Schizophrenia, Addiction, and Me
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 май 2024
- Research has found that a high number of people who are living with schizophrenia also struggle with addiction. This video discusses reasons why this may occur, substance use as a potential environmental trigger for schizophrenia, statistics on substance use, potential consequences of substance misuse, and treatment methods.
The first part of this video focuses primarily on addiction as it pertains to alcohol and drug use. However, addiction can span far beyond these. An addiction is really any form of coping mechanism (typically maladaptive) an individual relies on and essentially obsesses over, or that becomes a focal point in their life.
As someone living with schizoaffective disorder, I have definitely fallen into maladaptive addictions as a means of coping with my illness, and I also share about my experiences with addiction.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:39 - About Schizophrenia and Addiction
04:42 - My Experience with Schizophrenia and Addiction
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Join a welcoming community of your peers and find comfort in sharing your experiences. By joining our community, you can benefit from the support of others who understand what you’re going through. We offer live weekly facilitated video peer support groups and text channels to communicate about a wide range of topics. Join today and start feeling less alone with what you’re going through.
• Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
• General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
We depend on the support of our audience to create this valuable resource. If you have found our content helpful, please consider supporting us today. Your contribution can make a huge difference and enable us to continue providing valuable resources to those living with mental illness.
• One-time donation: donate.stripe.com/9AQ6oV5S0ef...
• Monthly donation: / livingwellwithschizoph...
MENTAL HEALTH APPAREL
Wear your support for mental health! Our t-shirts, sweaters, and mugs not only spread awareness but also help support this channel. Pick up some mental health apparel today and make a statement while making a difference.
livingwell.myspreadshop.com/
SPEAKING & CONSULTING
Looking for an expert speaker or consultant for your upcoming event or project? With years of experience and a passion for mental health advocacy, I can provide the insight and inspiration you need to make a positive impact. Visit my speaking website to learn more!
www.laurenkennedywest.com/
SOCIALS
Instagram: / livingwellwithschizoph...
TikTok: / livingwellschizophrenia
Twitter: / lwschizophrenia
Website: www.livingwellwithschizophren...
Instagram: / livingwellwithschizoph...
TikTok: @livingwellschizophrenia
Twitter: / lwschizophrenia
Website: www.livingwellwithschizophren...
#schizophrenia #livingwellwithschizophrenia #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #addiction
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
I also want to praise the way you empower the viewer. Usually advice comes with "don't do this to yourself" or "you're addicted, addiction is bad" or "this isn't healthy and needs to stop". Which is all well and good, but I feel "your coping mechanisms are yours to evaluate and re-evaluate as needed" and "think of how to make your life better in the long term" are more helpful pieces of advice. It is very empowering. I'm rambling today, sorry. Thank you
Well put!! I also liked the way she approached this 😊
I like the non-hectoring approach too. Obviously people who have problems with addiction should be taken seriously but with respect at any time, but with covid and lockdowns in particular. Can only imagine how exacerbating this situation is.
Well, I say I can only imagine, but my own addiction to technology and social feedback has skyrocketed. It's not where my mind goes when I think of the word addiction but it is probably a big problem for me and I'm guessing a lot of people.
@@DaveOfTheDaiquris it was a problem for me until I disconnected everything Instagram Facebook WhatsApp cash app to me is just freaky how we share all our information with the world just to get a like or comment from someone you put a video for example of me giving my mother $1,000 for Christmas and that video has 50 views in one 👍 so there's 49 weirdos on my page and now people don't even call you anymore they send you a DM through messenger you can't tell people's true intentions they hide behind the text and the fact that there's so many other people looking at your stuff it's like leaving the window to your bedroom wide open so everyone can see you sleep. #THINKABOUTIT✌
Wouldn't say, you're rambling at all. Yout put into words what I and maybe many others can't as adequately. Thanks for that =)
ive seen things, heard things, and believed abnormal things since a kid. i first smoked weed when i was 13. at 14, i had a very bad trip. i blacked out, and woke up shaking. i thought i was dead and had to ask repeatedly if i was alive still. later on that year, i started to have these episodes. i would see little things like smoke and bugs. i would hear things like phones vibrating or ringing. it progressed into voices, shadows, heavy breathing, whispering, etc. i have a wide range of psychotic disorders in my family. before you smoke, please check your family history!
