Introduction

Hi, there. Thanks for visiting. I'm starting this blog as an advocate for mental and physical health. I'm a freelance writer and also own a home based medical transcription business. I was diagnosed in 1978 with paranoid schizophrenia and started to become acutely ill three years prior to that, unmedicated, frightened, confused, and in trouble with the law. I graduated from university with distinction the year I became ill. I've never regretted learning how to think at university. I struggled with my illness for 35 years and have reached the top of the mountain now, I think, or the other side, where the grass is greener and the path easier. There's hope for all of us, the whole human race, and never think there isn't hope or joy no matter your circumstances. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with mental illness in all its forms: depression, brain injury, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar, anxiety disorders, etc. and your positive experiences as well as those lies and half truths society and even therapists would have us believe about ourselves.

We are different folks, and we are beautiful. The whole human race is beautiful. Let's celebrate life.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

This is a bit scary, but I'm walking to support the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta on Saturday September 22, 2012. Please consider supporting me by donating at my pledge page. Any amount would be welcome. Any donation over $20 will be issued a tax receipt, so be sure to include your name and address for that.

If you like, I'll run part of the way! It's for a great cause!
Thanks, Judy, for your generous donation!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Schizophrenia

It's a scary word. Conjuring up media images and phrases of "former mental patient" and always with a violent context.

Lighten up, guys. High five to those of you who shoulder through the hype and misunderstanding.

I've written a book called The Insanity Machine. It's suitable for professionals and therapists (a lot of research went into it), also for intelligent and thoughtful voyagers on this strange and wonderful journey.

Austin Mardon co-authored it.

No publisher has taken us up on it yet, although I submitted it to a publication which specializes in information about schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Time to get off my rocker and send it to those I think will be enthralled, as well they should be, because it's been estimated that 10 percent of the population in every country has this life changing illness.

We're not necessarily hidden, just ignored, labeled, and misunderstood.

We need a Martin Luther King for mental illness, someone who isn't afraid to get up and fight for us. Someone who tackles the tough questions and is intelligent/insightful enough to realize that yes, we can be difficult, and yes, we are our own worst enemy at times.

I recommend you read Jeff Emmerson's blog. He's fantastic, not so unusual in many ways, brave and insightful. Intelligent and articulate and cusses a lot, ha. Don't be offended, he talks like I think sometimes.

Jeff Emmerson is not schizophrenic. He's been through rough times, however. I think he's indicative of those of us who can truly be called survivors, warriors, and happy.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Nick - "I am happy"

"I love living life. I am happy." A man with no limbs recovered from bitter to better. What about you?