Can a Person with Schizophrenia Feel Joy?

Welcome to "Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen," a channel dedicated to providing support, insights, and strategies for individuals living with schizophrenia and their loved ones. I'm Stephen, and I'm here with my dad, Steve. In my videos, we explore the challenges and experiences associated with schizophrenia, particularly during the holiday season. We aim to answer the question of why individuals with schizophrenia often find it difficult to enjoy life and holidays.

Today's video focuses on whether happiness is possible while living with schizophrenia. We explore various strategies and discussions to help individuals with schizophrenia have a happier and less stressful holiday season.

We discuss holiday-specific challenges for individuals with schizophrenia, such as overstimulation from holiday activities, disruptions in routine, social pressures, and emotional stress triggered by memories of past traumas. Understanding these challenges is crucial for creating effective coping strategies.

Throughout the video, we also provide insights into the different phases of schizophrenia, from the prodrome phase to acute psychosis and beyond. Understanding these phases helps individuals and their caregivers manage the illness effectively during the holiday season.

We emphasize open and honest communication, sharing personal experiences, and discussing practical strategies for reducing stress and increasing joy during the holidays. We aim to create a supportive community where viewers can exchange ideas, share their experiences, and find valuable information.

We also highlight the importance of self-care, maintaining routines, setting realistic expectations, staying connected with healthcare providers, and focusing on the season's spirit to promote well-being during the holidays.

Join us on "Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen" as we navigate the challenges of living with schizophrenia and work towards a happier and healthier holiday season. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome, as we aim to build a supportive community and provide valuable resources for everyone affected by schizophrenia.

[SaraWinger-cthr]

Hi Stephen and dad. Thank you both for your candid conversation with each other. My son was diagnosed with pschizo-affective disorder and had his first psychotic episode in 2019. This many years later he is well managed with his medication and is not refusing to take them anymore. As a single mother and having to experience three of his episodes close together, I became an anxious mother especially after I worked during the day and worried while driving home if he was alright or not. As a result, I started taking an anti-anxiety medication. Which helped me to calm down myself. Now I am so pleased with his progress, much like your son. He also doesn't really like too much activities going on so we keep it simple and he feels awkward at social gatherings. I am able to communicate much better with him and when I come home at times we play board games with his brother and I. He is much like he was before he had this condition. He has a great mental health team as well. I am so grateful and so happy to see your contribution to us by your sharing your journey in a helpful way.

[franskel]

As someone with schizophrenia I find enjoyment in small circles. Too much stimulation just overwhelms me.

[BeckyKay-mv]

I love your videos! You guys are amazing at being honest when covering all of your topics!!! I learn sooo much!! Holidays with my son with schizophrenia is very different than others. He cannot handle groups or loud noises. So we eat a meal together. And than play a couple rounds of pool until he says he needs to be done. Than we head to bed. The next morning we open gifts and have a nice lunch!! Sooo thankful for your videos!!! I don't feel alone any longer during our struggles!! Thank you!!!

[amyjones]

The negative symptoms are tough. My emotions are so flat. Sometimes, I want to stop my injections so I can feel something. Even if it is bad. I feel a lot of those same feelings that you do. I'm sorry that happens. I'm happy you have your parents with you ❤

[sidharthshah]

Steven, you and your father are inspiration. Your father supports you a lot . Glad to see you both everytime

[denisekarding]

I try and keep it simple as the Christmas season can get so busy and hectic. I can so easily get caught up in the holiday frenzy if I'm not careful. I tell myself its ok to turn down some activities and events. It can get to be to much so im careful not to over do it. I have given myself permission to leave sooner than everyone else if I'm feeling drained and tired. I don't have to stay as late as others do. I'm an introvert so i can get people tired easily. We all need to respect our limitations for the reasons we have and always remember the meaning of Christmas is Peace.

[martinbrousseau]

In a previous video you spoke of waking from schizophrenia. I used to think of it like waking from a coma. I now call it waking from a schizophrenic coma. And I’ll say I’ve now had two schizophrenic coma awakenings. The first time I’ve woken from a schizophrenic coma was spring 2022, and spring 2023 I had my second awakening from a schizophrenic coma. Each schizophrenic coma awakening’s have had significant and marked improvements in my various abilities to think, retain, recollect, function, track tasks, and comprehend.
I contribute it mostly due to stress management in breathing and relaxation techniques.
Thanks for sharing in your videos and keep up the good work.

