True crime TV shows, podcasts, and books love to explore the minds of serial killers. To perform such heinous acts a person must be “insane,” “crazy,” and “mentally unstable.” Over time, the “schizophrenic serial killer” became the monster behind many of these crimes. But is it true?Where did the stereotype of serial killers having schizophrenia come from? When was schizophrenia first considered to be a violent mental illness? What's the truth to the myth of the schizophrenic serial killer?In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard track down when schizophrenia first became associated with violence and how the myth grew. They are joined by guest Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess, a pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse who helped shape the FBI's behavioral analysis methods in her prolific study of the criminal mind.Warning: this episode of Inside Schizophrenia contains graphic content and offensive language about people with schizophrenia that some may find upsetting.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest, Ann Wolbert Burgess, D.N.Sc., APRN, FAAN, is an internationally recognized pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse, and author of A Killer by Design: Murderers, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind. She has received numerous honors including the Sigma Theta Tau International Audrey Hepburn Award, the American Nurses’ Association Hildegard Peplau Award, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Episteme Laureate Award. Her courtroom testimony has been described as “groundbreaking,” and she has been called a “nursing pathfinder.”Her research with victims began when she co-founded, with Boston College sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, one of the first hospital-based crisis counseling programs at Boston City Hospital. She then worked with FBI Academy special agents to study serial offenders, and the links between child abuse, juvenile delinquency, and subsequent perpetration. Her work with Boston College nursing colleague Carol Hartman led to the study of very young victims and the impact of trauma on their growth and development, their families and communities. Her work continues in the study of elder abuse in nursing homes, cyberstalking, and internet sex crimes. She teaches courses in Victimology, Forensic Science, Forensic Mental Health, Case Studies in Forensics and Forensic Science Lab.Host, Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.comm.Co-Host, Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True crime TV shows, podcasts, and books love to explore the minds of serial killers. To perform such heinous acts a person must be “insane,” “crazy,” and “mentally unstable.” Over time, the “schizophrenic serial killer” became the monster behind many of these crimes. But is it true?Where did the stereotype of serial killers having schizophrenia come from? When was schizophrenia first considered to be a violent mental illness? What's the truth to the myth of the schizophrenic serial killer?In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard track down when schizophrenia first became associated with violence and how the myth grew. They are joined by guest Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess, a pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse who helped shape the FBI's behavioral analysis methods in her prolific study of the criminal mind.Warning: this episode of Inside Schizophrenia contains graphic content and offensive language about people with schizophrenia that some may find upsetting.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-serial-killers-schizophrenia-and-facts-vs-fiction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. Guest, Ann Wolbert Burgess, <a href="http://D.N.Sc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">D.N.Sc</a>., APRN, FAAN, is an internationally recognized pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse, and author of A Killer by Design: Murderers, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind. She has received numerous honors including the Sigma Theta Tau International Audrey Hepburn Award, the American Nurses’ Association Hildegard Peplau Award, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Episteme Laureate Award. Her courtroom testimony has been described as “groundbreaking,” and she has been called a “nursing pathfinder.”Her research with victims began when she co-founded, with Boston College sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, one of the first hospital-based crisis counseling programs at Boston City Hospital. She then worked with FBI Academy special agents to study serial offenders, and the links between child abuse, juvenile delinquency, and subsequent perpetration. Her work with Boston College nursing colleague Carol Hartman led to the study of very young victims and the impact of trauma on their growth and development, their families and communities. Her work continues in the study of elder abuse in nursing homes, cyberstalking, and internet sex crimes. She teaches courses in Victimology, Forensic Science, Forensic Mental Health, Case Studies in Forensics and Forensic Science Lab. Host, Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="https://www.RachelStarLive.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.comm</a>. Co-Host, Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Serial Killers and Schizophrenia: Facts vs. Fiction

Are you having trouble with mental illness or are you really good at managing it?Humor can heal or hurt. Is schizophrenia something to joke about? Should you make jokes about mental illness? Schizophrenia is a very serious topic, but it can be exhausting to be serious all the time.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard find the humor in having schizophrenia in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. TikTok star comedian Kody Green joins to share his journey that includes addiction, incarceration, schizophrenia, and comedy.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page.Guest BioKody Green (He/Him) is 28 years old with a diagnosis of undifferentiated schizophrenia. Kody is also the founder of a nonprofit, a motivational speaker, and content creator with over 1 million followers across social media platforms. He has struggled in the past with drug addiction, incarceration, and serious mental health issues.In order to be a better advocate and speaker, Kody has been trained as a peer support specialist, recovery coach, and suicide prevention specialist.Now, Kody shares his stories about his struggles and how to navigate through recovery, mental health issues, and life after incarceration. He chooses to pursue motivational speaking and mental health advocacy for schizophrenia awareness, drug recovery, and second- chance opportunities because he has dealt with these struggles in his own life. "After my release from incarceration and my schizophrenia diagnosis, I thought there was nothing left for me. When I started sharing my story online, I did not think anyone would care. After gaining 1 million followers on social media, I realized how my struggles and my story could help others.”Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.comm.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you having trouble with mental illness or are you really good at managing it?Humor can heal or hurt. Is schizophrenia something to joke about? Should you make jokes about mental illness? Schizophrenia is a very serious topic, but it can be exhausting to be serious all the time.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard find the humor in having schizophrenia in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. TikTok star comedian Kody Green joins to share his journey that includes addiction, incarceration, schizophrenia, and comedy.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-is-it-healthy-to-find-humor-in-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. <h2>Guest Bio</h2>Kody Green (He/Him) is 28 years old with a diagnosis of undifferentiated schizophrenia. Kody is also the founder of a nonprofit, a motivational speaker, and content creator with over 1 million followers across social media platforms. He has struggled in the past with drug addiction, incarceration, and serious mental health issues.In order to be a better advocate and speaker, Kody has been trained as a peer support specialist, recovery coach, and suicide prevention specialist.Now, Kody shares his stories about his struggles and how to navigate through recovery, mental health issues, and life after incarceration. He chooses to pursue motivational speaking and mental health advocacy for schizophrenia awareness, drug recovery, and second- chance opportunities because he has dealt with these struggles in his own life. "After my release from incarceration and my schizophrenia diagnosis, I thought there was nothing left for me. When I started sharing my story online, I did not think anyone would care. After gaining 1 million followers on social media, I realized how my struggles and my story could help others.” <h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast Hosts</h2> Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="https://www.RachelStarLive.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.comm</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Is It Healthy to Find Humor in Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. But does schizophrenia present the same way in every country? How do culture, religion, tradition, or even politics influence the presentation of schizophrenia?Cross-cultural awareness of psychiatric symptoms helps us to understand our ever-changing global society. In today’s episode, hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore studies and cases across the world and throughout history to discover how culture influences schizophrenia and its treatment.Joining is guest Nidhi Sinha, a final year PhD student in psychology who has been researching thematic analysis of individual experiences of audio hallucinations in India.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the episode page.Guest BioNidhi Sinha is a final year PhD student in cognitive psychology at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), where she is exploring the affective, cognitive, and cultural cues of subclinical depression. She is also a visiting researcher at the Cognitive Science lab, International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad, India. As a former CBT psychologist, Nidhi has worked with people with mental health conditions, providing therapy and support. Her current research focuses on improving the psychometric properties of existing diagnostic systems while exploring the subjective experiences of people with mental health conditions, such as psychosis and depression. Nidhi believes that understanding the social, political, and cultural factors of mental illness is crucial in developing effective diagnostic and intervention methods. She advocates introducing indigenous and traditional healing practices, such as meditation and yoga, to name a few. Her work on mental disorders (qualitative and quantitative) has been published and presented in top national and international journals and conferences.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.comm.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. But does schizophrenia present the same way in every country? How do culture, religion, tradition, or even politics influence the presentation of schizophrenia?Cross-cultural awareness of psychiatric symptoms helps us to understand our ever-changing global society. In today’s episode, hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore studies and cases across the world and throughout history to discover how culture influences schizophrenia and its treatment.Joining is guest Nidhi Sinha, a final year PhD student in psychology who has been researching thematic analysis of individual experiences of audio hallucinations in India.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-the-influence-of-culture-on-schizophrenia-presentation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. Guest BioNidhi Sinha is a final year PhD student in cognitive psychology at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), where she is exploring the affective, cognitive, and cultural cues of subclinical depression. She is also a visiting researcher at the Cognitive Science lab, International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad, India. As a former CBT psychologist, Nidhi has worked with people with mental health conditions, providing therapy and support. Her current research focuses on improving the psychometric properties of existing diagnostic systems while exploring the subjective experiences of people with mental health conditions, such as psychosis and depression. Nidhi believes that understanding the social, political, and cultural factors of mental illness is crucial in developing effective diagnostic and intervention methods. She advocates introducing indigenous and traditional healing practices, such as meditation and yoga, to name a few. Her work on mental disorders (qualitative and quantitative) has been published and presented in top national and international journals and conferences.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="https://www.RachelStarLive.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.comm</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

