Taking on Goliath (And Winning)

 THE SICKNESS IN WRITING Schizophrenia Bulletin, Volume 38 Issue 3, Published 11 October 2011 When Hemingway spoke the words, “Writers are alone,” what did he mean? Did he mean writers are alone in their thoughts, or did he mean that in most cases writers are misunderstood? Or was this his isolationism speaking.  Was he possibly depressed?   What are the underlining factors for those writers whose work we consider great but who seemed to battle mental health concerns?   A writer with a mental illness like me can feel alone and misunderstood.  Worse case scenario is that the writer is not taking the proper medication.  Their writing becomes a handicap, causing them to feel as if they don’t belong or as if there is a dark cloud overhead. Medication may not get rid of the entire cloud, but perhaps make it becomes less dark. I’ve been writing in a journal since the seventh grade. The journaling later inspired poetry and then short stories. Writi...

  Blinders for Coping with Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Bulletin, sbad050 https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbad050              When horses pull a carriage, sometimes they are wearing blinders over their eyes so they cannot look to the right or left. They can only look forward without any distractions coming into their view.   This is a good picture of how I approach my life in recovery from schizophrenia.   Metaphorically speaking, putting on blinders each day is a way I have learned to cope with my diagnosis of schizophrenia.             Every month I go to a veteran’s hospital to get blood work for my medication and to get my monthly injectable. On the drive there, I am the only one in the car so if I hear a voice, I block it out because the doors are locked, windows are up, and I know I am the only one in the car.   If I see a shadowy figure appear ...

  Side Effects Versus Good Mental Health             I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder that is controlled by taking anti-psychotic medication. Currently I take two anti-psychotics, and with that help, I often have symptom-free days. On a symptom-free day I do not hear voices; I do not get paranoid about my neighbors; and I do not experience delusions. I have been told by my doctors that, although I benefit from taking two anti-psychotics, there is a chance for double the side effects. This essay will discuss how I have chosen to prioritize good mental health over the possibility of side effects.             My anti-psychotics can have several side effects. Three of the most common are weight gain, constipation, and lightheadedness.   I know that weight gain can contribute to diabetes. Constipation can feel uncomfortable and being lightheaded can s...

  Benefits of Staying On Medication Schizophrenia Bulletin, Volume 47, Issue 1, published 11 October 2019             The benefits of staying on medication helps you to be on the path to recovery. It may take some time for your doctor to determine the exact prescription for your needs. There is a possibility that a combination of medications will be the best fit for your situation. For me, it took several months to get the exact prescription to best treat my symptoms.   Do not be surprised if a new and better prescription is offered occasionally. For me a monthly injectable was added to my treatment plan which helped me tremendously. Medicines are available that can reduce the impact of symptoms, increase your independence and quality of life.                   The first benefit I realized about staying on medications happened while I was in a...