Wow. Thank you for sharing this.
Totally. Especially with how strong cannabis is these days without a doubt if theres history of mental illness in your family and you've beem going through alot of stress and smoke weed, you'll probably go into a real nasty drug induced psychosis.
had the same thing, uncle was diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic. i wish people would stop advertising weed as a cure-all, it effects some people horribly
The way you said "good for you for finding something to keep you alive"... wow. This lack of judgement is exactly what we need more of.
You nailed it!❤😊
Good. Say it again without the sarcasm. It makes your message seem not serious. But you are right.
@@blackfordoblique1965 Are you high?
5 yrs ago quit smoking, 3 weeks ago quit alcohol. :)
Wonderful!
Lol any regrets?
Congrats! Keep going and celebrate each day!
Congratulations and Keep going man, it took me about 3 years of sobriety for the mental fog to wear off... but it is definitely worth it (you might not notice the fog yet, but you will when it starts to clear out).
@@marshallgosbjorn8704 oh ive noticed the changes already, especially the bill on friday nights:) it went from $80+ to under $20:)
Saturday will be one year alcohol free! This channel has been a blessing. Thank you.
One year without alcohol is a brilliant achivement, my friend. Congrats!
Good job. My first year without alcohol was recently too.
Congratulations 👏 🙂
Nice, one year is a considerable timeframe!
Great job my g!
The biggest addiction I quit, crystal meth, 11 years ago. There’s a million tips that I learned through years of trying to quit. Don’t give up. Learn to listen to the right people, harm reduction, AA, CA, DRA all learning forums. One more time will never be enough so never fall for that. I’m currently battling horse racing addiction and this video was helpful
If you can set limits to your addictions to within 'normal' , ie the same as the rest of society they can be positive. For me loneliness is my weak point. When my life is going well I don't need the addictions. Most people have addictions but people approve of them, eg. Work addiction, spending addiction. If you quit christal meth you're as strong as hell, and it proves that you're addictive, but it also proves you have a good quitting capability.
I'm 20 years sober
I developed an eating disorder when I was 11 years old that was very much tied into my OCD. I finally recovered in 2014 and felt great! About two years later I developed symptoms of psychosis and mood swings and was eventually diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. While trying to cope with the psychosis I slowly made my way back to controlling food and relapsed with anorexia. While I was in and out of hospitals the eating disorder became entangled with the psychosis and I had a hard time trying to recover ultimately from both the anorexia and schizoaffective disorder. When I finally went into residential treatment the treatment team focused on both issues and started me on an IM of an antipsychotic. Wonderful things started to happen with both diagnosis's and I slowly became more clear mentally without the psychosis and was able to also recover from my eating disorder once again in 2018. I'm so glad you shared your story because there are so many people out there struggling with the same things and need to know they aren't alone. Thank you!
Well done you
Thank you for sharing your experiences. You’re an amazing woman and your strength is admirable. God bless you
Thank you 🙏🏼 thank you 🙏🏼. My oldest brother has schizophrenia but refuses to admit it to himself and refuses to take meds. He says he doesn’t need them but sees hallucinations and hears voices and even says he hears things over his phone. He is now living on the streets and refuses to move out of state where I am. I have been forwarding your videos to him in the hopes that he won’t feel shame in being sick. I just love him and it kills me that I can’t help him. 😭😢
I am so sorry ... I wish you and your brother all the best . I hope the situation gets better
I'm so sorry!
