My Childhood Psychosis & Schizophrenia | Advice For Parents

Welcome to Surviving Schizophrenia. I'm Stephen, and I share my journey with schizophrenia to offer hope and support to others. In this personal video, I recount my experience with early-onset psychosis, which began at age 12 and led to my schizophrenia diagnosis. I share what it was like to be a child lost in delusions and fear, and I also provide firsthand advice for parents navigating a similar crisis. Please watch to the end to hear how I'm doing today, thirteen years later. My story is a testament to the possibility of recovery and living a fulfilling life.

My Story: A Child's Descent into Psychosis

At 12 years old, my reality fractured. My psychosis began with powerful delusions, like believing I was part of a war between gods. I experienced rapid cognitive decline, memory loss, and felt my identity dissolving. The experience was defined by crippling fear and paranoia. I lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight, believing I was being watched and targeted. I had terrifying hallucinations, like seeing eyes outside my window. That two-year period was so traumatic that I have few clear memories of it. My recovery path began with a two-week hospitalization where I was finally put on the right medication to help me emerge from the psychosis.

My Key Insights & Advice for Parents

Based on my experience, here is my advice for parents supporting a child through psychosis.

Acknowledge Their Reality: What your child is experiencing is completely real to them. Arguing or trying to convince them otherwise is ineffective and can be perceived as a threat. If someone had told me I was fine, I would have dismissed them, believing they didn't understand what I was going through.

The Power of Listening: My father made the pivotal choice to simply listen without judgment. This made me feel cared for and safe. In a state of paranoia, listening is a powerful way to show support without triggering more fear.

Consistency is Key: I told my father, "Don't change anything." For someone in psychosis, the world is already chaotic. Any change to routine or responsibilities can be incredibly stressful and worsen symptoms. A stable, predictable, and relaxed environment is critical.

Advocate for Your Child: When the school district recommended an out-of-state residential facility, my parents refused. I believe this decision was vital for my recovery, as such a massive, stressful change could have been detrimental. Parents are their child's most important advocates.

Communicate with Calm: Someone in psychosis is already on high alert. Raised voices or a confrontational tone can feel like an attack. Speak in a calm, gentle voice to create safety. Go with the flow of the conversation, even if it's delusional, to maintain a calm presence.

My Road to Recovery & A Message of Hope

My recovery journey wasn't easy. It involved intensive psychiatric care and therapy to help me take the first terrifying steps back into the world. In the video, I also address the misconception about violence and schizophrenia and share my own past suicidal thoughts, explaining how my parents' calm response kept me safe.

Today, at 25, I am doing remarkably well. The psychosis is gone. While I still manage depression and anxiety, I am living a fulfilling life. I attribute my recovery to four key pillars: excellent healthcare, unwavering family support, medication adherence, and proactive stress management. My story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope. Recovery is possible, and with the right support and treatment, individuals can survive and thrive.

I hope this video provides comfort and guidance. If you're a parent or live with schizophrenia, what has helped you? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Disclaimer: This video contains my personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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