Deseret News | Utah woman has made peace with schizophrenia

Reader comments
Utah woman has made peace with schizophrenia

CougarKeith | 10:22 p.m. July 14, 2009

Liz, as someone who lives everyday with a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, I want to tell you how proud I am of you, and for you. I take several prescription drugs a day to try and keep my brain chemistry as close to "Normal" as it can be. Yet I live with constant struggles and change that make life difficult. To be able to do what you do takes a ton of stamina and effort! I have to plan every week, and day to keep on track and active in my life, to make sure I get everything done that needs to be done under my responsibility. I know that educating one's self about your "Sickness" or "Injury" in my case is important so you can deal with problems as they arise and adjust, notice and define as these things come up. Being able to help others is important as well. I miss that in my life. I help others when I can, but I rarely have the opportunity to help others with Brain Injury, to cheer them up, and uplift the way I used to when I was in a support group. Keep Up The Good Work!!!

New understanding | 6:36 a.m. July 15, 2009

Before a family member began showing symptoms of mental illness I never really believed in it. But after living with someone for over 20 years with someone and seeing them change so dramatically I began to understand.
After over three years of trying to get the right help for my loved one, I was beginning to believe that dealing with these extreemely bizzare behaviors would be a permanent part of my life.
It's hard to find resources help someone with mental illnes and harder when they don't want to be helped. Finally, an alert provider found the right medicine and the right dose. Life began to return to normal, other than some remaining depression.
I thank this person in my heart every day.
I am so thankful to have my loved-one back.
I have gained a new understanding, tolerance, empathy, and love for people with any kind of emotional or mental problems.

...and it's so sad that... | 8:31 a.m. July 15, 2009

...most medical insurance gives little help to those with mental illness, and the government basically tossed the most-ill (and most unable to survive) out on the streets.

We need to remind oursevles that EVERYONE has some sort of mental issue, whether it's a benign gullibility that facilities predators, or a named illness that's not "nice" because we're fearful.

Thank you, Liz Felt!

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 10:26 a.m. July 15, 2009

Romance? If I was 20 years younger I would make an offer. Go for it and congratulations on your efforts and success.

love mom | 10:28 a.m. July 15, 2009

Liz, thank you so much for allowing your story to be told. Our son was diagnosed with Bi Polar Schizo Affective disorder, and has struggled for about 17 years. I am so thankful to live in this day when we have medications, psychiatrists and therapists who know how to counsel and for the fight against stigma. Wasatch Mental Health, and other treatment centers, family, friends and neighbors have loved him. Our son has received his Master's degree, and succeeds as a wonderful son, brother, citizen, and writer with a great personality and love for others. His sister one said that he has illness, but God gave him all the rest. I admire him so much for what he has done and is doing.
There is hope. Praying for them is the best help.

you go girl | 10:45 a.m. July 15, 2009

I am glad you were willing to share your story. I have worked with mentally challenged and physically challenged teens for many years. I hope that people read and research and try to understand people who may be different from them. You're a beautiful young lady with a strong spirit. I hope you keep inspiring people with your story and knowledge!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!

Roger S. | 11:37 a.m. July 15, 2009

Thank you for this uplifting story.

I, too, have a close relative experiencing mental illness. As a result, I know that one of the most difficult aspects of its treatment is the lack of understanding on the part of everyday people.

So I'm very grateful for Liz and her willingness to be public about her experiences. She is doing her part to bring understanding to people everywhere.

Close to home | 11:44 a.m. July 15, 2009

My wife has suffered with bi-polar disorder for 18 years. It took time to find the right combination of meds to even her out, but they did it. It then took a few episodes before she finally accepted the fact that she had to stick with the meds or forever be in and out of the hospital.

Since then we have managed to have a pretty normal life. But the stigma about mental illness is real and has been a big problem. It has cost my wife many friends and rich experiences. Many have backed off when they found out she suffered with this.

In general, there is a huge lack of mental health education among the general public. As for myself, I had no clue what bi-polar was until this happened, nor that the "insane" could be treated and live normal lives. Insurance companies set a limit on mental health treatment, yet they don't limit treatment for diabeties. And what does all this say about our sanity? Are we the ones who should be considered insane?

I applaude Liz Felt. Liz, your more human than most of the rest of us. Thank You.

Jann | 12:22 p.m. July 15, 2009

Thank you for sharing your story. I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety for years; more than I would like to remember. I have finally found a combination of medicines that work for me. I thank God everyday for being able to hold down a job and for a loving husband who doesnt understand it totally but he does try to. God bless you Liz, in your life. Dont give up hope that you wont find someone. I didnt get married till I was 35 and yes that was late by most standards, but if its the right one for you they will accept this as a part of you. My husband did.

Utah Expat in the Bayou | 3:11 p.m. July 15, 2009

Liz, thank you, thank you for sharing your experiences. Best of blessings to you in all you do. Best of blessings to the many, many families you have helped. O for the day when serious mental illnesses no longer hold stigma.

Liz, you are a very classy woman.

been there | 4:35 p.m. July 15, 2009

Thank you for this story. We need to recognize the toll these illnesses take and provide better treatment. As a society we need more support for those who are ill and their families. Good luck Liz.

illness as a metaphore | 7:31 p.m. July 15, 2009

Reaching this place, the place of naming v. shaming.... well, that helps sooth a loss of 10 years.