I'm so sorry. It is a sad reality for many people with a severe mental illness. It's hard to guide someone to get help when they can't think clearly themselves. I hope he gets the right help he needs.
Hi have schizofrenia and alcohol addiction. One year and half free. Greetings from Portugal
I know Desiree I to have a daughter who has schizoeffective disorder with Bi polar depression. Possibly caused by a overdose of Drugs. She lives from place to place. I have no idea how to talk with her about her mental illness she is off her meds I think. She hears voices and paranoia. I don't know where to turn and how to talk with her about her illness
This channel has quickly become one of my favorites not only as a person interested in mental health but also as a medical student. Thank you so much for this education.
Don't act like you understand or even want to understand for that matter. You are part of the problem. This not an attack but I'm sick and tired of people acting like they care when they actually just see this as some "natural phenomenon" of the brain. If you actually started listening to patients and investigate what the true cause is we would actually make a real difference. Most schizophrenics are only pretending to be okay and that is all the health industry is teaching us.
@@camagu9201 What does listening to patients look like to you? I would think learning more about schizophrenia through Lauren's channel would be a good way of listening. What else do you think this person should do?
Maybe you have good intentions. I don't know. The question is what are you going to do with all this "education"? Don't tell me you are going to give the patients medication that has debilitating side-effects and then blame them for not taking medication and on top of that. You don't even know how the mediction works. You think you are helping but you are part of the problem and I don't blame you. You do not have enough courage to actually believe the victims. Simple question that you might not understand now but perhaps one day. If the moon is in space, why can't I see space? Is the moon in space or is the moon in the sky? Sometimes you can see the moon during the day... I'll leave it there.
@@camagu9201 Why are you getting angry with a random medical student? You don't know what her beliefs are or what her practices will be in the future. I'm sorry you clearly had a negative experience with medicine in the past but not all doctors are pill pushers, many doctors actually listen and respect their patient's autonomy to make their own health care decisions regardless of what the doctor suggests. Do YOU understand how medication works, the pharmacology and biophysics of the effects of medication on the nervous system?
@@deek3183 I don't need to know about the medication because I already know that there is no illness to begin with. How does the brain create voices or an alternate reality that is not real but only real to the person experiencing "symptoms"? How stupid do I have to be that I can't tell the difference between a hallucination and reality? How stupid do I have to be that I can't tell the difference between my own voice inside my head and voices that don't come from me? If you really believe the patients what are you doing to actually help them? My point is that we are not solving any problems by beating around the bush. The doctors don't know what schizophrenia is but they are treating a supposed illness that doesn't exist.
Don’t ever stop making these videos, I love them, I suffer from psychosis and these videos get me through the day!!!
Lauren I don't know anyone with schizophrenia but I love your content, how you naturalize mental issues (just part of the human condition!!), your calm poised manner is very inspiring, what you've been through and how you live. For example I'm very interested in the content relating to motherhood. Anyhow, my point is that you guys' work is phenomenal and we need more content like this: open, informative, non judgemental, insightful. Love this channel!
I agree with you Lauren is putting mental health in proper perspective.
What's interesting is that, given how many people each of us "knows" these days, plus the prevalence of new schizophrenia diagnoses (~1.5% of the pop), you likely actually _do_ know at least one person with schizophrenia. But because of the stigma, they may not tell anyone other than those closest to them.
Which is why I wholeheartedly agree with your comment; I so appreciate her tireless work towards breaking down that stigma. Too often, mental health issues end up being a bunch of people who feel like they're the only one going through their particular struggle
@@blackfordoblique1965 Lol are you serious..? The vast majority of researchers and mental health clinicians _don't_ deal with mental illness (unless we're counting general anxiety). ESPECIALLY with schizophrenia.
Wanna know why? Because the vast majority of people who seek a diagnosis for major mental health crises (again..especially schizophrenia, due to its ultra high likelihood of debilitation) do so *because it is impairing their functioning.*
Sooo, no, most of them aren't pulling 12h days in research labs, or seeing back to back clients, or doing psych evaluations. A lot of them have trouble holding a conversation, or getting out of bed.
