a mental disorder they treat you like you're an armed and violent criminal who could just snap and eat their face at any moment, which often leads them to mistreating and even killing people having a mental health crisis.
i can think of an infinite amount of things to not say to someone with schizophrenia because once you say it to them, it has the potential to play back in their head repetitively and it might not be something so nice......so be mindful with your words in general. this is a good lesson, and thank you for this channel.
This whole channel and the content produced is a form of creativity that not everyone is capable of doing - so wouldn't say you're *not* creative, Lauren!
I have Bipolar and I actually call myself crazy. Because that's how the mood swings make me feel like. It's illogical, exhausting, irritating and frustrating. Even though I have stable medication, sometimes the symptoms push through if I've not slept well and I'm over burdened.
My son is a veteran who was diagnosed a couple years after his military career ended. Unfortunately he has never accepted his diagnosis and refuses medication. More unfortunately, he has a tendency to be to lash out at those closest to him. He lives alone more than 2,000 miles away from us so it very difficult to help. Thank you for your videos they are helpful so that I can plan my next interaction with him and know better how to help.
You are inspirational by sharing your life truthfully and vulnerably!!! Also the fact that you are a mental health educator especially about your own experiences, makes you a rockstar
So informative and true. I also think a lot of people who have to deal with someone struggling with mental illness such as relatives, friends, partners may feel a bit helpless and confused. So, this is definitely informative. The part for criminalizing a person dealing with mental illness is really unfortunate. In fact, it's the opposite. You're more likely to be a victim of such.
Love your thumbnails. 😍 While watching this video I felt you must've had the best time recording it together! Even though talking about such an important subject. Thank you 4 this video 😘
Thanks so much for your honesty regarding your personal health struggles. Unfortunately my sister in law has struggled with mental health, with the added struggle of a intelligence disability. She wasn't taking her meds, and ended up losing her apt, her belongings and her cat. In hospital for treatment then a compassionate social worker found her a place in a home for disabled persons. She is doing much better, and is happier. Which is what every family wants for their ill loved ones.💕👍
I appreciate hearing your perspective on this. My adult son was recently diagnosed and your videos are helping me to educate myself and our family on the subject in order to best help him.
I am afraid my adult 36 year old son has it too. Yes these videos are very informative and give me hope even if he does have this it can still be ok. I am at the beginning. It will be a challenge to convince the other family members though. My heart goes out to you Yvette. Hang in there.
Thanks for the video. My son has been diagnosed with Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder and in the past: Major Depression & Anxiety. Also, watching my son- when he went through the Major Depression- his hygiene kind of got lost. Also, in the past- he has recreationally tried street drugs as a way to self medicate and I have seen this with others A LOT!!! And, yes, my son has been in trouble with the law. When he is going through manic phases, he tends to make bad choices. He recently turned 27 & they FINALLY have him on a med combination which seems to work and really help him. I am so thankful!!!
omggg!! The hug at the end got me right in the heart! awww! yall are so cute and he seems so supportive. I am sending so much love and support your way. i just found this channel and have been binging like crazy. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, youre not only helping me but (from the comments) you are helping SO many others. So just thank you!
My sister lives with schizophrenia. She has the same personality from her childhood but she was a little bit agression and stubborn.. but with medication now she's a little bit less aggressive but still stubborn 😁
I think the "self-care" stuff can be helpful. I have schizoaffective and it's very helpful for me when someone offers that I do a calming activity when anxious/paranoid/or having hallucinations... though distraction is better for hallucinations. Maybe bubble baths aren't good but having some tea or cocoa is very helpful. I just think it depends on the tone of the person suggesting it
Another great video. All of those not to ask questions can apply to anyone with dementia or other mental illnesses. Also, to me the inspirational or creative comment would be said by someone that is trying to be complementary. But as shown in this video, these comments can be insulting. BTW, I love Lauren's smile. Her smile lights up the room.
I've learnt so much about schizophrenia from your channel. I love how open and real you are. You and Rob are lucky to have each other 😊 (you have chipped nail polish, how more "normal" can you be! 😀) I love your hair btw
HelloLauren and Rob, 11:18 Me too. I was handcuffed and brought to the police station and from there transferred by ambulance to the psychiatric unit of Tallaght University Hospital not far from here early November 2007, Wednesday 7 if I'm not mistaken. All the best and many thanks, Peter Nolan. Ph.D.(physics). Dublin. Ireland.
Isn't it an absolute pain in the ass "oh they must be violent" attitude when half the time it's just anxiety spiralling out of control randomly when you thought you were doing good? The fear from them. Jeez tonite lads but tis tough enough to do your best to stay on track without being treated like a criminal. That brush stroke sticks and causes untold damage for the future. Some, worst luck do become violent but not all. Ah sure, better safe than sorry I guess is their thinking. Hope 2022 finds you well. Keep smiling regardless. Hard, but one day at a time. I figured twas a giant back handed compliment to us to challenge us to such a life. The Big Man upstairs must have a heck of a hooley lined up for us after no? Hoping so.
@@sheilasullivan1950 Hello Sheila, I love your most insightful reply. On a positive note for me at 68 yeas of age so long as I now keep taking Dolmatil(sulpiride) I will remain free from psychosis. Let's hope things will improve with respect to being taken into hospital and also what has been happening, and I'm sure is still happening, in the psychiatric hospitals themselves. Sadly policemen and women are right wing morons to say the least when my reckoning is that they became cops knowing that once thy became cops they would hurt people by arresting them for example and locking them up in cells. Who are the real criminals I ask. Yes, I have the thought that The Big Man upstairs gave us these missions because He knows those of us who develop psychosis like me can handle such a challenge and indeed evolve spiritually. While saying that and speaking only, Sheila, for myself I have had a very comfortable life by having such a wonderful, wonderful Dad who provided for me all of his life till the day he died aged 84 in June 2011. Indeed I still live in his beautiful house. He gave me a roof over my head all my life and while there are still lots of things I would love to do at 68 it will not be too long before I see him and Mammy in heaven even if they both might have reincarnated. Still whether Mam and Dad are in heaven or back on earth when I die I will see them again. On a positive note, Sheila, there really are doctors and nurses who love and care about us when sadly there really are doctors and nurses who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near psychiatric patients and based on my experience in hospital I can point the finger and name the names of doctors and nurses who should never ever have been allowed to work in psychiatric hospitals. I'm sure you have, for example, heard of the frontal lobotomy when only completely deranged folks would do that to a human being. I hope you see what I'm saying in general. It is so nice to hear from you and I hope you can feel upbeat and happy a most of the time in the way you are coming a across to me in your inspiring and uplifting reply. All the best and many thanks and Happy New Year to you, Peter.
Can i just say, I LOVE the comments section on this video! What a breath of fresh air! :) Also, I really love all the faces hahaha this video is brilliant!
I’m married to someone who struggles with this. It’s hard some days. I have some education on it, but not very much. I am definitely gonna keep watching your videos to learn more. Also reading as well. I feel the more I educate myself, the better I can support my husband. It’s a battle, especially when I am dealing with my own mental crisis. I just need to learn more. But, honestly, I don’t know why people say “You don’t look…” I get told I don’t look like I have Complex PTSD and Schizotypal. Like, okay? Not all wounds are physical. Mental wounds are real too. I wanna thank you, for posting videos. I subscribed after the first one I watched. This is the second video. Also, you two are a beautiful couple.