How Culture Influences Schizophrenia

One of the scariest things about schizophrenia is the very beginning, getting that diagnosis and learning that you — or a person that you love — has a lifelong serious mental illness. Especially in the beginning, it can be a difficult thing to accept. In fact, many people reject the idea that they're sick at all, often choosing to think, “Hey, I have a problem, but I don't need help” instead.However, accepting a diagnosis of schizophrenia is the first step to getting treatment, which is the first step toward living a full and fulfilling life.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard share their personal journeys coming to acceptance of their diagnosis and ways that family, friends, and caregivers can help their loved ones in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. Guest Leif Gregersen, writer, teacher, and public speaker living with schizoaffective disorder, joins to discuss his journey of accepting his diagnosis and his need for treatment.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioLeif Gregersen is a writer, teacher, and public speaker living with schizoaffective disorder. He currently has twelve books in print, three of which are memoirs of his lived experience with mental illness. His most recent book, "Alert and Oriented x3: A Snapshot of a Severe Psychosis" is available as a free download from his website, www.edmontonwriter.com.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.comm.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the scariest things about schizophrenia is the very beginning, getting that diagnosis and learning that you — or a person that you love — has a lifelong serious mental illness. Especially in the beginning, it can be a difficult thing to accept. In fact, many people reject the idea that they're sick at all, often choosing to think, “Hey, I have a problem, but I don't need help” instead.However, accepting a diagnosis of schizophrenia is the first step to getting treatment, which is the first step toward living a full and fulfilling life.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard share their personal journeys coming to acceptance of their diagnosis and ways that family, friends, and caregivers can help their loved ones in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. Guest Leif Gregersen, writer, teacher, and public speaker living with schizoaffective disorder, joins to discuss his journey of accepting his diagnosis and his need for treatment.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-accepting-a-diagnosis-of-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. Guest BioLeif Gregersen is a writer, teacher, and public speaker living with schizoaffective disorder. He currently has twelve books in print, three of which are memoirs of his lived experience with mental illness. His most recent book, "Alert and Oriented x3: A Snapshot of a Severe Psychosis" is available as a free download from his website, <a href="http://www.edmontonwriter.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.edmontonwriter.com</a>.<h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="https://www.RachelStarLive.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.comm</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Accepting a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for people with schizophrenia, especially those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it’s not often brought up as an option for treatment.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore Rachel’s own past treatment with ECT, the intense side effect of memory loss, and why ECT is not being offered to more people with schizophrenia.Today’s guest is “Ashley” who is currently undergoing electroconvulsive therapy and shares her journey of navigating ECT while being a mother.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest Bio“Ashley” has schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. She had a series of acute ECT treatments 4 years ago and has been receiving maintenance treatments ever since.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.comm.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for people with schizophrenia, especially those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it’s not often brought up as an option for treatment.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore Rachel’s own past treatment with ECT, the intense side effect of memory loss, and why ECT is not being offered to more people with schizophrenia.Today’s guest is “Ashley” who is currently undergoing electroconvulsive therapy and shares her journey of navigating ECT while being a mother.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-electroconvulsive-therapy-ect-for-schizophrenia-treatment/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. Guest Bio “Ashley” has schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. She had a series of acute ECT treatments 4 years ago and has been receiving maintenance treatments ever since.<h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast Hosts<h2> </h2>Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="https://www.RachelStarLive.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.comm</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Schizophrenia Treatment

Why are some people with schizophrenia able to live alone and others can’t? Why do some seem to recover while others have symptoms that persist for their entire lives? Why is suicide the leading cause of premature death in people with schizophrenia?Many people say the answer lies in psychological resilience. So, does that mean some people have more psychological resilience than others? Does having a mental disorder mean your brain is less resilient to start with?Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore the concept of psychological resilience and how it is connected to living with schizophrenia.Dr. Nicole Washington, a psychiatrist and the co-host of Healthline’s Inside Bipolar, joins to give a medical perspective on psychological resilience.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioDr. Nicole Washington is an ABMS board certified psychiatrist and the chief medical officer of Elocin Psychiatric Services, a primarily virtual practice where she focuses on the mental health needs of the busy professional. Dr. Washington has spent most of her career caring and advocating for people who aren’t typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities and high-performing professionals.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are some people with schizophrenia able to live alone and others can’t? Why do some seem to recover while others have symptoms that persist for their entire lives? Why is suicide the leading cause of premature death in people with schizophrenia?Many people say the answer lies in psychological resilience. So, does that mean some people have more psychological resilience than others? Does having a mental disorder mean your brain is less resilient to start with?Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore the concept of psychological resilience and how it is connected to living with schizophrenia.Dr. Nicole Washington, a psychiatrist and the co-host of Healthline’s Inside Bipolar, joins to give a medical perspective on psychological resilience.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-why-are-some-people-with-schizophrenia-able-to-live-alone-while-others-cannot/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>. Guest BioDr. Nicole Washington is an ABMS board certified psychiatrist and the chief medical officer of Elocin Psychiatric Services, a primarily virtual practice where she focuses on the mental health needs of the busy professional. Dr. Washington has spent most of her career caring and advocating for people who aren’t typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities and high-performing professionals.<h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

What is Psychological Resilience in Schizophrenia?