There are _some_ whose symptoms are very successfully managed, and they have the skill set and desire to study mental illness, but they're in the extreme minority.
@@blackfordoblique1965 What are you even talking about? Where is what coming from? You asked - me, specifically - a really bizarre question. So I answered..
@@DannyD-lr5yg true, the vast majority don't care to properly diagnose them and probably not given the right medication. For example someone with squizophrenia gets diagnosed with psychosis or bipolar and given mood stabilizers instead of antipsychotics, when they aren't having depression,just psychosis and mania.So no they don't try their best at diagnosing and that can make a word of a difference. Other times they give way too much of a medications that they refuse to go back, remember not everyone is aware of their condition.
My addiction was religion. Now that I've developed healthy coping mechanisms, I have learned to put religion aside and live my life in the moment. Thanks for the wonderful video!
thank you for this video. I'm a recovering poly-substance addict with SZA and getting pregnant with my angel baby saved my life. I find with schizophrenia and other related disorders its so hard to NOT use a maladaptive coping mechanism to try to escape your own brain. thanks for your vulnerability, Lauren.
I’ve struggled with spending. What has helped me is to say to myself is this a want or a need. When I’m feeling down the shopping has definitely given that rush. But it doesn’t last. Coping is everything.
Woah! A brand new video by this gorgeous and well educated woman. I am a trained psychologist and I learn a lot from you.
Thank you for giving so much support to people being in contact with psychosis/schizophrenia the one or the other ways.
Thank you for being honest. Nothing to be embarrassed about truly, The only people that would judge are not people that are worth our time.
What I had gotten from one of my counselors was you never really get rid of an addiction. It just changes form. You mitigate it as best you can and move it to something less damaging, but it is an aspect of yourself that's always there. Might as well make peace with it.
Change of environment can help to adopt better behaviors.
I find, for me anyway, that anxiety will lead to a strong desire to control ones environment, and that can come in many forms, and that desire to control ones environment can easily become an addiction. The paradox is that the more I try to control my environment, the more it leads to increased anxiety. I think this is because it lulls you into a false sense of control, and when things really do go wrong, it results in a total mental breakdown.
Well written! 😃
Lauren youre so strong and courageous for sharing your experiences. My girlfriend has schizophrenia and shes addicted again after a year without smoking and your videos help me a lot to understand and deal with it all so I can do my best to help her. Thank you so much, God bless you❤
You're a great friend.
You think Lauren is making you understand but she's actually holding back a lot of information because you non-schizophrenics struggle to understand even when explained to because you're so stuck up your asses. I don't blame you I was once like you because I was too busy believing in things that are taking me nowhere in life like religion. You believe in some god or spirit you haven't even seen, but when a "schizophrenic" tells you what they have seen, felt or heard it can only be a mental illness just because your mind cannot comprehend. Stop it. Show your girlfriend this. She probably knows what I'm talking about.
@@camagu9201 Thats not my case, I'm not stuck in my mind. I also have mental illness and Lauren is making me understand more about schizophrenia even because she has schizo so she speaks more truthfully, you know, and with experience than someone who does not have schizophrenia.
@@danielleborgessthe truth is there is no mental illness. Some people have "depression". Depression is not a mental illness, we are simply going through a rough patch in our lives due to whatever reason. Some people don't need medication but simply a reason to live. So we find meaning in things like gods and religion when in fact that was man-made. We don't even know what we are. The truth is there is no meaning in life so just enjoy the ride if you can.
