Don't Call Me Crazy

I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and practicing the things below has given me a joyful state. Number 1 I would say the number 1 thing that helped me stay healthy and out of the hospital is learning about my disorder and learning what not to do. I would go online and visit sites like mayo clinic and learn about my diagnosis. I read up on the definition of schizophrenia so I can be knowledgeable on the different signs of the disorder. I would learn what not to do. I read that many with schizophrenia do not sleep well so I make sure I get enough sleep. Monitoring yourself can keep you aware of your behavior and I advise you to study everything about your disorder. Number 2 Journal about your condition. For people who have a mood disorder, journaling could be an excellent way to keep track of things you may have done to get you off track. I recommend this journal to keep you healthy. Number 3 Pay attention to what you watch and listen to. I used to think that there was nothing...

Sneak peek of Let's Be Inspired: Undefeated Despite Schizophrenia by Swiyyah Woodard. Chapter 10  Have I completely healed? No. Will I ever completely heal, meaning will I be able to function without medication? Possibly.  One student asked me if it was possible to live without medication in my condition? I believe the Word that God gave us a sound mind.  Also, I believe in the scriptures that God created herbs to heal us and that Jesus came to heal us from our unwanted conditions.  I would advise anyone that is thinking of stopping their medication to consult with their doctor first. I’ve heard of people stopping their medications while staying healthy but not without a doctor.  Even if a doctor advised me to stop my meds, I would still request to continue to be observed for at least two years.  Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her ...

When I was first baker acted (hospitalized against my will), I wanted to keep it a secret. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Counselors with master degree's said I was crazy, and I would never find a job. I wrote my first book but I dared not to write it as a true story. I wrote my first book as a fiction inspired by my true story entitled, "Don't call me crazy! I'm just in love." Later I received courage to tell my story. I needed medication. And it took me a lot to walk into a doctors office. To me, taking medication meant I had a problem. A pharmacist saw that I was in distress and ran up to me, sat down, and held my hand. He said I was beautiful. It's ok to take medication. Many take medication for heart problems, high blood pressure, etc. He said take your medication and you'll be fine. After that day I received courage to tell my story. I began speaking everywhere. Churches, events, parks, and even on TV.  I was awarded as...

I believe the number one reason why many do not accept the fact that they are mentally unhealthy is because we have a false image of what mental illness looks like.  Before being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I saw myself as beautiful. I dressed sharp, I kept my hair and nails up. I cared about my appearance.  After being diagnosed I said oh no not me. No way do I have a mental illness. I denied it and refused medication.  We have to educate the masses. That's why I plan to produce movies on mental health awareness. I want to show that anyone could get a mental illness. It doesn't matter how they look or how much they keep themselves up.  If you have a loved one with a mental illness, encourage them to buy my books on mental health.  Reading these books will make them feel normal and not alone. Content in this blog has been produced from, "Let's Be Inspired: Undefeated Despite Schizophrenia." Read today. Swiyyah Woodard is a 4 time published author. She has obt...

I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2003. I began hallucinating, seeing visions, and having delusions. It took me a long time to recognized my warning signs because I did not believe I was schizophrenic.  My sister took pictures of me while I was sick and when I came to my right mind and looked at those pictures, I knew I was sick.  It took every bit of courage I had to visit a doctors office. The pharmacist said I was beautiful. He said you are just mentally exhausted.  After this experience, I began taking my medication. I went 13 years taking my medication until I decided maybe I don't need it anymore. I did not consult with a psychiatrist.  Remember if you or a family member develops a disorder, please seek professional help and listen. There's nothing wrong with a second opinion, just get help. Just recently in 2018 I was baker acted again after the sheriff took my child, more on this in my best selling book,  "Let's Be Inspired: Undefeated Despi...