CINCINNATI, Ohio. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Schizophrenia — the statistics are terrifying. More than 3.7 million people are living with it right now in the United States. If left untreated it can be disabling, leaving people suffering with hallucinations, unusual ways of thinking, reduced emotions and motivation. Some even hear voices in their heads. Antipsychotic medications can help some, but the side effects can leave patients in a mental fog. Now, one woman is on a mission to help patients recover with news about new medications, treatments, and support.
“I won a scholarship to study biochemistry at USC. It felt like the sky was the limit,” Bethany Yeiser. Schizophrenia
Bethany Yeiser (eye-sir) was living her dream until…
“I never dreamed that within just a few short years, I would develop schizophrenia, end up dropping out of classes, and ultimately become homeless,” explained Yeiser.
A doctor told her she would be permanently disabled.
“I had been told you will never work. You will never go back to school,” said Yeiser.
Prescribed antipsychotic medications, Bethany became a shadow of her old self.
Then she learned of new, underutilized, cutting-edge injectable medications that changed her life.
“When I fully recovered, a lot of my dreams came true I ended up graduating with my 3.84, not perfect, but close,” explained Yeiser.
She founded the CURESZ foundation where experts offer advice, information on new medications, mentorships, and support groups. That’s where Bethany met Jacob and his mom, Linda.
“I thought I was going to lose him forever and that he was never going to be the same,” said Linda Snow-Griffin.
Since high school, Jacob, now 41, hears voices speaking to him.
“I’m listening to classical because that helps keep my thoughts in order and that keeps. I like to say it keeps the voices that are still there at bay,” explained Jacob Snow.
With the new medications, Jacob was able to regain control, he’s now married and has a fulltime job.
“The important thing is to never give up on a person with schizophrenia,” said Yeiser.
Bethany Yeiser has published two books. In 2014 she published her memoire, Mind Estranged, and this year wrote Awakenings, detailing the journey of others diagnosed with schizophrenia. You can find both on Amazon.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor, Matt Goldschmidt, Photographer
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