@@camagu9201 yeah we have to enjoy the ride, but what I said is just that your previous comment is not my case, it does not define me, and I was confused because you seemed like you were so sure in your definition without knowing me. And it is not depression that I have, but I totally understand what you said 😊
I am a recovering drug addict as well. I've been sober for quite some time and am incredibly grateful as a result. Thank you so so much for your empathy and honesty. You are an incredibly lovely human being- keep doing what you're doing.❤❤❤❤
Thanks for sharing! Love your content! I'm schizoaffective bipolar type and weed addiction had me in its grip for decades. Lately it's been under control, I haven't had weed in months. Coming off of weed made my paranoia skyrocket for a couple of weeks. Hopefully I can stay away from it forever.
Congrats to you. We are rooting for you.
I’ve dealt with my own alcohol addiction. I’ve learned that so much of dealing with addiction is re-learning to love yourself. Addicts can be really hard on themselves. Self love often leads to better choices.
Oh man...I'm not crying, you're crying!
Thank you for sharing. You are very strong and I am in awe of your clarity with such a heavy burden.
Hope you are feeling well! Much love to you, Lauren 💜
I've been dealing with with my addiction's to alcohol and my secret taste for drug's while struggling with my schzophrenia , thank you for your vlog knowing I'm not alone
I struggle with mental illness. Your channel is very helpful and comforting. Your channel helps me feel not alone. Thanks for sharing. I’ve dealt with addiction (Ritalin, opiates, alcohol in my past. How I got through it was because I wanted to like myself when I looked in the mirror again. I am on medications that help deal with my anxiety, depression, and at times psychosis) my mental illness started at about 17 and it seem like it happened all of a sudden because one day I was in a mall with my sister and all of a sudden I was afraid of being around people. I’m 65 now and I would encourage anyone struggling with any kind of mental illness there is hope💗
Lauren, thank you so much for sharing this. It was obviously very hard on you. It is greatly, greatly helpful. I have issues with impulse control (the dopamine hit thing, probably stemming from ADHD), as well as body image issues. Both lead to self-loathing and the more sneaky kind of shame for even falling prey to body image issues in a world where "your body is your temple". Thank you for talking about this. It shouldn't be something to feel shame over.
You are heroically honest. Thank you for sharing. It is so hard to make ourselves vulnerable.
Thank you for these videos I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder a year ago at the age of 16 and although I am on a good treatment regimen ; I still struggle with acceptance of my diagnosis. Its people like you who don't allow the stereotypes to define others and themselves I appreciate your videos and its nice to be able to relate to someone.
I don't have schizophrenia but recently went into a psych ward for a night and diagnosed with Bpd or eupd. I met mainly scitzophreniacs in the ward and was pleasantly surprised. Lovely people and my heart really goes out to you all dealing with hullicinations and voices. I know myself that anxiety and depression is terrifying in itself and I couldn't imagine hearing or seeing things people can't see. :( I truly hope we all get well and live healthy lives. Life is a blessing and I hope you understand all of us dealing with mental illness are living with the stigma around it and together we can break it ❤️
It takes a lot to admit to struggling with an eating disorder. When I started struggling more with depression as part of my schizoaffective disorder, I relapsed on my ed for the first time since I was 11. It took 3 years, 4 hospitalizations, a stay in residential, and so so much therapy, but I finally achieved staying in recovery. What really helped me was having a strong group of friends. They didn't know I had an eating disorder until I went public while in recovery, but they all knew that I was depressed and they stuck by me and lifted me up through that. I cannot stress the importance of having reliable friends enough!
No shame in anything done to survive, my dear. You are such an inspiration. Both my sons use alcohol and marijuana to manage the discomfort of suffering from their severe mood disorders and it breaks my heart.
Praying for them
Marijuana has medical uses for mood disorders.
@@tsulehisanvhisystem9352 Yes, I'm aware of that but it can also be abused and become counter-productive.
@@maryannscott5567 So can prescription medications for mood disorders. The prescriptions are also more damaging when abused and can even be deadly if abused. there are zero deaths from marijuana use.
@@tsulehisanvhisystem9352 I'd recommend marijuana before pharmaceuticals any day.
