How I Conquered Schizophrenia

This story is a true life, autobiographical account of my experiences, primarily, with the psychological disorder called schizophrenia including the development of the illness, the diagnosis and treatment, and my ultimate complete recovery. A brief thumbnail definition of schizophrenia taken from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website is: “Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects 2.4 million American adults over the age of 18. Psychosis is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Psychosis is defined as the experience of loss of contact with reality and usually involves hallucinations and delusions.” The Mayo Clinic website defines schizophrenia as: “A group of severe brain disorders in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior.” A more in-depth description and explanation of mental illnesses of both schizophrenia and depression are presented in chapter two.

Of utmost importance in this book are the descriptions of several strategies used by me to become fully free of schizophrenia and the medications used to treat it. The strategies are explained in such a way that the reader might be able to apply these strategies to his or her own life. The primary purpose of this book is to share these sometimes non-traditional strategies with those who suffer from schizophrenia along with their families, friends, and health care practitioners so all of their lives can be more joyous and fulfilling.

There are many books and resources available today that illuminate the disorder of schizophrenia. While my book shares information regarding various symptoms of schizophrenia, its prevalence, and prognoses, it is not a scientific book on the illness. I wish to share my personal experiences with schizophrenia as well as the mental illness of depression only because I have been successful at overcoming both. Because schizophrenia presents itself in many different forms in terms of symptoms and severity, the information I present here may not work for all schizophrenics or those suffering from depression. Through the hard personal work of changing my thinking, changing my behaviors, and opening myself up to being healed, I have been able to release myself of all symptoms of schizophrenia and depression and all medications used to treat them. While I have earned a doctor of education degree, I am not a doctor of medicine. Therefore, a disclaimer is made here to any and all who suffer from mental illness and a strong recommendation is made that professional medical assistance be obtained first and foremost from a licensed medical family practice doctor who may then refer one to a licensed psychiatrist.

Some readers may gain insights into their own thinking and behavior through reading my story, and, thus, be able to make their own progress in overcoming mental illness. I believe each reader will gain something different from my book depending on his or her own experiences with schizophrenia or depression. Still other readers might know of a relative or friend in their lives who might benefit from reading or hearing about my story. And another group of readers may find that they resonate with the unconventional healing methods described herein and/or be interested in learning more about them. In particular, I wish to point out to the reader that, in chapter eight, I detail a process called “The Raven Clan Clearing.” This is a healing process that I learned about through a healer I knew who recommended it. It took time for me to learn about the concept and “wrap my mind around” its possibility. I would understand that you, the reader, may or may not resonate with this phenomenon. Therefore, please skip over it if you find it too hard to believe and please take from the book only those ideas that you find helpful.

This book is also offered to those who provide treatment to individuals with schizophrenia or depression. The story I present and the strategies I use might be shared by medical professionals with their patients in order to help them recover as much as possible from these debilitating disorders. I had what could be termed mild cases of both schizophrenia and depression. I was never hospitalized, institutionalized, or unable to work. The information I present is most appropriate for those in similar circumstances. A larger proportion of those suffering from schizophrenia and depression are not as fortunate. They are living the nightmare of institutionalization, unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and prison. My greatest hope is that my story might provide small amounts of relief or even inspiration to these individuals along with a huge amount of compassion and understanding for them. HOPE is the magical word here that is foremost in importance to my message to readers.

I have included in an appendix numerous websites and resources that might be of assistance to those suffering from schizophrenia, depression, or any other mental illness. As I will explain in the book, the first, best, and most important step to recovery is getting help. Websites, resources, and support groups listed in the appendix might prove helpful to families, friends, health care providers, and caretakers as well. Lastly, I have shared in the references and recommended reading section at the end of the book the many sources and materials that I have either cited within this book, read, listened to, or used that have so positively supported my recovery and continued maintenance of positive mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share my story.