[anneedmunds]

I find listening to Stephen really helpful even though I am well on medication. Best wishes to you and your dad

[Vibesssmetsanne]

Hi Stephan and dad. Im from the netherlands, nearby Gouda city and find your video’s extremely helpful and value everything you share. I have had two psychosis episodes and still recovering. I try to find happiness. I take medication olanzapine 10mg and 10mg escitalopram i feel better now than before. Im seeing the psychiatrist today. Its important to have a good healthcare support team around you. Wish you all the best too.

[JIMKATSANIDIS]

Inspiring video! To live a happy and normal life being schizophrenic, you need a good support system like, a good therapist, close family, friends or a support group for schizophrenics. You need to keep yourself busy, add some amount of distraction in your life like, taking up a new hobby or even volunteering. A proper treatment plan can promote happiness, well-being and a positive sense of self-worth. Thank you Stephen and Steve for posting this valuable video!🙌👌❤👍

[curtisroberts]

I’ve been told by leading doctors in schizophrenia from around the world that the danger of my son not being on an antipsychotic medication is that he will loose brain cells the longer he is off the medication. Being on the antipsychotic medication can actually begin to grow brain cells. For my son it’s all about enjoying the little things in life and just enjoying and sharing time together even if not doing anything in particular other than spending time together.

[ravenswoods]

You're dad is very supportive ❤ wonderful

[NF-imwq]

I am so glad you are doing better you are heading in the right direction

[melissagwendolinedenham]

I am diagnosed with awful things, one of them is bipolar depression. My Dad said to myself: "If you want to be happy, it's easy: just say, speak these words: "You are no fun anymore". No need to 'aim' or target the words, don't be be nasty. The next day, you will be happy, but you have to say it daily. So I said it and the next day I was happy. Every day I remember to say "You are no fun anymore", the next day I'm happy. I experimented: and said it on one day, said it THREE times. The next day was so much fun, I was making up jokes and laughing a lot. This worked on myself, can you try this yourself, even as an experiment?; Even with psychiatric diagnosis regardless if you believe the psychiatrist is mistaken or not (humans all make mistakes at times), try this idea above. Good luck.

[carmenhoch]

Thank you Stephen. You are helping so many people!

[ChloeKrasaj]

I like lying in bed all day that helps going out helps even if it’s just to the garden and speaking to people family or being around them

[dan]

Wishing the best and happiest holiday season for both of you!
I have psychotic depression and autism. One of my strategies when I’m overwhelmed during gatherings is to walk away to a quiet space to be by myself for a few minutes (or longer if needed) until i am ready to rejoin the party. People are always understanding.
Hope that is helpful! Take care.

[rasiklal]

Thank you for OPERATIONALIZING a positive message.
BTW it is not just the Overstimulation of the Holiday Season. It is more that people are acting doing very different than in the past. They do not explain why they are different. Get defensive and angry.
AND this is in contrast to what you remember - and it makes one feel Crazy - as they act different rest of the year - often angry and rejecting or rediculing.
This leaves the person with schizophrenia flooded with memories which were traumatic - what you describe about as elevated heart rate and sleep issues.

All of this is amplified in the holiday season - each of the following making it more difficult.
Frenetic pace - too many people - things at a faster pace - people acting different even weird - discordant memories difficult ot reconcile - confusion - leading to a mini-psychosis as it is difficult to make a coherent system of such unusual events and behavior.

I am happy that you have overcome so much. I am also glad that your treatment team has been available to help you. Good Luck.

[elysemattocks]

Thank you for this video ❤ I relate to many things you spoke about this was a settling reminder I'm not alone and extra techniques. I appreciate you and to your father ty ty ty for being so compassionate and understanding. Several of us doing have loving supporters. That is what I wish for this Christmas less stigma more understanding about mental health 🙏 🎅🎄 Thank you again!!!

[kates]

Focus on the good in life. It helps so much.