You really help me put these things in perspective. Really appreciate what you do for the community
I am so glad that you decided to talk about addiction. It has such a high co:morbidity rate with so many other mental illnesses. Alcohol, for example, seems to be “justified” with our society as a way to let off steam or deal with the crazy work week. I have struggled with severe anorexia for most of my life, including many hospital stays. While I have turned a corner now, I was also struggling with bipolar disorder, which was never diagnosed at the same time. I cannot tell you what a relief I feel being able to talk about this. It is awful to feel so out of control and suicidal in the past. I do not know how I survived, but here I am! I struggle, but with my med. and therapy I want to live again! Thank you for your channel. Sending you all love and light!!! 🙏❤️🕯🕊😇🌈
You are so strong, you inspire me to try to be more open about my issues. Thank you for your courage!
Thank you for sharing! Found this very helpful. As a daughter of someone who continues to survive with schizoaffective disorder, some of the maladaptive coping mechanisms that you mentioned I have found myself to use to an extent. It’s refreshing to see them being discussed in an open manner.
this battle is so hard, thank you for these videos
You continously amaze me with how well you articulate your thoughts on these topics, and how open you’ve been with your journey. Thank you
I am really struggling today with my maladaptive coping. Thanks for helping me feel more hopeful that someday I won't need my crutch.
This must have been hard to share. Thank you for putting yourself out there.
You have so much courage to be so honest. It's inspiring. Thank you.
Love your videos and the pure compassion you show in each one!
THANK YOU for being so vulnerable in a place that can be scary to be real. You are very brave even feeling scared and sharing anyways.
I have maladaptive daydreaming, and I know it isn’t the same as drinking or substance abuse, but it really effects my life heavily. I’ve had it for 4-5 years, and the major depression that I was going through all those years ago when I started is practically gone, and I feel really happy, but I don’t do anything with that joy because it relies solely on this ‘addiction’. I ended up dropping out of school to be homeschooled, I have no friends, i never leave the house, I have a lot of sleeping problems. I don’t have time to do anything productive, because I am so busy with my daydreaming. I recently started going back to school and I can no longer daydream like I usually do, and my depression has come back with a vengeance. I no longer feel happy. I don’t do any of my homework because I am so busy spending my afternoons making up for the lost hours. My sleep is even worse then it used to be. I have started falling back down the kill yourself rabbit hole, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t have anyone to talk to because the only people in my life are imaginary, and the few times I have tried to talk to my mum have failed miserably; I don’t think she takes it seriously, and she underestimates this dependence I have on it, (she hears imaginary friend and thinks I’m just mucking about with my overactive imagination). This dependence terrifies me, but at the same time I can’t give it up because it’s my only reason to live. I have no idea why I decided to share this, but I’m currently sitting alone in my room on the verge of tears, and i feel really lonely, and wanted to get this off my chest, (not that I will help all that much). I know it doesn’t sound as serious as all these addictions mentioned in this video, but it’s taken over my whole life (before I returned to school I would spend anywhere from 9-17 hours a day just daydreaming), and I feel really lost.
Have a good day!
Fellow MDDer here. I’m right beside you. I take Rexulti to prevent the daydreaming (it’s medically-induced aphantasia) and without my daydreams, I’m miserable when I can’t use it to cope. But, that feeling is fuel for the real improvement-addressing the problems in our lives that made us want to daydream in the first place. Occasionally, when I succeed at being better for a time, I feel better. You didn’t ask, but I think that’s where we’re supposed to go.
How are you doing now? Have you seek help?
Wow, so raw, I'm sure that your honesty about both your experience and the emotion you still feel will reach many people
I rarely comment on youtube but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your personal struggle with the disease of addiction publicly. That’s some courage you have to face the world so openly. I have struggled with mental health problems since childhood and to self medicate I used substances to disconnect from reality and numb the pain. I have only recently come to terms with the fact my body’s response to drugs makes me go into psychosis and have psychotic symptoms. I’m just finally getting off anti-psychotics after 4 years of struggling with the aftermath of long term substance abuse. Drugs did not help, it made my problems much worse. All the best with your journey in life, your content has helped me a lot. Thanks.