I have schizophrenia I was diagnosed at 15... And I have actually found smoking weed has helped me a lot since I have gotten older.. I love the message that you are sending... I have been asked so many stupid questions
I am working on getting a job as a peer supporter, specifically helping people who are living with schizophrenia. Im so excited i found your channel because i definitely want to learn as much as i can!
My symptoms tend to be far more of the "everyone is trying to harm me" variety; the assumption that I may be having thoughts to harm anyone else makes me feel even worse.
I love your videos and thank you so much for addressing the many questions those of us battling the disorder have. I know for myself I rack my brain around trying to find answers and understand why I am the way I am, why I think differently and just trying to cope with the many different aspects of the illness. As I researched I was able to put a name with certain characteristics and able to say. “Aha,! So actually I am NORMAL for someone with this disease” I.e struggle hygiene, grandiosity etc. when we can understand where some of our actions are born from we can better manage and cope with negative issues. Your time is appreciated in helping so many who are seeking answers in this world. And your vulnerable honesty is truly a blessing.
That sucks. My Partner doesn’t have any known mental health disorders but he flatted with someone else messy and they were in this kind of “if you won’t do it I won’t” stand off. So I just cleaned it myself to the standard I wanted when I came to visit.
Do you think she might help with chores if you asked? Or maybe she could be on the phone with you while you're doing chores, or just hanging out in a supportive manner? I like to text my friends and listen to podcasts while I clean. It keeps me distracted and my friends are encouraging and supportive. I hope you're able to work out a solution for both of you!
I had a therapist who, for years, went on and on about housework. Yeah, it is something I suck at; but to imply that all will be well if I just clean the house is demeaning !
i just discovered your channel. Watching this, i am amazed! thank you so much for sharing!! I hope to learn from watching you since i have a loved one who suffers with the same affliction. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
I usually have problems leaving the house. It seems that the longer and/or further away from “safe” the more intense my symptoms get. And as a result of preferring to stay home, or close to home, I often get called a shut-in or a homebody, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
These videos are wonderful! I'm so glad you helped illuminate the difference between "you're doing something that's inspirational" 👍and "you're an inspiration for continuing to exist despite how awful I assume your life is." 😐. This is something I've often wanted to articulate about mental health and hadn't really found the words for. You do such a great job of giving people tools to communicate more effectively around mental health
You are helping so many with this video ,by shaking off the old idea of there being no solution .zI lost my brother to this illness and I do believe if he had been given proper care and meds he would still be with us
When it comes to selfcare- no matter the person and/or whether or not they're even diagnosed with anything- a simple idea is to ask them what they do to support their well-being. Maybe then offer to do the activity with them or ask how you can support them to engage in their chosen activity. If you know them well, remind them of your observations of how they've gotten through difficult times before. Support them to find their own exceptions to draw from.
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
I've been diagnosed with borderlines schizophrenia from my family doctor which is now retired and psychiatrist. I remember the family doctor telling me the same thing. It's all in my head and threatening to cut me off for self medicating myself with marijuana😂🎉🎉
Q
Normal is a state of condition &/or conditioning. Don't faII for normal.
11:22 This is where you're right, but its almost like a symptom. They want you to know its like ur dead, or you're just in someway upset you couldn't be like the normal people with the healthy brains. So they just use the system to erase you while they hold a part in an oppressive hierarchy. Worst is people can still say in the end
"omg that person literally cant accept that it 'IS' like they are subhuman and that they 'do' need to go away"
omfg wutt huhhhhhh
My daughter was recently diagnosed with severe depression with negative thoughts but we are pretty sure she has schizophrenia 😢shes in Phoenix Arizona the medication she's is on it's like 100 yrs she STI very depressed 😔 please help me she's a good mom but now she doesn't care
I've gotten the "But you don't LOOK schizophrenic!" all the time. It's like... Oh! I'm sorry! I'll go put on dirty clothes, mess up my hair, and start screaming at strangers??!
I get this all the time too. "Oh, but you look normal". It's kinda extenuating to explain people how offensive that statement is. Now I just roll eyes and say "whatever" to myself.
Haha I legit had a psychiatrist tell me, after speaking for less than 5 min, that I didn't look like I had DID... I still laugh about it cause I wonder if I should have brought costume changes or worn several outfits or like... Idk? Hahahaha
(I'd already been diagnosed by another psychiatrist before that, I just still wonder how he thought I "should" look)
Only in movies.. the people.. smh
My kiddo has very early onset. I’ve been asked if she’s retarded. I lost it on them. 🤬
that is me right now!
You forgot the “you’re just lazy”… whenever I’m having an rough time, I can remain calm and collected though I’m directing all my energy into not going completely psychotic and simple tasks overwhelm me…. My family always tells me I’m just “lazy” and it hurts so much because I truly feel completely incapable of doing anything. I feel so alone in feeling this way :,(
no dear, you are not alone. even I am having same situation in home. I feel like i am homeless eventhough am at 'my home'. stay strong buddy take care.Much love from India. self love is healing me. please stay connected to your own soul.
I get like this too but people never question my "crazy" ... You are not alone and always just try to do your best.
You're not alone
People talk about gifts, like 'wealth' and 'beauty' and 'intelligence', but the greatest gift of all is motivation and attention.
I hate listening to these self-help motivational dickheads talking about dopamine and how to reallign your dopamine to treat boredom and depression. I want to talk to them about dopamine supressing antipsychotics. I want them to experience it. I want to see how fuelled up their drive is, when there IS no fuel.
Schizophrenia and antipsychotics are such a shit experience for a human being. LOL.
My son, he fluctuates between being very productive in his computer programming business (working at home) and disorganized to the point where he can't throw food wrappers away or take a shower. I use to get a little frustrated because I didn't fully understand even tho I knew he was ill. I wish the medical prof would help us understand better. I'm glad I only said something critical once (and regret it deeply) in all the years it took me to "get it." when you don't understand the world your loved one deals with, you base everything on your own experiences. If I left piles of food wrappers on the floor, it would be because I was being a slob. I couldn't possibly understand his struggles and he could not explain or understand them himself. It's been years of experience and youtube videos like this that have helped me understand and better help him.
You two are so darn adorable together.
Indeed, beautiful couple, always a pleasure to see their videos together.
Cute as
@@PrincessDie187 frick
The worst thing I was ever told about my schizophrenia was that if I was strong I wouldn't need meds.
I think all mental health conditions get that comment. People can be so stupid.
Yeah that is THE WORST
Taking your meds is storng. Deciding to cope withouth meds is storng. They both come with their unique challenges. Why must people be so ignorant?
wow can't believe someone said that wtf 😦
This kills me and I don't even have schizophrenia, just depression and maybe some ADHD. This is one of the most hurtful ones. I've heard it from my parents my hole life.
I'm actually fine with sharing what the voices I hear are saying. I think there's a lot of stigma around psychotic symptoms and speaking openly about them is a good way to dispel that stigma and educate others. It also helps to normalize the experience of hearing & seeing things that others don't.
If someone was being intentionally disrespectful that would bother me, but other than that, any sort of honest inquiry is fine with me, even if it does sound a bit ignorant or naive. The fact that someone is even asking me about my experiences means that they are interested in learning, and that deserves to be applauded, even if they don't do it in the most pc way.
