Martin's Experience Managing Schizophrenia Without Medication

Lauren sits down with Martin to discuss his experience managing his schizophrenia without the use of medications.

We specifically discuss in this video the importance of consulting with your psychiatrist before going off of any medications, and to consult with your psychiatrist if you are wanting to reduce or go off of medication, and work collaboratively with them to do so. We do not recommend adjusting medication or going off medication without the supervision of your psychiatrist.

JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Join a welcoming community of your peers and find comfort in sharing your experiences. By joining our community, you can benefit from the support of others who understand what you’re going through. We offer live weekly facilitated video peer support groups and text channels to communicate about a wide range of topics. Join today and start feeling less alone with what you’re going through.

HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
We depend on the support of our audience to create this valuable resource. If you have found our content helpful, please consider supporting us today. Your contribution can make a huge difference and enable us to continue providing valuable resources to those living with mental illness.

MENTAL HEALTH APPAREL
Wear your support for mental health! Our t-shirts, sweaters, and mugs not only spread awareness but also help support this channel. Pick up some mental health apparel today and make a statement while making a difference.

SPEAKING & CONSULTING
Looking for an expert speaker or consultant for your upcoming event or project? With years of experience and a passion for mental health advocacy, I can provide the insight and inspiration you need to make a positive impact. Visit my speaking website to learn more!

SOCIALS

#depression #bipolar #psychosis #psychoticfeatures #mentalhealth #mentalillness

[LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

We specifically discuss in this video the importance of consulting with your psychiatrist before going off of any medications, and to consult with your psychiatrist if you are wanting to reduce or go off of medication, and work collaboratively with them to do so. We do not recommend adjusting medication or going off medication without the supervision of your psychiatrist.

[enoch]

I am treatment resistant so I've had to find ways to cope without meds. Homeopathics, natural/herbal medicine and music therapy have been my preferred method. Also, talking about the symptoms/not keeping it to myself helps a lot.

[lenanjeri]

I have had 3 breakdowns since 2002 and I have got 2 times I tried being off medication but I got my worst psychotic episode in 2011.my psychiatrist told me if I am off medication again it might be permanent. I have kids and I have a good support managing my stress and now it’s 10 years and I have trusted my medication that I fear if I am off then I loose my kids. This site really help me to start opening up about my condition which people around me hardly know.It’s good to hear different experiences cos it really helps.

[ftuT]

One of the most interesting interviews I've seen with someone diagnosed of a psychotic disorder. He's insight is amazing and he makes really good points. I always learn something from your videos to work with my patients. You never stop to amaze me, Lauren. Thank you.

[psychosislove]

I went through hell throughout my entire childhood being schizoaffective. The trial and error with new meds and bullies and adults who ignored me all throughout my teen hood drove me to suicide. When I was 17 I refused to take anymore medication for about a week. In that week I went through the worst of my symptoms. As such I got up out of bed at the end of the week, ready to end my life so I could escape the anguish and misery I was going through. But, I was urged by a positive voice to take the new meds, and I listened to her. I remember her saying, "Your parents don't deserve to bury their only daughter." I've been on that same medication for 13 years now and though I will never be able to have a job of any kind, I am stable enough that I am happy now and have married the most amazing man who helps me in a way no one else has been able to do so. I have less psychotic episodes and I managed to get my AA degree. It took 7 years, but I got it. Whenever I forget to take my meds (which is usually me having fake memories of having taken it when I didn't), I feel it. My body gets tingly, my mind starts going places it doesn't need to go in, I start shaking and twitching and just feeling all sorts of "wrongness"; My symptoms get stronger. So my husband and I make sure together every morning and evening that I take my medications. I find it amazing that Martin has learned how to handle it without medications, for the most part, because I can't function without them. It just shows that we all experience our illnesses differently, and that there is no one way of treatment for everyone.

[creativelyanalytic]

He is so self aware. When he said he stopped activities where you had to be on the top of your game and people depended on him (diving, shooting club). Very selfless🙏🏾. With my loved one, I’ve seen wreckless behavior and denial. Prayerfully that will change. I also wish there was better resources in GA.

[sneakupbania]

I don’t have schizophrenia, but I so relate to what you shared about traveling and being in between places — it’s where I feel most at ease and most myself, even if it’s only a bus ride. You described that feeling so poignantly and made me think about it in a new way, thank you.

[peonypurp]

As a person who doesn't have Schizophrenia but other trauma and MI, I very much relate with Martin saying "I find him infuriating; because he's right"

[ClockworkEngineer]

I also get by with schizophrenia and no medication. This guy describes actually how I live as well. It's constant vigilance.

[nanettedavidson]

What a lovely man he is. I wish for him all good things. Thank you, Martin for sharing those insights and helping us understand what it is like to have schizophrenia. I hope your sense of contribution is rewarded for helping all of us.

[karafitz]

Hi Martin, I'm a fellow high-functioning schizophrenic who is currently on maternity leave but holds a full-time job when not mothering. I often feel like I am not at all Schizophrenic because I manage my symptoms so well and they thus do not affect my everyday life. But then once a month my nurse comes and I'm reminded by that white powder he puts into the syringe that I am indeed mentally ill. I wish to one day come off my medication and have my complete self back, until then your story gives me hope for that day. Thank you for sharing.

[SybilNix]

I love the way that this interview was filmed, the angles and filming the screen and not just relying on screen recording made this not only informative and helpful but beautiful and engaging

[bluesky]

This was SUCH a valuable video to watch - thank you for making the effort to show the many different ways people try to manage their condition and thank you Martin for being so open and honest. I was struck by how so much of what Martin said is applicable to other conditions, including clinical depression, and his frank and pragmatic approach is so refreshing. The whole experience of medication can sometimes be really traumatising. My interpretation of what Martin has done is really to focus on accepting his condition and changing his life. It's hard - so so hard - but, it really seems to work for him. I hope that as society talks more openly about mental health and neurodivergence, Martin's path can feel more possible for others. Thank you again - I love these conversation videos please do more!

[pruey]

Martin's candor and his willingness to be vulnerable in this interview is really beautiful. Thank you for having such a wonderful guest on your video. I wish Martin all the best :)

[sandycampbell]

so sad to hear about the psychiatrist telling him not to get into a relationship. Thank you for hearing his story and the reality of what people put into files and awareness of not wanting to be seen as defiant. I am a therapist trying to help a clients with symptoms of schizophrenia. It is good to to hear about the value of social support and feeling good about contributing.

[nooriarizvi]

I no longer take meds either the psychiatrist told me to stay on meds for life but I refused here I am 2 years out perfectly fine it’s really important to manage your stress levels

[lisamatonis]

Thank you Lauren, and Martin for sharing this!!

[strix]

I loved Martin! So wise and so nice sharing all of this with us. I could listen to him all day, really. Wish him all the best!

[juliaotway]

What a lovely gentle man, thank you Martin. Very self aware. Please let him know, how worthwhile and brave he is, stigma unfortunately stigma is still around regarding mental health is still around. To step forward so publicly, Martin derserves recognition for doing this. Everyone is deserving of love. I am glad he has supportive employers and a supportive network. Blessings.

[mackenzie-deltadurocher]

Thanks for sharing Martin. I especially appreciate you addressing how you've navigating work and balancing your health.

Glad to hear your employers are committed to your wellness! No wonder you love your job lol.