Thank you for taking my advice and sharing more personal things. It's refreshing.
Your honesty is wonderfully breathtaking! I hope you feel all of the support coming back your way from all of us! ❤
This came in for me just in time. I neuer thought that my eating disorder is some kind of an addiction, which helps me cope with my mental disease. I'm so grateful for your videos and sharing your struggles with us. Thank you so much.
You have no idea how grateful I am for you and this channel 🥺💖
Thanks for opening up about your struggles with addiction, I understand how difficult it can be.
You are such an incredible support to so many. Take care of you and thank you.
This was such a good video! Great mix of general information and personal stories. Lauren and Robert, you are doing a fantastic job. Keep it up!
The first problematic coping mechanism I recall in my life was pulling out my hair. It progressed to addiction stuff, for sure...almost 4 years sober now...
I love how you share your whole heart idk you have a way of being beautifully genuine.
I really appreciate you exploring the fact that a myriad of things can become an addiction or a maladaptive coping strategy. My life was ravaged by a partner's pornography addiction. But when I tried to talk to others about it, several have said, "pornography use isn't an addiction!!!" It was incredibly invalidating. Just because pornography use is normalized doesn't mean it can't be an addiction. Thank you 💕
Your courage, beauty and strength is awe-inspiring. I applaud you for all you do. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this Lauren!
Thank you for gathering up the courage to be vulnerable and truthful. Thank you for sharing your story.
Very well stated. The advice you are giving is life enhancing. Laying yourself open to others takes a LOT of courage.
Thank you so much for sharing. Your strength is amazing and you inspire me everyday.
I really appreciate the time, energy, effort, and vulnerability you put in your videos. Keep up the good work it’s always a pleasure to listen and get your perspective.
Thank you so much for this video. I literally just had an episode last night regarding addiction.
Thank you for your honesty and wisdom and common sense. You are wonderful, and every one of your videos is a source of insight, and, yes, comfort.
You wrench my heart with your voice. God bless you.
I am really glad that you shared your addiction issues publicly. I was nervous about doing the same on my channel. The more we talk about dual diagnosis, the more people can be educated to how difficult it is
I learn so much from you with every video, both personally and professionally. You are an amazing role model in your vulnerability and wholeheartedness.
Lauren- Thank you for your honesty and courage. I really appreciate your perspective.
💕THANK YOU so much, for sharing your addiction experiences and more importantly, your hindsight and understanding “why”. Im a support person for a loved one and really needed to hear this perspective. 💕
it takes so much strength to share these parts of your life and it will help many - it's great that you're self aware I think this is the first step to getting help either reaching out or helping yourself. Thank you for this content, Lauren 💜
Thank you for sharing! Your addiction story is so much more common than folks think. I suffered from bulimia for over 30 years, and began recovery 3 years ago. I stay vigilant- as I am sure you do too.
I needed this. I am a schizophrenic currently really struggling with an eating disorder. Thank you for being so vulnerable, it helped me a lot
Your channel is such a blessing to youtube, it's amazing to see so many people becoming more educated and understanding of schizofrenia/schizoaffective, and the stigma being reduced, and at the same time making me feel less alone with my own schizoaffective disorder
I could hear in your voice how hard it was for you to explain this and share this next piece of your story, thank you for trusting us enough to share something hard.
Thank you for being courageous and brave and sharing your story. This is helping so much with a family member 💕 Your story gives hope
I love this channel! You seem so kind and genuine. I get really good vibes from you. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️❤️❤️
thank you so much for making videos to raise awareness about mental illness 🖤
have an amazing night
You're doing a great service to society by sharing your experiences so candidly. Thank you for that. Hope you are well.
