EP #1258: How to Move from Crisis to Strength After Psychosis by Means of Self-Care

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Lisa is joined by Wyatt Forte who talks about his memoir, Those Not So Little Voices: From Adolescent Psychosis to Wellness and Empowerment


SummaryIn this conversation, Lisa Davis and Wyatt Forte discuss Wyatt's personal experience with mental illness, specifically hearing voices and dealing with paranoia. Wyatt shares his journey from the onset of his symptoms at a young age to his diagnosis and treatment. He discusses the impact of his parents' divorce and the fear and trauma associated with his experiences. Wyatt also provides tips for dealing with voices and hallucinations, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help and finding coping mechanisms. In this conversation, Wyatt Forte discusses his book 'Those Not So Little Voices' and shares his experiences with mental illness. The conversation covers the importance of physical activity in managing mental health, the lack of resources for mental illness in children, strategies for avoiding arguments with someone experiencing mental illness, the importance of building a supportive community, the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, and grounding techniques for overwhelm and anxiety.
Takeaways

• Mental illness can have a significant impact on relationships, causing stress and strain on both the individual and their loved ones.
• The onset of hearing voices can be sudden and terrifying, especially for a young child who may not understand what is happening.
• The fear of speaking out about mental illness and the stigma associated with it can prevent individuals from seeking help and support.
• The journey to a diagnosis and effective treatment for mental illness can be complex and may require trying different medications and therapies.
• The disappearance of voices and symptoms may bring mixed emotions, as individuals may struggle to define their identity without the presence of their illness.
• It is important to challenge stigmatizing beliefs and misconceptions about mental illness and to promote understanding and empathy. Physical activity can have significant benefits for mental health, even though it may initially seem unrelated to mental illness.
• There is a lack of resources and support for children with mental illness, particularly for disorders like schizophrenia that typically present later in life.
• When interacting with someone experiencing mental illness, it is important to avoid arguments and instead provide support and understanding.
• Building a community of understanding and supportive individuals is crucial for individuals with mental illness.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing mental illness and building skills for long-term well-being.
• Grounding techniques, such as focusing on reality and naming tangible things, can help manage overwhelm and anxiety.
• The book 'Those Not So Little Voices' by Wyatt Forte is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble's website.

Chapters
00:00Introduction and Personal Experience with Mental Illness
01:29Impact of Mental Illness on Relationships
02:44Onset of Hearing Voices and Fear
04:01Discovering the Society and Threats
05:43Fear of Speaking Out and Trauma
06:27Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
08:18The Society and Paranoia
09:12Fear of Father's Involvement
10:52Impact of Parents' Divorce
11:54Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
19:38Lying About Voices to Get Out of Hospital
25:57Mixed Emotions After Voices Disappeared
29:31Lack of Definitive Diagnosis