Most of what the voices say to me is random nonsense or unintelligible, so I think telling someone what I hear would be anticlimactic lol. As a kid I would hear people from my class when I was alone in my room. How would I explain that? "Well Jesse is going to tell the teacher on me, but I didn't do anything. We'll see what happens."
Voices in your head? Those are called thoughts. And everyone has thoughts. How are your thoughts different. Because they're psychotic that's why and that's why your condition has such a stigma...your thoughts are bat shit crazy
@@Scott-got-caught have you ever had a dream? What you experience in a dream is being generated by you, but you're not consciously controlling it. Same with voices. They don't feel like they originate with you. They seem to be coming from other "characters," just like the voices you hear in your dreams do.
Errrrr yeah. This is so subjective .. most do not audibly hear a clear voice that is saying something. Some say whispers . Or has a rhythm. mine is radio chatter, it never makes words just radio chatter.. doesn't scare me or make me feel crazy.
There is NO way to know the mind of an individual with moderate to severe schizophrenia. They have an entirely different reality ,its like they are on a different world but still physically here.. that is why it is so fucking heartbreaking, the LONLINESS no one can understand your reality and you can never even share it to bring someone to your level. If that makes sense. I respect that different individuals are going to have different reasons to be "triggered" And when it comes to mental illness you just really can't lump an entire group of people into Single opinions about single questions.. I know for a fact that No schizophrenic or schizoaffective i know, even the one that takes "hello" as a word coded to inflict emotional hijacking.. none care about ppl using "crazy" or "insane" as an adjective describing general everyday stuff... its common vernacular quite popular ... from kids to old folks.. and theyre not thinking of an asylum when they say "thats crazy!" About lightning striking nearby.
A lot have internal voice that does speak.. suggest things usually not good things etc.
The entire condition is THE WORST most DEBILITATING and heartbreaking of all mental illness.
@@my5head wow I also used to hear people from my class when I was a kid. I don't have a psychotic illness, though. Not diagnosed anyway. It was always when I was falling asleep, and that would wake me up, but while falling asleep is not a big deal. It was a little scary, but also kinda funny in the next day remembering it.
Do one that shows how to be supportive and what you Can say to be a good friend.
When I say I'm struggling with symptoms I appreciate people who ask "what do you need?" Or "how can I support you?"
Great idea!
I would love to see this!
Thank you!!
I can't remember a time where anyone has said that to me. Not where I am now. The people where I live I think want me to kill myself. And also where I used to live before coming here. I think that all Christians want me to kill myself. Because I don't believe in their god. They think they have the CURE! Their cure has only made me more ill than ever. Long story. A very sick story.
Very good video, I'm going to watch your other videos.
Yes! Much needed and would be beneficial for everyone 💞
The real star of this video is Lauren’s wide array of annoyed expressions at Rob’s remarks. Full stop.
The annoyed faces actually annoyed me. How can you expect anyone to know everything about a rather rare syndrome? And how can you expect everybody to react just in a perfect way?
@@caddieohm7059 they don’t have to know everything. The examples used in the video are completely ignorant, invasive, and rude, therefore deserving of the faces
I loved them too. They are the best I've ever seen...in real life or in film. Seems to be an extension of her giftedness at communication.
@@caddieohm7059 you should know what is rude behavior and what is not. These things she pointed out should be obvious to anyone that has been raised properly.
@@caddieohm7059 that’s the whole point of the video! To educate people who may think saying these things and others comments too ARE sometimes at worst cruel, and best, bothersome, rude and triggering to someone who is or isn’t doing well at the time. Like try to have empathy and try to see if you were on the other persons shoes? Would you feel upset by even ONE of the non-recommended comments? If so think it through. Try to have an open mind and maybe you yourself needed to see this to be educated on how to not do the specific actions spoken eloquently in this video to anyone in your life that you know has illnesses, mental or physical for that matter. And life will be easier and better for them and you.
I hope this helps you to understand how they nobody is expecting anyone to be perfect! You don’t have to be perfect to be kind and polite! Have a great day!
Even if there’s schizophrenia was drug induced it doesn’t mean that Someone has the right to judge them. A lot of illnesses are caused by lifestyle choices and we don’t judge them.
Very good point, I never thought about it like this.
Very true! Like some cases of type 2 diabetes or some cases of liver disease and even some kinds of cancer. Yet we treat those individuals like victims of fate and often villify people who suffer from a mental illness or ailment that *might* have been caused by drugs or otherwise unwittingly self inflicted. Breaks my heart.
My darling husband has mixed bipolar. When he's off his medication or his medication needs adjustment he can get manic, paranoid and just generally upset. I can't even say how many times he's been handcuffed, arrested and charged with things like disturbing the peace, intimidation and resisting arrest and has had to spend days, weeks and even months in jail without his medication. All because officers aren't trained to recognize a mental health crisis and respond appropriately. The last time this happened I had already called a crisis intervention specialist from his Drs office and they were on the way. Some passer by decided to call the police and they arrived first. I told them he was manic and the CIS was on the way. Didn't stop them from treating him like a criminal. The asked me to come speak to them out of his earshot. I told them that would escalate the situation and they didn't care. Of course he got up from where they asked him to sit to try to hear what was being said. The yelled at him to sit back down and when he didn't, they tried to detain him. Of course he fought against them untill I was able to make eye contact with him and get him to calm down. Assholes still arrested him for resisting arrest and he spent two weeks without his meds in the county jail. Now, because of his resisting arrest they are trying to charge my poor sweet husband with aggravated assault on a police officer. Which is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. He's never violent even when he's manic and he did not assault any police officer. All this because his medication needed to be adjusted and it would have all been avoided if some person hadn't taken it upon themselves to call the police. Or, if the police had simply waited for the crisis intervention person to get there instead of acting on their own. This isn't the first time this has happened. There was another instance where I called his care coordinator for help and because it was the weekend she sent the police! Which only made him more paranoid so he didn't answer the door and he didn't want me to answer the door so they busted the door down and then charged him with criminal confinement because he wouldn't let me answer the door. I hate the way the criminal justice system treats people with mental illness. I have a front row seat to that particular Injustice and it makes my blood boil
There's alot of information about how hallucinogenic drugs can awaken mental illness for some people. But that's the point- it was 'sleeping' or dormant until it got triggered. There's no definite cause, only contributing factors that make a person more susceptible to developing Sz, SzA, Bipolar, etc. Genetics, trauma, significant stress are some of the other known contributing factors. Like thousands of other diseases, mental illness simply just happens. But unlike other diseases and disorders that often evoke empathy, understanding and compassion, mental illness doesn't. It's drenched in stigma. Sadly, the affected person often feels shame about it. Even sadder is that people often blame the affected person for their condition- hence the question about drug use is so frequently asked.
@@Mr_bob12308 100% with you. Also I would like say that is the other way round... People who suffer of mental illnesses sometimes smoke more, drink more, take some drugs...it's a kind of self-cure. Anything can trigger a certain condition, and it means in most cases that it would have happened anyway. We should leave our fake prejudices behind.
On this, the question would be, was the person aware that they were a predisposed individual before they used cannabis etc.
My 30 year old daughter has been held in a secure mental health facility for the past year and a half and because of the pandemic is allowed no visitors & no passes. In that time I have seen her just once for an hour in May and I live just an hour from her. In that time it's the only opportunity she has had to see a loved one, to touch & to hold someone she loves. She really is a prisoner & as hard as this has been on me, imagine how it is for someone who is mentally ill? Previously I would visit her once a week and we would have a 4 or 5 hour pass to go somewhere and do something together, but in a year and a half she has been alone in that respect, forced to be with people she might not want to be with if she had the choice.
