Schizophrenia and Social Isolation
Hi Everyone! I'm Stephen. Social isolation in schizophrenia caused me not to want to go outside. Before I fell ill, I was very social and very active. I was always hanging out with friends. I liked the outdoors and enjoyed swimming, basketball, camping, and sailing. However, after falling ill with schizophrenia, I spent almost a decade not wanting to socialize. Instead, I wanted to stay inside the house and not interact with other people. In this Walk & Talk Schizophrenia video, I talk about my social anxiety and the social isolation accompanying my schizophrenia.
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide, causing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. One of the lesser-discussed aspects of schizophrenia is the social isolation and anxiety that can accompany the illness. In this post, we will discuss a personal account of Stephen, who experienced this profound social isolation and anxiety after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. We will explore the reasons behind these feelings, their challenges, and the steps Stephen took to overcome them, as shared in their Walk & Talk Schizophrenia video.
Social Isolation and Anxiety in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can have a profound impact on an individual's social life. Before falling ill, Stephen was very social and active, enjoying outdoor activities such as swimming, basketball, camping, and sailing. Stephen was always hanging out with friends and had a vibrant social life. However, after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, Stephen experienced nearly a decade of social isolation, not wanting to leave his home or interact with others.
Several factors contribute to social isolation in individuals with schizophrenia:
Stigma: The stigma surrounding schizophrenia can lead to shame and embarrassment, causing individuals to withdraw from social situations for fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Symptoms: The symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, can make it challenging to engage in social interactions and maintain relationships.
Social anxiety: Many people with schizophrenia develop social anxiety, characterized by intense fear and discomfort in social situations, further exacerbating their isolation.
Cognitive difficulties: Schizophrenia can also impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, making it challenging to engage in conversations and maintain relationships.
The Walk & Talk Schizophrenia Video: A Personal Journey
In the Walk & Talk Schizophrenia video, Stephen shares his journey of overcoming social isolation and anxiety related to his schizophrenia diagnosis. He discusses his social anxiety and the steps he took to re-engage with social life and the outside world.
Some key strategies they used to overcome social isolation and anxiety include:
Seeking professional help: Working with a mental health professional can help individuals with schizophrenia develop coping strategies and learn techniques to manage their anxiety and symptoms.
Gradual exposure: Taking small steps to re-engage with social situations, such as attending support groups or engaging in low-pressure social activities, can help individuals build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Building a support network: Connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with schizophrenia can provide emotional support and encouragement, helping individuals feel less isolated.
Challenging negative thoughts: Cognitive-behavioral techniques can help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to social anxiety and isolation.
Practicing self-compassion: Recognizing the difficulties of living with schizophrenia and treating oneself with kindness and understanding can help individuals build resilience and overcome feelings of isolation.
Conclusion
Social isolation and anxiety can profoundly impact the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia. By understanding the factors that contribute to these feelings and implementing strategies to overcome them, individuals with schizophrenia can begin to rebuild their social lives and enjoy the activities they once loved. The personal journey shared by Stephen in the Walk & Talk Schizophrenia video serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.
#schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression
Пікірлер: 126
Thank you for all you present on here. My adult son who lives w us has schizophrenia and loves your videos! We live in Iowa so winter walks are hard for him. So he’s begun walking in the house while watching your walks with the beautiful scenery. I too am enjoying your videos and praise your dad for the continual support he gives you! Families are so important with mental illness and it looks like you are blessed with a wonderful one!
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Laura for sharing and the encouragement! Please tell your son Hi for me! It means a lot to me that he is watching my videos! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
@brettgrace
Жыл бұрын
It really warms my heart to see family supporting each other so unconditionally like this!
I can sympathise with social anxiety, as I suffer with it myself. I get incredibly worked up about having to go to busy social places, paying cashiers and just the overall thought of being around people. I’m glad you’ve found recovery Stephen, may it be long lived x
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for your encouragement!
As someone who is going through social isolation for 3 years now. This video is incredible.
