Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Society

It is distressing when a national leader and authority figure says things that are deeply upsetting, unproven, and stigmatizing about people with disabilities. A President's words do not define you or your worth. *People with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, and Bipolar with psychosis and their loved ones, doctors, carers, and providers contribute to society in countless meaningful ways. If harmful rhetoric is making you feel hopeless, reach out - you deserve support. *Take breaks from media including news and social media. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to negative or false narratives can worsen symptoms. Set boundaries on when and how you consume media. *Surround yourself with people who understand. Talk with a trusted loved one, friend, or support group. *It can be frustrating to hear misinformation. Remind yourself (and others such as someone who is bullying) of the facts that this rhetoric is unproven, baseless, biased, and doesn't relate to you or your loved ones. Remember, you can always walk away or block anyone who is bullying you. *During stressful times, prioritizing stability is key. Stick to your routines for taking medication, sleeping and resting, eating, and enjoying the things you love; taking walks, doing art, and listening to calming music; stretching, deep breathing, and prayer and/or meditation can help you feel well. #schizophreniaandschizoaffectivesociety #szandszasociety #presidenttrump #schizophrenia #psychiatry #compassion #caregiving #disabilityrights #unitednations #mentalhealth

Today is Schizophrenia Day. With so much change needed, I did the most powerful thing I could do. #vote #szandszasociety #schizophreniaday

Q: What is the biggest barrier to getting your adult loved one compassionate psychiatric care? A: LO's with a psychosis disability compounded by Anosognosia choose against their best interest and have a Right to Refuse Care even when it results in starvation or death by exposure. Q: What happens when families finally get them to the hospital or they are picked up by law enforcement and they are involuntarily required to receive psychiatric care because they cannot choose in their own best interest? A: Their families are shunned by Behavioral Health Hospitals due to an extreme enforcement of HIPAA laws. Families meet total silence from doctors, nurses, social workers, and staff while their LO is inpatient. Q: Why is this a problem? A: First, it violates the civil rights of the person involuntarily receiving psychiatric care. Second, it causes extreme stress on families who have been trying to get their LO care, in some cases, for many years. Imagine not being able to visit, advocate for, or even know about your loved one who is in the hospital. #schizophreniaandschizoaffectivesociety #caregiving #carers #schizophrenia #NAMI #behavioralhealth #compassion

"Securing Federal and State Benefits For a Loved One on the Psychosis Spectrum" is now available for viewing on NSSC's YouTube Channel. Heidi Brelsford, founding President of the Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Society, discusses the process of filing for federal and state benefits for a loved one on the psychosis spectrum. Her presentation includes Social Security eligibility and Medicaid benefits, covering such topics as basic eligibility , age, and disability requirements. Medicaid waiver requirements (which vary greatly by state), medical benefits, and special topics such as survivor topics are also discussed. https://lnkd.in/ef3avn8i

It's hard to do things that feel #good when you don't feel good. Getting started is the hardest part. Here's a challenge: pick one thing from the list and do it right now. Yes, right now! Be good to yourself. You're precious and you deserve it. #schizophreniaandschizoaffectivesociety #szandszasociety #schizophrenia #schizoaffective #bipolar #psychiatry #caregiving #therapist #mentalhealth #healthcare

Lindsay Galvin, whose family experience is told in the book ‘Hidden Valley Road’, will be speaking today. Read more below and feel invited to tune in. #schizophreniaandschizoaffectivesociety #szandszasociety #compassion #mentalhealth

Join us as Heidi Brelsford shares about successfully?going through the application processes for SSDI and Medicare, SSI, Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Extra Help Fund, and SNAP for her unmarried adult loved one with Schizoaffective. She will touch on what it takes to get approved, age as a factor, benefits' limits, ABLE accounts, and her experience?making the most of medical benefits. Heidi is the Founder and President of Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Society, NFP. SZ and SZA Society supports the well-being of people with SZ and SZA, their caregivers, families, and providers by creating fun, social-positive experiences in an assisted, non-medical setting to ease loneliness, build friendships, and promote a sense of belonging. https://lnkd.in/gHp2GCYJ

Dr. Robert Laitman and Dr. Ann Mandel Laitman founded TEAM DANIEL Running for Recovery from Mental Illness - they made this film about the meaningful recovery their loved one, and many others, have experienced. #clozapine may not be for everyone for a variety of reasons but you will see a lot of relatable moments in this film. For me, I felt less alone watching this. If you have SZ or SZA or you’re a caregiver, loved one, or healthcare / mental healthcare provider, you will benefit from seeing this. #schizophreniaandschizoaffectivesociety #szandszasociety https://lnkd.in/gxdhCsy9

“Warning labels should be on every product containing THC about the risk of permanent psychosis, treatment-resistant schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder associated with using cannabis before the age of 30.” Laura Craciun

Don't complain about a deficit in creative and innovative employees if you don't have an HR expectation to hire people who are different. #szandszasociety #schizophrenia #schizoaffective #psychosis #neurodivergent #humanresources #disability #innovation #creativity #compassion #profits #businessdevelopment #growth