I would love to see a video about this kind of isolation of the mentally ill and how it negatively impacts them and their lives.
Good day, Steve! Im so sorry to hear about your daughter. Is it a mental health facility or a psychiatric ward in the hospital? Sorry to ask. My son is also admitted at the hospital now and I feel so helpless because visiting him is restricted.
I think all of society has been abused during this pandemic. The countermeasures mandated by governments have been isolating and unhealthful, and the nightly news is fear porn.
This is scandalous and totally out of measure! I feel very sorry for you and your daughter.
I am so very deeply sorry...
I am so sorry you and your daughter have to go through this! I hope you will be able to see her soon!
I've also been handcuffed and treated like a criminal...and all because I told my psychiatrist that my paranoid delusions were getting worse (sometimes I think there's people watching me through my windows at night).
Both my psychiatrist and local law enforcement interpreted that as me being dangerous and unpredictable. They treated me like they were all scared I might lash out and attack them at any moment; like I was suddenly some kinda serial killer or rabid dog.
_and honestly...it was one of the most hurtful and humiliating experiences of my life_
Sad this has happened to you. It's not your fault.
I hate that our people with these needs fall through the cracks of getting the treatment they deserve.
That’s so messed up, if anything you’d think that your psychiatrist would want to help you feel safe and protected from these kinds of experiences. Wtf. ❤ I’m pretty sure you are brave and deserve to be proud of yourself for sharing this experience, NOT to get treated like a wild animal.
Where are you from?
I’m sorry this happened to you
"I was at the doctor to tell him I was struggling, he called the police to take me to the hospital" is one of the most disgusting sentences I've ever heard in almost every way.
I think, here in Germany this never would happen. Perhaps he would call the emergency car, but never police.
@@alexandradopf6356
What is an emergency car?
@@shalacarter6658 ambulance without sirenes
@@shalacarter6658 Sorry! Wrong word! I meant an ambulance.
Its horrific.
"Self-care" for someone who is tired or stressed out is definitely different than care for an actual mental illness! This bothers me, too, even though I do not have a mental illness. Our culture is throwing around terms like self-care and mental health in ways that have watered down the issues involved.
Yeah, for someone who is just stressed-out, a bubble bath can be great. Self-care for the mentally ill can be getting up in the morning!
Even people without mental illness also might not benefit from the same things as someone else. Bubble bathes aren't relaxing to some. Also as someone with bipolar having someone tell me to do something active like running or yoga can trigger mania or an anxiety attack. People should ask open ended questions like "what makes you feel better when you are feeling like this?" Or "what can we both do that will make the situation better?"
@@shalacarter6658 you are so right
Self care also doing things you don’t want to do and don’t enjoy, like having to cancel plans because you are over your limit and you are struggling. Staying in touch with therapists. Identifying issues you have and better ways to express them, etc. Yes, bubble baths and showers are self care. I can’t stand missing my shower, but it’s more than that, and it’s not always fun.
Right? My self care: forcing myself to eat half a pizza slice after 2 days without eating anything, while crying and depressed as fuck. "Oh, but HAVE YOU HEARD OF ESSENCIAL OILS?"
I very much appreciate you and the way you articulate schizophrenia and living with this illness. My brother has struggled with this illness for may years. I have been there for his struggles with the illness and consequences of what happens when his medication wasn’t taken. I have seen him cry in fear that the giant spiders were going to eat him. I have seen him homeless because he broke mirrors in his apartment believing someone was behind them. I’ve seen him not be able to parent his child and protective services apprehend her. I’ve seen him walk around the streets with a butcher knife in his chest to get the voices to stop tormenting him. I will always think to myself, he is a survivor and I always think he was robbed of a “normal functioning life”. I has seen family members disassociate themselves with him because they won’t educate themselves about the illness. I hate this Illness but I have loved and supported my only brother throughout his life, it’s my honour and privilege as I have learned a lot about myself about him and this illness.
You're a wonderful sibling. I'm schizophrenic and you just being there is one of the best things for someone suffering from any sort of mental illness
God bless you
I love you the way you love and care for your brother!!
Let me tell you how you can stop and deliver him from all the tormenting,. You have to read the holy bible out loud to him to cast out those entities who are tormenting him , by the blood of Jesus Christ! It's the only way , there are no type of medicine that will make it stop but only in Jesus Christ name and in his blood to wash him will be the only way ,
You can search on how to rid someone of tormenting spirits how to cast them out and to rebuke them , , as if no one will help him get delivered the spirits will eventually take over his mind totally ,
I love and sympathize with you
I'm also the sister for my brother who has survived through this illness. Like you the stories are hard & heartbreaking both for the family and him. He goes through many relapses each year where his mental health is on the decline and ends up back in hospital. I try to help by educating myself and my family on how to speak to him with empathy, kindness. Unfortunately mums sometimes can't stop telling their kids what they do wrong, which doesn't help. When I think about why he is so rude to others, he is probably treating unkind to others as he is to himself. I really appreciate you sharing your story.
You are creative, Lauren. The way you do these videos shows this. And you’re creative, not because of schizophrenia, but because you’re just a creative person.
I searched (Strg+S) for this comment, just to give my Thumb Up
(without having to be as creative as to put it in right words)
okay do not be cringy. We hate that as well.
Once I threw out "I'm hallucinating and im scared" and I got "are you hearing voices telling you to kill me?" ... "no".... "then whats the problem?" All with aggression. People suck sometimes.
I’m turning 21 this year and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 19. They made me take a whole lot of medication (I’m on 3 antipsychotics, a medication to suppress anxiety, a medication for my heartbeat, constipation.. I take around 10-12 pills each day. I personally do not experience hallucinations. I have more delusional thinking than proper hallucinations. I just found this channel and I love it. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
I have schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. For me, delusions can be a lot worse than hallucinations (I have both). I'm sorry you deal with that
@@JaceDeanLove I’m sorry you had to go through all that too. I’m here if you would like to talk. Thanks for reaching out!!
Awwwwww the ending is so cute. I personally don't have schizophrenia, but I feel for the people who do and I would never want to make them suffer with my ignorance. Thank you for the very informative video!
God bless you
I have DID, and people treat me like I have schizophrenia. Ironic.
You guys had me absolutely rolling laughing, because I knew Rob was going to say “that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard” before he ever said it! I know this is a serious topic, but you handled it with a great sense of humor.
By the way, the hug at the end was adorable.
People were so much more understanding about me telling them I had DID.. then when I got diagnosed with schizophrenia on top of it everyone started thinking I was dangerous, unsafe, and scary, and I felt so betrayed (mainly by my family and friends).
@@EludingRui have a question
how do you tell the difference between hallucinations and your alters? like, can you hear your alters, or no?
alters sound like thoughts and hallucinations are more like outside stimuli. I would react to an alter's thoughts/passive influence but it's a different feeling, way more internal. I would react to auditory hallucinations with more confusion and fear because it would be unknown and less familiar. For my system we can usually recognize each others internal voices fairly easily and its not scary anymore. Hope that helps.