The greatest gesture of all is that you are opening your heart, talking and helping others with same difficulties. ❤️
Hi Stephen. I'm so, so thrilled that you're improving your social skills! That's huge! My son still struggles with that. So good to see you outside again in the beautiful sunshine. So proud of you!! Take care.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Cheryl!
There's been a time when I was in the room with my co-workers and I felt excluded. It was painful but I had to self talk and just work it out and I got through the day. That's one of these examples of how I fought social isolation. I have high functioning autism and schizophrenia. I know what it's like to go through social isolation. When I was an older kid I didn't mind being away from peers. It took church and the right therapy to help be interactive with others. Thanks for sharing your story. God bless you bro 😎. I hope my post makes sense to you. If not I'm sorry.
Beautiful scenery! I'm from New Jersey, but it's been years since I went to the shore. It got down into the negatives here last week from some artic blast. I have depression and anxiety, including significant social anxiety, and I am currently very socially isolated. I'm so glad that you are less isolated and able to enjoy getting out. Your videos are very interesting and informative. I wish the best for you, this channel, and your future!
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much! Thank you also for sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
@chrissy24-7
11 ай бұрын
This was really nice ❤
Thank you Stephen for taking us along on your beautiful walks it's so calming and relaxing. Thank you for taking us on your journey. It is a key of knowledge.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Pauline!
Great video Stephen, it looked like a warm day too? I didn't know you were that close to LA and when you mentioned the sky scrapers I could suddenly see them there in the distance. 🙂I'd imagine even now there is somewhat sadness looking back. Thing is it's important to remember that was a point in time where you were overwhelmed, had little or no understanding of what you were experiencing and under immense scrutiny. The whole situation alone must have been highly debilitating. I can see a need to keep someone social, but I can also see a need for someone to still feel in control of situations, otherwise experiences might become traumatic etc. (I'm just assuming here based upon my own experiences and I'm no health professional etc). The other thing of course is when we are repressed, our thoughts are trapped within ourselves. Through KZread videos, journaling or being asked without fear of judgement and/or opinion we are able to share those inner most thoughts and get them off our shoulders, off our chests and in effect un-burden ourselves of them. This in effect clears the mind somewhat, lifts clouds of repression and allows sunlight back in. You mentioned sailing, you should re-kindle the interest, it might even help join the dots back to a time where you were burden free and move forward in a similar way firmly putting the burden of what you have experienced behind you. 🙂 I wouldn't go over thinking the forgetting of what you had for dinner either, I do it all the time and a simple Google search might re-assure you it's quite common to forget routines etc. but instead remembering more stand out and unique events, perhaps it's more efficient use of brain cells? Just to add it's great to see you looking so well and healthy. Through watching your videos it's easy to see who you are as a person, your character etc. (there is a consistent healthy way you present and conduct yourself). It must also be re-assuring for you that your subscriber base loves you for who you are, your contribution to this channel and the World in general while admiring you for all you have overcome and for all you have achieved. 🙂
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for your incredibly thoughtful comment! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
@brucepuhalski7598
10 ай бұрын
Nice video thank you
Good on you Steven you are a inspiration ❤
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Penny!
This warmed my heart. I'm struggling with depression and motivation. This is encouraging
I so appreciate your effort and courage in making these videos. I am a former teacher and now have a clinical practice as an LPC. I am learning from you about what some of my patients/clients are feeling and issues with which they are dealing. I will be hopeful with you that your endeavor in creating this content helps you achieve some of your stated goals. Thank you so much.
This has been a relaxing video to watch. It's nice to hear how far you've come from your onset. It's been three years and a half for me since I had my first psychotic break and I still struggle with social isolation, but seeing you going outside and doing things is inspiring me to come out of my shell, so thanks for that! Have a good rest of the week Stephen
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Fran! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Hey Stephen , internet friend here, I'm glad to see you're staying active my walks have become very important to me to keep active and better my mental health. Etc, glad you're doing well rn having a happy healthy day
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much McDizzle!
I sympathize with you. From someone who has gone through something similar, you never "get over it." You get past it. What we've been through is considered brain trauma. No matter how much you get past it, memories can always come up from the past, which is why it is important to go out and make new memories. Remember, Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B12. They help the brain make new neural connections, and recover from psychosis. Great video. Thanks for sharing your story.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for your very insightful comment!
