Information and opinions on Schizophrenia from Valash at SchizophreniaConnection.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586 http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586 http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/87322/embracing Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:06:44 -0400 Valash Embracing My Mind (EMM), my non-profit organization, jump started its first support group, Strengthening Each Other, yesterday at the mental health center in the Atlanta area. The meeting was a success because people showed up despite the rain.   We studied schizophrenia, specifically my testimony through a blog entry I wrote on Saturday, March 7, 2009, "What is Schizophrenia to Me," from my blog Overcoming Schizophrenia. Group... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/87322/embracing http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/72817/szconnection Sat, 30 May 2009 09:12:01 -0400 Valash Hello,   Here is an update of what I've been doing- volunteering with an HIV/AIDS non-profit, creating a new website, and dating; and spending time with family. I have been volunteering for about a month. Already, I feel empowered by the projects I've been working on- marketing materials, such as public service announcements and brochures. I even received business cards, which makes me feel good and a part of... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/72817/szconnection http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/59871/assistance Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:28:47 -0500 Valash Recently, I was denied Medicaid health insurance, however, I applied for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation Abilify Patient Assistance Program, and I was approved. My health insurance did not transfer well after I moved from California to Atlanta. The Abilify Patient Assistance Program will provide me with a 90 day supply of medication, but in order to continue the program I will have to attach a denial letter... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/59871/assistance http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/57341/growing-blog Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:59 -0500 Valash I am very excited about my growing blog, I have picked up 11 followers in last two weeks. My blog is about my triumph over schizophrenia and other things related to schizophrenia.   The purpose of the blog is to spread awareness about schizophrenia and to fight stigma. I think I am getting through to people, I just hope the site will continue to grow so that people will talk about about it, and not share sentiments such as media portrays... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/57341/growing-blog http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/57324/lack-support Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:35:54 -0500 Valash I read an article the other day that upset me. Half of the people in a survey living with schizophrenia are discriminated against by family and friends. This should not be. Family is supposed to protect you, love you, and support you. Support can come in several different ways including talking about one's day, goals, and stresses. Reminding one to take their medication. Going to a support group with your relative, etc. I talk about lack of... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/57324/lack-support http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/55927/medicaid Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:55:49 -0500 Valash I applied for medicaid over a month ago and I am still waiting for a reply. I wish they would hurry up and either deny me or approve me, so that I can move on to Plan B. Plan B is to turn in my denial letter to the clinic and let them pay for my medication, or a portion of the costs.     When I spoke to the Medicaid representative they told me I would be approved or denied between 45 and 60 days. That is a long time! What if my... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/55927/medicaid http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/55375/aware Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:34:53 -0500 Valash "Do you see shadows or catch glimpses of people following you?"..."Have you had head trauma?"..."Is it hard for you to have a conversation?"..."Is it hard for you to pay attention for long periods of time?"..."Do some colors bother you?"..."Have people told you that you lack facial expression or tone in your voice?"...Were you sexually abused as a young child?"..."Will you read this paragraph for me, and answer these... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/55375/aware http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/55071/recovery-ii Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:18:48 -0500 Valash In the past doctors, relatives, and friends gave up on individuals living with schizophrenia. Eventually, the patient gave up hope too. However, today there is a new era of medicine, attitude, and hope towards schizophrenia. Newer medications work effectively to diminish the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and have fewer side effects. The success stories of Carol North, Elyn Saks and people living with schizophrenia on this blog, show... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/55071/recovery-ii http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/49731/plan-update Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:36:28 -0500 Valash Recently, I planned on starting college this spring, however, I will not be able to start school because I owe my last school money, hopefully I will get my debt paid by this summer so I can start school. Now I plan on going to the library to research and study business and marketing.   I am well however I think I am experiencing side effects of my medication, sometimes I shake when I am not cold and breath heavy. I will... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/49731/plan-update http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/46941/recovery Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:12:44 -0400 Valash I visited a college yesterday and researched the requirements to get into the school. The deadline for spring admissions is mid-November. I am very excited about the thought of returning to college. It shows progress towards recovery. Although the school provides associate degrees, and I aim to get a bachelors degree, it is a start in the right direction. Once I start school in January I hope in graduate from the institution in 2010 or sooner.... http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/77586/46941/recovery