When a family member receives a schizophrenia diagnosis, it can dramatically change the dynamics of your family. For example, one-third of people with schizophrenia live with a family member. Families can provide emotional support, financial support, and advocate for better treatment options.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore how schizophrenia can affect family dynamics in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. Guest Elfy Scott joins. She is the author of “The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About: Exposing Our Untold Mental Health Crisis,” a book that focuses on the silence and stigma that still surrounds complex mental health conditions. She shares her experiences growing up in a family with a parent who lived with schizophrenia.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioElfy Scott is an award-winning freelance journalist, presenter, and producer. Her book, “The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About: Exposing Our Untold Mental Health Crisis,” is an investigation into the failings of Australia’s mental healthcare system, grounded in a personal story of a mother-daughter relationship.Elfy grew up in a household where her mother’s schizophrenia was rarely, if ever, spoken about. They navigated this silence outside the family home too; for many years, this complex mental health condition was treated as an open secret.Over the past two decades, we have started talking more about common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. But complex conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis have been left behind, as have many of the people who live with these conditions and those who care for them.Part memoir, part deep-dive investigation, “The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About” is filled with rage at how Australia’s public discourse, emergency services, and healthcare systems continue to fail so many people. It is also a work of care, telling the little-heard stories of people who live with these conditions and work at the front lines of mental health. Above all, this timely, compelling book is informed by hope and courage, breaking down taboos and asking big questions about vulnerability, justice, and duty of care.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a family member receives a schizophrenia diagnosis, it can dramatically change the dynamics of your family. For example, one-third of people with schizophrenia live with a family member. Families can provide emotional support, financial support, and advocate for better treatment options.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore how schizophrenia can affect family dynamics in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. Guest Elfy Scott joins. She is the author of “The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About: Exposing Our Untold Mental Health Crisis,” a book that focuses on the silence and stigma that still surrounds complex mental health conditions. She shares her experiences growing up in a family with a parent who lived with schizophrenia.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-managing-family-dynamics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. Guest BioElfy Scott is an award-winning freelance journalist, presenter, and producer. Her book, “The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About: Exposing Our Untold Mental Health Crisis,” is an investigation into the failings of Australia’s mental healthcare system, grounded in a personal story of a mother-daughter relationship.Elfy grew up in a household where her mother’s schizophrenia was rarely, if ever, spoken about. They navigated this silence outside the family home too; for many years, this complex mental health condition was treated as an open secret.Over the past two decades, we have started talking more about common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. But complex conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis have been left behind, as have many of the people who live with these conditions and those who care for them.Part memoir, part deep-dive investigation, “The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About” is filled with rage at how Australia’s public discourse, emergency services, and healthcare systems continue to fail so many people. It is also a work of care, telling the little-heard stories of people who live with these conditions and work at the front lines of mental health. Above all, this timely, compelling book is informed by hope and courage, breaking down taboos and asking big questions about vulnerability, justice, and duty of care.<h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Managing Family Dynamics with Schizophrenia

Coping techniques used by people with schizophrenia account for a 25% variance in their quality of life. Unfortunately, people who have psychotic disorders tend to use predominantly harmful or ineffective coping techniques. Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard are seeking to change that by sharing coping techniques for managing schizophrenia and help people understand why effective coping techniques can be life changing. Guest Michelle Mariscal joins who blogs about her journey with schizophrenia and shares some coping techniques she has found to work for her over the years.To learn more, or read the transcript, visit the official episode page.Guest BioMichelle Mariscal holds a master’s in psychology, a bachelor’s in sociology, and has much life experience dealing with a serious mental health disorder.She resides on the Central Coast in California with her husband of 30 years, 4 children, and her granddaughter.Read her blog by clicking here.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coping techniques used by people with schizophrenia account for a 25% variance in their quality of life. Unfortunately, people who have psychotic disorders tend to use predominantly harmful or ineffective coping techniques. Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard are seeking to change that by sharing coping techniques for managing schizophrenia and help people understand why effective coping techniques can be life changing. Guest Michelle Mariscal joins who blogs about her journey with schizophrenia and shares some coping techniques she has found to work for her over the years.To learn more, or read the transcript, visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-can-coping-techniques-be-helpful/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page</a>. <h2>Guest Bio</h2>Michelle Mariscal holds a master’s in psychology, a bachelor’s in sociology, and has much life experience dealing with a serious mental health disorder.She resides on the Central Coast in California with her husband of 30 years, 4 children, and her granddaughter.Read her blog by <a href="https://mypersonalrecoveryfromschizophrenia.wpcomstaging.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<h2> </h2><h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast Hosts</h2> Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Can Schizophrenia Coping Techniques Be Helpful?

Is there a connection between intelligence and schizophrenia? Are people with schizophrenia more likely to have higher or lower IQs than the general population?In today’s episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore the current views around the connection between intelligence and having schizophrenia.Author Steven Paul Lansky joins to share his new book “The Break,” a memoir about one of his schizophrenic breaks from reality.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioSteven Paul Lansky was raised by a loving family in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up sailing and bicycling and was unaware of how he would become an artist, harmonica player, and world traveler. First diagnosed with schizophrenia after his freshman year at Harvard, where he had been admitted at age 17, Lansky found art in psychiatric hospitals. He discovered his alcoholism in psychiatric treatment with the help of a generous writer with whom he apprenticed in his late 20s. By then, he had regional notoriety for his urban poetry. At 30, he began a career working with people with mental health conditions, at first as a vocational rehabilitation supervisor and later as a field-worker. During this time, he hosted a weekly radio show on a local NPR affiliate where he shared spoken word and music. In his early 40s, he earned an MA from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in creative writing. Since then, he has taught writing, traveled, and published six books, including the audio novel “Jack Acid,” available on Spotify and Apple Music. As he was retiring, he earned an MFA from the low-residency creative writing program at the University of Tampa. “The Break” is Steve Lansky’s harrowing and comic account of his descent into madness after he changed the medication he took to keep his schizophrenia in check. Written with a poet’s eye for detail and great sensitivity and insight, it follows his quixotic quest to find love and literary success while trying to navigate a world that was not designed for people like him.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a connection between intelligence and schizophrenia? Are people with schizophrenia more likely to have higher or lower IQs than the general population?In today’s episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore the current views around the connection between intelligence and having schizophrenia.Author Steven Paul Lansky joins to share his new book “The Break,” a memoir about one of his schizophrenic breaks from reality.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-intelligence-and-the-connection-to-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>.Guest BioSteven Paul Lansky was raised by a loving family in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up sailing and bicycling and was unaware of how he would become an artist, harmonica player, and world traveler. First diagnosed with schizophrenia after his freshman year at Harvard, where he had been admitted at age 17, Lansky found art in psychiatric hospitals. He discovered his alcoholism in psychiatric treatment with the help of a generous writer with whom he apprenticed in his late 20s. By then, he had regional notoriety for his urban poetry. At 30, he began a career working with people with mental health conditions, at first as a vocational rehabilitation supervisor and later as a field-worker. During this time, he hosted a weekly radio show on a local NPR affiliate where he shared spoken word and music. In his early 40s, he earned an MA from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in creative writing. Since then, he has taught writing, traveled, and published six books, including the audio novel “Jack Acid,” available on Spotify and Apple Music. As he was retiring, he earned an MFA from the low-residency creative writing program at the University of Tampa. “The Break” is Steve Lansky’s harrowing and comic account of his descent into madness after he changed the medication he took to keep his schizophrenia in check. Written with a poet’s eye for detail and great sensitivity and insight, it follows his quixotic quest to find love and literary success while trying to navigate a world that was not designed for people like him.<h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Intelligence and the Connection to Schizophrenia