Your channel helps against the loneliness more than you imagine ❤ keep up the good work 🎉
I've started some mental health vlogs too... I see you saying it took you 10 years to get to the happy point your at now... I had my first psychosis over 20 years ago and took almost that whole time to get to a reasonably happy point... No quick fix.... Your dad is great my dad is the only parent that helped me... Where Lucky guys in the end :)
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Alexander for sharing and for your kind comment!
Hi Stephen, I don’t know how I came upon your channel but I’m so glad I did. You are so good at explaining schizophrenia and everything you went through. I’ve learned so much. Thank you. I hope you are able to get a few friends that you will be able to hang out with.
Every time i see your post happy for you at the same time it give me hope Tks stephen hv a good day regards to your father you made you what you are today
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Kalai!
You are such a relatable person. Thanks for sharing your experience and journey. This diagnosis you have is so stigmatized and you make it seem not scary.
You have really come a long way on your journey and keep getting better. Thank you so much for sharing those stunningly beautiful views. I really liked the sound of the ocean too, so very relaxing and reminded me of my own dream to live near the ocean one day.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Rosie Posie! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and views of the ocean!
I love you man. Thank you for being strong enough to overcome all you’ve been through and to give back. I love you.
Hi Stephen thanks for showing the beautiful ocean! Keep up your good work!
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Jane!
Absolutely stunning! 🌊 The ocean views and hiking trail are like a dream come true. I can only imagine how enchanting and serene it must be. , I'm a little jealous of your bravery, cause when it comes to my mental health, I'd probably run from any social interaction faster than that Harry Potter villain who sucks the life out of people! 😂
That is one impressive trail and view!!! I grew up by the Atlantic ocean. Have you ever been deep sea fishing?
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much! No I haven’t but it sounds like tons of fun!
Wow it’s gorgeous on the bluffs! Thanks for sharing your story
So wonderful that you are feeling happier. 😊
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Toniamoller!
Steven I hope the holidays this year aren't too stressful and anxious for you and me.i hope we both enjoy them happily and healthily!❤😊
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
6 ай бұрын
Thank you Greg! Have a happy and healthy holiday too!
Great video, Stephen. I'm glad it's become easier for you to be around and interact with others. I need to catch up on your videos. Always look forward to them. Thank you! Man, your walk makes me want to go to the beach! So gorgeous!
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Jean! It means a lot to me that you are looking forward to my videos. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Hi, thank you for this video! I enjoyed listening till the end, it sounded like a poetry piece, refreshing and direct. And it made me feel better. Hope you are well!
Great Job Stephen! Keep enjoying Life! Thank you for sharing 🙏❤️
You should consider filming out more. You seem so much more relaxed. I love your channel. I had a very close friend with this condition
Thank you for your videos. Just found your channel. I’m not currently diagnosed with schizophrenia, my diagnosis so far is psychosis and anxiety, but I also suspect that I have autism as well and I’m awaiting an assessment. I could have schizophrenia because my mom was diagnosed with that apparently. There are quite a few similarities with how autism and schizophrenia present apparently. Seeing your videos has really helped reduce my own perceived stigma of the word Schizophrenia because of the media. It seems that people with schizophrenia are totally different to how they are portrayed.
It finally came to me. You resemble the young actor Freddie Highmore, who played a young doctor on tv. Enjoying your videos so much.
Thank you so much! I suffer and I feel like curling into a ball. I have a beneficial family, if it’s not beneficial for them they’re not EVER interested. No friends. Everyone I had screwed me over
I just got diagnosed recently… this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to overcome and sometimes I get deeply depressed about my circumstances
Hello Steven. Keep going with your journey.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Rosie!
