In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest Tanara Simpson, a young woman who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her 20s. In this interview, Tanara shares the story of her diagnosis, including the symptoms that led her from doctor to doctor, landed her in jail, and ultimately led to a physician who helped her get on the road to recovery. She talks about her partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals in helping her to get the word out about her story, and she shares how she maintains a positive attitude in spite of having a life-altering disease and works as a certified peer support specialist, helping others who have also been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Tanara’s story is truly an inspirational one.

Show Highlights:

[2:18] Tanara describes the symptoms that ultimately led to her schizophrenia diagnosis.

[4:42] Tanara describes the visual hallucinations.

[5:17] Tanara identifies the turning point in her treatment.

[8:50] Tanara talks about what helped her the most in her journey of recovery.

[11:15] Tanara talks about the project she is working on to raise awareness about Schizophrenia.

Listen as Our Guest Speaks About Her Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Her Journey of Recovery

“One thing my grandmother told me… she said, ‘You never know where this’ll take you in life. Don’t be discouraged about it.’ That just helped me get better…” ~ Tanara Simpson

About Our Guest

When Tanara Simpson was diagnosed with schizophrenia, she thought her life had come to an end. She withdrew from her family and friends and had trouble managing her illness, often failing to follow her medication regimen, and even ended up in jail. Then one doctor really listened and understood the issues she was having. The doctor recommended a monthly long-acting injectable medication that would help control her schizophrenia symptoms without a pill to remember to take every day. Today, Tanara works as a certified peer support specialist at her community mental health center, helping other people living with schizophrenia.

See Tanara’s story at www.realschizophreniastories.com.

About The Psych Central Show Podcast Hosts

Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar and anxiety disorders. In addition to hosting The Psych Central Show, Gabe is an associate editor for PsychCentral.com. He also runs an online Facebook community, The Positive Depression/Bipolar Happy Place, and invites you to join.  To work with Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

Vincent M. Wales is a former suicide prevention counselor who lives with persistent depressive disorder. In addition to co-hosting The Psych Central Show, Vincent is the author of several award-winning novels and the creator of costumed hero Dynamistress. Visit his websites at www.vincentmwales.com and www.dynamistress.com.

This article podcast originally appeared on PsychCentral as, “Podcast: What is Living with Schizophrenia Like?”