“So do they give you day passes often?” Me: assuming he means that people with schizophrenia get free admission at amusement parks x,D
want
Same
I thought it meant days out of work or something like that jajaja
I thought the same thing!
Same 😆
I AM A VET THAT WAS SCHIZOPHRENIC BEFORE I WENT INTO THE MARINE CORPS THEN I GOT BLOWN UP IN THE MIDDLE EAST, I FOR THE MOST PART HIDE MY (SCHIZOPHRENIA) BY BEING A RECLUSE, I UNDERSTAND MY Issue AND ACCEPT IT, BUT A Lot OF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS TRUTH AND HONESTLY I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO SHARE MORE ABOUT THIS.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR IN LIGHTING PEOPLE
We have a new friend, someone coming to our church, who is schizophrenic. This person is so nice once not afraid to talk with us. We laugh, we smile and converse. A sweet friend! I have learned a lot from your videos - what to say or not to say. I rejoice with you that your life is meaningful, so is my friend's. He's been a real help to us lately. God bless you richly.
Amen Praise the Lord
A person cannot be schizophrenic; they CAN have schizophrenia though. ;)
My nephew fell off the grid. No one knew where he was for months. Turns out he was in a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. We found him 4 days after his father died. He would not eat because he thought someone would poison him, he had not had a bath in months and refused to let the hospital staff give him one. He was also non verbal. Once I started going to see him he started talking like his old self. Eating a little and allowed them to bath him. He is now living with a daughter no one knew he had doing fine. My research said that some people become psyzophenic from severe physical child abuse. While I was never around to witness it(I live in another city) I'm told my brother beat him a lot as a child. My brother was a very violent man. 😒
So I do not have schizophrenia, but I do have a disociative disorder, and PTSD-C, and oh boy I have heard a LOT of rude things in my life time, especially before I did EMDR therapy and got on medication.
Kids used to be scared of me back in highschool because I was introverted, wore black, and people heard rumors about me. When I was in college my former highschool principal asked my sister if I was "still sideways".A therapist once told me, "all things considered you are surprisingly well adjusted". The list goes on.
My mental illness is not great, very disorienting and pretty scary, but totally harmless; but similarly to one of your points people associate dissociation with movies where people getting taken over by like a murderous alter that runs around killing people or has super powers or things like that, so it's so misunderstood.
We've had people be afraid of us once they find out we have DID, people will be convinced that we have a violent killer alter because of movies they've seen. People have legit been violent towards us after finding out we have DID. I don't know how people can say so many cruel things or feel so justified and sure on their incorrect ideas that they refuse to consider another view or look at actual educational information.
For as much as we've been judged, it makes me think people's ideas of what "healthy" looks like is pretty twisted because, regardless of how many of us there are in this body, *none* of us would ever treat other people as cruelly as neurotypical people have treated us.
We are tired of feeling shame for our existence and we decided we won't anymore. We have a right to exist as we are!
I really hope for a future where people don't fear anyone based on a diagnosis. We have plenty of light and love to share with the world!
My husband is still in the process of diagnosis. We don't know what it is, but, with him being in the hospital right now. Your videos have really brought me so much comfort. Especially the one with your partner talking about his experience. Thank you so much for these videos.
I hope by now that you have a diagnosis. My husband was diagnosed with bipolar 1 with psychosis last year. He started out doing OK when we got him home from the hospital, but he fell in the parking lot of the care center and it put him into an awful depression paralysis. He won't go to therapy or be honest with his psychiatrist.
@@teresahegerich8835 I am so sorry to hear. We have a partial diagnosis. My husband is bipolar. He just hasn't been going to treatment, so, they can't get a real idea.
My husband refused treatment for a year after he had his last break and it was the most stressful thing. I hope your husband finds the strength to be able to accept treatment. If you ever want to talk, let me know! Thinking about you and yours ❤️.
Very informative video. I would like to see a video on what we can say to someone suffering from schizophenia and how we can be supportive.
Rob's love for you gives me hope for my son. So does all the good you do - thank you!
I, too, was handcuffed and taken to the hospital in the back of a police cruiser during a suicidal episode. It’s so humiliating and so wrong.
I feel like all the police in this whole area know me
This was one of Lauren’s best videos. Sad I’m only seeing it now.
I live bipolar disorder and hearing anyone say your “acting crazy” is so offensive to anyone but definitely someone with mental health problems especially because it is definitely used as a weapon to induce self doubt. I know that I have struggled with being able to trust myself and my feelings even though my treatment is very affective and just getting the diagnosis has made me question every thought and feeling and even my sanity
Well, on the bright side - when you hear somebody say that to you… You know not to trust them, and you know they are manipulative.
So that can cross them off the list.
I remember in the last year of highschool my form tutor, having known me for 5 years at this point, took me aside one morning and yes, he asked me how many personalities I had. It could have been a simple google search that would have cleared up that misinformation! I did start to advocate for myself though and wrote a letter to my teachers, explaining what schizophrenia was like for me and how they could avoid making things worse. I still dealt with stigma from some of them but I did have one very positive experience and that teacher’s compassion means a lot to me to this day.
So awesome that you stood up for yourself👏🏼
@Funny Username I wonder if people mix them up because they are the most frequently vilified by Hollywood? That's my best guess, anyways. I don't get it, either!
We have DID and the stigma is SUCH a struggle! It makes me mad that there is no evidence based care and it's so hard to find professional help, it's ridiculous honestly. I used to feel deep shame but now I realize that mental health care is doing a great injustice and I want to encourage them to do better! We have a right to help just as much as everyone else.
Galatea, how difficult to hear that, from your TEACHER! 🤦🏻♀️
@@proudlyplural9506 I think it’s the shared symptom of hearing voices
@@norajake3790 but not really, in DID the voices are not described like the ones in schizophrenia. In DID it's usually described more like thoughts that don't belong to you, while in psychotic illnesses it's described as literal voices heard from outside, like they are listening them through their ears, not inside their heads. This is because the alters in a DID system are not hallucinations, it's completely different. So much so, that DID is made so the host doesn't know what's going on, it is a self defense mechanism, the person who is in charge of the body is not supposed to be aware that there are other "people in their head", so the voices tend to come as thoughts, this way the person won't recognize them as something unusual: the whole "point" of the disorder is to hide the trauma away so that the body can survive and part of the personality can actually function and live their life without knowing any of it.
Ok this is like my 3rd video I watched with you in it.. You're so compassionate and intelligent. Thank you for being open and transparent about this mental illness.
I love how she does this to us and herself 💚 i wish people could treat us like normal people 🥀
The one about eating right and exercising hits home for me. It's always suggested for my anxiety disorders. While I don't disagree, it feels patronizing. Great video!
Hello Ms. Kristin, How are you doing? You are worth investing in the mind you've been born with to live abundantly in this borrowed time from God.
Hello Ms. Kristin, How are you?
Often when I'm unwell I am not exercising and eating right lol
@@stevennorris9575 Talking about God on a schizophrenia page is not cool
@@scotchmist...I respect that many people don't trust in any super natural intelligence. Though, I'm not about being narrow minded. So I'm not about being cool, either.
Love this. Weird moralizing about how exercising is some kind of super drug really irks me when I'm having a depressive episode . It's not something I can "walk off" lmao.
