Schizophrenia - Overcome Mental Illness Together - Ashley Smith

Ashley was diagnosed with adult-onset Paranoid Schizophrenia in 2007 at the age of 20. Since then she has been active with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about recovery from schizophrenia. She founded a non-profit organization called, Embracing My Mind, Inc. (EMM). EMM works with community-based organizations that provide services to people affected by mental illness who have little or no income. They offer peer support in the form of support groups, educational classes, and presentations adapted to the needs of various audiences.

Ashley shares her experiences in hopes of empowering others and promoting understanding. She firmly believes, "We can overcome mental illness together!"

Schizophrenia Test

To complete the test, choose the response listed below the statement that best represents your level of agreement with the prior statement.

1.  I think that I might be able to predict the future.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

2.  I may have felt that there could possibly be something interrupting or controlling my thoughts.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

3.  I have had the experience of doing something differently because of my superstitions.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

4.  I think that I may get confused at times whether something I experience or perceive may be real or may be just part of my imagination or dreams.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

5.  I have thought that it might be possible that other people can read my mind, or that I can read other’s minds.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

6.  I wonder if people may be planning to hurt me or even may be about to hurt me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

7.  I believe that I have special natural or supernatural gifts beyond my talents and natural strengths.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

8.  I think I might feel like my mind is “playing tricks” on me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

9.  I have had the experience of hearing faint or clear sounds of people or a person mumbling or talking when there is no one near me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

10.  I think that I may hear my own thoughts being said out loud.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

11.  I have been concerned that I might be “going crazy”.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

Scoring the test: If you chose Agree, three or more times please take the time to investigate further. This doesn't mean that you have schizophrenia, it means that you might benefit by speaking with a doctor. Obviously, a multiple choice test on the internet cannot give a valid diagnosis. A professional psychiatric evaluation is the right place to start. Life is stressful and everyone needs help sometimes. If you are concerned about your mental health take care of yourself by reaching out. You may click here to find a doctor:
Mental Health Services Locator or call the 24 hour helpline 800-662-4357

Diagnosing and Treating Schizophrenia

This video narrated by Dr. Erdelyi, a professor of psychology at Brooklyn College, gives an overview of the main symptoms of schizophrenia and how they are treated.

Art Therapy - Don't Despair, Share.

Create. Express yourself. Explore your artistic side without judgement. You have a perspective that few people have. Share.

Will Marijuana Help?

When it comes to mixing marijuana and schizophrenia, the facts could not be more clear. They go together like gasoline and a lit match; Dangerous! Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia sometimes turn to marijuana or other street drugs in an effort to self-medicate. What kind of results do they get? Study after study shows marijuana to be an instigating factor in the onset of schizophrenia and a trigger for schizophrenic episodes.

In one example, a study interviewed 50,000 members of the Swedish Army about their drug consumption and followed up with them later in life. Those who were heavy consumers of marijuana  at age 18 were over 600% more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia over the next 15 years than those did not take it. Experts estimate that between 8% and 13% of all schizophrenia cases are linked to marijuana / cannabis use during teen years.

Use of street drugs (including LSD,methamphetamine,marijuana/hash/cannabis) and alcohol have been linked with significantly increased probability of developing psychosis and schizophrenia. This link has been documented in over 30 different scientific studies over the past 20 years.  

Marijuana is not the answer.

You Can Recover

Studies conducted over a 30-year period show that 60% of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia recover completely or become much improved. There is reason to be hopeful. But this is not something to tackle alone. A devastating 15% of the people diagnosed as schizophrenic take their own lives. Help is needed. The medical community is not perfect but they are the right place to start.

Here are the Schizophrenia Statistics from the National Institute of Health:

• 25 per cent recover completely
• 35 per cent are much improved
• 15 per cent are improved but require extensive support
• 10 per cent are hospitalized indefinitely
• 15 per cent commit suicide