I just found out that someone besides me published me. If you’re interested in a preview of my memoir Help in the Time of Schizophrenia, please click the link below. This is the beginning of my journey with my son for help.
HELP IN THE TIME OF SCHIZOPHRENIA (An Excerpt) – Crystal Byers — The Porch Magazine
OMG, Crystal, so powerful. So compelling. If only it weren’t about something so real and so tragic. 😥❤️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Writing it seemed like a good idea, but then I realized just how scary writing a memoir is. I hope it helps someone in my shoes.
LikeLiked by 3 people
First of all, your writing is exceptional. Captivating. Secondly, if you reach out to one person in need of affirmation, you’ve been their angel. And, of course, you may reach someone who knows someone needing that affirmation. Thirdly, you are teaching people what it’s like to have someone you love become schizophrenic and then having to deal with it. You are potentially helping many, many people. You are giving a human face to a very poorly understood, frightening and exhausting disease. That’s it, it’s just a disease, like having diabetes, but unfortunately it’s in your brain. There are so many win-wins to take from writing this. Bravo, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re the best cheerleader, Jane! Or quite possibly an angel yourself. Thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘🙏
LikeLike
An important tale!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, BRG. I think so, too. 🤍
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are most welcome!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to reading the whole thing when it comes out!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Ashley! A few hurdles to go.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The journey to recovery surely begins with love and trust of a dedicated family member like you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Hal. And families need help, too.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great excerpt. It’s cool that your writing talent and your story have been recognized.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Priscilla! Progress is the best part. Trying hard not to make comparisons.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel it for you, Crystal! Well expressed!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Serena! This happened eleven years ago now. It has been a journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have we reached a plateau period now?
LikeLike
I only wish I could say yes. We did hit one, and then the medication lost effectiveness. He’s now refusing treatment.
LikeLike
My son hit it 6 years ago till now.. Now on lowest dose possible… Less side effects. Training for bowling until covid came. 🙁
LikeLike
It’s great to hear he’s doing well!
LikeLike
Is your son functional?
LikeLike
Meaning stabilization.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your writing is so good Crystal. Hoping that sharing this will help people. This is always a topic not spoken much about and poorly understood.
Sending you some love and hugs 🤗💙🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Manu! Your words encourage me. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Crystal, your opening scene is both gripping and terrifying. I look forward to understanding how this could happen so unexpectedly in one’s life and how you’ve dealt with your son since that day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Rosaliene! He’s in the 1%. I hope to answer all of that. It’s not at all understandable in one post or with one conversation.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Crystal,
I just received some bad news regarding my Mom. I was sad and angry. But I read your excerpt. After reading it I felt much more relaxed. I am not sure why given it is not a good story. But I wanted you to know how good I thought it was. For whatever reason I wanted you to know it comforted me. I understand the depth of what you face with Drew. Psychiatric issues run through my family, so I understand. Keep writing and let me know when it is done.
Love,
Shay
LikeLiked by 3 people
Shay, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom, and I totally understand sad and angry, especially in the recent loss of my Mom. Illness, no matter what kind, is so, so hard. One big side story—and what I’ve come to realize—I have to help myself first, and no feeling is ever final. I’m praying for your heart and mind this morning and of course, for your Mom. Always happy to chat with you. Thanks for reading and sharing with me. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Crystal. Just wow.
Your writing is mesmerizing, intense, and it’s paced perfectly to set the mood, to maintain it, and – most important, perhaps – to frame the reader’s lasting impression. You draw from your heart, your soul, and from them emerges the deepest eloquence.
The tale is harrowing. I had no idea, though now I do, thanks to your profound skills.
Congratulations on the publication, of course. Just one recognition among many more that await, no doubt. Your writing brings catharsis and sympathy, in the word’s original sense, among others. In your words an aching heart beats, and moves everyone – you, Drew, your family; everyone – that much closer to the help you seek.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The first advice received in January 2020 was “slow it down.” And so I’ve tried. Elaboration and detail do not come naturally, but I’m practicing. Thank you, my friend, for such kind words!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congrats on someone besides Crystal publishing something Crystal wrote. I will most definitely read your excerpt this weekend, when I have more free time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi David! Thanks so much! This is what I’ve been doing at school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hung on every word Crystal, I felt your emotions as if my own, and I prayed, hard, and repeatedly. I’m sorry this happened to Drew, to you, your family. The world needs your story, C
LikeLiked by 2 people
This means so much from you, Cheryl, and especially those prayers! I might need a couple more of them to publish the whole thing. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
A vivid and courageous portrait of concern, confusion and fear by a mother for her child that any loving parent–especially a fellow mother–will recognize, particularly mothers who have children with emotional, psychological and psychiatric disorders. Exceptionally written, Crystal. Your memoir will help.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Pamela! We’ve tried a lot. I can’t say I have all the answers. I can only explain what we’ve tried. I hope the rest of the story measures up. More than anything, I want some justice for Drew.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I read this portion of your memoir with my heart in my throat. My prayers continue right on along for you and your husband and son Drew.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s been a rough year and a half of revising the story. I’m not sure what I’ll write next, but hopefully something much lighter. Thank you, Jo, for your continued prayers. I need prayers for continued faith and hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Crystal. You are so gifted with how you use your words. I think your memoir is going to really connect with people and help them see that they are not alone. Blessings to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Rhonda! I hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked your thoughts and I felt you are very emotional from the article ,I feel your emotions from article great,,,👍
Check out my blog also
https://moviestamilhindi.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and part of your world!… there is a lot about the ole brain that we don’t know about and in spite of our efforts, and through no fault of our own, there are things we cannot control but can only try to understand, support and deal with… my daughter’s step-son develop epilepsy when he was 14 years old, tried to commit suicide once, but through love, understand and support, he is improving and learning to deal with life… I am sure that you will do the same along with family and friends by your side… 🙂
Until we meet again..
May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
Brightened by a song
in your heart,
And warmed by the smiles
of people you love.
(Irish Saying)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the hope, Dutch! I appreciate your visit and your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Crystalline CRYSTAL! Now that’s Powerful Love! ❤️❤️❤️ – Yeka 💎
LikeLike
Thank you, Yeka!! I just found your note in my spam. I notice that sometimes happens with more than three emojis. I hope you are well! I appreciate your visit. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sending you Sweet Love too, Crystal!! 💎💎💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your writing is truly amazing. You definitely have a gift. I am sorry for the pain you have had to walk through. Sending prayers and love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It started with a story that I needed to tell. Then I needed help in the telling, so I went back to school. My mother always said, Everything happens for a reason. It took awhile to understand the reason—
Our struggles strengthen us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congrats Crystal! You are such a strong and encouraging voice for those going through tough stuff… I’m sort of unpacking and dealing with stuff I feel like my daughter might be going through too.. And so far it’s been so anxiety-inducing and I’m constantly feeling helpless so I can relate on some small level of what it took for you to persevere. I appreciate seeing this struggle and success so much! ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, sweet BB! Mothering is not for the faint of heart. I’m not sure I can claim success, but I can own my story and hopefully help someone else feel less alone in that way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That verse is so powerful! Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for reading!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I felt like I was in the ca with you. Sending you and your family prayers, hugs and encouragement.
LikeLike
I appreciate you for that! ❤️ Especially those prayers!
LikeLiked by 1 person