Peer support is an often ignored option in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, connecting with people who have lived similar experiences and are trained to share their knowledge, mention the things that they've gone through, and offer emotional, social and even practical support can be inspiring to someone learning to manage their schizophrenia. Sometimes it is as simple as knowing you are not alone.Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore ways that peer support can help people with schizophrenia.Juliet C. Dorris-Williams, Executive Director of The P.E.E.R. Center in Columbus, Ohio, joins to discuss what a huge impact a connection with a peer supporter can have.To learn more - or read the transcript - please visit the official episode page.Guest BioJuliet C. Dorris-Williams is the Executive Director of The P.E.E.R. Center in Columbus, Ohio. The P.E.E.R. Center is a nonprofit drop-in wellness, recovery, and support center. Like each of the staff members, Juliet is living in long-term recovery. She spent more than 2 decades working in state government (TN, IN, and OH) providing administrative oversight for HIV/STD prevention, minority health, alcohol and other drug abuse prevention programs, as well as direct client services in multiple social service settings. Juliet is the board treasurer of OhioPRO — Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations, a statewide organization dedicated to advocating for peer recovery organizations, and is a member of the Recovery Ohio Advisory Council, appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine. She has a BS in Psychology from Indiana State University, an MSW from the Indiana University School of Social Work at Indianapolis, and is an independently licensed social worker supervisor and Ohio Peer Supporter. Juliet is a published author and a podcast host.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peer support is an often ignored option in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, connecting with people who have lived similar experiences and are trained to share their knowledge, mention the things that they've gone through, and offer emotional, social and even practical support can be inspiring to someone learning to manage their schizophrenia. Sometimes it is as simple as knowing you are not alone.Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore ways that peer support can help people with schizophrenia.Juliet C. Dorris-Williams, Executive Director of <a href="http://thepeercenter.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The P.E.E.R. Center</a> in Columbus, Ohio, joins to discuss what a huge impact a connection with a peer supporter can have.To learn more - or read the transcript - please visit the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-what-is-a-peer-supporter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>.<h2>Guest Bio</h2> Juliet C. Dorris-Williams is the Executive Director of The P.E.E.R. Center in Columbus, Ohio. The P.E.E.R. Center is a nonprofit drop-in wellness, recovery, and support center. Like each of the staff members, Juliet is living in long-term recovery. She spent more than 2 decades working in state government (TN, IN, and OH) providing administrative oversight for HIV/STD prevention, minority health, alcohol and other drug abuse prevention programs, as well as direct client services in multiple social service settings. Juliet is the board treasurer of OhioPRO — Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations, a statewide organization dedicated to advocating for peer recovery organizations, and is a member of the Recovery Ohio Advisory Council, appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine. She has a BS in Psychology from Indiana State University, an MSW from the Indiana University School of Social Work at Indianapolis, and is an independently licensed social worker supervisor and Ohio Peer Supporter. Juliet is a published author and a podcast host.<h2> </h2><h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast Host</h2><h2> </h2>Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>.<h2> </h2><h2>Inside Schizophrenia Co-Host</h2> Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

How Does a Peer Supporter Help with Schizophrenia?

Inside Schizophrenia is a long-form monthly podcast providing a unique perspective on life through the lens of people living with schizophrenia and psychosis. New episodes are published the third Wednesday of every month on your favorite podcast player.Each episode includes a conversation between cohosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard and an interview featuring someone with lived experience, a family member or caregiver, a first responder, or an expert to help us understand schizophrenia in a more meaningful way.

Can art be used in the treatment of schizophrenia? What about martial arts? Yoga? Horses?Therapy options like music therapy and sand play therapy are not meant to be main forms of treatment for schizophrenia. But, they are add-on therapies, also known as adjunctive therapies, that can be incorporated as a part of your treatment strategy.One of these therapies that has become more popular in recent years is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Deborah Korn, a clinical psychologist and coauthor of “Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR, the Proven Trauma Therapy with the Power to Heal,” joins to explain how EMDR is being used to help people with schizophrenia.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore different add-on therapies and discuss which ones are shown to help schizophrenia in this episode.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioDeborah L. Korn, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is on the faculties of the EMDR Institute in California and the Trauma Research Foundation in Boston. She is an EMDR International Association-approved consultant and presents and consults internationally on the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.She is the Coauthor of “Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR, the Proven Trauma Therapy with the Power to Heal.” Learn more at www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can art be used in the treatment of schizophrenia? What about martial arts? Yoga? Horses?Therapy options like music therapy and sand play therapy are not meant to be main forms of treatment for schizophrenia. But, they are add-on therapies, also known as adjunctive therapies, that can be incorporated as a part of your treatment strategy.One of these therapies that has become more popular in recent years is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Deborah Korn, a clinical psychologist and coauthor of “Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR, the Proven Trauma Therapy with the Power to Heal,” joins to explain how EMDR is being used to help people with schizophrenia.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore different add-on therapies and discuss which ones are shown to help schizophrenia in this episode.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-curious-about-emdr-and-other-adjunct-therapies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>. Guest BioDeborah L. Korn, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is on the faculties of the EMDR Institute in California and the Trauma Research Foundation in Boston. She is an EMDR International Association-approved consultant and presents and consults internationally on the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.She is the Coauthor of “Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR, the Proven Trauma Therapy with the Power to Heal.” Learn more at <a href="http://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com</a>. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>.<h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Curious about EMDR and Other Adjunct Therapies For Treating Schizophrenia?