I can tell how difficult it is for you to share this part of you. I hope you read this because you are so brave to talk about this. Please ignore any negative comments, you are absolutely awesome(and beautiful to boot)!!!
I like that you use the exact phrase maladaptive coping strategies! I went through and emotion management course and that is the phrase they used. However, I rarely hear this phrase used on RUclips! I absolutely love everything you said here, and thank you so very much!
Thank you! I have shopped for years as a distraction from my depression. It has caused issues financially and created storage issues and embarrassment with my home. I would buy not only for myself but for others also like a double rush of finding them item and then giving it. I can now go into the store and still have the thrill of the find but convince myself to not purchase the item but it's taken years to get to this point. I also was addicted to work and I would binge on food but was never able to purge. I also tend to obsess over topics or activities which can last more than a year and suddenly stop. Thank you for making these videos.
You know, Lauren, the way you articulate your messages brings hope to so many. You are a godsend.🥂
Thank you for being so honest and truthful, you are brave and amazing
You are a warrior! I applaud your strength, intelligence and determination in sending messages that will help people. You’re amazing and wonderful-truly! Thank you!!
Just want to say: Much love and appreciation from germany for you. I'm somewhat blown away by your honesty and the ammount of courage it must take to share these details about your life with all of us. Best wishes to you and your loved ones! I really believe you do help a lot of people, be it people affectet by mental issuses or their friends and families. Can't thank you enough. Cudos to you!
This is one of the best channels on RUclips. You are so articulate and helpful for anyone watching your videos. Thanks you for having the courage and grace to share your journey. Bravo.
Yessss I deal with the same addictions you have dealt with and needing to manage. Thank you
Thanks for sharing, I also have Schitzoaffective disorder. I have suffered with addiction issues for years and still struggle to maintain balance. I listen to your videos and try to learn as much as possible. Please enjoy continued successes and keep up the good work!
I've a loved one with mental health problems and I think you are a wonderful spokes person; down to earth, articulate and authentic 💛
You are so strong girl, you make people who struggle with mental health and addiction (me and others out there too) feel so less alone. Love you Lauren
That took real guts mate, thankyou for helping us all to understand each other, a little better every day!
Keep it up, much love from Australia 💚
Thank you for this very personal, transparent video. I admire how willing you are to share so many aspects of your life for the benefit of others. You are so courageous. xo
You deliver every message so openly, vulnerably, inspirationally and genuinely. I hope you’re able to post these knowing that you are really touching people, and are a wordsmith for people to be able to advocate for themselves. You (and your partner- we see you putting in your work too!) make it easier for people to get help simply by helping people put these experiences and feelings into succinct wording. I personally don’t have experience with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder but I resonate so much with your content and mission. Truly amazing work you’re doing❤️
To that end- I’ve struggled with spending and technology to cope and it was eye-opening to hear you speak to your experience with spending. Spending is a hard one because it’s easy to justify what you buy as “useful” (at least for me) but it’s really clutter. Thanks for your openness:)
Wow I have so much respect and admiration for your courage and generosity in sharing this stuff. I can hear and " feel " the stress in your voice and yet yet you keep going and share what you have to say in order to help people. 👍 Thanks.
What an awesome video! Lauren's channel soon became my reference for mental health issues. I don't have schizophrenia but I suffer from general anxiety disorder. Her videos have been helping me so much to understand better, and be more compassionate towards myself and others who are also coping with mental health difficulties. Thank you, Lauren
you're awesome! thanks so much for making these videos and sharing your experience in such an authentic and vulnerable way. you're a true blessing to the world!
Thank you for being brave and opening up your life to us. I am supporting a family member and have had a very difficult time finding help or any information. You present in a very human and relatable way.
it's nice seeing other folks who've struggled with EDs be so successful, you're doing amazing!!!!! I'm so proud of you!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are amazingly strong and brave!! ❤️