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!"

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