Hi everyone! I'm Stephen. I had an awakening from deep psychosis in schizophrenia in February 2014 after six months of clozapine (Clozaril) therapy. This occurred after two years of persistent psychosis and the failure of aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and Latuda to lift the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. My dad and I discussed my awakening and the psychological issues that arose, including the persistent "negative symptoms" of depression and anxiety and the feeling of loss in my life.
Journey Through the Mind: Surviving and Thriving After Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia.
In this video, we dive into the raw and profound journey of Stephen, a courageous individual who grappled with the challenging circumstances of childhood-onset Schizophrenia. We will venture into his experience of falling ill with psychosis at the tender age of 12 and discuss how he emerged from the depths of this debilitating mental health disorder through sheer resilience and determination.
In February 2012, Stephen's life took a terrifying turn when he began to display symptoms of psychosis. In the next two years, his condition worsened into persistent psychosis, which saw him struggling with disordered thoughts, delusions, and hallucinations. Stephen's experience during these two years was marked by confusion, fear, and an overwhelming sense of alienation from reality.
To alleviate his condition, Stephen was treated with a series of antipsychotic medications, including aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and Latuda. Unfortunately, these medications failed to mitigate the 'positive symptoms' of his Schizophrenia. This struggle and the apparent failure of the treatments brought about frustration and a deep sense of despair. The absence of progress left Stephen and his support system in a challenging and heartbreaking position.
However, in February 2014, after six months of clozapine (Clozaril) therapy, a glimmer of hope emerged. Stephen began to wake from the long sleep of psychosis that had haunted his teenage years. This was a turning point, a breath of relief, and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Clozapine, the medication that ultimately proved effective for Stephen, is known for its potential to treat Schizophrenia when other medications have failed.
Yet, emerging from the clutches of deep psychosis was not without its psychological repercussions. Alongside Stephen's father, we unpacked the toll this journey took on Stephen's mental health. Notably, the persistent 'negative symptoms' of Schizophrenia lingered even after the positive symptoms had largely dissipated. The depression, anxiety, and an overwhelming feeling of loss posed their unique challenges as Stephen navigated his way toward recovery.
A significant portion of our discussion revolved around this feeling of loss. In many ways, Stephen had lost his childhood to Schizophrenia. The condition had stripped him of what is often considered the carefree years of one's life. Moreover, the loss was associated with the years he spent enveloped in psychosis, removed from the world around him.
However, our conversation was not just a recounting of struggle and loss. It was also about resilience, hope, and the power of effective treatment. Stephen's story is one of survival and, in many ways, victory. His journey offers hope for others who may be grappling with similar conditions. It demonstrates that recovery is possible while the road may be challenging and lengthy.
Stephen's journey through Schizophrenia underlines the need for persistent, individualized, and comprehensive mental health care. It also highlights the importance of a robust support system, with his father playing an instrumental role throughout the journey. It was an intimate exploration of their shared experience, the highs and lows, and the strength they found in each other.
The story of Stephen's battle and subsequent victory over childhood-onset Schizophrenia is essential. It shows the harsh realities of the condition, the strength of the human spirit, and the potential for recovery.
Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope it has illuminated the struggles and triumphs associated with Schizophrenia. As we continue our series on Surviving Schizophrenia, we look forward to sharing more stories, providing information, and fostering a sense of community for those affected by this condition.
Remember, no one is alone in their struggle. By sharing our stories, we can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders and inspire hope for recovery and a brighter future.
Stay strong, and keep surviving.
Your Friend, Stephen.