Don't Call Me Crazy

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...