Like anyone, people with schizophrenia want to make meaningful and romantic connections — but many have trouble meeting and interacting with people. As a diagnosed schizophrenic who’s single, host Rachel Star Withers has plenty of experience dating with the condition. She shares her top tips on navigating romance with schizophrenia. From harnessing your personal style to treating your condition with humor, she’s got your back. She also throws in her favorite pickup lines that squeeze in the sometimes daunting topic of schizophrenia if you have trouble breaking the ice.  Psychotherapist and Life Coach Dr. Ashley Snyder also joins us to break down common mistakes people make when they start dating and building their dating app profile, advice for what to expect, and ways to meet a romantic partner.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioDr. Ashley Snyder (Psychotherapist/Life Coach) focuses on your entire well-being, physical and emotional, and knows there is a direct relationship between both. Dr. Snyder is directive and supportive in therapy sessions, optimistic that you can make significant improvements to your life and how you are feeling over time. She does not see therapy as a quick fix but believes in long-term change.Her passion is working with you to create a well-rounded fulfilling life, and she practices what she preaches. She emphasizes deep meaningful therapy sessions along with other aspects such as healthy eating, exercise, hobbies, relationships and time in nature. She likes to be clear with goals and how therapy will work to guide you each step of the way.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like anyone, people with schizophrenia want to make meaningful and romantic connections — but many have trouble meeting and interacting with people. As a diagnosed schizophrenic who’s single, host Rachel Star Withers has plenty of experience dating with the condition. She shares her top tips on navigating romance with schizophrenia. From harnessing your personal style to treating your condition with humor, she’s got your back. She also throws in her favorite pickup lines that squeeze in the sometimes daunting topic of schizophrenia if you have trouble breaking the ice.  Psychotherapist and Life Coach Dr. Ashley Snyder also joins us to break down common mistakes people make when they start dating and building their dating app profile, advice for what to expect, and ways to meet a romantic partner.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-dating-tips-for-people-with-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>. Guest BioDr. Ashley Snyder (Psychotherapist/Life Coach) focuses on your entire well-being, physical and emotional, and knows there is a direct relationship between both. Dr. Snyder is directive and supportive in therapy sessions, optimistic that you can make significant improvements to your life and how you are feeling over time. She does not see therapy as a quick fix but believes in long-term change.Her passion is working with you to create a well-rounded fulfilling life, and she practices what she preaches. She emphasizes deep meaningful therapy sessions along with other aspects such as healthy eating, exercise, hobbies, relationships and time in nature. She likes to be clear with goals and how therapy will work to guide you each step of the way. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Dating Tips for People with Schizophrenia

News coverage of murders and mass shootings often puts a spotlight on the perpetrator's mental health, claiming they may be mentally ill with something like schizophrenia. Yet, in 2018, the FBI found that only 5% of active shooters had a mental disorder that includes psychosis.In today’s episode host Rachel Star Withers, who has diagnosed schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard have a frank discussion about whether there’s a connection between having schizophrenia, mass shootings, and mass murder. Mike, a retired military special ops personnel who lives with schizophrenia, joins the discussion to share experience and insight as a trained law enforcement professional and person with the disorder/condition.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's official episode page.Guest Bio"Mike" is a retired military special ops person living with schizophrenia. He now volunteers around the world as a humanitarian worker and creating custom weaponry, some of which is used in the film industry. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News coverage of murders and mass shootings often puts a spotlight on the perpetrator's mental health, claiming they may be mentally ill with something like schizophrenia. Yet, in 2018, the FBI found that only 5% of active shooters had a mental disorder that includes psychosis.In today’s episode host Rachel Star Withers, who has diagnosed schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard have a frank discussion about whether there’s a connection between having schizophrenia, mass shootings, and mass murder. Mike, a retired military special ops personnel who lives with schizophrenia, joins the discussion to share experience and insight as a trained law enforcement professional and person with the disorder/condition.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-is-there-a-connection-between-mass-shootings-and-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>. Guest Bio"Mike" is a retired military special ops person living with schizophrenia. He now volunteers around the world as a humanitarian worker and creating custom weaponry, some of which is used in the film industry. <h2> </h2>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast Hosts<h2> </h2>Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Mass Shootings and Schizophrenia

“High functioning schizophrenia” is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is a term that is heard often when describing how someone is managing life with schizophrenia. So what exactly does that mean? What criteria do you have to meet to be considered “high functioning”?Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard delve into these intense subjects in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. Dr. Matthew Smith joins us who is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan and a researcher of high functioning schizophrenia.To learn more, or read the transcript, please visit the show's official episode page.Guest BioMatthew J. Smith, PhD, MSW, MPE, LCSW, received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed post-doctoral fellowships in psychiatric epidemiology and biostatistics at Washington University in St. Louis and in translational neuroscience at Northwestern University. Dr. Smith also completed a fellowship on leading randomized controlled trials to evaluate behavioral interventions through the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. His primary research interests focus on developing and evaluating technology-based interventions that can be delivered in high schools, community mental health agencies and prisons to improve employment and mental health outcomes for transition-age youth with educational disabilities, adults with severe mental illness and/or other disabilities, and returning citizens.Dr. Smith is currently the principal investigator on five projects funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Justice, the Kessler Foundation and the Michigan Institute for Clinical &amp; Health Research. See research link below for more information on these projects.Dr. Smith's research team includes full-time staff, postdocs and graduate students. Please email smithumlab@umich.edu about opportunities to join the research team.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“High functioning schizophrenia” is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is a term that is heard often when describing how someone is managing life with schizophrenia. So what exactly does that mean? What criteria do you have to meet to be considered “high functioning”?Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard delve into these intense subjects in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. Dr. Matthew Smith joins us who is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan and a researcher of high functioning schizophrenia.To learn more, or read the transcript, please visit the show's <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-what-is-high-functioning-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page</a>. Guest BioMatthew J. Smith, PhD, MSW, MPE, LCSW, received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed post-doctoral fellowships in psychiatric epidemiology and biostatistics at Washington University in St. Louis and in translational neuroscience at Northwestern University. Dr. Smith also completed a fellowship on leading randomized controlled trials to evaluate behavioral interventions through the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. His primary research interests focus on developing and evaluating technology-based interventions that can be delivered in high schools, community mental health agencies and prisons to improve employment and mental health outcomes for transition-age youth with educational disabilities, adults with severe mental illness and/or other disabilities, and returning citizens.Dr. Smith is currently the principal investigator on five projects funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Justice, the Kessler Foundation and the Michigan Institute for Clinical &amp; Health Research. See research link below for more information on these projects.Dr. Smith's research team includes full-time staff, postdocs and graduate students. Please email smithumlab@umich.edu about opportunities to join the research team. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostsRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

What Is “High Functioning” Schizophrenia?

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, our hosts decided to dedicate an episode to the frequently asked questions surrounding schizophrenia. Questions include “What is having a hallucination like?” and “Why won’t my loved one get help?”We also welcome photographer Whitney Yeager, creator of The Sammy Project, which highlights stories of people with serious mental health conditions. She began this endeavor after her son was killed while experiencing an episode of psychosis.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's official episode page here.Guest BioWhitney Emory Yeager / PhotographerCreator of The Sammy ProjectYeager’s mission is to make it socially acceptable to talk openly about internal struggles — to encourage young people today to speak candidly about whatever mental health issues or illnesses they may be experiencing. She believes a shift must be made where someone’s diagnosis does not define them but empowers them to recognize their strengths. It takes great courage to write about one’s mental health, which traditionally is kept very private. She created a photography show called The Sammy Project, in which the participants take agency over their struggles and honor their son, brother, grandson, friend, and neighbor, Samuel Boone Yeager, whose life was cut short on April 3, 2021. Had he felt comfortable to talk about his mental illness and ask for help, Sam would likely still be here today.www.thesammyproject.comInside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, our hosts decided to dedicate an episode to the frequently asked questions surrounding schizophrenia. Questions include “What is having a hallucination like?” and “Why won’t my loved one get help?”We also welcome photographer Whitney Yeager, creator of The Sammy Project, which highlights stories of people with serious mental health conditions. She began this endeavor after her son was killed while experiencing an episode of psychosis.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-faqs-about-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official episode page here</a>.Guest BioWhitney Emory Yeager / PhotographerCreator of The Sammy ProjectYeager’s mission is to make it socially acceptable to talk openly about internal struggles — to encourage young people today to speak candidly about whatever mental health issues or illnesses they may be experiencing. She believes a shift must be made where someone’s diagnosis does not define them but empowers them to recognize their strengths. It takes great courage to write about one’s mental health, which traditionally is kept very private. She created a photography show called The Sammy Project, in which the participants take agency over their struggles and honor their son, brother, grandson, friend, and neighbor, Samuel Boone Yeager, whose life was cut short on April 3, 2021. Had he felt comfortable to talk about his mental illness and ask for help, Sam would likely still be here today.<a href="http://www.thesammyproject.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thesammyproject.com</a>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