MDD guy here who's been actively having an episode for two weeks now and though I do agree that it's annoying of you choose to try and open up to someone about it they just throw out cliche "fixes", I cannot stress enough how amazing exercising for even just 10 minutes can be for the mind. Just three days ago I forced myself to just run where I've kept to that until today, and the improvement in seeing myself finally coming back to baseline is significant. And the fact it is also a highly proven thing that exercise releases a ton of feel good stuff.
Basically it *is* a super drug. The hardest part is the start. Especially when dep is hitting hard.
@@TheFos88 I agree that physical activity can be an overall important part of managing depression for able bodied people. However, I personally have episodes/symptoms that don't always respond to it. My experience is definitely not universal though, so I encourage anyone experiencing depression to give it a shot if they are able.
@@alienpilled oh yeah absolutely, what works great for doesn't mean it will for another.
I know the comment is kinda old, but this REALLY irks me as well. Over the pandemic I got into a really good walking habit (like 45 minutes of very brisk walking outside, rain or shine), and guess what? No tangible improvements on my mental health lmao. Likewise for the year I got super into yoga and mindfulness meditation. I'm sure it was still good for me physically and maybe helped a little bit mentally too, but it's certainly not a miracle cure. I'd also guess it's very dependent on the underlying cause of a person's symptoms; maybe some people happen to lack the exact brain juices that exercise releases and it WOULD be a miracle cure for them. It's worth a shot of course, but uneducated people suggesting it repeatedly is very dismissive.
Yeah. Exercise is healthy and whatnot but it isn't a cure all. We should all exercise an appropriate amount for us to get to our baseline level of health, but for some of us that level isn't the same level as people without our struggles. I have ADHD, depression, and anxiety and I exercise to cope, but it has never made me not have those conditions. I still struggle despite exercising, eating healthy, drinking water, and whatnot. And sometimes my conditions make doing those things hard. Just like asthma makes it hard to exercise in certain ways, and GERD makes otherwise healthy foods unhealthy for me. Exercise helps both of those too, but it isn't magical. I don't understand why that's hard to understand for people.
I was talking with someone about something fairly benign. They decided that they didn't want to keep going with the conversation and they fired, fairly out of the blue, with, "Well, how do you even know that I'm real." It's been about 7 months and I'm still shook over the whole thing.
I blame life time movies for "disability porn" . Some one suggested that I could go back to school with my life just as it's is now and no money at almost 40 and get a doctorate. When I called her BS she said "it's never to late anything is possible they even made a movie about someone doing that" . Cringe cringe cringe!!! It must be possible I saw it on LMN .
YES! Not just lifetime movies, either, it's most movies that show disability show it either as something to pity or something to "overcome" and be "inspirational". We need better representation of disabled characters (played by disabled actors) just living their lives with disability!
@@proudlyplural9506 Then there's all the Hollywood films and Horror films spreading prejudice
@@SimonSimon-ko1xr ikr!
Ugh, the "it's not too late" one, assuming that you can snap your fingers and do whatever you want when you're not at all in a position to do something. Like geez okay, so you'll fully financially support me, including providing me with health insurance, and you're also a miracle maker who can magically cure my health problems?
Yeah, there's definitely things I wish I could do, but it's not realistic. I'm not wealthy and perfectly healthy.
*Pukes* heard this but with me it's people tell me I can be a doctor or psychiatrist when I can't take care of my hygiene or clean my room.
Thank you for making these videos. So helpful. My mother's been recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and I never Wana affend or make her uncomfortable etc so this super helps me communicate and understand her better. I was terrified when heard her diagnosis, but I found your videos and am educated better, and helping understand her better. You've completely changed my view and education on schizophrenia. Thank you so so much.
I would love a bubble bath, but it’s dangerous for me cause I had a seizure
You are a courageous woman . you are very intelligent too that's why you are out of missing insight and you understand your disease very well.
Your videos are v knowledgeable and intresting too .
I appreciate your initiative.
May GOD heal all persons suffering from schizophrenia.
Thank you VERY MUCH for your voice!
We're a couple that is one Aspergian and the other is Schizophrenic.
As the Aspie it is me starting to research this.
Your videos are informative and VERY well processed. Lighting, audio and editing are superb!
And the content, which is the meat we're after is nicely arrayed for easy understanding.
You've got a new subscriber who appreciates your work and suspects it is helping many people come to grips with this situation.
I used to be really self conscious about my schizophrenia. I used to get upset when someone called me crazy or schizo, but its all in your head is the worst!!
Keep up the good work guys. Everyone here is doing so much good, if I can feel better watching these and reading the comments, then I feel like so many other people can as well, not feeling alone has helped wonders. Thank you all!
ahh! so many things to say about this video. one being, i LOVE THIS! first of all lauren i absolutely adore you and your channel. my partner is an undiagnosed schizophrenic and when he first told me he hears voices and hallucinates and all that jazz, he was expecting the complete opposite reaction… he was expecting me to not explore our relationship further and for me to just kinda walk away. but of course, me being fascinated by mental health and i’ve experienced drug induced hallucinations and voices, i was like “oh ok thank you for trusting me with this.” ever since he told me i started looking into it and ways i can “help” him and not fix him because he’s not broken. anyone with a mental illness is not broken and can’t be “fixed”. but he’s always been alone and he’s liked it that way, but since i found your channel and shared videos with him and we’ve had conversations about schizophrenia and schizo effective disorder, i think it’s helped him feel less alone. and you and rob have definitely made me feel less alone and rob has validated many feelings i’ve had as a partner of someone with schizophrenia, and you have validated so many feelings my partner feels. so thank you for that. seriously such a big thank u. also!! my partner is an amazing artist and some pretty neat parts of his hallucinations we like to focus on, are the things he sees when he closes his eyes/dreams. his art has stemmed from those things and it’s been a blessing and a curse. bottom line is thank you. so so much to you and rob for making us feel sane. being in a relationship with someone who lives with schizophrenia or any mental illness is not easy, but it’s not a burden and it shouldn’t be viewed as one and i’m so happy you’re teaching that. my comment is messy and all over the place but i just needed to say a huge thank you to the both of you.
This is so interesting - now, of course, I’m curious to see his artwork, is there a website or Etsy store selling it? I realize you may not want share his name etc but am hoping you could direct me to a site that sells the work of several artists so you aren’t pointing him out specifically
Okay - this question still sounds more invasive than I would like, not sure how to convey innocent curiosity, I promise that’s all it is
Thank you for doing this so well: depicting the social struggles and realities. ...Re.Rob's portraits of the questions and judgments we confront from others is so much on, that I check all the boxes: weed; creative; often being unkempt, etc. ...Your responding histrionics and hyperbole are so creative!
I do not have schizoaffective disorder. But I am a recipient of a fair amount of PTSD from extremely traumatic family situations. I got into psychology about 5 years ago. It helped me to understand human behavior which was pretty important to me. I appreciate you sharing your experiences because it has helped me to understand more about the human mind. As a person with chronic post-traumatic stress syndrome, I suffered from some of the same orders of anxiety and what some people call dissociation. Like I was watching my life through a movie. My doctor has offered me Prozac and all the other pharmaceutical choices. But up to now, by practicing a lot of self work and self care and a little bit of counseling, I've been able to learn how to control these experiences. But I also write articles about aspects of The human condition like many of those that you describe.
Right now, mental health is becoming more and more important as people talk about their experiences. When I was younger, this was not the case and even the counselors were ill-equipped to help the kids of my generation to get over the dysfunction they had experienced.
