The Joyful Schizophrenic

This article—written for Mental Health Awareness Month—is titled “The Joyful Schizophrenic” for two simple reasons: a) I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and b) I experience joy every single day. If the powers that be approve, this might even become a regular column. My hope is that by sharing some of my daily moments of happiness, you’ll find inspiration to seek joy in your own life, no matter what challenges you face.

From Darkness to Light

When I first began my mental health journey in my twenties (I’m now 49), joy was in short supply. I was insecure, obsessed with how others perceived me, and crippled by social phobia. Anger and discomfort were constant companions, and my medications left me emotionally numb—which only made things worse, since feeling our emotions is key to understanding ourselves and connecting with others. Back then, I felt isolated, especially around people who didn’t share my diagnosis.

But over time, I learned something profound: all human beings suffer, not just me or my peers. Today, I approach everyone with warmth and try not to play favorites—no “us vs. them” mentality here!

Small Acts, Big Joy

Every day, I make a point to smile at strangers and say “hello.” You’d be surprised how many people light up and respond with gratitude. Sure, some ignore me or even hurry away—but that just reveals how many people live trapped in fear and mistrust.

Sometimes, I play little games to keep things interesting. On afternoon walks, I’ll cheerfully say, “Good morning!” just to see how people react. (Psychiatrists might question my mental stability for not knowing the time, but most folks happily reply, “Good morning!” right back—even at 1 PM!) Holidays are especially fun. I’ll wish people “Merry Christmas!” (despite being a Buddhist-Jew), “Happy Valentine’s Day!” or even “Happy New Year!” months after January. Most laugh or play along, and those tiny exchanges spread a little extra joy.

Medications, Emotions, and Exposure Therapy

Though I’m on a higher dose of medication now than in my younger years, my emotions have returned in full force—maybe because my body has adjusted. Thankfully, I rarely struggle with voices, delusions, or paralyzing paranoia anymore.

I credit much of my emotional growth to exposure therapy—facing my social phobias head-on. The more I pushed myself to engage with strangers, the more my confidence grew. Now, I’m no longer afraid of everyday interactions. I even know a professor who can lecture to hundreds without breaking a sweat but trembles at one-on-one small talk. The solution? The same for all of us: Keep exposing yourself to what scares you until it doesn’t.

Cold Calls and Warm Hearts

Recently, I’ve been cold-calling construction businesses, inviting them to support mental health initiatives by attending our events. The goal? To help them see real people behind the diagnoses—not the “crazy, violent” stereotypes the media loves.

It hasn’t been easy. I’ve been hung up on, brushed off, and ghosted by people who promised support but vanished. At first, it hurt—triggering anxiety, anger, and pain. But then I shifted my mindset: instead of fixating on outcomes, I focused on staying present, making my pitch, and accepting whatever happened. That Zen approach transformed the experience. I started enjoying the calls themselves, leaving voicemails, and chatting for as long as people were willing.

And sometimes? Magic happens. I met Taerra, a woman who couldn’t donate money but offered to perform for us instead. Her show, DIY Diva—a mix of opera and home improvement tips—is set for June 28 at Fountain House. It took sifting through layers of rejection to find these warm, generous souls, but it was worth it.

Final Thought: Love Them All

Not everyone will meet you with kindness—but how you react is up to you. As the old saying goes, no one can affect you emotionally unless you allow it. (Easier said than done, but a lesson worth learning!)

So this Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage you to step out, challenge your anxieties, and seek joy in connection. Attend events. Talk to strangers. Embrace exposure therapy. The more you engage with life, the more pathways to happiness you’ll create.

Wishing you an amazing journey—full of growth, courage, and, above all, joy.