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it's all in the mind - living with schizophrenia

3/2/2018

3 Comments

 
In my last post, I opened up about the three conditions that I suffer from: (i) mild schizophrenia with some bipolar; (ii) depression; and (iii) type 2 diabetes.  In this post, I’d like to share a bit more of my journey which may give some hope to other sufferers of these conditions and their families. 


By comparison with other conditions such as cancer, mental illness has a lot of stigma attached to it.  Being diagnosed with schizophrenia caused me to lose my dignity and really affected my self esteem.  Being hand-cuffed by the police when I went wandering around the neighbourhood during a psychotic episode was very humiliating.  I began to really hate myself, especially after I was hospitalised after this particularly bad psychotic episode.  Eventually, I realised that I can no longer carry so much shame for something which isn’t my fault. This was the key to setting me free.  I’ve learnt to look back and laugh about some of my experiences, even though they weren’t even remotely funny at the time. My experiences have brought me down a notch or two.  Some humility isn’t necessarily such a bad thing.


Like many people who suffer from schizophrenia, I am single.  Relationships are difficult enough without bringing mental illness into it.  The key point is that instead of looking for someone to love me and accept my condition, I need to learn how to love myself inspite of my condition.​  Managing my condition is all-consuming so I came to the conclusion that I'm better off alone.

3 Comments
Cheryl hunia
3/3/2018 09:56:21 am

Anita, I wasn’t aware of your struggles, we just never know the burdens we all carry. You are wonderful inspirational person, I admire you greatly.

Reply
Suzanne
3/3/2018 03:44:31 pm

Thank you for your bravery in sharing Anita. You are a wonderful example of success in spite of "disability" xoxo

Reply
veena chetty
9/1/2018 12:35:35 am

Anita,I found your story very inspirational & enlightening Your intelligence comes through in your writing.

Reply



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  • Home
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Resources >
      • Legal Publications >
        • Dissertation
        • Honours paper
  • Life
  • Career
  • Style
  • Soul
  • Mind
  • Body
    • Arbonne
  • Anita's Garden
    • Varieties I'm growing this year
    • Blog
    • Newsletters >
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