I just want to sincerely thank you for doing this work. It must have been a Herculean task on many occasions to talk about these things. You are making a difference in the world. I think that's fantastic
I have depression and i struggle sometimes and i have a few people in my life that if i talk to them about it they say things like 'oh just go for a walk, its such a beautiful day out' and like.... i can't even get out of bed or eat.. how am i going to 'go for a walk'. its very frustrating. I know they mean well but its just horrible when you hear that stuff
I understand since your behavior is the same as my son Jeffrey with schizophrenia… I invite him 100s times the las 11 years of his illnesses to go with me for a walk… he refuses and he does eat neither…he likes water though…4 glasses a day… I have to cook special food for him. food that he only likes…I am his slave but he is my only one son… ❤
Oh my god this is wonderful everything you have to say is spot on.
It feels like you two had a lot of fun making this video. Great way to reduce the stigma and bringing humor into it. Great video!!!! ❤
Thank you for your videos. My teen was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder a little over a year ago. It’s so helpful to hear your experiences; the videos are a great way for us to open a conversation and talk about how they feel. It makes the discussion earlier because my teen can explain the similarities and differences from a specific and safe reference point. - I do think we’ll be sharing this video with their friends. They mean we’ll, but they don’t get it sometimes.
Danke!
I've heard almost all of these - from partners, from myself, from people I've just met. I'm not schizophrenic but I do have psychotic depression.
My last therapist kept asking me what my voices said and if they were telling me to hurt anyone, at a time when I was still certain talking about my symptoms was going to result in my actual death. I couldn't answer her questions or explain why, and I couldn't articulate why that particular question made me uncomfortable. So thank you for those words, even a few years too late.
I've been arrested once - for mental health reasons - and handcuffed for voluntary transport to the psych holding unit while I waited for a bed at the local psych ward. You're absolutely right, being visibly and honestly symptomatic in public results in getting treated like a criminal.
Which is why "I don't look crazy!" - I'm good at faking normal and I've seen and experienced what happens if you're not. Mentally ill people are still intelligent people with a functional sense of self preservation, most of the time!
Also, on "you must be great in bed" - it makes me think of that Will Smith MIB meme. "I mean yeah I'm great in bed.. but it's not because I'm crazy!" 😂😉
Thanks so much for this, it's so good to feel validated in the discomfort these kinds of statements create. This is such a useful video for anyone who knows a person with a psychotic disorder.
Great video!..I'm diagnosed as having anxiety and depression with some OCD symptoms. It really gets to me when people describe their behaviours as so OCD when they don't have the illness.
Thank you for mentioning the “wild” or “criminal” assumptions with certain mental illnesses as well as the relationship between literally policing behaviors and treating them.
Once a cop knows you've got a mental disorder they treat you like you're an armed and violent criminal who could just snap and eat their face at any moment, which often leads them to mistreating and even killing people having a mental health crisis.
i can think of an infinite amount of things to not say to someone with schizophrenia because once you say it to them, it has the potential to play back in their head repetitively and it might not be something so nice......so be mindful with your words in general. this is a good lesson, and thank you for this channel.
This whole channel and the content produced is a form of creativity that not everyone is capable of doing - so wouldn't say you're *not* creative, Lauren!
What a blessing to be functional enough to make videos. I wish my father were able to live a somewhat normal life. 😢
Having schizophrenia with PTSD and sex abuse totally agree 💯
I have Bipolar and I actually call myself crazy. Because that's how the mood swings make me feel like. It's illogical, exhausting, irritating and frustrating. Even though I have stable medication, sometimes the symptoms push through if I've not slept well and I'm over burdened.
My son is a veteran who was diagnosed a couple years after his military career ended. Unfortunately he has never accepted his diagnosis and refuses medication. More unfortunately, he has a tendency to be to lash out at those closest to him. He lives alone more than 2,000 miles away from us so it very difficult to help.
Thank you for your videos they are helpful so that I can plan my next interaction with him and know better how to help.
You are inspirational by sharing your life truthfully and vulnerably!!! Also the fact that you are a mental health educator especially about your own experiences, makes you a rockstar
So informative and true. I also think a lot of people who have to deal with someone struggling with mental illness such as relatives, friends, partners may feel a bit helpless and confused. So, this is definitely informative. The part for criminalizing a person dealing with mental illness is really unfortunate. In fact, it's the opposite. You're more likely to be a victim of such.
Have you done a video dedicated to how law enforcement discriminate against people with schizophrenia
I live with Bipolar Disorder and I could relate to a lot of these, but I also learned a lot! Thanks, Lauren!
Thank you for speaking out for people with disabilities like me! Thank you! Fantastic discussion!
Love your thumbnails. 😍 While watching this video I felt you must've had the best time recording it together! Even though talking about such an important subject. Thank you 4 this video 😘
Man this is good info. I just watched a guy go through a crisis. It looks like pure hell. Stay strong.❤
I love this video... Would love to see it redone whit him responding the right way 😊
Thanks so much for your honesty regarding your personal health struggles. Unfortunately my sister in law has struggled with mental health, with the added struggle of a intelligence disability. She wasn't taking her meds, and ended up losing her apt, her belongings and her cat. In hospital for treatment then a compassionate social worker found her a place in a home for disabled persons. She is doing much better, and is happier. Which is what every family wants for their ill loved ones.💕👍
I appreciate hearing your perspective on this. My adult son was recently diagnosed and your videos are helping me to educate myself and our family on the subject in order to best help him.
I am afraid my adult 36 year old son has it too. Yes these videos are very informative and give me hope even if he does have this it can still be ok. I am at the beginning. It will be a challenge to convince the other family members though. My heart goes out to you Yvette. Hang in there.
She went through a flow of emotions
Thanks for the video. My son has been diagnosed with Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder and in the past: Major Depression & Anxiety. Also, watching my son- when he went through the Major Depression- his hygiene kind of got lost. Also, in the past- he has recreationally tried street drugs as a way to self medicate and I have seen this with others A LOT!!! And, yes, my son has been in trouble with the law. When he is going through manic phases, he tends to make bad choices. He recently turned 27 & they FINALLY have him on a med combination which seems to work and really help him. I am so thankful!!!
Great public service announcement!! You are really helping educate people in regards to schizophrenia!! Take care
omggg!! The hug at the end got me right in the heart! awww! yall are so cute and he seems so supportive. I am sending so much love and support your way. i just found this channel and have been binging like crazy. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, youre not only helping me but (from the comments) you are helping SO many others. So just thank you!
My sister lives with schizophrenia. She has the same personality from her childhood but she was a little bit agression and stubborn.. but with medication now she's a little bit less aggressive but still stubborn 😁
You're a blessing! There are blessings all around you. Life is a dream and the devil's trying to make it a nightmare
I think the "self-care" stuff can be helpful. I have schizoaffective and it's very helpful for me when someone offers that I do a calming activity when anxious/paranoid/or having hallucinations... though distraction is better for hallucinations. Maybe bubble baths aren't good but having some tea or cocoa is very helpful. I just think it depends on the tone of the person suggesting it
Thanks!
Another great video. All of those not to ask questions can apply to anyone with dementia or other mental illnesses. Also, to me the inspirational or creative comment would be said by someone that is trying to be complementary. But as shown in this video, these comments can be insulting. BTW, I love Lauren's smile. Her smile lights up the room.