You seem more confident and mature. Im so happy for you
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Thankyou Steven. You give me so much hope for my granddaughter. Thankyou 💞
You've come such a long way Stephen, I'm so happy about that. I'd like to think that for myself too but, so far, it's just computer games and occasional chores around the house, I'm still either afraid or just, for the lack of a better word, lazy, to do anything productive. By the way I just got home from huge walk too, walks are a miracle, I read somewhere that no antidepressant has better effect than a nice walk. Best wishes to you and your community :)
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
Another great video and that's a beautiful view. 😀
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Greg!
So glad you’re feeling better!
Enjoy the sunshine and your walk
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Your journey is so inspiring 😊
Thanks for sharing you help a lot of people with mental health issues
Nature is very beautiful to look at and to be around
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I notice out at the water there are boats. Would you go out on the water with your family?😊 when I go on holidays I like going on boat cruises, I went on a boat in London UK it was an enjoyable experience 🥳 I was checking KZread all day this week waiting on your new content 😀 keep up the amazing work
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Tom! Yeah that sounds like fun!
Te felicito! Hermoso día ! Bello el mar, muy lindo paisaje, sigue adelante, felicitaciones tmb a todos los q te rodean en tu vida
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Muchas gracias!
You are helping people.....❤❤❤❤❤
Another great video! I really enjoyed it.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Paul!
Thank you Stephen
I was right re: California coast line. Gorgeous place! I'm glad you are taking advantage of living near such an amazing place and starting to enjoy this again. Thanks for posting--you are doing an amazing job. Walking itself is very therapeutic. Should be written on prescription pads along with the medication!
It's nice to see the scenery. My brother lives in LA.
I think your great and the views are terrific thankyou
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
thankyou for this inspiring video.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
You are so welcome!
Beautiful !
Yeah schizophrenia is scary, my father had to get me help with a mental health care case worker
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for your comments and for sharing! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Thank you for sharing.
I am living the same way you used back then. I feel like I am an outcast to society it kinda sucks. I have dual citizenship and moving back and forth didn’t help either
Hi Stephen….hope I spelled it right….I isolate for 3 reasons….overstimulation, I feel better, I feel like no one cares to be around me anyway❤️ I am bipolar.
You live in a beautiful area. I've never seen the ocean.
Thank for sharing
Thank you ❤
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
2 ай бұрын
You're welcome!
Wow that’s beautiful
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Hello stephen you think after many years your negative and congitive symptoms are getting better because i have 2 years now schizophrenia and i cant do shit
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Yes they definitely have gotten better!
@winstonblue457
Жыл бұрын
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia thanks man
@Redemption444
Жыл бұрын
@@winstonblue457 Social cognition should improve after a few years after your first break where you’ll feel better in social situations but it doesn’t usually get to the same level as non-schizophrenics.
Devi essere incredibilmente fiero di te!!!
Wow look at that ocean and the waves
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I was diagnosed with sychozephrenia
Youre the Best, kid.
❤
Beautiful scenery thank you ❤l was you
Hey. Do you like roller coasters? I was reading some stuff that Researches are doing regarding schizophrenia and the positive effect of riding coasters.
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
I don’t like roller coasters, not really my thing. Thank you for watching and commenting!
👍
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Ronald!
Hey
@SurvivingSchizophrenia
Жыл бұрын
Hey
honestly living in a shitty city is not inspiring me to go out .....this view is amazing btw
I suffer for social anxiety and anorexia Im very lonely Im afraid of men and Im afraid of sex , have no kids , Im 41 , all my life I have been sick and isolated , my dreams is to have a boyfriend to someone kisses me Im very lonely I suffer since I was young I have never been in long term serous relationship . All the time celibacy
I don't want to overcome my desire to be alone. People SUCK
My son had schizophrenia he is fine with shopping he loves to spend money. He will not deal with males his age. Female family members he is o.k. with but no males his age family or not.
maybe you are a genious ....look into your gifts
The greatest cure to anxiety and isolation is the fact that Jesus cares, I hope you will come to him too, we shouldn't follow our hearts but follow the one who made it😊 I'm glad you're getting past your illness Stephen☺️
@__-tz6xx
Ай бұрын
Cookie monster cares just as much.
@lanyinigo54
Ай бұрын
@@__-tz6xx id rather have an all intelligent being care for me than a tin can