I will keep myself in check the next time I feel like crying over my own loss of time.

Thanks for all your support liz, and I mean it.

Sorry I will miss the art show!

Patrick Tracey | 7:41 p.m. July 15, 2009

Liz, you are a great example and I salute you. voices no one else can hear is not unusual. More have the experience than would care to admit it. Talking about them is the key. Managing them instead of you being managed by them. So thank you for sharing you story of the voices with the world. Please check out my book which is is at stalkingirishmadness.com Also the hearing-voices.org network. They are fabulous too. Thanks again. - Patrick
P.S. You'll have no trouble finding a man. He'd be very lucky so don't sell yourself short!

Nancy | 7:47 p.m. July 15, 2009

Hey, LIZ and CougarKeith, You two are special and wonderful people. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on here. WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!!!

Anonymous | 8:13 p.m. July 15, 2009

thank you for sharing your story. it puts a beautiful face on the reality of mental illness and helps dispel the stigma. several of my kids have suffered depression and did well with meds until they no longer needed them. one friend who has cancer was a bit snooty, telling me how SHE never gets depressed despite her serious illness. she has now changed her tune since her own mom has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. everyone needs to be educated so they realize that no one is immune from these types of challenges. it really can happen to anyone.

what is very ironic is that | 8:29 p.m. July 15, 2009

this story is only a small piece of schizophrenia. our subconscious minds that are active when we are all sleeping is just a normal everyday occurance for schizophrenics. they live in a 'dream world' where reality does not seem real to them. just as a nightmare wakes the person up and they fall back asleep only schizophrenics live with a dream world everyday. everything everyday is unreal to a schizophrenic and yet they can not help it and get to live with it. i should know since i have had it from birth. if i had full blown schizophrenia then you would not understand anything that you're reading right now. the movies portray schizophrenia as something really strange. 'a beautiful mind' starring russell crowe? i feel the way the main character does every now and then. believe it or not some schizophrenics are not only smart and wise but very smart and analytical as well. that is why russell crowe's real life character in 'a beautiful mind' actually won the nobel prize for something that actually changed a country or two.

Marcia Thompson | 9:57 p.m. July 15, 2009

Liz,
I remember when your Aunt Marianne told me about your story several years ago when you were living in Boulder. You have come so far and you are truly an inspiration. Good luck to you and your endeavors.

Julie | 10:12 p.m. July 15, 2009

Great article and great people.

Paula | 9:13 a.m. July 16, 2009

Having had the pleasure of knowing you over the past few years, I can attest to the fact that you are a strong, beautiful, loving person with a fierce courage that has served you well. You are a great example to all of us. Miss seeing you, but glad I keep in touch via fb....Love you

Renee | 9:15 a.m. July 16, 2009

Hi Liz,
Can't imagine a more beautiful spokesperson for this life story--a life story that will surely assist others in finding themselves. Your story is just being written. I look forward to watching it unfold.
Namo, amiga.

Aunt Kathy | 11:00 a.m. July 16, 2009

At last, the recognition of your story. I know what a brave and remarkable young woman you are, and now your struggles and triumphs can be an example for others.
I sincerely hope that everyone will become educated about mental illness and remove the stigma that plagues so many lives. Support NAMI and their programs and classes.
Love ya, and congratulations!

Jan | 12:27 p.m. July 16, 2009

Wonderful story Elizabeth and a great picture. I was lucky to see you the day you did the interview. Your eyes sparkled. It was brave and courageous to do this. love

Jan | 4:19 p.m. July 16, 2009

I too can relate to what Liz is going through. I too was diagnosed at the age of 23 right after finishing college. While I have never been in trouble with the law or in jail I have been hospitalized 5 times since 1983 with the last being in 1997. I tried going back to work several times with the last being in the Spring of 2008 at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant in their giftshop. I was thriving but had to quit because my working it would not be a good move for me finanacially. I stay busy by doing volunteer work at a local hospital and at my church. I have the support of my family and a great psychiatrist. I feel I am the best I have been in years. I know this illness is not always easy to live with but I try to remain positive. I look at people with Lou Gehrig's disease,cancer or Parkinson's disease and it seems like they have it so much worse off. sure I have ups and downs in my life but who does not.

The Debber | 5:03 p.m. July 16, 2009

Way to go, Liz!!!

Auntie M | 12:52 a.m. July 17, 2009

Dear Liz,

How you have continued to grow in this most challenging journey is inspiring. Your strength, intelligence, tenacity, beauty of heart and great compassion have deeply touched my life and the lives of so many others. You are a treasure and I am so happy that many more are getting the chance to see how amazing you are. I know the work you are doing with NAMI is so valuable. I believe this article and the work you do help in ways you can not imagine.

Christine | 8:02 p.m. July 17, 2009

Hello Liz, I am reading your story from an island in the Caribbean. Thank you, tomorrow I will show this to my 16 yr old daughter diagnosed with child onset schizophrenia. It will help boost her self esteem and know she is all right. Yes it is important to talk out loud about mental health disorders.

Carl Cook | 10:44 a.m. July 23, 2009

Ann,

It's a very powerful story and I'm very impressed with you and your part in trying to help so many other people.

Just know that we love you.

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