Psycho-Stigma, Qu’est-ce Que C’est?
Psycho. Psychopath. Psychotic. Psychosis. Psycho comes from the Greek words “psyche” (mind). The words psycho, psychopath, psychotic and psychosis all share this common beginning: psycho, yet have *wildly* different meanings. Sadly, for anyone who struggles with schizophrenia, they are lumped into the world of psychopath, which refers to an entirely different brain condition. I contend […]
Which are You: A Lion Mom or a Tiger Mom?
The Lion Mom vs. The Tiger Mom: Parenting a Child with Schizophrenia Parenting a child with schizophrenia presents unique challenges and requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach. The archetypes of a “Lion Mom” and a “Tiger Mom” offer two distinct perspectives on how to navigate this complex journey. Let’s explore how each style adapts to […]
Let’s talk about Neurocognitive Harmony Disorder
The word schizophrenia comes from the Greek words schizo (splitting) and phren (mind). Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first used the term in 1908 during a lecture at a German Psychiatric Association meeting in Berlin. Bleuler coined the term to describe the separation of function between personality, thinking, memory, and perception in his patients. He wanted […]
What World Schizophrenia Day Meant to Me
I really struggled with the concept of World Schizophrenia Day. What does that even mean? Is it a day we are supposed to celebrate this awful disease that robs us of our loved ones and all that they once were, and could have been? Is it a day to recognize our broken healthcare system that […]
Loss is Loss is Loss. Except when it is Ambiguous Loss.
For so many of us, being a caregiver of a loved one with schizophrenia is like a death of a thousand cuts. The emotions that we caregivers go through on a daily basis is just wrenching. We swing from seeing the loss of who our loved one once “was,” to seeing a medication fail – […]
Protecting Your Legacy: The Importance of Estate Planning for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
As caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), we dedicate ourselves to providing love, support, and care to our loved ones. Amidst the daily challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to overlook our own future and well-being. However, estate planning is not just about financial matters—it’s about ensuring the continuity of care and support for […]
Nurturing the Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care in the Journey of Caregiving
Caregiving is often described as a labor of love, but behind the scenes lies a reality that can be profoundly taxing and emotionally draining. As caregivers, we dedicate our time and energy to supporting our loved ones, often at the expense of our own well-being. However, amidst the demands and challenges of caregiving, prioritizing self-care […]
Navigating Tough Care Decisions: A Perspective for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Rachel Star Withers who is the host of PsychCentral’s, “Inside Schizophrenia Podcast.” In our discussion, we covered the landscape of what it means to be a caregiver of someone with a serious mental illness. Following is a loose summary of our conversation, re-cast as a blog! Caring […]
The Power of Paper
What good documentation can do for your ability to work with, negotiate with and influence mental health professionals… In the intricate landscape of mental health care, having a well-documented paper trail can be a game-changer. It’s not just about compiling paperwork; it’s about crafting a comprehensive narrative that chronicles your loved one’s journey through the […]
You’re Invited: Johns Hopkins Symposium on June 24th and 25th, 2024
Every year Johns Hopkins holds a symposium to discuss ways to improve care and ultimately cure diseases like schizophrenia. In the words of Johns Hopkins, “Our symposiums bring together world-renowned experts in psychiatry and neuroscience whose areas of expertise are diverse yet complementary, towards better care and eventual cure of schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. This […]