FAQs About Schizophrenia

Did you know that rocking back and forth isn’t a symptom of schizophrenia — it’s a side effect of the medication used for treatment. It’s called tardive dyskinesia, and it’s a common result of long-term use of antipsychotic medications. The percentage of patients who will experience tardive dyskinesia ranges from 3% to as high as 68% and can have a negative impact on quality of life.Dee Linde, who is a support group leader with the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, joins and shares her incredible journey with tardive dystonia — a progressed form of tardive dyskinesia. Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and cohost Gabe Howard discuss the effects of tardive dyskinesia, personal stories, and ways to manage it in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. To learn more, visit the official episode page here.Guest BioDee Linde, MA, is a U.S. navy veteran and worked as a licensed marriage and family therapist for 15 years. Linde was diagnosed with tardive dystonia in 1997 and had deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2000. In 2002 Linde founded the DBSforDystonia Yahoo group to offer online peer support and information to those on the DBS journey. She now moderates the Dystonia &amp; Deep Brain Stimulation Facebook group. Linde also leads the Portland, Oregon &amp; Southwest Washington Dystonia Support Group. She has served on the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program’s consumer reviewer panel for dystonia research applications and has testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee urging federal legislators to keep dystonia on the list of conditions included in the Department of Defense’s exclusive research program. Linde is a member of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s Community Leadership Council, a frequent speaker at DMRF events, and a member of the Dystonia Dialogue newsletter’s editorial board.https://dystonia-foundation.org/Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that rocking back and forth isn’t a symptom of schizophrenia — it’s a side effect of the medication used for treatment. It’s called tardive dyskinesia, and it’s a common result of long-term use of antipsychotic medications. The percentage of patients who will experience tardive dyskinesia ranges from 3% to as high as 68% and can have a negative impact on quality of life.Dee Linde, who is a support group leader with the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, joins and shares her incredible journey with tardive dystonia — a progressed form of tardive dyskinesia. Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and cohost Gabe Howard discuss the effects of tardive dyskinesia, personal stories, and ways to manage it in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. To learn more, visit the official episode <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-tardive-dyskinesia-in-schizophrenia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">page here.</a>Guest BioDee Linde, MA, is a U.S. navy veteran and worked as a licensed marriage and family therapist for 15 years. Linde was diagnosed with tardive dystonia in 1997 and had deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2000. In 2002 Linde founded the DBSforDystonia Yahoo group to offer online peer support and information to those on the DBS journey. She now moderates the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/dbs.dmrf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dystonia &amp; Deep Brain Stimulation Facebook group</a>. Linde also leads the Portland, Oregon &amp; Southwest Washington Dystonia Support Group. She has served on the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program’s consumer reviewer panel for dystonia research applications and has testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee urging federal legislators to keep dystonia on the list of conditions included in the Department of Defense’s exclusive research program. Linde is a member of the <a href="https://dystonia-foundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s</a> Community Leadership Council, a frequent speaker at DMRF events, and a member of the Dystonia Dialogue newsletter’s editorial board.<a href="https://dystonia-foundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://dystonia-foundation.org/</a>Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Tardive Dyskinesia in Schizophrenia

Did you know the average American can’t withstand an unexpected $1,000 bill? When it comes to paying for schizophrenia, the two biggest costs are medication, followed by hospitalization. For someone who has had psychiatric hospitalization, the average annual cost of mental health treatment is around $37,000.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and cohost Gabe Howard search out options for managing the financial costs of schizophrenia in this episode of “Inside Schizophrenia.”  Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate.com, joins us to discuss the best ways to approach unexpected expenses.Guest BioGreg McBride is the senior vice president and chief financial analyst for Bankrate.com, the preeminent personal finance website. He leads a team responsible for researching financial products, providing analysis, and giving advice on personal finance to a vast consumer audience. With more than 25 years of experience in personal finance, he is a subject-matter expert who has the unique ability to provide both in-depth commentary and practical advice to consumers. Through Bankrate.com's Money Makeover series, he has helped consumers plan for retirement, manage debt, and develop appropriate investment allocations.McBride has appeared on hundreds of national cable and network broadcasts, including NBC's "Nightly News," CBS's "Evening News," and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been a frequent guest on CNBC and Fox Business. McBride is routinely quoted by major media outlets such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and is a regular guest on financial talk shows throughout the United States. McBride currently serves on the board of Money Management International of Sugar Land, TX, the nation’s largest nonprofit credit counseling agency accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, and is chairman of both the compensation committee and the investment committee. He has a distinguished record of serving on boards in the credit counseling industry.McBride has also served on the funding board of the Consumer Financial Education Fund through the Rose Foundation of Oakland, CA.McBride is a graduate of the University of Florida and has earned the designation of chartered financial analyst.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know the average American can’t withstand an unexpected $1,000 bill? When it comes to paying for schizophrenia, the two biggest costs are medication, followed by hospitalization. For someone who has had psychiatric hospitalization, the average annual cost of mental health treatment is around $37,000.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and cohost Gabe Howard search out options for managing the financial costs of schizophrenia in this episode of “Inside Schizophrenia.”  Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for <a href="http://Bankrate.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bankrate.com</a>, joins us to discuss the best ways to approach unexpected expenses.Guest BioGreg McBride is the senior vice president and chief financial analyst for <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bankrate.com</a>, the preeminent personal finance website. He leads a team responsible for researching financial products, providing analysis, and giving advice on personal finance to a vast consumer audience. With more than 25 years of experience in personal finance, he is a subject-matter expert who has the unique ability to provide both in-depth commentary and practical advice to consumers. Through <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bankrate.com</a>'s Money Makeover series, he has helped consumers plan for retirement, manage debt, and develop appropriate investment allocations.McBride has appeared on hundreds of national cable and network broadcasts, including NBC's "Nightly News," CBS's "Evening News," and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been a frequent guest on CNBC and Fox Business. McBride is routinely quoted by major media outlets such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and is a regular guest on financial talk shows throughout the United States. McBride currently serves on the board of Money Management International of Sugar Land, TX, the nation’s largest nonprofit credit counseling agency accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, and is chairman of both the compensation committee and the investment committee. He has a distinguished record of serving on boards in the credit counseling industry.McBride has also served on the funding board of the Consumer Financial Education Fund through the Rose Foundation of Oakland, CA.McBride is a graduate of the University of Florida and has earned the designation of chartered financial analyst.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Money Management for Schizophrenia Costs

