I know the term insane can be triggering for some, but at the moment, I want to bask in a miasma of stigma and ignorance. Part of becoming insane is losing the people close to you. I started out with this podcast talking about situations and people in my life and how they helped or didn’t help.
One of my biggest sources of support in live was my mom, who died around 16 years ago. When she passed, my dad deftly took on the reigns and acted as two parents would. He made some mistakes, there were arguments and difficulties, but I am so grateful that I had a good relationship with both of my parents before they died, and that they lasted long enough to help me to be strong enough to face down mental illness and eventually recover and thrive.
I think one thing that could help a lot of people is the movement to change the name of schizophrenia. There have to be better terms that can represent one of the most debilitating and baffling illnesses that affects a huge chunk of mankind, as much as 1% of the world’s population. Bipolar Disorder was once known as manic-depression. This old term explained very little. The intention of the word schizophrenia is to use two root words, split and mind together to symbolize the break from reality one experiences with the illness. But the fact is, in modern times, in most developed countries and many undeveloped or third world countries, much has been done to help people who live with schizophrenia. On medications, people with schizophrenia are no more violent than the general public. Community treatment orders, new drugs, and new treatments make it very hard to define someone diagnosed with schizophrenia by the concept of a split mind.
What we currently face with regards to schizophrenia is a large amount of people who are incredibly marginalized by being unable to work a steady, full-time job, and if they are able, they have significant barriers to job training and academic studies. I know that I was within months of finishing high school when I first went into severe psychosis which required hospitalization, and despite that 35 years have passed since then, I have been unable to complete my last few credits. This seems a real tragedy because I have written books (check out my website www.edmontonwriter.com for more information) I have taught classes in and out of psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric wards. I have spoken to rooms full of professionals, both in and not in mental health care. What could I have been capable of if I had been better supported to finish university?
I don’t really want to complain about what could be. I am so happy and fulfilled right now, I have some incredible friends, I have finally gotten to the point where I can travel a little and maintain a home by myself. And I am getting growing recognition for my skills and knowledge. I even sat down and wrote a different chapter for a book project I set aside a few years ago.
I did want to give a shout-out to a couple of people who truly inspire me to keep producing these blogs and podcasts. One is Dana Wylie, who is an incredible performer and actress who will go to any lengths to entertain and amaze the people she performs for. She is also one of my favourite supporters. Another supporter is Christine, who goes out of her way not just to subscribe, but to send me emails and meet with me to comment on her honest feelings of what I write and say. I need more Christines in my life. I have also made a new friend named Anna who made me incredibly happy by being excited about purchasing my latest book, a short story collection.
For anyone interested in my fiction, my short story collection is called “Voted Off the Crew” and is available through me or on Amazon. I had an amazing review done of the book by a young man who reviews books here on Substack. He plainly said there were times I wrote like Stephen King and other times I wrote like Quentin Tarintino. High praise indeed.
With that I will leave you to enjoy my podcast. There are a number of them available here or on Apple podcasts. I am considering as I get more comfortable making recordings trying to get onto more places that offer podcasts. Have a wonderful day and remember not to give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens.
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