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Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

We are very lucky to be joined by Sandy Jeffs for this Topic Tuesday. Sandy is an author and mental health advocate who lives with schizophrenia. We are lucky enough to have Sandy as a member of SANE's Peer Ambassador program.

For this Topic Tuesday Sandy will be sharing her own experiences to provide us with an insight into what it's like to live with schizophrenia.

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Like' button below.

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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

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Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Sandy1Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Bunniekins

nothing is simply when it comes to mental illness. it can be a long haul to get to a point when people are able to accept they might be unwell. it took me awhile to come to terms with what had happened. it was tore me apart.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

BunniekinsSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Sandy1 How do you deal with neurotypicals? do you find it hard? I struggle and I know my son does.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

MumsthewordCasual Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Sandy1 my daughter hasnt yet accepted her illness (has only been 2 months) it must be so confusing to work out what has happened

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Sandy1Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Former-Member

it took me an eterntiy to find myself. for may years i was a shy, downcast person who deferred to all my friends and their opinions as i had none myself. i was withdrawn and socially inept. it was torture to go out to parties and have people ask me the question hello what do you do? this went right to the heart of my loss of identity. i had no answer to that question. How did I find an identity? it was through poetry and having a book of poems published. i was given an identity i was happy with: poet. it made all the difference. but being a poet didn't cure me of my schizophrenia but it made the world more bearable.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

BunniekinsSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Sandy1@Former-Member@Shaz51 and everyone sorry I have to go. Thanks again Sandy1 🙂

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Sandy1Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Bunniekins

i bluster on and try to hold my own truth in a world that always tries to challenge it. but we have stay strong and keep doping what works for you. I believe in whatever gets you through the night...

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Sandy1Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

@Mumstheword

it can take a long time for acceptance to happen.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Sandy1Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

just continuing on with the topic of the self....

dealing with stigma/finding a sense of a strong self

Finding a sense of self through doing things that give you meaning and hope are important. Whatever you can find whether it be something creative or practical or validating for you, do it. I know it’s hard to find yourself when things are not going well and seem to be falling apart. Let your friends and family help you. Resist any negative impulse to push them away. Find pride in how you have survived something major and never let someone shame you because of who you are or what you have endured.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

This is really inspiring @Sandy1 - as a carer for a loved one that is going through the experiences of schizophrenia, it sounds like a big part of it is to support them while they are learning about their illness and encouraging and validating what they are experiencing.

You have mentioned some really great coping strategies both for someone dealing with voices or delusions as well as a carer trying to support their loved one through this.

Your wisdom around finding pride in your journey and to let friends and family in is so valuable. Did you find it hard to let people in?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

MelbourneWoman7Casual Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // What it's really like to live with schizophrenia // Tues 22 May, 7pm AEDT

Thanku everyone . Tonight has been helpful. Really appreciate your time
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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

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