Over the past few years, there has been a major shift in the ways we talk about mental health. Stories go viral about companies putting mental health first, influencers across social media post about the importance of mental self-care — but serious mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, are still being left out of the conversation.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard, explore where schizophrenia fits into this new wave of mental health discussions in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia.AnnMarie Giannino, the founder of a campaign called What Would You Miss?, joins to share how she has been working to bridge the gap of bringing serious mental health issues into our everyday conversations.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here.Guest BioAnnMarie GianninoWhat Would You Miss?www.whatwouldyoumiss.comBoth a simple question and, perhaps, the seeds of a movement, What Would You Miss? creates a dialogue between people who struggle with mental illness and those whose lives they touch. Respondents have offered answers like “I would miss the way my dog wakes me up in the morning by gently tapping my face with his paw,” “I would miss Christmas time,” and “I would miss seeing how compassionate and caring my kids are.”While depression and suicide are no longer as shrouded in secrecy and shame as they were even a few years ago, the topic can feel like a minefield, especially to someone who is not formally trained to handle it. When someone you love is suffering, the prospect of approaching that person and saying the “wrong” thing can be terrifying. And, if you’re immersed in the struggle yourself, the mere act of reaching out may seem like an imposition that will only drive loved ones away. Simply asking or answering the question, “What would you miss?” connects people on both sides of the dilemma, giving them a softer way to have a difficult conversation.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past few years, there has been a major shift in the ways we talk about mental health. Stories go viral about companies putting mental health first, influencers across social media post about the importance of mental self-care — but serious mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, are still being left out of the conversation.Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard, explore where schizophrenia fits into this new wave of mental health discussions in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia.AnnMarie Giannino, the founder of a campaign called What Would You Miss?, joins to share how she has been working to bridge the gap of bringing serious mental health issues into our everyday conversations.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-on-the-mental-health-spectrum-where-does-schizophrenia-fit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page here</a>.Guest BioAnnMarie GianninoWhat Would You Miss?<a href="http://www.whatwouldyoumiss.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.whatwouldyoumiss.com</a>Both a simple question and, perhaps, the seeds of a movement, What Would You Miss? creates a dialogue between people who struggle with mental illness and those whose lives they touch. Respondents have offered answers like “I would miss the way my dog wakes me up in the morning by gently tapping my face with his paw,” “I would miss Christmas time,” and “I would miss seeing how compassionate and caring my kids are.”While depression and suicide are no longer as shrouded in secrecy and shame as they were even a few years ago, the topic can feel like a minefield, especially to someone who is not formally trained to handle it. When someone you love is suffering, the prospect of approaching that person and saying the “wrong” thing can be terrifying. And, if you’re immersed in the struggle yourself, the mere act of reaching out may seem like an imposition that will only drive loved ones away. Simply asking or answering the question, “What would you miss?” connects people on both sides of the dilemma, giving them a softer way to have a difficult conversation. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

 On the Mental Health Spectrum, Where Does Schizophrenia Fit? 

What immediately comes to mind when you think of schizophrenia? Most people would say hallucinations. Hallucinations, at least according to pop culture, are the defining feature of schizophrenia. But is that true? Today’s episode discusses how many people living with schizophrenia hallucinate and if hallucinations are all the same. Do people in different countries or from different backgrounds hallucinate differently? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and more!Guest BioPaul Fitzgerald, PhD completed his medical degree at Monash University and subsequently a Master of Psychological Medicine whilst completing psychiatric training. He then undertook a Clinical and Research Fellowship at the University of Toronto and The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. On returning to Melbourne, he worked as a psychiatrist and completed a PhD in transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia. Since completing this PhD, he has developed a substantial research program including a team of over 25 psychiatrists, registrars, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, research nurses, and students.Professor Fitzgerald runs a research program across both MAPrc and Epworth Clinic using brain stimulation and neuroimaging techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional and structural MRI, EEG, and near infrared spectroscopy. The primary focus of this program is on the development of new brain stimulation-based treatments for psychiatric disorders. Visit him online at www.paulbfitzgerald.com.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What immediately comes to mind when you think of schizophrenia? Most people would say hallucinations. Hallucinations, at least according to pop culture, are the defining feature of schizophrenia. But is that true? Today’s episode discusses how many people living with schizophrenia hallucinate and if hallucinations are all the same. Do people in different countries or from different backgrounds hallucinate differently? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and more! Guest BioPaul Fitzgerald, PhD completed his medical degree at Monash University and subsequently a Master of Psychological Medicine whilst completing psychiatric training. He then undertook a Clinical and Research Fellowship at the University of Toronto and The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. On returning to Melbourne, he worked as a psychiatrist and completed a PhD in transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia. Since completing this PhD, he has developed a substantial research program including a team of over 25 psychiatrists, registrars, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, research nurses, and students.Professor Fitzgerald runs a research program across both MAPrc and Epworth Clinic using brain stimulation and neuroimaging techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional and structural MRI, EEG, and near infrared spectroscopy. The primary focus of this program is on the development of new brain stimulation-based treatments for psychiatric disorders. Visit him online at <a href="https://www.paulbfitzgerald.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.paulbfitzgerald.com</a>. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Inside the Hallucinations of Schizophrenia

If you live with schizophrenia, then disclosing that diagnosis is a decision you’re going to have to make multiple times throughout your life. But, do you have to? What are the pros and cons of disclosing at work, for example? What do you actually say, and to who, at your place of employment? Will it hurt your career?Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, shares her personal story, thoughts, and tips, and interviews the retired executive director from Disability Rights Ohio and licensed attorney Michael Kirkman to help navigate the Americans with Disabilities Act.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here.Guest BioMichael Kirkman, JD, spent over 40 years as an advocate for those whom society had cast aside, including poor and minority people and people with disabilities. As a lawyer who practiced at the highest levels, including the United States Supreme Court, and who was sought out for consultation with officials at the U.S. Departments of Justice and HHS, as well as state officials in Columbus, his work improved the lives of tens of thousands of people. Prior to his retirement, Kirkman was the executive director of Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities. DRO is the federally mandated system to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities (P&amp;A) in Ohio. He previously served as the director and legal director of the Ohio Legal Rights Service, Ohio’s state agency P&amp;A until 2012. Kirkman also served as President of the National Disability Rights Network from 2017 to 2020.Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids and a tool for schizophrenics, To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you live with schizophrenia, then disclosing that diagnosis is a decision you’re going to have to make multiple times throughout your life. But, do you have to? What are the pros and cons of disclosing at work, for example? What do you actually say, and to who, at your place of employment? Will it hurt your career?Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, shares her personal story, thoughts, and tips, and interviews the retired executive director from Disability Rights Ohio and licensed attorney Michael Kirkman to help navigate the Americans with Disabilities Act.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-disclosing-your-diagnosis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode page here</a>. Guest BioMichael Kirkman, JD, spent over 40 years as an advocate for those whom society had cast aside, including poor and minority people and people with disabilities. As a lawyer who practiced at the highest levels, including the United States Supreme Court, and who was sought out for consultation with officials at the U.S. Departments of Justice and HHS, as well as state officials in Columbus, his work improved the lives of tens of thousands of people. Prior to his retirement, Kirkman was the executive director of Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities. DRO is the federally mandated system to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities (P&amp;A) in Ohio. He previously served as the director and legal director of the Ohio Legal Rights Service, Ohio’s state agency P&amp;A until 2012. Kirkman also served as President of the National Disability Rights Network from 2017 to 2020. Inside Schizophrenia Podcast HostRachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RachelStarLive.com</a>. Inside Schizophrenia Co-HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the author.</a>Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Disclosing a Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Thank you for doing this podcast. It is very informative!