I've learnt so much about schizophrenia from your channel. I love how open and real you are. You and Rob are lucky to have each other 😊 (you have chipped nail polish, how more "normal" can you be! 😀)
I love your hair btw
HelloLauren and Rob,
11:18 Me too. I was handcuffed and brought to the police station and from there transferred by ambulance to the psychiatric unit of Tallaght University Hospital not far from here early November 2007, Wednesday 7 if I'm not mistaken.
All the best and many thanks,
Peter Nolan. Ph.D.(physics). Dublin. Ireland.
Isn't it an absolute pain in the ass "oh they must be violent" attitude when half the time it's just anxiety spiralling out of control randomly when you thought you were doing good? The fear from them. Jeez tonite lads but tis tough enough to do your best to stay on track without being treated like a criminal. That brush stroke sticks and causes untold damage for the future. Some, worst luck do become violent but not all. Ah sure, better safe than sorry I guess is their thinking. Hope 2022 finds you well. Keep smiling regardless. Hard, but one day at a time. I figured twas a giant back handed compliment to us to challenge us to such a life. The Big Man upstairs must have a heck of a hooley lined up for us after no? Hoping so.
@@sheilasullivan1950
Hello Sheila,
I love your most insightful reply. On a positive note for me at 68 yeas of age so long as I now keep taking Dolmatil(sulpiride) I will remain free from psychosis.
Let's hope things will improve with respect to being taken into hospital and also what has been happening, and I'm sure is still happening, in the psychiatric hospitals themselves. Sadly policemen and women are right wing morons to say the least when my reckoning is that they became cops knowing that once thy became cops they would hurt people by arresting them for example and locking them up in cells. Who are the real criminals I ask.
Yes, I have the thought that The Big Man upstairs gave us these missions because He knows those of us who develop psychosis like me can handle such a challenge and indeed evolve spiritually. While saying that and speaking only, Sheila, for myself I have had a very comfortable life by having such a wonderful, wonderful Dad who provided for me all of his life till the day he died aged 84 in June 2011. Indeed I still live in his beautiful house. He gave me a roof over my head all my life and while there are still lots of things I would love to do at 68 it will not be too long before I see him and Mammy in heaven even if they both might have reincarnated. Still whether Mam and Dad are in heaven or back on earth when I die I will see them again.
On a positive note, Sheila, there really are doctors and nurses who love and care about us when sadly there really are doctors and nurses who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near psychiatric patients and based on my experience in hospital I can point the finger and name the names of doctors and nurses who should never ever have been allowed to work in psychiatric hospitals. I'm sure you have, for example, heard of the frontal lobotomy when only completely deranged folks would do that to a human being. I hope you see what I'm saying in general.
It is so nice to hear from you and I hope you can feel upbeat and happy a most of the time in the way you are coming a across to me in your inspiring and uplifting reply.
All the best and many thanks and Happy New Year to you,
Peter.
I just subscribed! Thank you for bringing this illness out of stigma 😊into the work-a-day world
Your videos help me feel like everyone else, thank you
Thank you both for all that you do and for sharing your stories with the mental health community, and the world! It means so much, on so many levels.
Can i just say, I LOVE the comments section on this video! What a breath of fresh air! :)
Also, I really love all the faces hahaha this video is brilliant!
I’m married to someone who struggles with this. It’s hard some days. I have some education on it, but not very much. I am definitely gonna keep watching your videos to learn more. Also reading as well. I feel the more I educate myself, the better I can support my husband. It’s a battle, especially when I am dealing with my own mental crisis. I just need to learn more. But, honestly, I don’t know why people say “You don’t look…”
I get told I don’t look like I have Complex PTSD and Schizotypal. Like, okay?
Not all wounds are physical. Mental wounds are real too.
I wanna thank you, for posting videos. I subscribed after the first one I watched. This is the second video.
Also, you two are a beautiful couple.
I have schizophrenia I was diagnosed at 15... And I have actually found smoking weed has helped me a lot since I have gotten older.. I love the message that you are sending... I have been asked so many stupid questions
Do you take medication for Schizophrenia?
I am working on getting a job as a peer supporter, specifically helping people who are living with schizophrenia. Im so excited i found your channel because i definitely want to learn as much as i can!
My symptoms tend to be far more of the "everyone is trying to harm me" variety; the assumption that I may be having thoughts to harm anyone else makes me feel even worse.
I love your videos and thank you so much for addressing the many questions those of us battling the disorder have. I know for myself I rack my brain around trying to find answers and understand why I am the way I am, why I think differently and just trying to cope with the many different aspects of the illness. As I researched I was able to put a name with certain characteristics and able to say. “Aha,! So actually I am NORMAL for someone with this disease” I.e struggle hygiene, grandiosity etc. when we can understand where some of our actions are born from we can better manage and cope with negative issues. Your time is appreciated in helping so many who are seeking answers in this world. And your vulnerable honesty is truly a blessing.
when my partner calls me lazy I get sad, I have really a hard time to keep the apartment clean and she's coming less over cause it's not tidy enough.
That sucks. My Partner doesn’t have any known mental health disorders but he flatted with someone else messy and they were in this kind of “if you won’t do it I won’t” stand off. So I just cleaned it myself to the standard I wanted when I came to visit.
Do you think she might help with chores if you asked? Or maybe she could be on the phone with you while you're doing chores, or just hanging out in a supportive manner? I like to text my friends and listen to podcasts while I clean. It keeps me distracted and my friends are encouraging and supportive.
I hope you're able to work out a solution for both of you!
I had a therapist who, for years, went on and on about housework. Yeah, it is something I suck at; but to imply that all will be well if I just clean the house is demeaning
!
@@chillcreep4926 I used to be on the computer all day with my best friend and I would take breaks to go do some simple chore.
Cleaning my own house tho? I don't have the spoons for that. Wish I could pay someone but it's not something I can afford right now....
i just discovered your channel. Watching this, i am amazed! thank you so much for sharing!! I hope to learn from watching you since i have a loved one who suffers with the same affliction.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
I usually have problems leaving the house. It seems that the longer and/or further away from “safe” the more intense my symptoms get. And as a result of preferring to stay home, or close to home, I often get called a shut-in or a homebody, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
These videos are wonderful! I'm so glad you helped illuminate the difference between "you're doing something that's inspirational" 👍and "you're an inspiration for continuing to exist despite how awful I assume your life is." 😐.
This is something I've often wanted to articulate about mental health and hadn't really found the words for. You do such a great job of giving people tools to communicate more effectively around mental health
Using "Schizophrenia" (or "Schizo,") as an adjective for unrelated thing. I've been guilty of that. Needed to be reminded. Thanks.
You are helping so many with this video ,by shaking off the old idea of there being no solution .zI lost my brother to this illness and I do believe if he had been given proper care and meds he would still be with us
When it comes to selfcare- no matter the person and/or whether or not they're even diagnosed with anything- a simple idea is to ask them what they do to support their well-being. Maybe then offer to do the activity with them or ask how you can support them to engage in their chosen activity. If you know them well, remind them of your observations of how they've gotten through difficult times before. Support them to find their own exceptions to draw from.
That side eye!!! Thank you for your channel 💜
I struggle with my hygiene too, never knew I was not alone.
The definition split from reality is very good Um going to use that!
Rob clearly adores you 💝
As a Care Giver, it is so important to know and understand this condition, that is so misunderstood even in the medical field!