Schizophrenia Caregiver Blog Archive

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  • Let’s talk about Neurocognitive Harmony Disorder

    Let’s talk about Neurocognitive Harmony Disorder

    The word schizophrenia comes from the Greek words schizo (splitting) and phren (mind). Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first used the term in 1908 during a lecture at a German Psychiatric Association meeting in Berlin. Bleuler coined the term to describe the separation of function between personality, thinking, memory, and perception in his patients. He wanted… Read more

  • What World Schizophrenia Day Meant to Me

    What World Schizophrenia Day Meant to Me

    I really struggled with the concept of World Schizophrenia Day.  What does that even mean?  Is it a day we are supposed to celebrate this awful disease that robs us of our loved ones and all that they once were, and could have been?  Is it a day to recognize our broken healthcare system that… Read more

  • Loss is Loss is Loss.  Except when it is Ambiguous Loss.

    Loss is Loss is Loss.  Except when it is Ambiguous Loss.

    For so many of us, being a caregiver of a loved one with schizophrenia is like a death of a thousand cuts.  The emotions that we caregivers go through on a daily basis is just wrenching.  We swing from seeing the loss of who our loved one once “was,” to seeing a medication fail –… Read more

  • Protecting Your Legacy: The Importance of Estate Planning for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness

    Protecting Your Legacy: The Importance of Estate Planning for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness

    As caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), we dedicate ourselves to providing love, support, and care to our loved ones. Amidst the daily challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to overlook our own future and well-being. However, estate planning is not just about financial matters—it’s about ensuring the continuity of care and support for… Read more

  • Nurturing the Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care in the Journey of Caregiving

    Nurturing the Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care in the Journey of Caregiving

    Caregiving is often described as a labor of love, but behind the scenes lies a reality that can be profoundly taxing and emotionally draining. As caregivers, we dedicate our time and energy to supporting our loved ones, often at the expense of our own well-being. However, amidst the demands and challenges of caregiving, prioritizing self-care… Read more

  • Navigating Tough Care Decisions: A Perspective for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness

    Navigating Tough Care Decisions: A Perspective for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness

    I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Rachel Star Withers who is the host of PsychCentral’s, “Inside Schizophrenia Podcast.”  In our discussion, we covered the landscape of what it means to be a caregiver of someone with a serious mental illness.  Following is a loose summary of our conversation, re-cast as a blog! Caring… Read more