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Inside Schizophrenia

What exactly is psychosis? What happens in the brain of a person with schizophrenia who is hallucinating?Schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers shares her personal hallucinations and delusions and Dr. Joseph Goldberg, who specializes in researching what goes on in the brain when someone is experiencing psychosis, joins to break down how the brain functions during psychotic episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is psychosis? What happens in the brain of a person with schizophrenia who is hallucinating? Schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers shares her personal hallucinations and delusions and Dr. Joseph Goldberg, who specializes in researching what goes on in the brain when someone is experiencing psychosis, joins to break down how the brain functions during psychotic episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Psychosis in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia does not just affect the person with schizophrenia, but their families, also. We explore the family relationships impacted by schizophrenia, both immediate and extended. Two guests join us, Chrisa Hickey, mother of an adult son with schizophrenia and started an online site for parents of children who have a severe mental illness. The other guest is Janel Star Withers, mother of host Rachel Star Withers. Janel shares her experiences with raising a schizophrenic daughter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schizophrenia does not just affect the person with schizophrenia, but their families, also. We explore the family relationships impacted by schizophrenia, both immediate and extended. Two guests join us, Chrisa Hickey, mother of an adult son with schizophrenia and started an online site for parents of children who have a severe mental illness. The other guest is Janel Star Withers, mother of host Rachel Star Withers. Janel shares her experiences with raising a schizophrenic daughter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Families Impacted by Schizophrenia

The word "schizophrenia" tends to conjure ideas of hallucinations, delusions, insane asylum in the general public's mind. Most people don't think of the boring parts that consume many with schizophrenia, like lacking the motivation to get out of bed, to make friends...Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss avolition and ways to help motivate loved ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The word "schizophrenia" tends to conjure ideas of hallucinations, delusions, insane asylum in the general public's mind. Most people don't think of the boring parts that consume many with schizophrenia, like lacking the motivation to get out of bed, to make friends... Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss avolition and ways to help motivate loved ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Motivation in Schizophrenia

Medication, Therapy, Hospitalization, Electroconvulsive Therapy- what are the treatment strategies for schizophrenia? How do you convince someone they need help? What if someone refuses treatment?Schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers with co-host Gabe Howard reveal different treatments they have undergone over the years with various outcomes. Guest Barbara Thompson, with NAMI, shares support options for people with schizophrenia and their family in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medication, Therapy, Hospitalization, Electroconvulsive Therapy- what are the treatment strategies for schizophrenia? How do you convince someone they need help? What if someone refuses treatment? Schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers with co-host Gabe Howard reveal different treatments they have undergone over the years with various outcomes. Guest Barbara Thompson, with NAMI, shares support options for people with schizophrenia and their family in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Treatment Strategies for Schizophrenia

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia our hosts tackle the topic of early onset – or childhood – schizophrenia. Host Rachel Star discusses her personal experiences with symptoms as an adolescent and Dr. Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich from Harvard Medical School discusses some of the latest research. Listen in now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia our hosts tackle the topic of early onset – or childhood – schizophrenia. Host Rachel Star discusses her personal experiences with symptoms as an adolescent and Dr. Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich from Harvard Medical School discusses some of the latest research. Listen in now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Childhood Schizophrenia

Men and women experience schizophrenia differently; from the age of onset to symptoms and how society treats those with mental disorders. Schizophrenic, Rachel Star Withers and co-host Gabe Howard continue the discussion of the differences from the last episode but change the focus to men. Jason Jepson, an author who has schizophrenia joins for a man’s perspective and Dr. Hayden Finch returns to explain the clinical side of the issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Men and women experience schizophrenia differently; from the age of onset to symptoms and how society treats those with mental disorders.  Schizophrenic, Rachel Star Withers and co-host Gabe Howard continue the discussion of the differences from the last episode but change the focus to men.  Jason Jepson, an author who has schizophrenia joins for a man’s perspective and Dr. Hayden Finch returns to explain the clinical side of the issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Schizophrenia in Men

Everyone complains about work. Having to go to work every day, working too much- working can be challenging for many reasons. Today's episode focuses on working while having schizophrenia. Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard share antidotes from their own work lives and speak with fellow schizophrenic Michelle Hammer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone complains about work. Having to go to work every day, working too much- working can be challenging for many reasons. Today's episode focuses on working while having schizophrenia.  Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard share antidotes from their own work lives and speak with fellow schizophrenic Michelle Hammer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Working With Schizophrenia

Often we don't really consider gender dynamics in treatment or medication. A lot of medications are only tested on men because of the risk of pregnancy, etc. This means there are whole drugs that have made it to market that may not have ever been tested with women. Schizophrenia affects women in many different ways than men. This episode discusses differences in age, symptoms, treatments, lifestyle, parenthood in the genders as they experience schizophrenia.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often we don't really consider gender dynamics in treatment or medication. A lot of medications are only tested on men because of the risk of pregnancy, etc. This means there are whole drugs that have made it to market that may not have ever been tested with women. Schizophrenia affects women in many different ways than men. This episode discusses differences in age, symptoms, treatments, lifestyle, parenthood in the genders as they experience schizophrenia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Schizophrenia in Women

Comorbidity is the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition. In this episode, host schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers with her cohost Gabe Howard will be discussing comorbidity with schizophrenia. Comorbidity is associated with worse health outcomes, more complex clinical management and increased health care costs.Occupational therapist Brock Cook will be joining us to discuss ways that he works with people with schizophrenia to manage multiple health issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comorbidity is the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition. In this episode, host schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers with her cohost Gabe Howard will be discussing comorbidity with schizophrenia. Comorbidity is associated with worse health outcomes, more complex clinical management and increased health care costs. Occupational therapist Brock Cook will be joining us to discuss ways that he works with people with schizophrenia to manage multiple health issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Comorbidity with Schizophrenia

An in-depth look at violence and its relation to schizophrenia. Is violence a symptom of schizophrenia? Do mass attackers always have schizophrenia? Are schizophrenics dangerous?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An in-depth look at violence and its relation to schizophrenia. Is violence a symptom of schizophrenia? Do mass attackers always have schizophrenia? Are schizophrenics dangerous?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

A Look into Possible Links Between Violence and Schizophrenia

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