Healing Mind

Psychosis

Why Psychotic Breaks Are Not Your Fault

Sarah Merritt Ryan on May 1, 2024

A Personal Perspective: I wanted to believe that I had control over psychotic breaks until I acknowledged that psychosis is a medical illness like any other.

A Personal Perspective: I wanted to believe that I had control over psychotic breaks until I acknowledged that psychosis is a medical illness like any other.

Mental Health Stigma

My Reactions When Someone Says I Can’t Have Schizophrenia

Sarah Merritt Ryan on April 2, 2024

A Personal Perspective: You can be symptom-free of schizophrenia while on medication, as am I. Here are my changing reactions over the years when professionals don't agree.

A Personal Perspective: You can be symptom-free of schizophrenia while on medication, as am I. Here are my changing reactions over the years when professionals don't agree.

Personal Perspectives

How to Appreciate and Cultivate Self-Awareness After Psychosis

Sarah Merritt Ryan on March 1, 2024

A Personal Perspective: Let's explore the importance of self-awareness (insight) in managing mental illness.

A Personal Perspective: Let's explore the importance of self-awareness (insight) in managing mental illness.

Psychosis

Navigating Relationships After Psychotic Breaks

Sarah Merritt Ryan on January 29, 2024

Personal Perspective: Reconciling relationships with yourself and others after psychosis takes courage.

Personal Perspective: Reconciling relationships with yourself and others after psychosis takes courage.

Psychosis

Forging My Own Path After Serious Mental Illness

Sarah Merritt Ryan on January 4, 2024

A Personal Perspective: It's easy when experiencing mental illness to feel left behind and that you don't have a "normal" life, but you don't have to keep that perspective.

A Personal Perspective: It's easy when experiencing mental illness to feel left behind and that you don't have a "normal" life, but you don't have to keep that perspective.

Psychosis

Self-Love After Psychosis

Sarah Merritt Ryan on November 27, 2023

A Personal Perspective: I thought my life was over after multiple psychotic breaks, but it wasn't. Here's how cultivating self-love directed me into my future.

A Personal Perspective: I thought my life was over after multiple psychotic breaks, but it wasn't. Here's how cultivating self-love directed me into my future.

Psychosis

Connecting Socially After Psychosis

Sarah Merritt Ryan on October 30, 2023

A Personal Perspective: You can feel normal again and reconnect with others after a psychotic break—and even form new friendships.

A Personal Perspective: You can feel normal again and reconnect with others after a psychotic break—and even form new friendships.

Neurological Assessment

The Effects of Rediagnosis

Sarah Merritt Ryan on October 3, 2023

I have been rediagnosed many times with my psychotic disorder. Here is how I make sense of it and move forward.

I have been rediagnosed many times with my psychotic disorder. Here is how I make sense of it and move forward.

Psychosis

Emotional Recovery From Psychosis

Sarah Merritt Ryan on August 25, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Cognitive recovery from psychosis and emotional recovery require equal attention. Here's what the emotional journey might look like.

A Personal Perspective: Cognitive recovery from psychosis and emotional recovery require equal attention. Here's what the emotional journey might look like.

Relationships

Disclosing Your Mental Health Diagnosis to a Partner

Sarah Merritt Ryan on July 31, 2023

Personal Perspective: Having a hard time disclosing your diagnosis to your partner? Here's what I learned from my experience.

Personal Perspective: Having a hard time disclosing your diagnosis to your partner? Here's what I learned from my experience.

Psychosis

Why I'm Taking an Antipsychotic for Life

Sarah Merritt Ryan on July 5, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Going off an antipsychotic is not worth the risk. I have nothing to prove, and there is too much at stake. Here's how I made this life decision.

A Personal Perspective: Going off an antipsychotic is not worth the risk. I have nothing to prove, and there is too much at stake. Here's how I made this life decision.

Identity

Separating My Identity From a Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Sarah Merritt Ryan on June 22, 2023

A Personal Perspective: The day I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I thought it changed who I was, what people thought of me, and my future. It didn't. Here's why.

A Personal Perspective: The day I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I thought it changed who I was, what people thought of me, and my future. It didn't. Here's why.

Psychopharmacology

Debunking 4 Myths About Taking Antipsychotics

Sarah Merritt Ryan on June 13, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Here are four personal myths I've experienced myself about taking antipsychotics. Here are the takeaways.

A Personal Perspective: Here are four personal myths I've experienced myself about taking antipsychotics. Here are the takeaways.

Psychosis

Transitioning Back to a Clear Mind

Sarah Merritt Ryan on June 6, 2023

A Personal Perspective: A clear mind was the most important factor in my recovery and emotional process. I can now embrace the present and am free to lead a fulfilling life.

A Personal Perspective: A clear mind was the most important factor in my recovery and emotional process. I can now embrace the present and am free to lead a fulfilling life.